Del Mar Coastal Connections

Del Mar, California – The San Diego area is a major home for military and veteran families, and 2025 is being recognized as a special year to honor them. The San Diego Veterans Coalition, with the backing of city and county leaders, has kicked off an initiative called “2025: Year of Military and Veteran Families.” This program is all about making sure our heroes and their loved ones get the support they need and deserve. It’s a year dedicated to celebrating their contributions and strengthening the community around them.

This important initiative is supported by figures such as Mayor Todd Gloria and Supervisor Terra Lawson-Remer, demonstrating strong commitment from local government. The goal is to bring together different groups and resources to create a better support system for everyone who has served or is currently serving, along with their families. It’s a collaborative effort designed to make a real difference in the lives of military and veteran families living in our region.

Military and veteran families often face unique difficulties that many others don’t have to deal with. Things like frequent moves, long separations during deployments, and the stress of childcare can take an enormous toll. The San Diego Veterans Coalition understands these challenges and is dedicated to making sure these families’ stories are heard. As Ron Stark, President of the SDVC, put it, “Their resilience is remarkable, and it’s time we give them the recognition and resources they deserve.”

Supervisor Terra Lawson-Remer highlighted the importance of sharing these personal stories, noting, “It’s a duty many families of service members and veterans already fulfill in silence, but their stories need to be shared — so these families can be seen, and so our communities can support them.” This highlights how crucial it is for us to be aware of and help these families, who often take on significant responsibilities without much public recognition.

Throughout 2025, you can expect a variety of community events and resources to support military and veteran families. The “2025: Year of Military and Veteran Families” initiative plans to host workshops and activities designed to address specific needs and bring people together. The aim is to build a strong network of support and develop a model that other communities can follow to support their own military and veteran populations.

These events are about more than just recognition; they are about building real connections and offering practical help. By working together, local government, the San Diego Veterans Coalition, and other community groups hope to make a lasting positive impact. This collaborative approach is key to ensuring that military and veteran families feel truly valued and supported in our neighborhoods.

For those needing specialized care, it’s important to know that dedicated mental health services are available. Programs like the Military and Veteran Intensive Outpatient Program at Vista Del Mar Hospital are there to help active-duty service members, veterans, and their dependents. These services are designed to address the unique mental health needs that can arise from military service and its impact on families.

Accessing these resources is straightforward. If you or someone you know could benefit from these specialized mental health programs, reaching out to Vista Del Mar Hospital or consulting with the San Diego Veterans Coalition can provide the necessary information and guidance. Support is available to ensure the well-being of our military and veteran community members and their families.

You can find more information and updates on the “2025: Year of Military and Veteran Families” initiative by visiting sdvetscoalition.org/. For direct inquiries, you can also contact Marianne Delatorre at marianne@elizabethdolefoundation.org.

We’d love to hear from you! Have you or your family benefited from programs supporting military and veterans in our area? Share your experiences in the comments below.