A Vietnam War veteran who spent years fighting for benefits was living in a tent just last year but now owns a home thanks in part to help from the Nevada County Veterans Service Office.

The office helped him get long-delayed benefits that he was owed for his military service. When he first received the letter approving his benefits, he returned to the office in tears, trying to hug everyone who had helped him, said Stephanie Araiza, a volunteer special project coordinator for the office.

It’s the kind of success story that motivates Araiza, a recently retired U.S. Air Force first sergeant who joined the office through SkillBridge, a Department of Defense program that helps transitioning service members gain civilian work experience. After retiring, she chose to continue serving local veterans as a volunteer.

“Our hope is just to get them in the door which is a huge step for someone who is vulnerable and in need,” Araiza said. “If we can get them in the door and get them talking, we can try to help them.”

David Quirk smiles while holding a Nevada County Certificate of Appreciation, standing beside a colleague in an office
Veteran Services Officer David West with volunteer David Quirk during this year’s Volunteer Luncheon. Quirk is one of the volunteer drivers who help provide free rides to local veterans for medical appointments.
Three people seated at a table with laptops, flyers, and a California Veterans Resource Book, smiling at the camera
Veteran Services Officer David West with Jessica Launier and Tracey Hart, two of the office’s veteran service representatives at the Veteran’s Health and Wellness Fair. The annual event connects veterans with organizations and service providers in health care, housing, employment, benefits, mental health services, treatment programs, recreation, veteran advocacy and more.

As the cost of living continues to rise, more veterans are turning to the office for assistance with everything from food and housing to medical care, transportation and utility bills.

Veterans account for approximately 10% of Nevada County’s population of about 100,000, with many more residents connected to military service through family members.

The Veterans Service Office helps veterans access federal benefits, including health care through the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA). “It has never been easier for veterans to get their benefits,” Nevada County Veterans Service Officer David West said.

Man speaks at a podium reading "Delivering for Veterans" as officials stand behind him at a press event
After years of advocacy to shield veterans from illegal and excessive fees charged by unaccredited claims companies, Nevada County’s Veterans Service Officer David West helped secure passage of landmark state legislation earlier this year that strengthens protections for those who served.

With four full-time staff members and an annual budget of approximately $855,000, the Nevada County Veterans Service Office helps Nevada County veterans receive roughly $95 million in federal benefits annually.

The office is next door to the County’s Social Services Department so it can coordinate easily to get veterans assistance for food, housing and utility bills if needed.

A group of five active volunteers also provides free rides in a county vehicle to take veterans to medical appointments. In July and in September, the volunteers logged over 1,000 miles of driving. The office is always looking for additional volunteer drivers, including women. Those interested should call 530-273-3396.

Thanks to a $120,000 two-year CalVet state grant from Proposition 63, the Veterans Service Office has also been able to get veterans free mental health services.  Veterans can receive up to 15 free, confidential mental health counseling sessions.

Requests for mental health services are up. During the first quarter of this year, the office made 40 mental health referrals, compared with approximately 25 during a typical quarter in previous years.

In addition, the Veterans Service Office has stepped up efforts to provide housing for veterans experiencing homelessness, helping find housing for 70 veterans since 2022, West said.  

Woman wearing a lanyard and ID badge stands by a red couch in an office with framed military memorabilia and a folded flag on the wall
Stephanie Araiza in the VSO Lobby

The office is committed to serving veterans however they can and finding a solution for any challenge. For veterans who have hesitated to reach out or struggled to access their benefits in the past, Araiza encourages them to give it another chance.

“Don’t be discouraged by previous experiences,” Araiza said.

Now, the Vietnam War veteran who once came into the office in tears after finally receiving his benefits stops by the office in Brighton Greens Office Park regularly to encourage others to keep fighting for their benefits too.

The Nevada County Veterans Services Office is at 988 McCourtney Road, Grass Valley. For more information, visit www.NevadaCountyCa.gov/VSO or call 530-273-3396.