Veterans Crisis Line

Veterans Crisis Line

988 then press 1 or text 838255

Splash of Strength!

**VetConnect Splash of Strength

Celebration Recap** 002

What an incredible day at the **El Centro Aquatic Center**!

Our **Splash of Strength** pool party brought together new faces and familiar ones - united in camaraderie, laughter, and support. Seeing our military and veteran families connect, relax, and celebrate the strength we share was a beautiful reminder of why we do what we do.

From the laughter in the pool to the full plates and happy hearts, this event was a *huge success*! We're proud to be building a stronger, more connected community - together.

AX A *huge thank you* to our generous sponsors and donors

- your support made this day possible. Your kindness helps us create safe and welcoming spaces where veterans, service members, and their families feel understood, appreciated, and empowered.

Let's keep the momentum going! E Stay tuned for more VetConnect events coming soon - and if you missed this one, we can't wait to see you next time!

#VetConnectStrong #SplashOfStrength #VeteransSupport #MilitaryFamiliesMatter #CommunityUnity

#VetConnectProud

Fathers Day

**FATHER'S DAY BBQ FOR OUR

HEROES - A HEARTFELT THANK YOU**.

This past **Sunday, June 15th**, we came together at

**American Legion Post 25 in El Centro** to honor the incredible military and veteran fathers in our community — and what a meaningful day it was!

Hosted by **VetConnect** in collaboration with **American Legion Post 25** the **Father's Day BBQ** brought families, veterans, and community members together for an afternoon of food, connection, and gratitude.

We served **free hot dogs, hamburgers, and drinks to

all**

*, in tribute to the strength, sacrifice, and dedication of our military dads. The laughter of children, stories from service, and moments of reflection reminded us just how important it is to recognize these heroes — not just for their service, but for the love and leadership they provide at home.

From reconnecting with old friends to making new memories with loved ones, the day was filled with warmth and appreciation.

Thank you to everyone who came out to celebrate. Events like this remind us that honoring our veterans is more than a gesture — it's a promise to never forget their contributions, both in and out of uniform.

Make a difference in a hero's life today:

https://www.zeffy.com/donation-form/donate-148

American Legion Post 25 El Centro, CA

Agustin Saldana Marissa E. Rodriguez Js Ismael Rgz Ramiro

Castillo

#FathersDay #VetConnect #AmericanLegionPost25 #ThankYouVets #MilitaryDads #CommunityStrong #ElCentroEvents #GratefulNation

HEALING IN COMMUNITY

HEALING IN COMMUNITY

Today's Elevate & Flow: Transformative PTSD Awareness

Event was nothing short of inspiring

- a powerful day of

healing, connection, and support for our veterans, spouses, and dependents.

In collaboration with the incredible @ElevateWithSheri, @VetConnectsReal, @GypsySoulArte, Mary Lou of Canyon Scent, Stephanie-Salt & Light Wellness Matcha, and Jazmin from Behavioral Health — we created a safe, empowering space to breathe, learn, grow, and heal.

From grounding tools to creative expression, every moment was a reminder that we're never alone in this journey. Healing doesn't happen in silence — it happens in community.

Thank you to everyone who volunteered, participated, and shared their light. Shout out to Nini and Sky

We see you. We honor you. And we're just getting started.

Stay tuned for our next session — more info coming soon!

Want to donate and make a difference: https:// www.zeffy.com/donation-form/donate-148

#PTSDawareness #VeteranWellness #ElevateAndFlow #HealingTogether #BehavioralHealthSupport

#GypsySoulArte #CommunityHealing #WellnessWarriors #SupportAndStrength

#ElevateWithSheri #CayonScents #Matcha #VetConnect #Empowering Veterans #ConnectingFutures

Military Spouse Day!

This past Friday at **Celia's Restaurant** something powerful happened - we came together as a community to celebrate, honor, and uplift the incredible military and veteran spouses who carry so much strength, resilience, and love.

We were humbled to be joined by **Mayor @sonia_carter_77

Mayor Carter of El Centro and her family**, whose own military roots remind us how deeply connected we all are through service and sacrifice.

This event could not have been such a success without the

**kind and generous donations** from our amazing supporters: @gypsysoul_arte @brickhousedeli @trap_kitchen_clx @valleyvida

@sifadesigns @luz_garcia_realtor@rebel2628 GCU Military

Veteran Counselor**. Your support helped make this gathering truly special.

A heartfelt thank you to **Miss Celia** for graciously allowing us to host this event in her beautiful space. Her connection to the military and veterans made the occasion even more meaningful. We were honored to be served by her staff, who were **professional, efficient, and deeply respectful** to our military and veteran spouses-your hospitality did not go unnoticed.

We also want to express our deepest appreciation to **our exceptional volunteers**—the heart of VetConnect-who go above and beyond to ensure our military, veterans, and their families are supported and honored. Without you,

**VetConnect wouldn't have a team**

At **VetConnect**, we don't just talk about support — we

**show up** for it. We **listen**. We **care** And we are here to walk alongside every veteran, spouse, and family member on this journey.

To those who attended, thank you for your **trust, your stories, and your presence**. You are **seen. You are valued.

And you are never alone**.

**VetConnect is here to create a community that empowers, collaborates, and welcomes all.**

April is Military Appreciation Month

a time to honor not just our service members and veterans, but also the silent heroes: their children. In recognition of Military & Veteran Child Appreciation Month, VetConnect proudly launched our nonprofit with our very first event, "Honoring Our Little Heroes."

Too often, the sacrifices of military and Veteran children go unseen. But on Monday, April 21st, at American Legion Post 25 in El Centro, CA, their laughter and joy filled the air. From 5:30 to 7:00 PM, uncertainty turned into nothing but giggles and smiles — thanks to the unwavering support of American Legion Post 25, the Military Veteran University Development Counselor-Roman Bejarano from GCU, and the incredible dedication of our volunteers, sponsors, and affiliates.

This was more than just an event. It was a statement: that our military and Veteran families and dependents matter. VetConnect is committed to continuing this mission — empowering, advocating, and connecting veterans and their loved ones across Imperial County and beyond.

Stay tuned. We're just getting started.

For information email vetconnect@ivusa.network

Vietnam Veterans Day

Juan Rodelo is an incredibly talented photographer, friend and local veteran. Despite his busy schedule, he took the time to capture some amazing photos of the veterans and dependents who honored our Vietnam Veterans this past Saturday, from the Imperial Co Ruck March Militia to VFW POST 9305 - Imperial Valley . 

VetConnect invites you to follow Juan's page and admire his work. Thank you once again! 

VetConnect #Veterans #SupportOurTroops #VeteranPhotographer #MilitaryCommunity #HonoringHeroes #VietnamVeterans #EmpoweringVeterans #ConnectingFutures

Juan Rodelo