AID

The U.S. Department of Veteran Affairs has a Sacramento Vet Center that’s open Monday through Saturday (times vary). They offer everything from veteran advocacy and hypnotherapy to anger management and photography classes. They’re even available after hours to cater to veterans and family members. 1111 Howe Avenue, Suite 390, Sacramento, 916-566-7430, va.gov/directory/guide/facility.asp?ID=521

Sacramento County Veteran Services offers disability compensation benefits, claim filing, advocacy, case management services, and more to Sacramento County vets. They mostly assist in obtaining earned veterans' benefits from the State of California and local government entities. They also administer the College Fee Waiver Program for veterans' dependents. Open Monday through Thursday, 8 a.m.-4 p.m. and Fridays, 8 a.m.-2 p.m. 19th Street, Sacramento, 916-874-6811, ha.saccounty.net/benefits/veteransservices/pages/default.aspx

Veterans Business Outreach Center aims to advance the growth and commercial competitiveness of veteran-owned small business enterprises through education and services focusing on business development, technology deployment, and e-commerce. Avail of consulting services, business training, and more. 3831 North Freeway Boulevard, Suite 105, Sacramento, 916-527-8400, vbocix.org

Farmer Veteran Coalition assists veterans and serves members of the armed forces to embark on careers in agriculture on a mission to feed America. They offer a Farmer Veteran Fellowship Fund that provides direct assistance to veterans who are in their beginning years of farming or ranching. Connect with other vets in agriculture, enjoy agricultural supplier discounts, get training support, and partake in the annual national stakeholders conference. 4614 2nd Street, Suite 4, Davis, 530-756-1395, farmvetco.org

El Dorado County Veterans Alliance or Friends of the Veterans Monument is a charitable organization comprised of vets and their family members. They oversee improvements to the El Dorado County Veterans Monument as well as raise money to directly aid county vets in the form of college assistance, service dogs, hospice care, and other such aid. 685 Placerville Drive, Placerville, eldoradocountyveterans.org

Volunteers of America Northern California & Northern Nevada offers comprehensive support and advocacy for veterans and their families. Services include employment assistance, housing, and assistance with benefits and claims. 3434 Marconi Avenue, Sacramento, 916-265-3400, voa-ncnn.org

EVENTS

Don’t miss the Sacramento Veterans’ Day Parade and Fair on November 11. Celebrate active-duty and past military personnel during the parade, after which there will be a festival with food trucks, kids’ activities, train rides, and ice skating. The route is along Capitol Mall and has featured marching bands, military vehicles, and community organizations in the past. cityofsacramento.org/parksandrec/neighborhood-services/ns-events/veterans-day-parade

Veteran Effect, a nonprofit that holds camaraderie-building events, conducts community service, and assists veterans and their families, is hosting their first ever annual Veterans’ Day Family BBQ on November 10 at Johnson-Springview Park in Rocklin (5480 5th Street) from 11 a.m.-6 p.m. There will be a raffle, silent auctions, food, games, and wholesome fun for the whole family. veteraneffect.org

Honor all veterans and celebrate their service on November 11 at the 18th Annual Wayne Spence Folsom Veterans’ Day Parade. The theme of this year's parade is "Celebrating Over a Century of Service to Our Country and Going Strong.” The parade begins at 9 a.m. on the corner of East Bidwell Street and Montrose Drive and concludes at City Lions Park. folsom.ca.us/parks/events/events/parade.asp

The Rancho Cordova Veterans’ Day Observance event is at 10 a.m. at Cordova High School’s Performing Arts Center (2239 Chase Drive). It will honor vets who’ve served at Mather Field providing a century of service (1918-2018). The Rancho Cordova River City Concert Band will perform, and there will be a brick dedication ceremony and refreshments. cordovacouncil.org/veterans-day

By Tara Mendanha