South Santa Clara Valley Memorial District

01/29/2025

HAPPY BIRTHDAY to one of our most well-known Veterans, Jesse Sanchez!🎂🇺🇸🎗️

Even after serving our country during the Vietnam era, he continues to serve his community and local veterans through the VFW Post 6309 and American Legion 217 AND is a staff member with the South Santa Clara Valley Memorial District where he is our Facilities Manager! Here, he pretty much makes sure that the building is up and running :D
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Thank you for your many years of service AND for all you do around the Veterans Hall, Jesse!
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(From a previous post)
More about Jesse...
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Jesse Sanchez served 20 years in the United States Army, including time with the 2nd and 8th Divisions and the 7th Division (Light). He received numerous honors, including the Meritorious Service Medal, Army Commendation Medal, Army Achievement Medal, Good Conduct Medal, National Defense Medal, NCO Professional Development Ribbon, Army Services Ribbon, Overseas Service Ribbon, and Republic of Korea Presidential Unit Citation.
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Jesse comes from a patriotic family. His father (WWII), seven uncles (4 WWII), two nephews, two great nephews, one great niece and one grandson have all served OR are still currently serving. As a veteran himself, Jesse is a member of the Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW) Post 6309. He was past Commander from 2006-2008 and currently serves as Chaplain for the post. He’s also a member of the American Legion Post 217 and serves at the Post’s Sergeant at Arms. Jesse represents both posts in Gilroy’s Color and Honor Guards.
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01/22/2025

The VFW is back with BINGO this Friday, January 24th!
Bring a friend (or 2) whether you are new or a regular❤️
New players are WELCOME to join!🎟🎗

Doors open: ** 4:00 pm **
Early Bingo: 5:00 pm
Regular Bingo: 6:00 pm

01/21/2025

The VA Mobile Dental is back at the Gilroy Veterans Hall on Wednesday January 29th from 8:30-11:30am and again from 1:30-4:30pm.
You can call 408-918-4980 to schedule an appointment.
See flyer below for more information.

01/16/2025

This VA Event is happening on Tuesday Jan 21st from 10-2 at their Silver Creek Building. Not to be confused with Benefit Day here at the Hall. This is hosted by the VA pertaining to your Medical Records. You might not want to miss this!

01/13/2025

This Friday, (Jan 17th) is Veterans Benefit Day at the South Santa Clara Valley Memorial District Building (Gilroy Veterans Hall) located at 74 W. 6th Street from 8:30am-3pm! 🇺🇸

Take advantage of this opportunity to get benefit information/resources/medical screenings and to ask any questions/concerns you may have about your existing benefits.🎗

Open to all Veterans, Surviving Spouses & Children!
Bring in your DD214 (or request it here) and come on in!😄

01/10/2025

Looking for a space to hold your next Family Reunion, Milestone Birthday, Baby Shower, Retirement Party or a simple Meeting? Please consider The South Santa Clara Valley Memorial District Building (which owns and operates the Gilroy Veterans Hall). We cater to our Veterans BUT are open to the Public as well. That's right, you do NOT have to be a Veteran to rent the Hall and we are open to MOST events! (Unfortunately, until further notice, we do not host Quinceañeras , Sweet 16's or any Children's events.)
For more rental information, please call Patty at 408-842-3838 or visit our website at SSCVMemorialDistrict.org under the tab "Veterans Hall". 🎈🎉

01/09/2025

The VFW is back with BINGO, tomorrow January 10th with doors opening at 4pm! Bring a friend whether you are new or a regular❤️New players are extremely welcomed! Lets get these seats filled🎟🎗

01/06/2025

It's been awhile since we've seen this tech savvy young man, but Thanmay will be back at the Veterans Hall this Thursday evening to help our Veterans with any questions or assistance you may have with your phones, laptops, or tablets! Come join him from 4:30-6pm on Jan 9th! 💻📱

01/03/2025

The VSO's are back at the Veterans Hall today! Along with the VA Medical Team, they will be here until 3:30pm. Bring in your ID and come enjoy some coffee and donuts while receiving Veteran Benefits Assistance!

The South Santa Clara Valley Memorial District Office will be closed on Tuesday Dec 31st and Wednesday Jan 1st for the New Year Holiday. We will return on Thursday Jan 2nd from 9am-1pm.
The VSO's and the VA Medical Team WILL return to the building on Friday Jan 3rd with doors opening at 8:30 am. Come in for some benefits assistance, coffee and a donut!

We, here at the Memorial Building, wish everyone a Safe and Happy New Year! 🎆🙏🎇

12/31/2024

The South Santa Clara Valley Memorial District Office will be closed on Tuesday Dec 31st and Wednesday Jan 1st for the New Year Holiday. We will return on Thursday Jan 2nd from 9am-1pm.
The VSO's and the VA Medical Team WILL return to the building on Friday Jan 3rd with doors opening at 8:30 am. Come in for some benefits assistance, coffee and a donut!

We, here at the Memorial Building, wish everyone a Safe and Happy New Year! 🎆🙏🎇

12/30/2024

The world mourns the passing of a true statesman and humanitarian, former President Jimmy Carter. Carter’s legacy is one of grace, dignity, justice, and service, touching millions of lives around the globe. Let’s take a moment to reflect on the remarkable life of this extraordinary leader.

As we bid farewell to a true American hero, let us remember Jimmy Carter for the values he embodied and the lives he touched. From his selfless acts of kindness to his unwavering commitment to making the world a better place, Carter’s legacy will endure for years to come.

In times of uncertainty and division, Carter’s message of unity, compassion, and service resonates more than ever. Let us honor his memory by following in his footsteps, working together to build a brighter future for all. Jimmy Carter may be gone, but his spirit lives on in the hearts of those who continue to strive for a better tomorrow.

12/23/2024

The South Santa Clara Valley Memorial District Office will be closed on Tuesday December 24th and Wednesday December 25th but will return on Thursday December 26th from 9-1pm.

With sincere thoughts, we wish you a Happy Holiday season!
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12/17/2024

***THE VSO's WILL NOT BE IN THIS FRIDAY, DECEMBER 20TH, AND WILL NOT RETURN UNTIL FRIDAY JANUARY 3RD, 2025.

THE VA MEDICAL TEAM, HOWEVER, WILL BE HERE FROM 8:30am - 12:30pm. Please plan accordingly!

12/13/2024

Happy Birthday, National Guard! 🇺🇸

National Guard Mission:

National Guard Soldiers serve both community and country. Our versatility enables us to respond to domestic emergencies, overseas combat missions, counter-drug efforts, reconstruction missions, and more. The Guard always responds with speed, strength, and efficiency, helping to defend American freedom and ideals.

National Guard History:

On December 13 of 1636, a direct declaration by the Massachusetts General Court established an official militia for the first time in the American Colonies. The resolution required all able-bodied men from age 16 to 60 to join. While less-organized militia existed, this legal document brought them together under a formal enterprise. We know this organization today as the National Guard.

The Massachusetts Bay Colony established three regiments designated East, South, and North. Older than the United States itself, the National Guard maintains these roots in Massachusetts. The regiments include the 101st Engineer Battalion (formerly East Regiment), the 101st Field Artillery (South Regiment), and the 181st Infantry, and the 182nd Infantry Regiment (North Regiment).

After the United States formed and the country grew, each state established a militia. However, Congress did not make the name National Guard official until 1933. When Congress amended the National Defense Act, they made the National Guard a separate component of the United States Army. While some states used the term National Guard before this time, individual state militia had various titles. Two examples include the Mississippi State Guard and the Indiana Legion.

After World War II, the newly established United States Airforce established the Air National Guard.

Today, approximately 350,000 men and women serve in the National Guard and the Air National Guard, 39% of the Army's operational force.

12/09/2024

This Friday, December 13th, will be the ONLY BINGO Night this month. There will be NO BINGO on Dec 27th.
So, come enjoy the evening with games, raffles, and prizes all while supporting our local VFW Veterans! 🎗(Must be 18 and over to play & attend)
Food and drinks are allowed. Outside alcohol is prohibited!
See you soon!🎤

12/06/2024

This HUGE and beautiful Fir Tree was personally cut down by Gilroy Mayor Elect, Greg Bozzo "from the El Dorado National Forest in the Sierra Mountains at an elevation of just over 5000' off highway 88 near Jackson, California".
He personally delivered it to our building last night with the help of Council Member, Tom Cline. With some visual assistance & direction from myself, my youngest son, Facilities Manager, Jesse Sanchez, American Legion Adjutant Sam Palmisano and Commander Bill Dunmeyer.
Thank you, Mayor Elect and Councilman, for your generous donation and installation of the Veterans Hall 2024 Christmas Tree! "How many men does it take to put up a Christmas Tree?" 😆🌲🇺🇸

12/06/2024

Tomorrow, December 7th, is ‘A Date Which Will Live in Infamy’.

Each year in the United States, National Pearl Harbor Remembrance Day honors all those who lost their lives when Japan attacked Pearl Harbor on December 7, 1941. More than 3,500 Americans lost their lives or were wounded on that solemn day.

Q. Why was the bombing of Pearl Harbor so pivotal?
A. Until December 7, 1941, The United States had practice isolationism with regards to the war. The country had no interest in joining the war with the exception of providing some resources for those Allied countries already battling the war. When Japan attacked Pearl Harbor, though, The United States had no option but to join the fray.

Today, Pearl Harbor offers several sites in memory of those who served during the bombing. The Pearl Harbor National Memorial dedicates sites in memory of the crews lost on December 7th, 1941. For many of the crew of the USS Utah, USS Arizona, and USS Oklahoma, Pearl Harbor on Oahu, Hawaii is their final resting place. The memorials serve as a place of honor to those service members lost during the attack. They also provide a moving reminder of the loss war causes.🇺🇸

12/02/2024

This Friday, (Dec 6th) is Veterans Benefit Day at the South Santa Clara Valley Memorial District Building (Gilroy Veterans Hall) located at 74 W. 6th Street from 8:30am-3pm! 🇺🇸
**PLEASE NOTE** The VSO's will NOT be here on Friday December 20th. However, the VA Medical Team will be here for half the day from 8:30-12:30. The VSO's will return Friday January 3rd, 2025.

Take advantage of this opportunity to get benefit information/resources/medical screenings and to ask any questions/concerns you may have about your existing benefits.🎗
Open to all Veterans, Surviving Spouses & Children! Bring in your DD214 and come on in!