The Best Decision I Ever Made
The day I raised my right hand and swore an oath to serve in the United States Navy changed everything for me. It was the best decision I ever made.
The Navy taught me discipline and accountability. It taught me that leadership isn't a title. It's service. Those lessons followed me to Delta, to San Marcos City Hall and to the Board of Supervisors.
This Wednesday is Veterans Day, and I want to ask you for something.
San Diego County has the second largest veteran population in California. As a Life Member of VFW Post 3795 in San Marcos, I've seen how many of them are leaving earned benefits on the table. Nobody told them. The paperwork looked like a maze. Or they figured somebody else needed it more.
If you served, you earned it. Disability compensation, health care, education help for your kids, survivor benefits for your spouse. None of it is charity.
Here's where to start
County Office of Military and Veterans Affairs
Free help from accredited representatives who will figure out what you qualify for and help you file the claim. Phone: 1-866-726-8831 North County: 649 W. Mission Avenue, Escondido Hours: Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Veterans Crisis Line
Dial 988, then press 1. Available 24/7.
My Ask
If there's a veteran in your life, a parent, a neighbor, someone from church, forward them this message. Or just ask if they've ever had their benefits looked at.
Families, this goes for you too. If your dad served in Vietnam and is dealing with health problems now, some of it may be connected to his service. Surviving spouses miss out all the time because nobody ever filed.
This is my last Veterans Day as your Supervisor. Gratitude is easy on November 11. What matters is whether the person who served is still fighting the system on November 12.
To every veteran, and every family that waited at home—Thank you. It was the honor of my life to serve beside you.
Written by San Diego County District 5 Supervisor Jim Desmond | November 8, 2026
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