New push to unite Coachella Valley veterans groups takes shape
Garrett Hottle
CATHEDRAL CITY, Calif. (KESQ) There’s a new initiative to unite veterans groups throughout the Coachella Valley under a single banner.
Dozens of veterans, public officials, and community leaders gathered Thursday morning at the Salvation Army Cathedral City Corps to explore the creation of a unified coalition. The goal: speak with one voice on issues that affect local veterans and ensure the future of the Cathedral City’s annual Veterans and Community Expo.
Major Bill Young, is a veteran and long-time advocate for veterans in the Coachella Valley. He helped found the expo, and has spent a lifetime of service giving back to others. But today, he informed the attendees he’d like to move into the background of leadership and wishes to hand the reins down.
“You can’t do this forever,” Young said. “The best thing to do is be part of the transition while you still can.”
Brigadier General Guido Portante announced that the timing of the partnership is perfect. “We all have these different groups of people that do great work, but as a whole, we can do more to give back to veterans.”
Attendees included representatives from Congressman Raul Ruiz and Assemblymember Jeff Gonzalez, La Quinta City Councilmember Steve Sanchez, local veterans groups like the American Legion and VFW, and cadets from Desert Hot Springs High School’s youth program.
La Quinta City Councilmember Steve Sanchez volunteered to spearhead an initiative exploring the official creation of the veterans coalition.
Brigadier General Guido Portante explained that the timing of the partnership is perfect.
“We all have these different groups of people that do great work, but as a whole, we can do more to give back to veterans.”
Following the meeting, Young outlined several outcomes that came from Thursday’s initial gathering:
There will be an exploratory meeting to discuss what it would take to officially create a veterans coalition. Councilmember Steve Sanchez volunteered to spearhead that initiative.
New task committees will be formed to collaborate and organize the next Veterans and Community Expo.
Earliest timeframe for next Veterans and Community Expo would be October 2026 with a target of having it in the central Valley at the Riverside County Fairgrounds in Indio.
Start Expo planning and Networking meetings (open to all) roughly 6 months prior to the scheduled Expo date.
While broad-based agreement existed that the coalition would be worthwhile, the majority of the attendees concurred that developing the coalition would be a gradual, complicated process.
The organizers agreed that the Expo would be a VEAP- and Salvation Army-sponsored event, supported by the broader veterans’ community, and it needs to be held annually.
“All want the coalition,” Young said. “But we have to take baby steps.”