Very unprofessional and hung up on me and didn't even say goodbye. I was trying to inform Mary…read morePatterson doesn't know the recent federal law finding that the VA is in charge of DOD retirement and they must address all medical board separation issues. The DOD component is not in charge of service members once they separate. She kept on referring to VA disability. The DOD rating system is what I was appealing and the BCNR told me that the VA is the governing authority. She could not even give me a point of contact to who was going to follow up call me. Honestly, I'm planning on switching VSO because this person doesn't have the ability to listen and fact check.

I have been donating weekly for many years to this organization. In the last 6 months, the truck…read moredrivers have been too lazy to take my donation? Today I donated gently used patio umbrellas as I had donated 6 of these a year ago without hesitation. The two guys on the truck decided to not take these umbrellas today claiming these are not on their list of acceptable items? In the last year I donated 4 TVs and 5 yellow patio umbrellas and they swiftly picked all up. I guess the truck drivers decide what they pick up by what they want to keep for themselves!!!! Pathetic how lazy and inconsistent this charity has become. The driver even left a donation receipt which tells me they are just too lazy to do their job!!! I will NEVER donate to this charity again. It's a waste of time and efforts for some laborer to be calling the shots!!!! The driver even left a donation receipt which tells me they are just too lazy to do their job!!!

I'm surprised to hear anything positive about this organization. They missed every one of my…read moreappointments, I always had to call them after they no-showed. They know the key buzzwords however can't actually help with anything complex that is the VA. I had all sorts of issues with the VA side and they could do nothing to help with that. I would STRONGLY recommend using an accredited VSO (that is also free) over working with this organization. Plus the fees... Again, they did very little, couldn't help with the nearly 1 yr VA battle then want their cut. Run away, don't trust them and avoid at all costs. Seriously, cost. They charge an insane amount for their "service" Congress (I know, long shot) is trying to pass bills that would make these organizations either charge dramatically less or go away entirely.

Stephanie was top notch. From day 1 she was direct and straightforward on what she saw when…read morereviewing my file. I appreciated that greatly. Everything was smooth sailing on the Veterans Adviser's side for submission to the VA. When I received a denial the first time I was surprised and heartbroken, but Stephanie spoke to me directly and settled my nerves by explaining that sometimes the VA will do so. She explained the next steps and what might happen even at the supplemental claim stage. When I received denial #2 from the VA it was not a surprise as the VA had once again not reviewed my actual paperwork submitted. Stephanie stayed on top of things and explained what a Higher level review might look like, reassuring me to trust the process. Fast forward a few months later I received the positive outcome we had longed for. Forever grateful for Stephanie and the team.

Top notch service and professional support that accomplished all of my service needs.read more

The process was so easy and they were able to get me from 80% to 100%!…read more I recommend them to every veteran I know. So life changing and I am so thankful for veteran compensation.

VFW Coronado is a wonderful place to appreciate all in service or retired Veterans!!!!…read more I'm a lifetime Auxiliary Member at this VFW because of my grandfather, my mother's father, Dr. Newman Kennedy Bear, that was a Corpsman in WW1 and a Flight Surgeon in WW2. He was stationed in 1929 at Naval Air Station North Island (NASNI) in Coronado. He was cast as an extra in the last silent, black and white film by MGM called "The Flying Fleet". He played the roll as a Naval Medical Officer testing the Naval Academy Graduate Pilots for their air-worthyness to fly the then bi-planes on the NASNI cow pasture. He was also stationed on the original USS Midway during WW2, but fortunately was not on it when it was sunk by a Japanese Comacazzi Pilot in the Lettee Gulf during WW2. Another factor for me honoring Veterans is the fact the my father, John C. Ivanoff, as a Captain in the U.S Army stationed at an England military base, under the then General Dwight Eisenhower at Bletchly Park England as part of the team helping to decipher the German Enigma during WW2. All the BEST May GOD Bless Ted Ivanoff

my 1st Post. Always enjoyed the conversations and laughs by…read moreThe Gents whom battled before. Not to mention, the prices. I'll be back Many Cheers!

The counseling here is kind of hard to get an appointment so I would give the counseling section a…read morethree out of five star. But Denise with the recreational groups, is awesome. She always makes time for her veterans no matter what is going on. She is constantly looking for new things to help us just feel connected to one another and have a sense of community. I, myself, am involved in the art class (my favorite, also a shout out to Sabrina. She's the best), the writing class and the guitar class. Denise is constantly searching for professionals, to come in to expand our techniques/knowledge. There are people from all five branches and all types of age groups, people that have been veterans for years, some have just been separated, and people that are still on their way of getting out. This place is help me pull out of many isolation periods.

I have been diagnosed with PTSD and the group here facilitated by John is fantastic. Denise is…read morealways willing to help and give me info on vet benefits I am missing out on while Wanda goes above and beyond for me and every other vet I have encountered there. The Yoga for Vets classses are amazing, and Dr Marin genuinely makes me feel like she cares about my well being.

I stopped in this Post for a Sunday breakfast. It's a nice post located in a small strip mall. The…read morespecial for the day was the Pork Chop and Eggs breakfast. I asked for my eggs over medium and the meal also came with house breakfast potatoes and toast. I had rye toast and the meal cost $8 donation. The lady in the kitchen hit the eggs right on the money and they came with a slow run yolk and were partially cooked through. The eggs were lightly seasoned but I did add some black pepper. Pepper and eggs are my thing. The pork chops was thick, very tender, and tasty. However, I do recommend that they render the fat along the edges better, not to get rid of it, but to elevate the texture and give it a some crunch or crispiness, not to mention some color. The potato cubes were good. They had nice color, tender, and offered a nice crisp edge. They were also seasoned well. They rye toast was good. They went a little heavy on the butter for my taste, but then again, I like to spread my own butter on my toast. Lisa, the young lady on the floor that morning was very nice and helpful. Good service.

Everyone's very nice and open. They're friendly so you can easily start up a conversation with…read moreanyone of the members and they'll be happy to converse with you. Their activities are fun too

My absolute favorite hangout in North County. Fantastic music, cheap drinks, friendly folks who…read morewelcome in everybody. A gem!

Have you ever walked into an establishment and immediately felt right at home? Then you must have…read morevisited the Legion. Here you're greeted with a handshake, exchange names and start conversations, even meet a 101 year old vet of 3 wars! Newly renovated, hot eats, live music, and a variety of interesting taps. Shout out to Kimberly and Diane for the warm welcome!

Family holds children's hands for a while, and their hearts forever…read more You may have noticed some houses have small flags or banners with a blue star hanging in a front window. It doesn't matter if you're in America or anywhere in the world, the flags or banners are all the same --and they hang quietly, solemnly in home windows. Why? Well, when a family member joins the military, some military families choose to display a Blue Star Service banner or flag in a window of their home to signify a loved one or more than one is an Active Duty Service member in one of the six US Armed Forces. There are also Blue Star pins to wear. As a Blue Star family myself, I believe that the worst part of being a Blue Star Family is waiting for the Active Duty family member to come home; for family gives children roots to grow from and wings to fly with. It might even be said one pulls oneself together as a Blue Star Family member. During that waiting, I find that connecting with others is very important, just as important as my connections with my Veterans organizations. These social connections such as joining non-profits like here Blue Star Families, lowers my anxiety and depression, help me regulate my emotions, leads to higher self-esteem and empathy, boosts my mood, and actually improve my immune systems and overall health. I am happier. When I'm at Blue Star Families meetings and events I feel valued, seen, heard, supported, and that the companionship and interactions with others are mutually rewarding. The minute someone takes the oath to Serve in the US. military, both their life and their family's lives change forever. All the things they heard about and prepared for - the moves, deployments, the time apart - all become a reality and life is never the same again, not only for the Service members, it changes also for their family. This special flag, displayed only by military families, is where the phrase "Blue Star Family" comes from and refers to the family members of an Active Duty Service member. The Blue Star Family tradition is rich in history and dates back to World War I. Blue Star organizations help military families and raise awareness of Blue Star Families' sacrifices. November is National Veterans & Military Family Month. Find out who are the Blue Star Families in your neighborhood and offer to help out 'em. Family is spouse, parents, stepparents, foster parents, father-in-law, mother-in-law, children, stepchildren, foster children, sons-in-law, daughters-in-law, great and grandparents, great and grandchildren, brothers, sisters, brothers-in-law, sisters-in-law, aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews, cousins, and those who consider an Active Duty Service member a part of their family. There are numerous non-profits that have "Blue Star Families" or "Blue Star" in their names, and they are located throughout America and the world. None are officially a part of the US government. Blue Star Mothers, another Blue Star non-profit, is chartered by the US Congress. https://www.everycrsreport.com/reports/RL30340.html https://www.facebook.com/BlueStarFamilies/ https://www.charitynavigator.org/ein/800369895

Love this club! Every month my husband and I join our Newcomer friends in a happy hour, a hike, a…read moreround of golf, lunch, etc. What a great way to connect with people and enjoy what La Jolla has to offer.

My wife and I have been members of Newcomers for four years and strongly recommend the club for its…read moreactivities and social interactions. We have met a host of wonderful people and enjoyed numerous activities throughout the years. At last count, I think there are around 14 activities available each month. The club acknowledges many interests such as hiking, book groups, wine socials, golf, happy hours, Mah Jongg, etc. Special events such as outings to the Padres, a St. Patrick Day special dinner, whale watching and even a hockey game round off a list of fun times for everyone. It has been great!