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4 SOLERA DIAMOND VALLEY | JULY 2026 Veterans and Friends – Serving eir Community By Annette Hillis, Resident Veterans and Friends, a popular club in Solera Diamond Valley, brings veterans, non-veterans, their families, and public supporters together with a desire for fellowship and a commitment to patriotism and giving back to others. rough social events, fundraisers, and community service projects, the group makes a meaningful impact on the lives of residents throughout our neighborhood, city, region, and even our nation. ey have grown into one of SDV's most active and service-oriented organizations. Vets and Friends Board Member, Raul Villa, became involved with the group around 2015. He says the current membership hovers around 100, with about 30% being ex-service men and women. To that point, and particularly important to him, Villa states that the president and vice president of the club must be veterans. eir goal is clear: to help veteran and non-veteran people, businesses, and causes. e roster of those who have reaped the fruits of their labor includes: e Community Pantry, Vietnam Vets of America, Wreaths Across America, Spark of Love Toy Drive, Homes for Our Troops, and the Loma Linda VA. Villa recalls one of the people who strongly inspired Vets and Friends to branch out and broaden the scope of who their recipients could be. "Jerry Chase, a former Hemet resident, was instrumental in getting us involved in outside charitable organizations. He is a Korean War veteran and is still alive, tipping the scales at close to 100 years old now." Particularly poignant, Villa says, are the times when the Vets and Friends attend home openings, or when homes are donated to veterans and their families. Community motorcades drive down the street with ags waving, leading to the new residence, with our national anthem playing in the background. It stirs the emotions and lls everyone in attendance with pride. Villa states that the biggest challenge the club faces each year is getting people to step up into leadership positions within the group. Besides Villa, they are currently going strong with a board that includes David and Georgeann Wellfare, Ralph Grider, and Dennis Haeman. Villa is optimistic and passionate about what they do. He encourages others to "join the club, get involved, and drop o a donation whenever you can. Last year was our best year, and this year is on track to be the same." Spotlight on Making a Dierence Recreation Committee (DG) .........................7/6 ............ 10a EPAC (DG) .................................................. 7/13 ............ 10a Financial Advisory Committee (DG) ........ 7/21 .............. 2p Volunteer Group (SW)................................ 7/15 .............. 1p Welcome Committee (DG)......................... 7/17 ............ 10a Communications Advisory Comm (DG) .. 7/16 ............ 10a Design Review Committee (DG) ..................7/8 ............ 10a Open Session Board Mtg (BR) ................... 7/30 .............. 2p Important Meeting Dates

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