Veterans Advisory Council
Serving ThoseWho Served
America's largest platform empowering veterans to make their voices heard
Veterans Advisory Council of Los Angeles
The Veterans Advisory Council of Los Angeles stands committed to veteran representation, research, resources, readiness, and resupply — restoring purpose, dignity, and structure across the 12 most critical issues facing Greater Los Angeles.
We stand as a force of stability, resilience, and unity for every veteran in our region.
We advance solutions grounded in strength, guided by peace, and driven by the unwavering belief that every veteran deserves safety, respect, and opportunity.
Veterans First. Housing Always. Respect Given. Dignity Shared.
Your daily struggles are felt. Your victories are celebrated — together.
We rise with you. We stand with you. We serve with you.
Short Mission Statement
Committed to representation, research, resources, readiness, and resupply — restoring purpose, dignity, and structure for veterans across Greater Los Angeles.
Veterans First. Housing Always. Respect Given. Dignity Shared.
Tagline / Motto Versions
Option A — Strong & Direct
Veterans First. Housing Always. Respect Given. Dignity Shared.
Option B — Strength & Peace
Strength in Service. Dignity in Action. Veterans Always First.
Option C — Advisory Council Identity
Representation. Readiness. Resilience. For Every Veteran in Los Angeles.
Mission
To advance veteran representation, research, resources, readiness, and resupply — restoring purpose, dignity, and structure across the 12 most urgent issues impacting veterans in Greater Los Angeles.
Vision
A Los Angeles where every veteran stands supported, housed, respected, and empowered — with their service honored, their needs met, and their future strengthened.
Our Values
Veterans First
Every decision begins with the veteran.
Housing Always
Stability is the foundation of dignity.
Respect Given
Every veteran is seen, heard, and valued.
Dignity Shared
We rise together, never alone.
Readiness & Resupply
We ensure veterans have what they need to stand strong.
Purpose Restored
We honor the mission by restoring structure, meaning, and opportunity.
Unity in Victory
Your struggles are felt. Your victories are celebrated — together.
Our Mission
The Veterans Advisory Council serves as America's largest platform empowering veterans to make their voices heard loud and clear on issues that matter most.
We collect, document, and amplify veteran concerns regarding VA healthcare quality, mental health services, HUD-VASH housing, case management, property management issues, appointment wait times, Federal Whistleblower Protection Act compliance, VA OIG complaints, housing authority oversight, education benefits, employment services, and more.
Through collective advocacy, data-driven insights, and direct engagement with policymakers, we work to ensure every veteran receives the care, benefits, and respect they have earned through their service.
1M+
Complaints Filed
50K+
Active Members
500+
Policy Changes
48
States Active
Our Values
Integrity
We operate with complete transparency and honesty in all our advocacy work.
Accountability
We hold ourselves and institutions accountable to the veterans we serve.
Transparency
We believe in open communication and making information accessible to all.
Compassion
We approach every veteran's concern with empathy and understanding.
NVAC Organizational Framework
Built on bylaw-aligned principles with 50/50 gender parity and multi-racial representation.
Core Values (The NVAC Decagon)
Integrity & Accountability
Operating with the care an ordinarily prudent person would exercise.
Transparency
Prominent public disclosure of all governance documents.
Radical Inclusivity
Strict non-discrimination across all protected categories.
Service Before Self
Prioritizing the collective mission over individual gain.
Economic Empowerment
Driving veteran success in the modern marketplace.
Unwavering Advocacy
Being the loudest voice for those who cannot speak.
Strategic Collaboration
Building bridges, not silos.
Ethical Leadership
Continuous monitoring of conflicts of interest.
Compassionate Leadership
Leading with empathy born from shared sacrifice.
Legacy
Building a foundation that serves the next generation of heroes.
Chain of Command (25 Members)
50/50 Gender Parity | Multi-Racial Representation
Top 10 Daily Service Focus
Healthcare Navigation
Streamlining VAMC and specialist care access.
Legal Defense
Assistance with disability claims and discharge upgrades.
Executive Mentorship
High-level networking for veteran transitions.
Mental Health Resilience
Peer-led support and clinical research intervention.
Legislative Reform
Drafting pro-veteran policy at the local and state levels.
Crisis & HUD-VASH Integration
Immediate housing stabilization and federal voucher support.
Spiritual Counseling
Holistic wellness and moral injury recovery.
Small Business Incubation
Capital access and strategy for entrepreneurs.
Educational Pathing
Maximizing GI Bill and vocational training.
Public Information
Maintaining transparency via the Governance web portal.
Operation & Compliance Guides
Bylaw-Aligned Governance
Governance
p. 1All corporate powers are exercised by the Board of Directors (minimum 3 members).
Conflict of Interest
pp. 2, 4Members have a continuing duty to disclose potential conflicts and must abstain from voting on such matters.
Meeting Schedule
p. 10Regular meetings held at least quarterly; Annual Meeting held every October.
Attendance Policy
p. 5Missing 3 consecutive meetings or 40% of meetings in a year results in automatic resignation.
Financial Integrity
p. 12All checks over $5,000 require two signatures (Chair, Treasurer, or CEO).
Audits
p. 9An independent audit of financial transactions is conducted annually.
Multi-Level Problem Areas & Active Engagement
We focus on research, development, innovations, and community outreach engagement to address the most pressing challenges facing veterans today.
Top 10 Problems for Homeless Veterans
Los Angeles County Focus Area
Top 5 Veteran Advisory Councils
California State Leadership
Most Promising Innovations
National Best Practices
Priority Street Needs
Direct Outreach Priorities
Security & Safety
Protection of belongings while at appointments
Hygiene Services
Access to showers and laundry facilities
Dumpsters & Trash Removal
Maintaining environment to avoid city sweeps
Communication
Phone charging and internet access to track housing status
Pet Support
Food and veterinary care for companion animals
Our Mission Approach
For our Los Angeles foundation, outreach and getting out of the officeis highly recommended. LA's current strategy, Pathway Home, prioritizes encampment-based outreach to build trust before moving people indoors. Weekly supplies are vital for survival, but should be used as a hook for case management. Rights and eviction prevention is critical—it is much cheaper to stop an eviction than to re-house a veteran.
Leadership Team
Our leadership team brings decades of military experience and a deep commitment to serving fellow veterans.
James Mitchell
Executive Director
U.S. Army (Ret.)
24 years of service
Sarah Rodriguez
Director of Advocacy
U.S. Navy (Ret.)
18 years of service
Michael Thompson
Policy Director
U.S. Marine Corps (Ret.)
20 years of service
Patricia Williams
Community Outreach
U.S. Air Force (Ret.)
16 years of service
Our Journey
Founded
Veterans Advisory Council established by a group of veterans committed to change.
First 10,000 Complaints
Reached our first major milestone in documenting veteran concerns.
National Recognition
Recognized by Congress for our advocacy work during the pandemic.
500,000 Voices
Half a million veterans joined our platform to share their experiences.
1 Million Strong
Surpassed one million complaints, making us America's largest veteran advocacy database.