The National Home for Disabled Volunteer Soldiers (NHDVS) Coalition met with Director Robert Merchant to press for answers and reaffirm their advocacy for housing homeless and disabled Veterans on deed-restricted federal land in West LA at the National Soldiers’ Home.
The 10-member delegation brought forward the WWII and Korean War approach to Veterans advocacy.
Key Highlights:
• Merchant denied knowing Vincent Haley, raising concerns about internal coordination.
• Rosie, a Veteran family member, asked a basic but critical question—backed by the Executive Order—about the rightful use of the land.
• They coalition stated firmly: “We want to come back when you can make a decision.”
• Greg raised the issue of the beachfront property and C&H tract, highlighting the potential to house 3,000 Veterans.
• Don pointed to an upcoming Newsmax broadcast by OFFE that will amplify the message.
• Plans for the Veterans Day Jubilee (Nov. 11, 2025) at the Pacific Branch baseball field—organized by OFFE, ECRF, and NHDVS—were also emphasized.
• The Coalition reminded all: “This Home should be rent-free.”
Key Questions Presented to Director Merchant:
• When will UCLA and Brentwood School vacate the deed-restricted land intended for Veterans?
• When will the Executive Order be fully implemented to house 6,000+ Veterans?
• When will the Santa Monica beachfront property and C&H tract be acknowledged and used for Veteran housing?
At the meeting’s close, VAGLAHS staff listened and invited the Coalition to the next VCEOB meeting on August 19. However, it was noted that not one word of their challenge has been entered into the Federal Register, where VCEOB reports are officially recorded.
Two armed officers stood outside the door as these questions were asked underscoring the gravity of this ongoing fight for Veterans’ rights, dignity, and housing on their own land in our nations capital of Veteran homelessness and suicide.
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