SAN FRANCISCO, CA (3/2)- At the SF War Memorial Building - Veterans 401 Van Ness Avenue San Francisco, Ca, local veterans gathered to celebrate the birthday of their local commander. According to organizers, “ American Legion Post 333 Commander Courtney Ellington has been doing so much for the Veterans in our Community. She is also the the CEO of OneVet OneVoice focusing on helping Veterans with (HEHE) Healthcare, Education, Employment, and Housing.
According to Ron Lee, “This event helps to provide activity for the vets. We’re using Commander Ellington’s birthday since everyone needs some activity and to have a good time…”
Elise Hollywood Evans stated, “My friend Stefano called me up. I know this wonderful chef with Memphis, and connected with him so we could work together so we could widen connections and support each other…
“Once I saw Ron Lee and others, it felt like a family reunion, since we haven’t seen each other since the beginning of the pandemic. It’s a beautiful thing and it’s a lovely building…”
“I am originally from San Francisco and currently from Oakland. I was born and raised here, but ended up in the East Bay after I attended UC Berkeley….”
Speaking on Ellington, “For me, as an African-American woman, supporting Ellington is about supporting a sister…”
Teresa Lai, head of ACIEC, “Courtney Ellington’s Birthday is today. She’s our friend and an extremely nice person. She has always been a supporter of our Chinese community…” When asked why ACIEC was involved in the party, Lai responded, “We’re here for the Vets. They have worked so hard and such a great service for our country. Without them, we wouldn’t have the country we have today and they have saved our lives…”
Speaking with Commander Courtney Ellington (a.k.a. Rex Apium Ellington), Executive Director for the Veterans Success Center SF , Veterans Career Advisor for the Goodwill, Commander of the American Legion Post 333, 1st Vice Commander of the American Legion District 8 and Mentor for the Veterans Justice Court. Ellington stated “This party is more than a birthday party. It’s an opportunity to bring the community and veterans together. A lot of focus has been made on PTSD and the homeless, but I think it’s time to focus on solutions. One solution is to make people feel good!”
“I spend time in the War Memorial Building (WMB) with issues of employment and housing, work study, and clothing for interviews. I want to let the vets know that we are her for the vets. We have ACIEC, Tango for Vets, and many organizations gathered here for the veterans.
When asked to speak about what she was planning over the next 6-12 months, Ellington stated. “At 401 Van Ness, at the War Memorial Building, we expect to launch and expand some of our programs. We currently have Yoga on Tuesdays, Wellness Workshops, Computer Training for veterans, Work-Study Options for veterans to help them to re-enter the marketplace. In the next 3-6 months we plan to launch a television show and podcast on veteran’s issue through the Bay Area Video Coalition (BAVC).
Accordingly, “The Bay Area Video Coalition (BAVC) (Cable Channel 29/ San Francisco Bay Area) inspires social change by empowering media makers to develop and share diverse stories through art, education and technology.
They are located in San Francisco, California and offer many multimedia training opportunities ONLINE for youth and adults….”
Client Rodney McCain, “Courtney is helping me with a City College of San Francisco work-study internship and I am now ready to make a transfer to San Francisco State University (SFSU). I have been homeless for over 25 years, but Courtney has been my angel, setting my life on a new path forward…”
Courtney Ellington ended the night noting, “We would like the community to know that veterans are more than PTSD and the homeless. They are educated, entrepreneurs and extremely disciplined. They want good jobs and want to give back to the community, and want a more positive way. I challenge every community and elected officials to get to know a vet…”
-Jose Ricardo G. Bondoc