By: Ken Allard Posted 11:48 PM, Sep 17, 2025 Heroes were welcomed home Wednesday evening in Santa Maria. It was another Honor Flight Central Coast trip arriving home — over 80 veterans returning to the Central Coast after spending time in the nation’s capital. During the trip, the fortunate veterans toured memorials built in their honor, something organizers describe as “an unforgettable…
Posted on June 23, 2025 Welcome Home Military Heroes is proud to announce the appointment of U.S. Army Veteran Vincent Garcia Jr. to its Board of Directors and his new leadership role as one of our Mission Commanders. Vincent’s 15-year military career includes service as a 19K Tanker and later as a Chaplain’s Assistant, a rare and impactful combination that…
As Memorial Day approaches, it’s a poignant time for our community to come together and honor the brave souls who made the ultimate sacrifice in service to our nation. For us at Welcome Home Military Heroes, this day holds deep significance as we remember the heroes who have defended our freedoms and protected our way of life. We will host…
By: KSBY Staff Posted 12:27 PM, May 16, 2025 Dozens of local veterans were given a hero’s welcome Wednesday night in Santa Maria. Eighty-three Korean and Vietnam War veterans were greeted by emphatic family members, friends and strangers as they arrived at the Santa Maria Airport following an honor flight to Washington, D.C. As part of the Honor Flight Central Coast California…
Just before Christmas, Welcome Home Military Heroes proudly awarded a $1,500 scholarship to Sebastian Aranda III, a local veteran who served in both the U.S. Marine Corps and the U.S. Coast Guard. Sebastian is currently pursuing a degree in Early Childhood Education at Cuesta College, demonstrating his unwavering dedication to service both during and after his military career. The scholarship…
In a landmark move, the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) has announced significant changes to the GI Bill benefits process, offering expanded educational opportunities for Veterans with multiple periods of military service. This update comes in the wake of a 2024 Supreme Court decision and is set to impact over one million Veterans and beneficiaries. Under the previous policy, Veterans…
By: McKenzie Diaz Posted 5:49 PM, Dec 16, 2024 On Monday, case workers from different veterans agencies around the Central Coast met at A La Carte in Santa Maria, collecting donations to distribute to local veterans. “There were six or seven cars loaded with presents and it just looked like Santa had done his work here,” said Donna Wilson, owner of A…
Welcome Home Military Heroes, a nonprofit dedicated to honoring and supporting veterans and their families, has announced a temporary break from operations between December 15 and January 31. During this time, no events will be hosted as the organization encourages its dedicated volunteers to spend quality time with their families and enjoy the holiday season. While most operations will pause,…
By: McKenzie Diaz Posted 11:42 PM, Dec 08, 2024 and last updated 12:12 AM, Dec 09, 2024 The holidays came early for some local veterans eager to give back to other veterans in need. Veteran-led non-profit, Welcome Home Military Heroes, hosted their 7th annual Veteran Tree event on Sunday. “I know what it takes for a veteran to ask for help because…
By: Grace Bennett Posted 11:07 PM, Dec 05, 2024 On Sunday, veteran-led non-profit Welcome Home Military Heroes is set to host its 7th annual “Angel Tree Ride” event. “Angel Trees” are Christmas trees set up by businesses across the Central Coast. Each tree is adorned with tags detailing the wishes and needs of local veterans and families in need, which community members…
