The Veterans Among US (VAUS) employee resource group is dedicated to serving and supporting military and local communities at all UCOP and UC locations. As the year comes to a close, VAUS Chair Mark Romo shares a message with UCOP colleagues.

Closing out 2025 with gratitude, reflection and a shared mission

Dear UC veteran, military-connected and allied colleagues,

As 2025 comes to a close, Veterans Among US extends our sincere gratitude to each of you for your dedication, resilience and continued commitment to strengthening our UC community.

This year has brought significant social and economic shifts across California, the nation and the world — changes that have touched our workplaces, our families and our daily lives in countless ways. Yet through every challenge, our veterans and connected employees have continued to lead from the front, demonstrating the values that define our community: integrity, service, adaptability and an unwavering commitment to one another.

This year, VAUS made meaningful progress in advancing our mission and elevating the presence and voice of veterans throughout UC:

• Expanded community engagement through recognition of military observances, volunteer initiatives and opportunities for learning and connection.
• Strengthened visibility of a veteran presence across UCOP and UC campuses through newsletters, outreach efforts and collaborative events.
• Supported conversations that matter, creating spaces for open, honest and respectful dialogue around service, identity, transition and belonging.
• Continued development of the “bridging the gap” initiative, building stronger relationships between the UC workforce and its veteran community to foster understanding of the importance of the “buy-in” of our shared purpose.

Together, these efforts demonstrate what is possible when veterans, allies and UC partners join in a shared mission.

As we look toward 2026, the importance of networking, collaboration and connection has never been clearer. The future of VAUS is rooted in building bridges between campuses, employees, experiences and the veteran community for the broader UC system. By strengthening these pathways, we increase our capacity to support the development, well-being and opportunities of veteran employees along with the UC employee community.

VAUS remains committed to cultivating a community where every veteran and connected employee feels seen, valued and empowered to lead. Our willingness to engage is what makes this mission possible.

Thank you for all you have contributed this year in service, in community and in leadership. We look forward to continuing this important work together in the new year.

Wishing you and your loved ones a safe, restorative and meaningful holiday season.

With respect and gratitude,
Veterans Among US (VAUS)

About Veterans Among US

The VAUS employee resource group is dedicated to serving and supporting our local and military communities, as well as the University of California and all its locations. All UCOP employees are welcome and encouraged to participate. We aim to encourage employees to actively take part in activities and events that uphold veterans, military service organizations and academia.

We are dedicated to enhancing the well-being of the broader military and local communities. Our commitment also involves fostering inclusivity and providing support as a collective effort for veteran employees and their families. We seek to cultivate meaningful connections rooted in armed services affiliations, encompassing personal and family ties, along with a shared admiration for the armed services.

For questions, membership info or to join the email list, contact vaus@ucop.edu.

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