By Tad Stearn
On the evening of Sept. 11, a bonfire was lit on the beach at Rio del Mar. Bonfires are a common way to end a sunny September day in Aptos, but this was not an ordinary fire for roasting marshmallows. The flames marked the annual Journey for Change Watchfire, a community gathering sponsored by Vets 4 Vets Santa Cruz.
Buzz Gray prepares to retire a flag
Watchfires are an ancient military tradition. They were once lit on high ground or along shorelines after battles to help guide lost or separated soldiers back to their units and safety. Watchfires served as beacons, burning through the night for those still searching for a path home.
In that tradition, the Sept. 11 event honored local veterans, remembered prisoners of war and service members missing in action, reconnected friends and fellow veterans and supported veterans who may still carry the invisible weight of war, service or separation.
The fire provided warmth and was also used to respectfully retire several worn American flags brought by attendees.
Vets 4 Vets Santa Cruz
Vets 4 Vets was founded by board member Dean Kaufman, a veteran of Operations Desert Shield and Desert Storm. Vets 4 Vets is a local 501(c)(3) nonprofit made up of veterans and friends dedicated to helping fellow veterans in need.
Kaufman worked as a veterans service officer in the Santa Cruz area and saw firsthand that local veterans could benefit from more direct and immediate help navigating the challenges of daily life. The organization was created to provide timely assistance that could make a meaningful difference in a veteran’s life.
“Our focus is on direct service to veterans, helping fill the gaps when other resources aren’t available or accessible. Sometimes that means helping a veteran navigate the benefits they’re entitled to, providing emergency assistance, or simply offering a helping hand when life gets difficult,” Vets 4 Vets executive director Wendy Core said.
That is where the Vets 4 Vets Emergency Assistance Fund can help. The fund provides assistance with food, clothing, transportation to interviews or appointments, temporary shelter, minor car or home repairs, employment-related needs and other essentials.
Core said the organization’s support goes beyond financial assistance.
“Just as important is the sense of community we create through our regular gatherings and events. Veterans have an opportunity to connect with one another, share experiences, and build friendships. That camaraderie and knowing you’re not alone can make a tremendous difference, especially for those experiencing isolation,” she said.
Journey for Change
Buzz Gray is a Vietnam War veteran and also a veteran of the classroom, having taught fourth-graders at Gault School for the past 25 years. More than a decade ago, Gray became aware of the staggering number of veterans dying by suicide and knew he had to do something. In 2015, Gray and four other veterans met weekly for a year to write a policy proposal aimed at ending veteran suicide.
“I started Journey for Change to end veteran suicide when I learned that the suicide rate was 22 per day,” Gray said. “So I got together with other veterans and hammered out a proposal that we wanted to deliver to the VA, with ideas coming from veterans on how to address the issue and help prevent veteran suicides. We decided the best way to get attention was to walk it all the way from downtown Santa Cruz to Sacramento.”
The group made the walk in 2016 and hand-delivered the proposal to government officials at the California Capitol. Although officials held a ceremony and the group gained welcome attention for its cause, little action was taken on the proposal.
“Not much came from that, no legislation or political help,” Gray recalled, “so we started focusing our efforts locally in Santa Cruz with events like this (Watchfire). If you can just have something like this, with the fire and the pizza, there’s no pressure on anybody, and nobody judges you for anything no matter your circumstances. It kind of works, and I have hope that it will help somebody.”
Never Too Old to Stay Involved
Operating a local nonprofit takes considerable work and commitment, and Vets 4 Vets is no exception.
The success of its mission relies on the passion of individual members, volunteers and friends, along with generous support from donors and sponsors.
Lois Guin is one of those friends and volunteers and is herself a war veteran. In the Korean War, Guin served as a nurse on the USS Haven, the “mother ship of all the hospital ships at the time,” she recalled proudly. “We brought the POWs back (on the Haven) after the armistice was signed.”
Guin will turn 99 in October and continues to volunteer her time. After her husband died, she became involved with veterans groups and Vets 4 Vets to help cope with her loss and remain connected to the veteran community. She volunteered at a National Poppy Day donation booth and has been active with veterans groups ever since.
Her energy and wit are inspiring, and she still has goals she wants to achieve.
“I want to go back to Korea in two years, so I want to stay healthy,” she said. “We went last September and it was wonderful. They treat you like rock stars over there!”
The Watchfire’s Call
A flag is retired in the flames of the watchfire
Although the watchfire was largely a symbolic beacon intended to guide soldiers to safety, it appeared to serve a similar purpose that night. As the sun set, a lone veteran made his way to the information tent. He was seeking help with an upcoming move and wondered whether assistance was available.
He had come to the right place.
•••
For more information about Vets 4 Vets or Journey for Change, upcoming gatherings and events, or opportunities to volunteer or donate, visit vets4vetssantacruz.org. If you or a veteran you know is struggling or in crisis, help is available. Dial 988, then press 1; text 838255; or visit VeteransCrisisLine.net/Chat to reach the free, confidential Veterans Crisis Line.