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Covenant of Courage California Action News Updates

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Building Momentum for Military Discharge Reform



The Reasonable Ranks Campaign, led by Kirk Carlson and Covenant of Courage, continues to gain national traction as it fights to close one of the most overlooked civil rights gaps in military law: the lack of reasonable accommodation for injured service members.


As of today, the campaign has reached 627 petition signatures, reflecting growing public support for military discharge reform and fair reassignment pathways for non-deployable or injured personnel.





⚖️ The Mission: Fairness for Every Service Member



The movement’s core message is simple — service should not end with injury.

Under current Department of Defense policies, the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) does not apply to active-duty service members. This means that men and women who become disabled during service can be medically discharged instead of reassigned — even if they could continue serving in a non-combat or support role.


Covenant of Courage is working to change that through the #ReasonableRanks campaign, which calls for legislative reform to:


  • Establish reasonable accommodation standards within the DoD.

  • Create reassignment programs for injured service members who can still contribute.

  • Ensure that disability does not equal discharge.






🪖 Current Milestones



  • 627 petition signatures on Change.org

  • Official Letter of Support from the Mayor of Corona, CA, recognizing the campaign’s mission.

  • Partnership outreach with organizations such as the Janet Goeske Foundation, veteran legal clinics, and local city councils.

  • Public workshops on empowerment, leadership, and emergency preparedness through Covenant of Courage.

  • Media and public awareness expansion, including educational articles on ADA vs. DoD law, military civil rights, and veteran reintegration.






🏛️ Legislative & Advocacy Efforts



The Reasonable Ranks campaign is currently engaging policymakers and legal advocates to bring attention to this issue at the federal level. By aligning with civil rights attorneys and veteran policy experts, the campaign aims to:


  • Present formal testimony to Congressional and DoD committees.

  • Build coalitions with universities, nonprofits, and advocacy groups.

  • Promote the Covenant of Courage Model — a blueprint for how reasonable accommodation could function within the armed forces.






🔥 Community Engagement



Every event, tabling session, and community workshop helps spread awareness. The campaign has participated in:


  • Veteran Empowerment Workshops at the Janet Goeske Foundation.

  • Outreach events in collaboration with JLBC Cadet Corps and Warrior Bootcamp.

  • Social media campaigns reaching thousands through motivational, legal, and reform-centered posts.



Supporters are encouraged to share the petition, volunteer, and write letters to policymakers showing public demand for reform.





🌍 The Road Ahead



As Covenant of Courage continues its mission, the campaign will:


  • Reach for 1,000 signatures by year’s end.

  • Publish a white paper to present to Congress and the Department of Defense.

  • Host community forums to amplify veteran voices and collect testimonies from those affected by medical discharge policies.



This is more than a petition — it’s a movement for justice, dignity, and recognition.





✊ Join the Movement



No service member should lose their purpose, rank, or identity because of an injury sustained in service to their country. Together, we can make the military more inclusive and compassionate — without sacrificing readiness.


🖊 Sign the petition: https://chng.it/5yXYvkBtMR

🌐 Learn more: www.covenantofcourage.com


 
 
 
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Across America, a new kind of leadership is emerging—one forged in service, refined through sacrifice, and now directed toward building stronger communities. Veterans are stepping into roles as mentors, educators, entrepreneurs, and advocates, using their experience and resilience to lead the next generation of change.





From the Battlefield to the Classroom



For many veterans, service doesn’t end when the uniform comes off—it transforms. The leadership, teamwork, and adaptability learned in military life become invaluable tools in civilian communities. Programs like Covenant of Courage and JLBC Cadet Corps give veterans structured platforms to continue that service.


Through cadet mentorship, veterans teach young people the values that matter most: discipline, integrity, teamwork, and courage under pressure. These programs do more than train youth for success—they prepare them to be leaders who serve others before themselves.





Building Communities with Purpose



Veterans bring a mission-driven mindset to everything they do. Whether running a small business, volunteering at local schools, or leading nonprofits, they focus on solutions and results. Organizations like Covenant of Courage bridge generations—uniting veterans, youth, and civic leaders to tackle real challenges like mental health awareness, disaster preparedness, and community resilience.


In doing so, they remind us that leadership isn’t about titles or rank—it’s about responsibility. Veterans show that service to country naturally evolves into service to community.





A New Model of Leadership



The next generation is watching. When a Marine teaches a class on teamwork or a veteran firefighter shares lessons on crisis response, they’re passing down more than skills—they’re passing down a mindset. A mindset of perseverance, accountability, and service before self.


This mentorship creates ripple effects that reach far beyond one organization or one town. It shapes future leaders who will carry those same principles into government, business, and everyday life.





The Mission Continues



Covenant of Courage and similar organizations prove that veterans are not relics of the past—they are architects of the future. Their leadership is creating communities where strength meets compassion, where discipline meets creativity, and where courage takes new forms.


As they lead the next generation, one message rings clear:

The mission never ends—it simply evolves.


🖊 Sign the petition: https://chng.it/5yXYvkBtMR

🌐 Learn more: www.covenantofcourage.com


 
 
 
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After years of planning, Habitat for Humanity Riverside is launching a long-anticipated housing community for veterans and their families. The project, known as Victory Village, is accepting pre-qualification applications for new, energy-efficient, single-family homes in Jurupa Valley.


Building Homes, Honoring Service


In partnership with the California Department of Veteran Affairs (CalVet), Habitat Riverside plans to build 26 homes exclusively for veterans, surviving spouses, and families of fallen service members. These homes have been designed to be EnergySTAR rated and energy-efficient.


Prospective homeowners can choose between two floor plans: a 3-bedroom / 2-bath model or a 4-bedroom / 2-bath model. Importantly, all homes are built with the option to be ADA-compliant, making them accessible to veterans and family members with disabilities.


Who Can Apply?


To be eligible, applicants must meet several criteria:

• Be a veteran with honorable discharge, a current service member, or a surviving spouse. DD-214 or proof of service is required.

• Live or work in Riverside County.

• Be a first-time homebuyer, or have not owned a home in the last three years.

• Have a satisfactory credit history (no tax liens, manageable debt, stable credit).

• Demonstrate ability to repay a mortgage, with steady income.

• Earn between 50% and 80% of the Area Median Income (AMI) for Riverside County, based on household size.

• Qualify for CalVet / REN benefits.


Habitat is accepting pre-qualification interest forms via their website or by contacting their Family Services Manager.


Why Victory Village Matters


1. Restoring Stability and Dignity


Homeownership is more than just having a roof overhead. It represents stability, community roots, and emotional grounding. Veterans who have faced frequent moves, disability discharges, or unstable housing now have a chance to anchor themselves and their families in a safe, dignified way.


2. Accessibility & Inclusion


By designing homes with ADA-compliance options, the project acknowledges that many veterans and their families live with disabilities. These homes are not “afterthoughts”—they are built with accessibility in mind.


3. Financial Education & Support


Habitat Riverside offers no-cost workshops to homeowners covering topics such as financial literacy, home maintenance, health and wellness, and more. These wraparound supports help ensure homeowners are prepared not just to move in, but to thrive.


4. Community Integration


Victory Village is located in Jurupa Valley, and the exteriors are designed to blend into the surrounding neighborhoods. This ensures veterans are welcomed into existing communities rather than set apart.


5. Model for Veteran Housing Nationwide


If successful, Victory Village can serve as a blueprint for other cities and counties. It proves that veteran-specific, accessible housing is feasible when public, private, and nonprofit sectors collaborate.


How You Can Support

Spread the word among veteran networks and local veteran service organizations.

Apply or refer eligible veterans or surviving spouses to submit pre-qualification interest forms.

Donate or volunteer to support Habitat Riverside’s build efforts.

Promote the ADA-accessible design angle — it strengthens the case for inclusive veteran housing everywhere.



Victory Village is more than a housing project. It’s a promise that the service and sacrifice of veterans will not be forgotten—and that every veteran deserves a safe place to call home.


Let’s see this vision through to reality.



 
 
 

ABOUT US >

Covenant of Courage
The specific purpose of this corporation is to empower and support veteran defenders, guiding them to rediscover their purpose through comprehensive support and training. We are dedicated to building a resilient community that leverages the unique skills of veterans to mentor and inspire the next generation through dynamic youth programs.

The Covenant of Courage is a 501(c)3 tax-exempt organization and your donation is tax-deductible within the guidelines of U.S. law. To claim a donation as a deduction on your U.S. taxes, please keep your email donation receipt as your official record. We'll send it to you upon successful completion of your donation.

CONTACT 

F: 323 471 7279

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DISCLAIMER: The information on this site is not legal advice. They are meant solely as educational content. Individual cases will vary.
Covenant of Courage is not a Veterans Service Organization (VSO) or law firm and is not affiliated with the U.S. Veterans Administration (“VA”). Covenant of Courage does not provide legal or medical advice or assist clients with preparing or filing claims for benefits with the VA.

This content is for educational awareness. Covenant of Courage (501(c)(3)) does not endorse political candidates or lobby.

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