The San Bernardino County Department of Veterans Affairs is pleased to announce a new marketing initiative to raise awareness of the free services available to veterans and their families. Launched in May 2025, this innovative effort marks a major step forward in the department’s mission to ensure every veteran has access to the benefits and services they have rightfully earned.
The campaign is multi-faceted, featuring advertisements on radio, streaming television, Omnitrans buses, billboards, DMV waiting areas, online video, social media and articles in the County Update newsletter. The primary objective is to counter the growing presence of “claim sharks”— for-profit companies that often exploit veterans by charging fees for services that County Veteran Service Offices provide at no cost.
As of May 2025, the department has responded to 31,992 service requests from veterans and their families during the current fiscal year, helping them access critical benefits and support programs through the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs.
At the heart of the department’s success in serving the veteran community are the dedicated staff who carry out this mission each day. Among them is Veterans Service Officer Shanell Payne, who was recently honored with the 2025 “Public Service Recognition Award for Excellence.” This prestigious award recognizes her exemplary customer service and steadfast commitment to the Countywide Vision. Her recognition reflects the high standard of care and professionalism that defines every interaction between department staff and the veteran community.
As the department continues to expand its outreach and impact, it remains committed to increasing access, improving claims outcomes, and ensuring that veterans receive not only the benefits they’ve earned but also the respect and service they deserve.
For more information about benefits and services available to San Bernardino County veterans and their families, please visit va.sbcounty.gov or call 866-472-8387.
View our recent video testimony from David Rose, an Army veteran who served in the Vietnam War.
Additional County Update News – June 12, 2025
- Supervisors approve balanced 2025–26 budget with $205 million in community investments
- Board Actions, June 10
- Fire season is here; Ranch Fire burns more than 4,000 acres
- Arrowhead Regional Medical Center breaks ground on state-of-the-art hybrid bi-plane angiography suite and operating room
- Little Third Improvement Project breaks ground in unincorporated San Bernardino
- Protecting our elders: Recognizing and reporting elder abuse in San Bernardino County
- Department of Veterans Affairs expands outreach with new marketing campaign and celebrates staff service achievements
- San Bernardino County’s Preschool Services Department turned challenge into lasting change
- San Bernardino shines a light on drug addiction with an art exhibition
- Special marriage services announced at County Museum locations
- Devore Animal Shelter hosts successful California Adopt-A-Pet Day Event
- Cat adoptions are free during Adopt-A-Cat Month
- Tell us why you love San Bernardino County for a chance to win a Regional Parks annual pass
- San Bernardino County destinations: Redlands Bowl
- Call for submissions: Share your favorite San Bernardino County destinations
- San Bernardino County history: 210 Freeway
- Things to do in San Bernardino County
- Pet of the Week: Paxton