About Us
About the California State Commanders Veterans Council (CSCVC):
Founded in 1966, the California State Commanders Veterans Council is recognized in state law as the collective voice for California’s major veterans service organizations. CSCVC supports veterans through advocacy efforts aimed at enhancing the rights, benefits, and well-being of California’s 1.6 million veterans and their dependents. Currently, 23 of the state’s leading veteran service organizations are represented on the Commanders’ Council.
Mission Statement:
The purpose of the California State Veterans Commanders Council shall be to promote the rights and benefits of veterans in the State of California. The Council may conduct advocacy efforts in the State Legislature in support of, or opposition to, proposed legislation concerning veterans’ rights, entitlements, and benefits. The Council may conduct similar advocacy efforts with the California Department of Veterans Affairs, the California Veterans Board, and similar state agencies, boards, and commissions, concerning veterans’ programs under the management of those agencies.
Executive Committee
The Executive Committee of the CSCVC are the five officers annually elected by the membership to serve one-year terms. The Executive Committee is responsible for organizing and presiding over all CSCVC meetings; documenting meetings, records and tangible property; managing the Council’s finances; and tracking and giving recommendations on legislation related to the interests and well-being of state veterans.
Executive Officers:
CHAIR
J.R. Wilson
Legislative Director, Disabled American Veterans, Department of California
J.R. served Honorably in the United States Army From 1990-1994 as part of the Military Intelligence Corps as a Non-communication interceptor/analyst (98J1P) and was Airborne Qualified. He attended Basic training at Ft. Jackson, SC, Advanced Individual Training (AIT)at the U.S. Army Military Intelligence (MI) School then located at Ft. Devens, MA. After AIT J.R. went to Ft. Benning, GA for Airborne Training. After graduation J.R. was stationed at Ft. Bragg, NC in 3rd Special Forces Group as the Headquarters Radar Intercept Analyst from 1991-1993. While stationed at Ft. Bragg JR became injured on an Airborne Jump in 1993, effectively ending his Airborne Career . Later that year he was transferred to Camp Hovey in S. Korea as part of the 102nd MI battalion where he served the remainder of his enlistment serving in the tactical elint intercept squad and the Battalion Command Sargent Majors Driver… unfortunately in 1994 J.R. had to leave the Military due to the previous Knee injury.
He joined the Disabled American Veterans (D.A.V.) in 1997 as a life member. In January 1998, the D.A.V. invited J.R. to attend the D.A.V. academy in Denver, CO. J.R. went on to serve as a National Service Officer (NSO) in the Roanoke, Virginia National Service Office. He later served as the NSO office Supervisor in the DAV NSO Office in Reno, Nevada and in 2002 J.R. moved to San Diego, Ca as the NSO Office Supervisor for the DAV there until his retirement in 2004.
J.R. is also the founder of the Stand Down on the Delta a Homeless Veteran four-day event held at the Contra Costa County Fairgrounds in Antioch. Bringing in over 350 veterans and their families for four days of much needed services like–Veterans Treatment Court, Medical, Dental, Housing, Educational assistance as well as a Fishing trip on our Delta Shores.
Currently J.R. serves the D.A.V. as , Dept. of CA DAV Legislative Director 2019- present, State Executive Committee Chair for District 3, Past Chapter Commander for Pittsburg. Ch. 154 (2015-17). Founder and President of the Delta Veterans Group (Stand Down on The Delta). Chairman of the Board of Directors for the United States Volunteer, and the current Legislative Officer for the California State Commanders Veterans Council. He is also a life member of the Antioch VFW Post 6435 and serves as Commander 2021-Present. He is also a life member of the DAV, American Legion, and Amvets. He also serves his community as a member of the Rotary, Mason’s, Kiwanis, Lions and Elk’s.
VICE CHAIR
Elmer Fred Green, Jr., LCDR, USN (Ret)
Past President, California Council of Chapters, Military Officers Association of America
Fred Green entered the Navy September 1973 and in November 1975 he was commissioned in the Navy. where upon he retired from the Navy in 1996. Following his retirement from active service, he worked in the defense industry and he taught public school for a bit.
He is the Past President of the California Council of Chapters of Military Officers Association of America (CALMOAA).
He is actively engaged in advocating for current and former military members and their families.
TREASURER
Jim Anderson
State Commander, Military Order of the Purple Heart, Department of California
Jim Anderson has served on the California State Commanders Veterans Council since 2010 and was the Chair of the Council for three years. He represents the Military Order of the Purple Heart, Department of California. Within the MOPH he has been the Department Adjutant, Finance Officer, Commander and National Region Commander. He is again, currently the Department Finance Officer. Anderson is also a member of the American Legion, DAV, and VVA.
Anderson currently acts as the current Vice Chair and Treasurer of the CSCVC.
Military service was from 1966 to 1970 with the US Navy as a Boatswain Mate obtaining the rate of E-5. Tour of duty was in or around Vietnam for three and a half years of my four-year active duty. He did one year in country base station in Da Nang where he was dispatched to Cue Viet as a skipper of a patrol boat, patrolling the Cue Viet River. In August of 1968 he hit a mine sinking the boat but not losing any members of the crew. The balance of his in-country tour was back in Da Nang patrolling the Da Nang harbor and river.
Jim Anderson currently resides with his wife of 52 years in Bakersfield. They have two daughters, three grandchildren and two great grandchildren. He retired in 2007 from having owned his own business within the automotive industry
SECRETARY
Hanley Chan
Member, Disabled American Veterans, Department of California
Hanley Chan, a San Francisco native, has embarked on an inspiring journey dedicated to public service and the betterment of his community. His educational journey began at the City College of San Francisco, where he earned an Associate degree in Administration of Justice and Health Care Technology. Building on this foundation, he pursued higher education at the New College of California, culminating in a Bachelor’s degree in Humanities.
Hanley’s unwavering commitment to his country is evident through his service as a disabled veteran. In 1999, he served as a Naval Aviation Ordnanceman, followed by a role as a 19k Armor Crewman in the California National Guard in 2003. His dedication extended to voluntary roles, including serving as a 1st Lieutenant Homeland Security Officer in the US Air Force Auxiliary, a Vessel Examiner for the US Coast Guard Auxiliary, and an Operation and Training NCO for the California State Guard at the Oakland Military Institute.
His remarkable contributions have earned him well-deserved recognition, highlighted by
prestigious appointments. He served as a commissioner on the San Francisco Veterans Affairs Commission, appointed by the San Francisco Board of Supervisors. Additionally, he held a position on the California District Appeals Board for the US Selective Service System, appointed by the President of the United States.
During his tenure as a commissioner, Hanley played a pivotal role in the passage of important legislation in San Francisco, including measures that provided free parks for veterans, established Below Market Rate housing for veterans, enacted the Military Reservist Relief Act, and introduced a Local Business Enterprise Veterans preference program.
LEGISLATIVE OFFICER
Scott Holwell
Legislative Committee Chair & Kings County Veteran Service Officer, California Association of County Veterans Service Officers
Scott Holwell is a retired US Navy Master Chief Petty Officer, who enlisted in 1981. He deployed seven times during his 30-year career; four of which were to the Persian Gulf, with two being in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom and Operation Enduring Freedom. He served as Command Master Chief for Fighter Squadron 2, Strike Fighter Squadron 2, Commander Strike Fighter Wing Pacific, Strike Fighter Squadron 125 and Strike Fighter Squadron 122. Scott retired from the Navy in 2011.
He joined Kings County as the Deputy Veterans Service Officer in February 2014 and in July 2016, Scott was appointed as Veterans Service Officer. Scott is a Past President of the California Association of County Veterans Service Officers and currently serves as the Legislative Committee Chair. Veterans Service Organization memberships include American Legion. Scott is Vice Chair of the Kings County Behavioral Health Advisory Board, Chairs the Kings County Military and Veterans Coalition and is past Chair of Kings County Veterans Employment Committee. Scott has served in his current role with CSCVC, since February 2022.