Veterans ERG Launches

The County’s newest employee resource group (ERG) officially launched with pomp and circumstance during an event Monday at the County Operations Center. The group is called VALOR. The name was selected because it means courage, boldness and spirit.

Chairman Bill Horn, a Vietnam veteran who served in the Marines, delivered the keynote address. The U.S. Naval Sea Cadet Corps Color Guard presented the colors. And the national anthem was performed by Musician Second Class (Surface Warfare) Nina Church with the Navy Bank Southwest Region. Refreshments were served on the Commons’ upper level after the program.

Employees who had served in the Air Force, Army, Marines and Navy attended the launch, but VALOR is open to all County employees, not just those who have served in the military. CAO Staff Officer and VALOR President Carl Smith said the group’s vision is to show patriotism by honoring and supporting the men and women who serve our county past and present.

“VALOR really wants to give our current and future veterans a connection to that County veteran family that they can rely on and give one another support,” said Smith, who retired as a Chief Petty Officer with 20 years of service.

Donald Steuer, Assistant Chief Administrative Officer and executive sponsor of VALOR, said our ERGs have the power to make us stronger as a County. In fact, the veterans group’s mission is to drive and support the growth of both the organization and the individual.

“These are individuals who possess adaptive learning skills to make it happen: leadership, teamwork, diversity and inclusion, efficient performance under pressure, integrity, and triumph over adversity,” said Steuer, who retired as a Navy Captain after 27 years of service.

If you are interested in joining VALOR or have a question, please email valor@sdcounty.ca.gov or visit its InSite page.