SDMAC Dinner Brings California Legislators and Military Leaders Together for Critical Dialogue

The San Diego Military Advisory Council (SDMAC) recently hosted a Legislative Reception and Dinner at the Ocean View Room on Naval Base Point Loma. This unique gathering brought together SDMAC Board Members, community partners, senior military leaders, and legislators from Sacramento for an evening of camaraderie, dialogue, and shared commitment to strengthening California’s military and veteran community.

The event began with a lighthearted golf competition—hitting biodegradable golf balls into the Pacific—before transitioning into a reception and dinner. Brief remarks set the tone for the evening: SDMAC President David Boone welcomed the delegation from Sacramento, Rear Admiral Jarrett spoke on behalf of the region’s military installations, and Senator Archuleta and Assemblywoman Schiavo, chairs of their respective Military and Veterans Committees, addressed the critical importance of supporting California’s military personnel and veterans.

Key Themes of the Evening

Dinner conversations centered on several pressing issues:

• The essential role of San Diego’s military mission in national security

• The economic impact of the military and defense industry on California as a whole

• The challenges facing veterans and their families, including retention within California

• The need for stronger policy support, beyond the recently passed military tax exemption bill

  
  

These discussions underscored that while progress is being made, continued legislative attention is vital to ensure that California remains a welcoming home for service members, veterans, and their families.

USD’s Role and Remarks from the Epstein Family Military Center

The University of San Diego (USD) proudly served as the event’s dinner sponsor, represented by Nelson Chase, Director of the newly established Epstein Family Military Center. In his remarks, Chase highlighted the university’s longstanding commitment to serving military-connected students and emphasized the transformative impact of the Epstein Family Foundation’s support. Thanks to a $10 million matching gift from Dan and Phyllis Epstein, USD is expanding its services through the Epstein Family Military Connected Center of Excellence. The center will provide enhanced resources for over 900 military-connected students at USD—including active-duty personnel, veterans, spouses, and children—through dedicated staff, expanded facilities, and specialized programming in wellness, career development, and academic success.

Chase noted that the Center will not only strengthen support for USD students but also serve as a community resource for the broader San Diego military population, aligning directly with the themes of the evening. He reminded attendees of the urgency to create sustainable, long-term support systems for those who serve, so that veterans and their families choose to remain in California after their service.

Why This Matters

Bringing state legislators face-to-face with the military community helps translate policy into meaningful action. These connections ensure that Sacramento better understands the realities facing service members and veterans in San Diego and beyond. As conversations at the dinner made clear, the stakes are high: national security, California’s economy, and the well-being of thousands of military families depend on continued cooperation and investment.

The Legislative Reception and Dinner served as a reminder that collaboration between government, academia, and community partners is essential. By working together, California can lead the way in supporting military personnel and veterans—ensuring they have not only the resources they need to serve, but also the opportunities to thrive long after their service is complete.