San Diegans are being urged to support military veterans when they file their state tax returns this year. One program that would benefit has been operating in Chula Vista for the past 12 years.
It's a combination nursing home and assisted living facility funded by the state. Retired Navy Cpt. Steve Millikin has been here for almost seven years.
"Every need I have is taken care of through very skilled nursing assistants and nurses. Medicines are provided for me and therapy is provided for me. It's an ideal situation and I'm grateful to be part of it," he said.
Millikin, 71, has a unique perspective on this facility. As a volunteer he helped raise funds to expand its services, but never imagined it would one day become his permanent home.
"They kind of expedited my admission here, and it wasn't long before I was a resident," Millikin said.
The Chula Vista State Veterans Home serves 312 residents. Both men and women who primarily served during World World II and the Korean War.
Kenneth Campen, 86, served as a communications specialist in the Marines. He spoke eight different languages until a stroke disabled him. "I can converse with people, and I talk to dozens of people here everyday and I'm perfectly happy," Campen said.
Assemblyman Nathan Fletcher and County Supervisor Greg Cox urged San Diegans to support programs like this when they file their state tax return. Money donated to the California Veterans Homes Fund will go directly to this facility and five others in the state.
