Inside Swords, Generations of Veterans, 40 years of Healing and Hope

INSIDE SWORDS
Spring 2015
A publication of Swords to Plowshares, for our friends, clients and donors
years
Healing and Hope

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Dear Friends,
Our 40th anniversary brings a host of exciting updates. In 2014, we
saw a massive expansion within Swords to Plowshares and our ability
to serve more veterans in the San Francisco Bay Area. With nearly
180 employees providing services at seven housing sites, our San
Francisco Drop-in Center and new location in Oakland, our ability to
reach veterans has never been stronger.
In 1974, we started with a single grant and a small location on Valencia
Street. Now, 40 years later with an annual budget of $15 million, we
are still doing the same thing we set out to do—heal the wounds of
war, restore dignity, hope, and self-sufficiency to all veterans in need,
and to prevent and end homelessness and poverty among veterans.
With reported homelessness figures at a 10-year low in San Francisco,
the impact from the hard work we do to address veteran homelessness
is clearly seen. Supportive housing and eviction protection are
essential to keeping veterans and their families housed and stable.
All of us at Swords are honored to help
veterans turn their lives around. The
staff at Swords to Plowshares and our
supporters are deeply committed to
providing culturally appropriate and
comprehensive services to veterans
and advocating on behalf of the men
and women who have served our
country. In 2014 alone, we helped
more than 3,000 veterans and their families overcome obstacles while
transitioning from combat to community, yet there are still so many
more who need our help here in the San Francisco Bay Area.
Over the years Swords to Plowshares has helped countless veterans
overcome adversity. As we enter our fifth decade of service to our
nation’s veterans, we invite you to look back with us at a snapshot
of the clients we’ve served over the years. In this special edition
newsletter, you will find ‘40 Stories of Success’ that highlight our
40 years of service.
Sincerely,
Michael Blecker
Executive Director
Vietnam Combat Veteran
U.S. Army, 1967-1970
When Their Service Ends,
Our Mission Begins
War causes wounds and suffering that last
beyond the battlefield. Swords to Plowshares’
mission is to heal the wounds, to restore
dignity, hope, and self-sufficiency to all
veterans in need, and to prevent and end
homelessness and poverty among veterans.
Founded in 1974, Swords to Plowshares
is a community-based not-for-profit
organization that provides counseling and
case management, employment and training,
housing, and legal assistance to veterans
in the San Francisco Bay Area. We promote
and protect the rights of veterans through
advocacy, public education and partnerships
with local, state and national entities.
Our Vision
All veterans will have access to the care and
services they need to rebuild their lives.
Our Model
Our model of care is based on the philosophy
that the obstacles veterans face—including
homelessness, unemployment and disability—
are interrelated and require an integrated
network of support within the community and
continuum of care.
2 Letter from Michael Blecker
3 Ending Veteran Homelessness
4-5 A Year in Review
6-7 Veterans Legacy Circle
8-19 40 Years of Service,
40 Stories of Success
20-21 Our History at a Glance
22-23 Pro Bono Program
IN THIS ISSUE
LETTER FROM OUR EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR

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Last year, President Obama challenged America’s major cities to
end veteran homelessness once and for all. Mayors from 40 states
accepted the challenge—and so have we!
Teamed with the office of San Francisco Mayor Ed Lee, we’ve taken
on the task of getting homeless veterans off the streets and into
supportive housing programs. As of November 2014, there were
approximately 720 homeless veterans in San Francisco—a 20%
reduction from 2011—and a direct result of the work we do to place
veterans in housing facilities that support their needs.
Our most recent effort is 250 Kearny. The former Stanford Hotel,
a squalid building once described by a city inspector as a “horror
show” that was unlivable and filled with garbage and filth, has been
renovated into modern housing units made up of hardwood floors
banisters, warm brick, communal kitchens, and 24-7 front-desk service
with on-site case workers and mental health clinicians.
With more than 70 veterans already moved in as of early 2015, 250
Kearny is set to provide housing to 130 veterans total, thanks to a
joint effort between Swords to Plowshares, the City and County of
San Francisco, the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs, and the U.S.
Department of Housing and Urban Development. For our part, Swords
to Plowshares is honored to run day-to-day operations and ensure
these veterans are kept safe and secure with our wrap-around services.
Since the 1980s, we’ve provided supportive housing to thousands of
veterans and their families in the San Francisco Bay Area. Today, we
operate four permanent supportive housing sites and three transitional
housing programs, with the ability to house nearly 450 veterans on
any given night. We continually expand supportive housing to meet the
needs of veteran families, aging veterans and those with disabilities.
Today many veteran occupants at 250 Kearny are reuniting with family,
getting jobs or going back to school, and starting new lives. Ending
veteran homelessness in San Francisco is not a pipe dream. It’s fast
becoming a reality thanks to bold initiatives like 250 Kearny.
Just ask Joe Jackson. The 20-year U.S. Army veteran who served in
Operation Desert Storm battled divorce, alcoholism and homelessness
before seeking help through our Transitional Housing Program on
Treasure Island. Joe moved to 250 Kearny - now his permanent home
- near the end of 2014 and enrolled in a nearby community college,
where he plans to earn a degree in Business.
“I see a lot of people in my shoes, and they move ahead but they fall
back,” Joe says. “That’s not me. A lot of things had to fall into place to
get me here, and they did. It’s serendipity. It’s good. It’s all good.”
ENDING VETERAN HOMELESSNESS
The End of Chronic Veteran
Homelessness is in Sight
Joe Jackson in his apartment at 250 Kearny
Community dining room at 250 Kearny
Exterior of 250 Kearny

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Health Social Services
Our Health and Social Services staff in our Frontline
Drop-in Center provide critical care to help homeless and
low-income veterans improve their health, wellness and
long-term stability. For many of the veterans we serve,
our Drop-in Center is the gateway to our continuum of
care, the holistic model upon which our service delivery
is based. Last year, we saw an average of 40 veterans
daily with 88% enrolling in ongoing counseling and case
management.
Supportive Services for Veteran Families
Our VA-funded Supportive Services for Veterans Families
(SSVF) program provides rapid re-housing assistance,
eviction prevention and supportive services to increase
veterans’ housing and financial stability. Last year, we
helped nearly 900 veteran families in San Francisco,
Alameda and Contra Costa counties obtain or retain
permanent housing with a housing retention rate of 98%.
Supportive Housing
Swords has operated successful and nationally renowned
supportive housing programs for over 25 years. We
continually expand and adapt our programs to meet
the needs of chronically homeless and aging veterans
with disabilities. Our housing efforts contributed to an
astounding 20% reduction in veteran homelessness
in San Francisco—from an estimated 919 homeless
veterans in 2011 to 720 homeless veterans in 2014—a
significant step toward ending veteran homelessness in
San Francisco. The opening of 250 Kearny, our newest
supportive housing program for 130 veterans, brought
our housing capacity to 474 units in 2014; a 61% increase
from 2013 and our largest capacity to date.
Legal Services
We are one of the few organizations in the country that
provides specialized legal services free of charge to help
veterans access the VA benefits and healthcare they have
rightfully earned and need to rebuild their lives. A thriving
Pro Bono Program comprised of 150 volunteer attorneys,
the establishment of the Pro Bono Advisory Board, and
the expansion of our Legal Clinics increased our ability
to serve more veterans by 40% this year. Swords’ staff
and pro bono attorneys helped 732 veterans in 2014 - the
highest number of clients served by this program in our
40-year history.
Employment Job Training
Since 1974, we have been helped veterans from all walks
of life overcome barriers to employment and transfer their
skills learned through military service to a civilian job. We
provide job placement assistance and vocational training
opportunities to prepare veterans for high-wage, high-
growth careers. In 2014, we further expanded services in
the East Bay and opened a new Oakland Drop-in Center to
better serve East Bay veterans and their families.
Institute for Veteran Policy
The Institute for Veteran Policy (IVP) works to improve
the systems of care for veterans through community-
informed advocacy and educates the community about
the unique needs of veterans and their families. IVP’s
cultural competency training, Combat to Community, has
equipped thousands of professionals with the tools they
need to address the unique challenges veterans face.
Additionally, through the Women Veterans Program,
we continually work to address the unique needs of
women veterans through special programs and outreach.
Launched in 2014, the Women Veterans Professional
NetWork provided career development workshops and
ongoing peer mentorship to 87 women; 50% found full-
time employment within 4 months.
2014: A YEAR IN REVIEW
Michael Blecker at April 22, 2015 Press Conference
with VA Secretary and Mayor Lee.
Spring 2014 Women Veterans Professional Network
workshop participants.

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VETERANS LEGACY CIRCLE
The Lasting Impact of Legacy Giving:
A Vietnam Veteran Makes His Case
Dear Supporters,
Having served as a Marine Platoon Commander in Vietnam in the 1960s, I
watched 11 of my young Marines and two Navy Corpsmen die. I witnessed
the serious wounding of nearly every other Marine in my platoon during 14
terrible months and observed the destruction our country had wrought upon
Vietnam. I determined that if I survived the war, I would “give back” in some
way to those warriors and civilians who died and were so seriously injured,
physically and mentally.
I never got over my tour in Vietnam. For years I wondered why so many died. Even though I was wounded three
times, I didn’t. Horrific memories haunted me. When I got home, I searched, hunted, and screamed for a “cause”
that would justify America’s venture in Vietnam. I never found that cause. For 30 years I rarely spoke of the war that
divided, still divides, our generation.
I suppose I never would have addressed this hidden part of me if I hadn’t met Michael Blecker and his incredible
staff and volunteers at Swords to Plowshares in the late 1990s. To them, it didn’t matter if you were for the war or
against the war. All that mattered was advocacy for veterans to help them get off the streets, get the benefits their
own government was denying them and to turn their lives around.
When Dianne and I married in 1967, we jointly committed to fulfill the commitment I made when I left Vietnam.
In 2011 and again in 2015, Dianne and I modified our Living Trust/Will such that a significant percentage of our
estate will be donated to Swords to Plowshares and two other veterans’ organizations that we strongly believe in,
after both of us pass away. Bequeathing a significant portion of our estate is a simple way for us to “give back” to
those who were so important in our lives and who gave so much believing they were doing the right thing. Without
Swords’ comprehensive services over the past 40 years, many more veterans would still be on the streets of San
Francisco or at risk of becoming homeless.
Though I never feel we’ve done enough, getting involved with Swords to Plowshares gave me the chance to give
back, to do something more than just remember those sad days and feel sorry for myself and my dead and injured
Marines and friends who never got the chance I did…to live the additional 45 to 50 years they were denied. Mem-
ories of Vietnam still haunt me, but knowing that Dianne and I can give back a little, through a noble organization
like Swords to Plowshares, that does so much for veterans, helps to assuage my guilt.
If you are passionate about the mission of Swords to Plowshares, I invite you to explore the option of Planned
Giving as well. Visit our Veterans Legacy Circle webpage at www.VeteransLegacyCircle.org.
Sincerely,
Jon Paulson
For more than 20 years, Jon and Dianne Paulson have been dedicated supporters of Swords to Plowshares. Jon is
a Vietnam veteran and serves on Swords to Plowshares’ Advisory Board. Jon and Dianne were awarded at the 2013
Annual Veterans Day Dinner with the Community Hero Award for their tireless dedication to Swords to Plowshares and
the veterans they serve through fundraising, advocacy and volunteerism. Including Swords to Plowshares in their
Living Will ensures that they can make a lasting difference and give back to future generations of veterans in need.
Jon and Dianne Paulson at the
2014 Veterans Day Dinner.

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VETERANS LEGACY CIRCLE
Join Swords to Plowshares’ Legacy Circle and make a lasting difference for future generations of our nation’s veterans.
A couple of our most passionate supporters, Jon and Dianne Paulson have already pledged their support and are
encouraging other friends of Swords to Plowshares to pledge their support and join the Veterans Legacy Circle.
By joining Swords to Plowshares Veterans Legacy Circle and including Swords to Plowshares in your will or trust, you
can leave your legacy and give back to veterans for decades to come. Your testamentary gift expresses your abiding
commitment to healing the wounds of war.
Please consult with your attorney or financial planner for details on planned giving or contact us to learn more about how
to join Swords to Plowshares Veterans Legacy Circle. You can also access free resources, information and customized
guides at www.VeteransLegacyCircle.org.
You can find helpful information at www.VeteransLegacyCircle.org, including:
Customized Wills Planner: Create an account, customize your personal settings, manage your preferences and learn
more with helpful planning guides.
Planned Gift Calculators: Download and customize to see your personalized income and tax benefits. Custom calculators
and presentations will walk you through:
Free Resources for Advisors: We have a complete tax update service for CPAs, attorneys, CLUs, CFPs, ChFCs, trust officers
and other professional friends. The GiftLaw services are made available to all advisors as a free service.
Sign up for E-Newsletters: Our e-newsletter features current news from Washington, finance information, stories about
others who have benefited from giving, calculators and more! Custom newsletters are available for donors and advisors.
• Gifts of Stocks and Bonds: Donating appreciated securities, including stocks or bonds, is an easy and tax-effective
way for you to make a gift to Swords to Plowshares.
• Gifts of Real Estate: Donating appreciated real estate, such as a home, vacation property, undeveloped land,
farmland, ranch or commercial property can make a great gift to Swords to Plowshares.
• Gifts of Retirement Assets: Donating part or all of your unused retirement assets such as a gift from your IRA, 401(k),
403(b), pension or other tax-deferred plan is an excellent way to make a gift to Swords to Plowshares.
• Gifts of Cash: A gift of cash is a simple and easy way for you to make a gift.
• Gifts of Insurance: A gift of your life insurance policy is an excellent way to make a gift to Swords to Plowshares. If you
have a life insurance policy that has outlasted its original purpose, consider making a gift of your insurance policy.
For example, you may have purchased a policy to provide for minor children and they are now financially independent
adults.
Questions?
Please contact Colleen Corliss
Resource Development Communications Director
ccorliss@stp-sf.org or (415) 655.7248
LEARN ABOUT WAYS TO GIVE

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SARAH OLDRIDGE
U.S. Air Force, 2003-2009
“I turned to Swords to Plowshares to ask for the one thing
that most veterans are afraid to ask for—help.”
Replicating the path of her
siblings, Sarah joined the
military at age 18 shortly after
the sudden death of her father.
Before she deployed to Iraq,
her brother assured her that the
base in Balad would be safe,
but her first night in Iraq was
met with ongoing mortar attacks. In 2009, she enlisted
in the Reserves as a paralegal, a job she thought would
protect her from redeployment and keep her close to her
husband. However she was soon activated for another
six months, delaying college and making her transition
out of active duty more challenging. She found it difficult
to prove her value to civilians without a degree or the
experience they required.
Frustrated and financially strained, Sarah came to Swords
to Plowshares. Within months, her counselor found her a
great opportunity at Allied Barton as a human resources
coordinator. In her role at Allied Barton, she continued
to work closely with our staff so that she could give
back to other veterans struggling to find meaningful
job opportunities. Sarah later went on to complete her
bachelor’s degree and prepared for law school.
DENNIS JOHNSON
U.S. Army, 1989-1992
“Getting kicked out of the military was always something
that I was truly ashamed of. It was hard for me to have
to revisit those emotions of shame…but I did and I have
been blessed beyond my wildest dreams. I have a job
today working with veterans like myself at Swords to
Plowshares. My life has been never more exciting than it
is today.”
Dennis Johnson is a U.S. Army veteran
who was given a less than honorable
discharge from the military, known
as ‘bad paper’ in 1991. He turned to
drugs and alcohol, devolving to both
an addict and alcoholic for many years
before he hit bottom and decided
to get sober. As a veteran with ‘bad
paper,’ Dennis was embarrassed of his military status and
doubted that he was entitled to any benefits or services
through the VA or any service organization.
When Dennis learned of Swords to Plowshares and made
an appointment with our Employment Training staff, he
hoped to find a job in which he could help other veterans
overcome the challenges of addiction, poverty and
homelessness. His job counselor immediately recognized
his passion and motivation, and referred him to a part-
time Program Monitor position at one of our transitional
housing facilities. He was interviewed and hired
immediately. Dennis impressed the residential operations
management team so much that he was asked to take on
a full-time position as Intake Clerk for our Frontline Drop-
in Center.
40 Years of Service, 40 Stories of Success
Over the years, Swords to Plowshares has helped countless veterans overcome adversity. As we enter our fifth
decade of service to our nation’s veterans, we invite you to look back with us at a snapshot of the clients we’ve
served over the years in our ‘40 Stories of Success’ that highlight our 40 years of service. This collection of 40
stories speak to the full range of services Swords to Plowshares offers to veterans and their families and the
success of our integrated model of care.

40 YEARS OF SERVICE, 40 STORIES OF SUCCESS
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DEL SEYMOUR
U.S. Army, 1968-1970
“Thanks to the innovative and one-of-a-kind housing
programs that Swords to Plowshares has been involved
in this year, I can actually see an end to veteran
homelessness in this city coming very soon. No other
group of homeless folks in this city has received as much
care and concern as veterans, and very soon the effort will
need to shift to keeping these veterans housed.“
After serving as a medic during
the Vietnam War, Del moved
with his family to Los Angeles,
where he continued to work as a
paramedic. When he later moved
to San Francisco, life took a turn
for the worse into a spiral of
homelessness and addiction until
he received assistance from Swords to Plowshares.
Now clean and sober for eight years, Del has since
founded the Tenderloin Walking Tours, providing
historical stories and insight into an often overlooked
neighborhood. He also serves on the Local Homeless
Coordinating Board and Swords to Plowshares’ Board
of Directors.
LAYMER PAMINTUAN
U.S. Army, 2010-2014
U.S. Army Reserves, 2014-present
“With the help of Swords to Plowshares, I have been able
to transition to civilian life much more smoothly than
expected. The constant support of the organization led me
to the comfortable position I am in now.”
After joining the U.S. Army in
2010, Laymer was deployed
to the Kunar Province in
Afghanistan from 2012 to 2013.
He was honorably discharged
the following year and received
multiple awards for his service.
Laymer sought out the services
of our Employment Training
Department while looking for work. The employment
counselor working with him at Swords recognized his
strong organizational and leadership skills, and his
passion for helping fellow veterans. Laymer was brought
onboard as our Office Manager, and is also a full-time
student working on his bachelor’s degree in Technical
Management in Small Business and Entrepreneurship.
A resident of Daly City, he continues to serve in the U.S.
Army Reserves.
DAVID FISH
U.S. Army 1984-1991
“A lot of soldiers don’t become veterans until they’ve failed at being civilians, even
though they’ve been vets all along. I’ve learned that you shouldn’t spend your life trying
to forget the unforgettable. Without Swords’ attorney Katie Dwight, I’m not sure that I
would be standing here. She assisted me through the arduous process of VA claims and
compensation and pension—an area that no veteran can hope to navigate without legal
support. After three years I was able to establish financial security again for my sons
and myself.”
David served in the U.S. Army as a medic and paratrooper, including a deployment to
Iraq during Operation Desert Storm. When he returned to his native California, he found
himself battling PTSD and major depression. Though he married, bought a home, and
went to work as a licensed nurse, his symptoms worsened and remained untreated.
Seventeen years after his discharge, he lost everything and became homelessness.
He felt disillusioned, disoriented and empty. When David finally came to Swords to
Plowshares for help, divorced and penniless, our legal team made sure that David received the treatment he needed
from the VA as well as the benefits owed for his service as a combat veteran.
David says, “seeking help from the VA had sparked a creative fire within me, but suddenly found I had a desire to
create meaningful art.” He now finds healing through art and works with a number of artistic veteran groups in
the San Francisco Bay Area, and has been performed in solo projects and modern dance projects, some of which
were made possible by grants obtained by Swords. David now lives in the Sunset district of San Francisco with two
children, Simon and Dylan, aged 20 and 18.

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RYAN SCHMIDT
U.S. Marine Corps, 2003-2008
“In the Marine Corps, you never have to watch your back
because you know that your brother has it covered. The
men and women at Swords to Plowshares believe in you
and pledge that they will have your back. I’m not sure
where I would be with them.”
Ryan Schmidt served in the U.S.
Marine Corps as a rifleman from
2003 to 2008. While deployed
to Iraq, he was awarded a
Purple Heart, Marine Corps
Commendation Medal, Combat
Action Ribbon and a handful
of other decorations. He came
home in 2008 to find the country
in a recession. Jobs were so scarce in Northern California
that Ryan ended up taking a job on an oil rig in Kansas
for 18 months. By the time he saved enough money to
return to the Bay Area, he managed to survive all of three
months in San Francisco before being forced to move out
to San Leandro.
If it wasn’t for our Supportive Services for Veteran
Families program (SSVF), which provided him with
eviction prevention assistance when he got behind in
his rent, Ryan and his family could have ended up at
homeless. Eventually he landed a job at the San Francisco
VA Hospital as an engineer thanks to our Employment and
Training Program. Ryan lives in San Leandro with his wife,
Marilyn, and their two children.
DIANE WILLIAMSON
U.S. Army, 1976-1979
“A lot of people don’t get a chance to stop and re-evaluate
their lives. I got that chance to hit bottom, get up, ask how
I got there, and what I could do to help myself. Swords to
Plowshares gave me that opportunity. I know that I’m not
the same person I was that first day I heard about Swords.
I’ve learned so much since then.”
While serving in the Army, Diane
Williamson was sexually assaulted
by her commanding officer and soon
after began suffering from symptoms
of PTSD brought on by military sexual
trauma (MST). Despite the violence
she survived, she continued serving
until she became pregnant, forcing her to make the
difficult decision to end her military career early. Using
the GI Bill to earn an associate’s degree in graphic
design, Diane worked for the Navy in Oakland until the
facility closed in 1997. However in the years following,
she experienced ongoing symptoms of PTSD, depression,
gaps in employment, and eventually lost her apartment.
Diane was living at a shelter when a resident told
her about Swords to Plowshares. After moving to our
Transitional Housing Program on Treasure Island, she
was able to work through her PTSD by volunteering and
undergoing mental health treatment and subsequently
moving into the Veterans Academy, where she made
her home for 11 years while pursuing her education and
reconnecting with family. In 2011, Diane settled into her
own apartment with her daughter in East Bay.
DOTTIE GUY
U.S. Army, 2000-2007
“Not only does Swords to Plowshares provide help for our veterans in need, it also
provides a community of people who understand what it means to serve.”
Dottie joined the Army National Guard after high school in 2000 as a means of
building community and new opportunities after relocating away from her hometown.
Following the 9/11 attacks, she was activated just hours after American Airlines Flight
77 crashed into the Pentagon, and eventually she deployed to Iraq in 2003. Years later,
Dottie was referred to Swords to Plowshares by a peer who encouraged her to seek help with her disability claim
with the Department of Veterans Affairs.
Her attorney worked with her to access the VA benefits she earned and address her service-connected injuries.
Dottie landed a job as the Outreach Coordinator for Iraq- and Afghanistan-era veterans at the Oakland Vet Center,
and she serves on the San Francisco Veterans Affairs Commission.

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STAR LARA
U.S. Army, 1995-2007
“I believed that the transition
to my career after earning my
degree would be seamless.
I expected employers to be
knocking down my door
offering me the highly sought
after management positions.
Unfortunately, I had to learn
the hard way that veterans have to work even harder to
translate their soft skills and transferable skills before
I could sell myself and my resume. Thanks to Swords, I
landed a very rewarding position that has allowed me
to utilize all the skills I learned during my twelve years
in the Army.”
During her service, Star she achieved the rank of Staff
Sergeant and was assigned to multiple duty stations
as well as deployments that included Bosnia during
Operation Joint Forge and Iraq during Operation
Iraqi Freedom. She was awarded the Combat Action
Badge and two Meritorious Service Medals for her
service. After her discharge, she also earned a BA
in Business Management but still she struggled to
find a job. Star reached out to the Employment and
Training Department at Swords to Plowshares. She
was hired as our Women Veterans Program Manager,
and went on to be named the 2014 California Women
Veteran Leader of Year by the California Department of
Veterans Affairs, as well as Veteran of the Year by the
California State Senate.
TONY BONINI
U.S. Army Reserves, 1998-2004
“I never thought I was going to make it…”
After 10 years of service split between
the U.S. Marines and the U.S. Army
Reserves, Tony was dismissed after
failing a drug test. His drug habit soon
worsened and he lost his marriage, his
apartment and eventually all contact
with his family. He lived out of his car
and survived on petty theft. When he heard about Swords
to Plowshares from a fellow veteran, Tony managed to
stay sober for a week and then entered our Transitional
Housing Program. He attended classes and began to
make better decisions. Once stable and sober, Tony
reconnected with his two daughters—something he
considers his greatest accomplishment.
JOHN PAGE
“Swords to Plowshares helped me out so much. I tell every
veteran I know to give them a call. I’ve got the number
memorized. 415-252-4788.”
Having developed hypertension
while serving during the Vietnam
War, John struggled to settle into
civilian life after the war with his
wife and baby boy in California.
A former commander tried to get
John a position in air traffic control
where he could apply the skills he
learned while serving in the Air Force, but health issues
kept him from getting the job. Devastated, John began
self-medicating to the point that his drug use tore apart
his family and led to bouts of homelessness. Eventually
he suffered a stroke that resulted in partial paralysis, loss
of motor skills, blindness, and permanent damage to his
short-term memory and ability to comprehend speech.
In 2002, friends encouraged him to go to Swords to
Plowshares for help. He worked with one of our staff
attorneys who secured him the service-connected
disability benefits he earned and needed to survive. Once
he was stable, John reunited with his family and now
dedicates his spare time to working with troubled youth.
CAUDREY PARKER
U.S. Navy, 1989-2010
“Swords to Plowshares had something behind its
billboard.”
In 2010, after returning home from a
difficult deployment to Afghanistan,
Caudrey had a tough time finding
employment. Despite her skills
and experience, she struggled to
find a job and relied on friends for
shelter. She eventually reached out
to Swords to Plowshares, which laid
the groundwork for her to enter a training program that
earned her a Building Performance Analyst Certificate.
Swords also assisted Caudrey with her job search,
eventually leading to a position as a shift supervisor in
Cupertino, CA.

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MARCO CONCEPCION
“Before my deployment to Iraq, I felt like your average
proud Marine, but when I got back I was a different
person. I ignored what was really going on with me
and turned to drugs and alcohol. Once I faced the
truth, I decided to get help. I felt great knowing that
I finally found something I am good at—being a
hardworking tradesman. I’m confident now.”
ALAN NUDO
“Between my first and second deployment, I didn’t
know what to do. I drank heavily to cope, and for
months was not motivated even to look for work. I
eventually enrolled in a for-profit school and quickly
started racking up serious student loan debt. My
best friend, Marco [Concepcion], signed me up for a
training course at Swords to Plowshares to become an
apprentice carpenter. At first I was skeptical, but now I
feel lucky that my new job will give me stability, great
income and the training I need for the future.”
Marco and Alan, both young veterans who served
together in Iraq, sought help at Swords to Plowshares
despite their reservations to reach out for assistance.
The two friends, who supported each other through
difficult times in Iraq, reunited after military service to
support each other through the difficulties they were
facing in the civilian world. Their career counselor at
Swords helped them enroll in a competitive carpentry
apprenticeship program. Both Alan and Marco
successfully completed pre-apprenticeship training
and developed their skills on the job working with
master carpenters.
KELLY CHENOT
U.S. Army, 1996-1998
“Swords to Plowshares’ permanent housing for me and
my son made a world of difference for his and my healing.
We can move on to deal with more in our lives … It’s all
about living now, not just surviving.”
Kelly faced the “scariest time” of her life
in 2006 when, expecting a child while on
the road to recovery, she found herself
without housing and in need of service.
Swords to Plowshares not only provided
stable permanent housing for Kelly and
her son, but also helped create family
experiences and memories with veteran
access to events and attractions that otherwise would not
have been available to them.
DUSTIN MOONEY
U.S. Marine Corps Reserves, 2008-2014
“I finished my bachelor’s degree in winter 2014 and
began my search for a career where I could achieve the
necessary social work experience needed to apply for
a Master of Social Work program. I sought out the help
of the employment services at Swords to Plowshares. I
immediately became inspired with the non-profit itself.
Their selfless dedication to helping military veterans
and their families fell right in line with the values I held.
With the help of my employment specialist, I was able
to not only start a career where I could gain social work
experience, but it was also with the same organization
that was helping me do so, Swords to Plowshares. They
were essential in preparing me for this opportunity and I
am extremely thankful.”
Dustin served in the U.S.
Marine Corps Reserves for
six years, during which
he deployed to Iraq and
Afghanistan. It was always his
goal to attend and graduate
from college after his service.
Dustin utilized the GI Bill,
and through hard work and determination was able to
attend UC Berkeley, where he studied Psychology and
Social Welfare. During his studies, Dustin discovered a
passion for serving those less fortunate than himself.
Keeping in tune with his love for the military, he decided
to become a social worker helping military veterans.
Swords to Plowshares hired him to work in our Supportive
Services for Veteran Families program in Oakland, helping
veterans and their families find stable housing.

13
RANDALL FLAGG
U.S. Army, 1983-1986
“I had nowhere to go. Swords to Plowshares gave me
a key to my own room and I never looked back. They
helped me to the point that in nine months I got a job,
transitioned out of their Transitional Housing Program
on my own in order to do everything I needed for me and
my family. That was nineteen years ago. I’m gratefully
indebted to Swords, because that’s where everything
changed. That’s straight from me, from the heart. Now I
work at Swords and we’re going to do great things.”
In 1995, Randall Flagg turned to
Swords to Plowshares for help. He was
emaciated, weak and in need of medical
assistance—a veteran in just about the
worst shape that our staff had ever seen
during an intake. Fortunately we were
able to help Randall access the urgent
care he needed. Upon his release from
the hospital, Randall entered our Transitional Housing
Program. Through hard work and dedication, Randall
turned his life around and re-united with his family. He
currently works for Swords to Plowshares as one of our
outreach coordinators, helping veterans regain their
dignity, hope and self-sufficiency.
JOSH AGUILAR
U.S. Army, 2000-2011
“Adjusting to who I was and who I am now is the hardest part of looking back to when I
decided to join the military.”
Josh Aguilar joined the U.S. Army in 2000 and was assigned to the 1st Battalion, 327
Infantry, 101st Airborne Division, where he served three deployments to Iraq over the
course of 11 years. The missions were rigorous, as Josh’s unit engaged in day-to-day
combat and many lives were lost. Throughout the years the effects of war became an
unstoppable force, both during and after. During his tours, Josh witnessed and suffered
tremendous loss, and more than ever, felt the weight of his experiences.
After being medically retired due to combat-related injuries, Josh moved to California to begin a new life as a
civilian. Luckily, he had close ties to fellow veterans who worked at Swords to Plowshares, and they were able to
help him link with one of our staff attorneys who helped him secure his VA disability compensation and pension, as
well as to enroll in school and find employment. His PTSD continues to be a struggle, but Josh remains connected to
the veteran community which helps him continue to improve his health, stability and employment opportunities.
HOBART LEE
“I respect the veterans who were in the Transitional
Housing Program with me because of what they do to
change their lives. The best thing about Swords’ program
is that it was an opportunity to work on myself.”
Hobart served two tours with the
Marine Corps just after the Vietnam
War, coinciding with the evacuation of
U.S. troops from 1978 to 1982. Upon
returning home, he tried out for the
NFL and played two years with the L.A.
Express as well as another year with
the L.A. Rams. A shattered shoulder
ended his football career in 1985, and he moved to San
Francisco to look for a job though he had little experience
outside of the military and the football field.
Long-time unemployment eventually led to drug
dependency and homelessness, and from 1989 to 1994
he wandered the Tenderloin and Lower Market area,
eventually serving time in prison on drug charges. On
his release, Hobart enrolled in Swords to Plowshares’
Transitional Housing Program, graduated in 2010 and
established a home of his own. He later went back to
school to pursue a degree in counseling, volunteers with
at-risk youth, and began working at the VA to give back to
his fellow veterans.

14
GEOFF BYRD
“Swords has helped guide me to aid and empower myself to make changes in my life. At their
Transitional Housing Program you learn a whole new lifestyle.”
Geoff served from 2001 to 2005, flying with the U.S. Air Force over Iraq and much of the
Middle East. After returning stateside, he found that he had trouble sleeping, was easily
startled, and often overcome by memories of attacks that he experienced overseas. Unaware
these were symptoms of PTSD and having underestimated the transition to civilian life, Geoff
turned to alcohol rather than treatment. By the time he heard about Swords to Plowshares,
he was in need of both counseling and transitional housing. He benefited from the structure
and stability of the program and successfully graduated with plans to pursue college.
RAYMOND HOUSTON
U.S. Navy, 2005-2009
“Swords was amazing when I needed the most help. When
I met with my employment counselor, he made a phone
call to one of his contacts at a security company and
immediately set up an interview for me. I went straight
from his office to the company and was hired on the spot.
The people who helped me at Swords were vets, so they
know how it is. I could really relate to them a lot more than
anybody else who was trying to help.”
Ray Houston, served in the
U.S. Navy from 2005 to 2009,
including tours in Iraq. Soon
after finishing his service,
Ray secured a job in the San
Francisco Bay Area. He set
out to leave Norfolk, Virginia
to relocate with his expecting
wife and daughter to pursue a new career. Unfortunately
on the trip out, Ray and his family were robbed of all their
possessions to the point they didn’t even have toys for
their daughter. Soon after, he found out the job he had
lined up was no longer available. Even his backup plan to
apply at the local police force was put on hold because
of to a hiring freeze, so Ray found himself starting from
scratch.
The Employment Development Department referred Ray to
Swords to Plowshares, where he met with an employment
counselor at our Oakland office. Together they mapped
out a plan for Ray’s future career goals. After landing a job
at a security company, Ray was promoted after only a few
months. Also, with the help of Swords’ staff, Ray enrolled
in school to pursue an engineering degree and secured
donations to replace their stolen belongings.
WILLIAM BOEHM
U.S. Navy, 1967-1971
“When you go from the military to civilian life, it’s like two
different worlds. A lot of veterans end up on the streets.
After the Vietnam War I ignored my PTSD for decades
until my life crumbled around me. I never thought I would
become homeless, but I spent three years wandering the
desert.”
After the Vietnam War,
Bill returned home to San
Francisco and tried to get
help at the VA, but PTSD
wasn’t recognized at the
time and there were no
services to help him. He
went on to get married, start
a family and open a business that thrived for more than
two decades. The symptoms of his PTSD went untreated
however, and his family life began to unravel. He
eventually sold his business and was homeless for years,
wandering the country before seeking help in 2010.
Bill was referred to Swords to Plowshares and received
both supportive housing and mental health counseling,
all the while battling colon cancer. Bill made his home at
Swords to Plowshares’ Veterans Academy for three years,
where he facilitated peer counseling groups and was an
active member of the community. He subsequently
moved on to an apartment of his own in Pacifica and
now dedicates much of his time supporting fellow
veterans through a peer-based counseling model called
“Vet-to-Vet”.

15
EDDY WEDERTZHOW, SR.
U.S. Army, 1972-1974
“I know the pain of hitting bottom and now the joy of
coming back out on top…”
Eddy returned home from military
service to his wife and two young
children, and managed to keep a
steady job for the next 14 years.
Haunting memories from his time in
service still lingered, as did bad habits,
and he began to take sick days and
lose focus at work. His drug and alcohol dependency led
to divorce. When Eddy sought help at the VA, they pointed
him to Swords to Plowshares, where counseling helped
him beat his addiction.
He got involved in volunteer activities and even helped
open a youth gym on Treasure Island. Time spent at
our Computer Learning Center rounded out his skill
set, leading to employment at a property management
company. A year later, Eddy became one of our housing
program managers. He enjoyed mentoring veterans and
serving as a mentor to other veterans so they too could
regain control of their lives.
DAN RARIDON
“I really appreciate the Treasure Island Transitional
Housing Program because it has given me a future. We
get here and it’s like a big ol’ loving family. It is the best
program I have ever been in.”
Dan sustained a Traumatic Brain Injury
(TBI) from his time in service but still
managed to hold a job as a plumber
for 18 years to support his wife and
two children. Though Dan was already
abusing alcohol by the time he left
the military, it worsened when he
returned to civilian life and he could never last longer
than 30 days sober. When friends told him about Swords
to Plowshares, Dan was struck by the extent to which our
staff cares for clients and helps them to work through
issues. Our Transitional Housing Program helped Dan
finally maintain sobriety and get his life back on track. He
credits his success to our “vet-to-vet support network.”
TANGERINE GYI
U.S. Army, 1999-2007
“The women veterans I’ve met in
the community and finding outlets
for my artistic expression have
helped me put back together the
incomplete, dismembered and
shattered parts of my life.”
Tangerine Gyi has lived in San Francisco since she was
a teenager. After joining the California Army National
Guard in 1999, she was activated in the wake of 9/11
to guard the Golden Gate Bridge. In 2004, she was
deployed to Iraq for 18 months, and again in 2006
to San Diego in support of homeland security-border
patrols. After her military service, she enrolled at City
College of San Francisco to study anthropology.
School provided a means to become more connected
with the veteran community and Tangerine soon
learned about Swords to Plowshares through her
veteran peers. A budding artist, she became involved
with our Women Veterans Program through its annual
art show, SHOUT! For Women Veterans.
In addition, our Women Veterans Program Manager
helped Tangerine link with the services and support
she needs to address her health, employment and
overall wellness.
VICTOR FLEMING
U.S. Army, 1977-1979
“I self-medicated for thirty years. Now I live at Veterans
Commons and it is more than my home—it’s a community
here. Being able to move in was a miracle that’s given my
life new meaning. The people working here will help you
with anything. If you’re a vet and you need help, we have a
staff here to go to who are problem solvers.”
During a period of homelessness
that lasted more than five years,
Victor at one point suffered a 62-
day coma. He continued to jump
from shelter to shelter until he was
referred to Swords to Plowshares.
Swords secured an apartment for
Victor at Veterans Commons, one of Swords’ permanent
supportive housing sites. Victor moved in on November
21, 2012, a date that coincided with the one-year
anniversary of his father’s death. For the first time in
years, he was not ashamed to show his 18-year-old son
his home—in fact he is very proud of where he now lives.

16
ALEXANDRA CRICHLOW
“Thankfully, with support from
my counselor at Swords to
Plowshares, I reclaimed my
life. My daughter and I left our
darkest days behind.”
While working on her bachelor’s degree in
engineering, Alex was recruited by the U.S. Air
Force. She was the only woman assigned to a unit
comprised of 26 men and faced constant harassment
and sexual assaults during her time in service. Her
pleas for protection and transfer requests were
continually denied and eventually she became
pregnant. For more than 20 years after leaving the
military, she suffered from PTSD brought on by
military sexual trauma, in addition to long bouts of
isolation due to severe agoraphobia.
For many years, she relied on support from our
counselors at Swords to Plowshares who coordinated
mental healthcare and supportive services for her
and her daughter. Swords’ staff helped her and
her daughter to remain stably housed and gave the
ongoing encouragement and support she needed to
continue addressing her mental health issues.
SAMUEL BIBBENS
U.S. Army, 1960-1963
“I’m comfortable with my life now. In fact, I’m enjoying my
life more today than any years before.”
Sam first came to Swords to
Plowshares after a series of battles
with drugs and alcohol that caused
him to lose his job. At Swords, he
found help working with our staff
in Employment and Training as well
as counselors in our Frontline Drop-
in Center. Years later, Sam decided to move back to his
home state of Louisiana and make a new life for himself in
New Orleans. Hurricane Katrina, however, created a new
set of obstacles and he found himself homeless.
Three years after the hurricane, Sam returned to San
Francisco and applied to live at our Veterans Academy,
a permanent supportive housing facility in the Presidio.
In October of 2008, the Veterans Academy became his
permanent home. He has improved his life by furthering
his education, staying clean and sober, and playing an
active role within his community.
ERICK VARELA
U.S. Army, 2002-2010
“A lot of people don’t realize that being in the military is a
lifestyle, not just a job.”
During his two tours of duty, Erick
was deployed to both Iraq and
Afghanistan. When he came home
in 2007, he struggled to acclimate
to the civilian world, compounded
by a suffering economy and the
immediate need for employment to
support his family. Erick learned about the PGE Power
Pathways Program, where he could gain skills to pursue a
career in green technologies.
After hearing that Swords to Plowshares had teamed
up with PGE to offer the training program at no cost to
recently separated veterans, Erick quickly signed up. He
excelled in the program and was not only offered a job
upon completion, but was quickly promoted. He looks
forward to the future opportunities it may bring.
ROB KANE
U.S. Army, 1990-1992
“Swords to Plowshares aims to heal veterans and give
them every opportunity to redeem themselves with
dignity. Swords gave me a helping hand when I needed it
and helped me to overcome a rough patch in my life. It is
an honor to work for such an organization.”
A U.S. Army veteran who served in
Germany, Rob found out about Swords
and their services through the COVER
veterans’ reintegration program as a way
to complete community service. Rob’s
technology skills were uncovered during
his volunteer service and he was offered
a full-time position with Swords. With a BA in Political
Economy from UC Berkeley, Rob uses his IT experience
to manage our website and other Internet services to
improve communications and outreach initiatives and has
completed his master’s degree in Project and Systems
Management at Golden Gate University.

17
VICKI HUDSON
U.S. Army Army Reserves, 1979-2012
“My life would have taken a very different turn, if not for the aid and support of
community agencies like Swords to Plowshares. Instead of moving forward, I likely
would have succumbed to depression and isolation.”
During her 33 years of service, Vicki Hudson served in the Persian Gulf War of 1990-
91 and deployed to Bosnia-Herzegovina in 1996. She continued to serve in the U.S.
Army Reserves despite battling with symptoms of PTSD, and while also working
jobs in security and food service. In 2000, unable to find affordable housing, she
was forced to live in her truck with her two dogs for months on end, volunteering at
a food bank in return for bags of groceries. Swords to Plowshares found her an apartment and provided the deposits
she needed to move in to her new home.
Without assistance, Vicki would not have been able to keep her dogs, who were integral to her PTSD stability.
Following the 9/11 attacks, she was recalled to active duty for three tours where she commanded three separate
battalions. A writer with an MFA from Saint Mary’s College of California, Vicki now lives with her spouse and children
in Hayward, where they own a home.
HELO HALO
“It’s all about vets helping vets. If another vet can hear my
story and understand the advantages of going through
Swords to Plowshares, that’s all the payoff I need.”
Helo was working as a dishwasher in
Gualala, California, when he hit bottom
as a result of his drinking. His boss
tried to help, but when he continued to
drink, there was no choice but to fire
him. Helo spent the next few months
homeless, until in August of 2006
his friends decided it was time for an
intervention. They enrolled him in the VA healthcare
system, forcing him into a van and driving him there to be
admitted to the VA Substance Abuse Day Hospital.
The staff there referred Helo to Swords to Plowshares,
and he was quickly admitted to our Transitional Housing
Program on Treasure Island, which he credits with saving
his life. After graduating to permanent housing at our
Veterans Academy in the Presidio, Helo enrolled at San
Francisco City College and became a Nursing Assistant
at North and South of Market Adult Day Care. He plans
to become a Registered Nurse and continues to be an
advocate in the veteran community.
JONATHON LEE
U.S. Army, 2001-2005
“Being out in the world—it’s different. Other vets
understand what I’m going through. In Swords to
Plowshares’ program, I finally felt like I could take
care of, and deal with things.”
After 9/11, Jonathon decided to
answer the call of duty even though
he was already in his 30s. Before his
deployment, his drill instructor said,
“Some of you are going to Iraq, some of
you to Afghanistan, and some of you are
going to die.” Each time he had a near
brush with death, he felt lucky to not be counted in the
third category. Shortly after returning home from Iraq,
his luck took a turn for the worse and he found himself
dealing with the psychological wounds of war.
Jonathon spent more than three years homeless in
Northern California before seeking help through Swords
to Plowshares’ Transitional Housing Program. The
program allowed him to live in supportive housing for
over a year and receive the treatment he needed to cope
with his PTSD. Jonathon completed the program in 2010
and moved to an apartment in Oakland. Thanks to the GI
Bill, he was able to pursue a degree in criminal justice.

18
KEVIN MILLER
“Swords to Plowshares truly understands veterans and how to support them through
their continuum of care and model of ‘vets-helping-vets’ They provided me not only with
the support I needed, but also gave me the opportunity to give back and advocate for my
fellow veterans.”
Kevin joined the U.S. Marine Corps infantry just out of high school and served three
combat tours in the Middle East. Transitioning from the Marine Corps in 2006 to the
civilian world was far from easy. Even after earning a college degree, Kevin struggled
to find meaningful employment and endured a form of homelessness politely known
as “couch-surfing.” Swords to Plowshares brought him on as their AmeriCorps VISTA,
landed him in his first permanent residence in over two years under the SSVF program,
and provided legal assistance in his disability claim with the VA. After serving a year as an AmeriCorps VISTA,
Kevin was brought on full-time at Swords, where he uses his experience to advocate for the best opportunities and
resources for veterans as the Strategic Development and Communications Coordinator.
BRIAN JARVIS
U.S. Air National Guard, 2012-present
“After months of watching my savings disappear, I was
one rent check away from having to leave the Bay Area
with my head in the sand and trudge back to the Midwest
to crash on my mother’s couch. It was that close. Here I
had a master’s degree and still couldn’t get my foot in
the door. Swords didn’t just find me a job. They gave me
a job that was tailor-made for me. For that I’ll always be
grateful.”
Brian joined the California Air
National Guard in 2012 at the
age of 35. After finishing his
active duty training, however,
he found himself back in the
San Francisco Bay Area in
desperate need of a full-time
job. His pay with the Guard
was less than $200 per month—barely enough to cover
groceries, much less rent. Hiring managers were leery of
his part-time military status.
After six months of unemployment and no interviews,
Brian was ready to quit California altogether when a
colleague recommended Swords to Plowshares. Within a
month, Brian was hired as their full-time Communications
Associate, a job he loves. He continues to train on
weekends with the 129th Rescue Wing at Moffett Field
in Mountain View, where he serves as a Public Affairs
Specialist.
WENDY BARNETT
U.S. Army Reserves, 1979-1985
“Swords is a Godsend, my saving grace. They treat you
like a whole person, taking in everything and digging
in deeper to find the real situation in order to help. They
don’t just focus on your military service, but also what has
happened in your life since then. They help you along the
way, and have helped me every time I needed it.”
Until Swords to Plowshares opened
family housing in February 2012,
Wendy and her 14-year-old son were
homeless. As a single mother, she
struggled for more than two years to
find work and affordable housing.
Once we learned about Wendy’s
hardships, through a social worker at the VA, our Women
Veterans Program Manager called to inform her of an
opening at our new permanent family housing and how
to apply. Within two weeks, Wendy’s life changed as she
and her son moved in to a freshly renovated two-bedroom
apartment. With the stability and support she needed,
Wendy landed a job at the VA Hospital where she can give
back to fellow veterans.

19
JOHN WOOD
U.S. Army, 1969-1972
“I knew I had a problem with PTSD. I fought long and hard
to get effective treatment from the VA, and I was told to
suck it up and be a man. It took me from 1972 until 2006
for the VA to admit that I had PTSD. Swords to Plowshares
bent over backwards to help me when all the others would
not, providing me with free attorney representation.”
A Vietnam combat veteran, John
suffered from PTSD for 37 years without
finding proper treatment or help. In
2012, he was living in a tent in the
woods and feeling cut off from the rest
of the world. When a friend told him
about Swords to Plowshares, John
decided to finally seek help. He worked with one of our
attorneys who determined his eligibility for VA benefits
and fought for him to receive a fair disability rating. We
were able to get John medical care at a VA hospital as
well as disability benefits to compensate for decades
of suffering. John has been able to cope with his PTSD
thanks to the help of his psychiatrist.
JOSE CASTRO
“After coming home I thought I was okay, but I would snap
sometimes. I knew I couldn’t keep living the way I was.
So I went to Swords to Plowshares. They were awesome
and gave me the encouragement I needed. I felt like I had
someone on my team.”
Jose joined the Marine Corps after
9/11 to “fight for and protect his
country.” He deployed to Iraq
in 2003 but soon began having
difficulty sleeping, controlling his
anger and connecting with his
friends. The nightmares worsened
when he came home. People told
him that he wasn’t the same,
and it was true—he was struggling with PTSD and wasn’t
getting the help he needed.
After connecting with Swords, Jose was able to work with
our legal department to gain access to treatment and
disability benefits. Seven years after his discharge, he
finally qualified for his VA benefits and healthcare. Jose
went back to school and worked with our employment
team, who provided him with encouragement, career
options and a plan for the future.
MARY RIVERA
U.S. Navy, 1979-1988
“We put our lives on the line for our country and we love
our country. The staff at Swords to Plowshares was there
when everybody else turned their backs. When I was in
Swords’ housing program, they told me that I don’t have
to worry anymore—you are home now.”
After serving eight years in the U.S.
Navy, Mary struggled through periods
of homelessness, alcoholism and
mental illness. In 2008, she had a
breakdown and needed help. She
learned about Swords to Plowshares
through the VA hospital and moved
to our Transitional Housing Program on Treasure Island,
where she bonded with fellow veterans, obtained
counseling and was able to heal. After graduating from
the program, Mary reconnected with her family and
friends.
SEAN MCKEEN
U.S. Army, 2005–2009
“Swords to Plowshares
helped me pay for classes in
motorcycle repair so that I
could have a job that I actually
love. I just want to be a regular
guy who can take care of my
kids and ride motorcycles.”
Sean McKeen joined the U.S. Army at 17, eager to
embrace something new in life other than the rural
one he knew growing up in Montana and Washington
State. He spent 15 months in Iraq as a combat
engineer, specializing in explosives and urban tactics,
a job that was often harrowing. The life he returned
to after service was a difficult one, and battling PTSD
made it even more difficult to stay on track and out
of trouble. Sean found himself living at a homeless
shelter that was often “out of control.”
At the shelter, Sean met a resident who told
him about Swords to Plowshares, and his first
appointment coincided with our first Job Fair. Sean
learned about opportunities for both employment
and housing, and soon he moved to our Transitional
Housing Program on Treasure Island. From there
he enrolled in classes and began working with our
counselors on his PTSD, as well as our staff attorneys
to file a benefits claim.

20
1985-1995: America is Awakened to the Hardships of Vietnam Veterans
The American public began discussing the Vietnam War and made concerted efforts to understand the struggles veterans faced
during combat and coming home. Also, during this time public funding allowed community-based organizations to provide housing to
homeless veterans. Programs for homeless veterans began to build momentum and support with the help of the National Coalition for
Homeless Veterans.
OUR HISTORY AT A GLANCE
1974 - 1984: The Decade of Neglect
The public did not want to be reminded of the Vietnam War and could not separate their negative feelings about the war from the
warrior. Vietnam veterans were not only rejected by the public, but also by groups like the Veterans of Foreign Wars, American Legion
and the Department of Veterans Affairs. This was a time when policy affecting veterans was controlled by these agencies which
blatantly neglected Vietnam veterans and depicted them as villains.
• 1974: Swords is established by six
Vietnam veterans concerned with the
unmet needs of their peers within the
community and VA
• 1976: Swords develops tailored
services for military discharge
upgrades, working with incarcerated
veterans and providing employment,
training and educational assistance
• 1978: Swords becomes the first
organization in 32 years certified by
the VA to represent veterans seeking
benefits
• 1979: Swords wins one of the first
PTSD cases in the country
• 1980: Community-based organizations
serving veterans begin to rise up
all over the country to help Vietnam
veterans
• 1980: PTSD is finally recognized. Prior
to this time it was called “Post-Vietnam
Syndrome”
• 1983: The Vietnam Wall is built in
DC, giving overdue recognition to the
Vietnam vets
• 1980s: Michael Blecker, Swords’
Executive Director is asked to serve on
the Agent Orange Advisory Board
• 1984: Swords’ attorneys helped
develop the Agent Orange Self-Help
Guide and served on the National
Agent Orange Settlement Advisory
Board
• 1985: 10 years after the end of the
Vietnam War, “Welcome Home”
parades began springing up to honor
veterans
• 1986: Swords establishes the Health
and Social Services department thanks
to public funding made available to
community-based organizations
• 1988: Swords begins its first
transitional housing program and
purchases a housing site to operate
the program in the Tenderloin district
of San Francisco
• 1990: Michael Blecker and other
advocates founded the National
Coalition for Homeless Veterans
(NCHV)
• 1990s: The establishment of NCHV’s
advocacy led to a broad understanding
of the growing population of homeless
veterans and prompted the VA to begin
contracting with community-based
organizations to offer transitional
housing programs and emergency
housing
• 1992: Swords opens DeMontfort Street
Transitional Housing Program for
chronically homeless and mentally ill
veterans
• 1990s: Stand Downs begin happening
throughout California, enabling groups
like Swords to reach out the homeless
veteran population and provide
services on location
Michael Blecker and Vietnam veteran
advocates at one of the first “Welcome
Home” parades for Vietnam veterans
in Chicago
Swords to Plowshares Drop-in Center
located in the 1980s at 400 Valencia
Street

21
OUR HISTORY AT A GLANCE
• 2008: Swords develops Combat to
Community, our cultural competency
training program for police, clinicians,
employers, and service providers
• 2009: Swords expands Employment
and Training services in the East Bay
and SF War Memorial building
• 2009: Swords establishes the Women
Veterans Program
• 2010: Swords launches its Veterans
Pro Bono Program
• 2012: Swords opens permanent
supportive housing for veteran
families on Treasure Island
• 2012: Swords opens 75 units of
permanent supportive housing for
homeless veterans with disabilities,
Veterans Commons, at the historical
site located at 150 Otis Street in San
Francisco
• 2013: Swords expands in the East Bay
to offer housing assistance services to
veterans and veteran families
• 2014: Swords begins operating a Safe
Haven stabilization housing program
for the “hardest-to-serve” veterans at
the Fairfax Hotel
• 2014: Swords begins operating 250
Kearny Street, a permanent supportive
housing program for 130 chronically
homeless veterans with disabilities
• December 24, 2014: Swords to
Plowshares officially turns 40 years
old!
• 2015: Swords opens a new Drop-in
Center in Oakland to expand services
to East Bay veterans and their families
• 1995: Swords and four California
organizations founded the California
Association of Veteran Service
Agencies to improve services for
California’s veterans and educate our
communities
• 1996: The Gulf War Self-Help Guide
is established by veteran advocates,
including Swords’ staff attorneys
• 1996: Michael Blecker is appointed
to the Congressional Commission
on Servicemembers and Veterans
Transition Assistance
• 1997: Veteran advocates expose
military records that prove the
military’s knowledge of the harmful
effects of depleted uranium
• 2000: Swords opens our first
permanent supportive housing site,
the Veterans Academy in the Presidio
National Park for over 100 homeless
veterans with disabilities
• 2000: Swords opens our Treasure
Island Transitional Housing Program
– moving away from blighted areas
of the city - for 60 veterans with
disabilities and mental health needs
• 2001: Swords’ Frontline Drop-in Center
receives Center for Mental Health
Services Homeless Programs Branch
Exemplary Program Award
• 2002: Governor’s report names
Swords as one of the best state
programs serving the homeless
• 2002: Michael Blecker was appointed
to the National Advisory Committee on
Homeless Veterans
1995-2005: Veteran Service Organizations Began Maturing and Gaining Recognition
Prior to the 1980s the VFW and American Legion were the only veteran service organizations with any clout. The movement of homeless
veteran advocates, the availability of public funding and the new generation of Gulf War veterans created inroads for groups like
Swords to Plowshares.
2005-Present: Lessons Learned and Preventative Care for OIF/OEF Veterans
Several years after September 11th, services for veterans and their families began expanding all over the country to respond to the
needs of Post-9/11 veterans returning from Iraq and Afghanistan. In addition, we as a nation began reflecting upon the mistakes we
made when Vietnam veterans returned from war and implementing policies based on our lessons learned. Today, Swords to Plowshares
continually works to improve our programs and services help veterans make a successful transition from combat to our communities.
Reverend Norman Fong, Mayor Edwin
Lee, Leader Nancy Pelosi,
Michael Blecker
The Veterans Academy located in the
Presidio National Park in San Francisco
• 2003: Swords begins to recognize the
specific needs of veterans returning
from the Iraq War and identifying
opportunities for growth
• 2005: Swords establishes the Institute
for Veteran Policy (IVP) to meet the
needs of Post-9/11 veterans and
improve the systems of care for all
veterans
• 2006: IVP staff members begin
conducting focus groups in California
to identify gaps in services for military
veterans and families

22
The Impact of the Veterans Pro Bono Program
Each year, our staff attorneys help hundreds of veterans access the
benefits they rightfully earned with their service. However, with
thousands more veterans who need the help of a qualified attorney,
we launched the Veterans Pro Bono Program in 2010 to increase our
capacity and the number of attorneys qualified to represent veterans.
Staff attorneys and pro bono attorneys help veterans gather evidence
and substantiate claims for disability benefits and discharge upgrades.
The benefits application entails extensive and complicated paperwork.
VA benefits are not automatic and many disabled, homeless, or at-
risk veterans—especially those who are mentally ill, suffering from
Traumatic Brain Injury or PTSD, or in failing health—cannot secure VA
benefits without the expert help of an advocate.
To help ensure the success of the Veterans Pro Bono Program, we
partnered with the Practising Law Institute and the State Bar of
California to develop curriculum and deliver continuing legal education
training to attorneys as a way to enable attorneys to engage as
veterans pro bono representation. This year alone, more than 1,500
attorneys participated in the training - “Advocating for Veterans – the
Basics on Benefits, Discharge Upgrades and Combat to Community.”
As a result of our training efforts, the number of VA-accredited
attorneys in California has doubled.
Our Recent Growth
Our Pro Bono Program continues to thrive. The program grew
tremendously in 2014 enabling us to help more veterans than ever.
Here are a few highlights from 2014:
• Swords’ staff and pro bono attorneys helped 732 veterans in 2014 -
the highest number in Swords’ history!
• At the end of 2014, we had 125 attorneys affiliated with the Veterans
Pro Bono Program and placed 107 cases with pro bono attorneys.
• In March 2014 we launched the Pro Bono Advisory Board, which is
now comprised of 26 law firms and 3 corporate partners.
• We expanded drop-in legal consultations for veterans which are
now offered at five locations throughout the Bay Area. Three of the
locations are regularly staffed by pro bono attorneys.
• Swords to Plowshares’ Drop-In Center – 2x weekly
• San Francisco Downtown VA Clinic – 2x monthly
• San Francisco VA Hospital – 1x weekly
• Palo Alto VA Hospital – 1x monthly
• Menlo Park VA Hospital - 1x monthly
• 354 veterans received one-time consultation at one of our 5 Legal
Drop-in Clinic locations; Pro bono attorneys staffed 23 legal drop-in
clinics where 165 veterans received one-time consultation.
For more information about the Veterans Pro Bono Program, contact us
at probono@stp-sf.org
VETERANS PRO BONO PROGRAM
PRO BONO ADVISORY BOARD
PARTNERS
Arnold Porter
Baker McKenzie
Chevron
Coblentz Patch Duffy Bass
Cooley
Covington Burling
Dentons
Farella Braun + Martel
Fenwick West
Gibson Dunn
Hanson Bridgett
Hewlett-Packard
Jones Day
Keker Van Nest
Latham Watkins
LinkedIn
Manatt, Phelps Phillips
Morgan, Lewis Bockius
Morrison Foerster
Nixon Peabody
O’Melveny Myers
Orrick, Herrington Sutcliffe
Paul Hastings
Pillsbury Winthrop Shaw Pittman
Reed Smith
Shearman Sterling
Sheppard Mullin Richter Hampton
Sidley Austin
Simpson Thacher Bartlett
Wilson Sonsini Goodrich Rosati

23
Success Stories
Vietnam veteran, John, was finally successful in securing his VA benefits and pension with the help of a partner at Manatt,
Phelps Phillips. John was honorably discharged from the U.S. Army in 1976 after serving on active duty for more than
two years. Since his discharge from the military, he had multiple incarcerations for minor matters, was unable to hold a
steady job and had been homeless most of his civilian life. John had filed on his own numerous pension applications -
all denied. The pro bono attorney obtained an excellent letter from John’s VA psychologist highlighting his chronic and
accelerating PTSD. He filed a new and comprehensive claim on John’s behalf seeking a full pension on the grounds that
he is 100% disabled. As a result, John received a $12,000 retroactive payment and was awarded ongoing monthly VA
disability compensation and pension.
Two associates at Latham Watkins represented a veteran client, Ron, with his service-connected disability claim. The
pro bono attorneys assisted him filing a disability claim for cancer resulting from Agent Orange exposure during the
Vietnam War. Additionally, the attorneys provided the VA with documentation demonstrating that he was entitled to
receive retroactive payments. In October 2014, the VA determined that Ron’s lung cancer was service-connected. The VA
increased his total disability rating to 100% and Ron was awarded an additional $15,000 retroactive payment as well as
ongoing dependency and spousal benefits.
Bill Brockett Pro Bono Attorney of the Year
Christopher Carlberg, a litigation associate in the San
Francisco office of Latham Watkins, received the Bill
Brockett Pro Bono Attorney of the Year Award for his
outstanding service to Swords to Plowshares. The award
was presented at a legal reception held at the law firm of
Keker Van Nest LLP in San Francisco.
Carlberg said that he was honored and encouraged his
colleagues to get involved. In the past year, Carlberg
has staffed four legal clinics, completed over 100 pro
bono hours for veterans, and acted as a general resource
in veteran-related matters. He serves on Swords to
Plowshares’ Pro Bono Advisory Board and Latham’s Pro
Bono Committee, and successfully represented a Gulf War
era veteran with a service-connected claim for PTSD.
“It has been a great experience to work with clients
referred by Swords to Plowshares and engage them
directly on a personal level,” Carlberg said. “They’ve
given me firsthand insight into how important pro
bono legal assistance is in helping veterans navigate
the labyrinth of forms and regulations involved when
applying for veterans benefits.”
Swords to Plowshares executive director Michael Blecker said that delays in the legal system often cause undue suffering
to at-risk veterans, and that it’s critical for them to receive legal assistance in the early stages.
“If not for the efforts of attorneys like Chris Carlberg, we’d have a lot more vets in the street,” added Del Seymour,
Swords to Plowshares board member and founder of the Tenderloin Walking Tours. “Often county officers can’t give
veterans the quality time that our clients need because of their heavy caseloads. But these attorneys here tonight are
handling multimillion-dollar cases, yet they still make time to help a veteran in need.”
VETERANS PRO BONO PROGRAM
John Keker, Partner, Keker Van Nest; Christopher
Carlberg, Latham Watkins Associate; Michael
Blecker, Swords to Plowshares Executive Director;
Kate Richardson, Swords to Plowshares Staff Attorney
Pro Bono Manager

24
WAYS TO HELP
1060 HOWARD STREET
SAN FRANCISCO, CA 94103
415.252.4788
swords-to-plowshares.org
BOARD OF DIRECTORS
Stephen Plath - Board Chair
Stacey Sprenkel - Vice Chair
Peter McCorkell - Board Secretary
Julie Cane
Paul Cox
Rick Houlberg
Judy Birk Kridle
Rose Lavandero
Yaniv Newman
Del Seymour
Stephen M. Snyder
Ben Suncin
Javier Tenorio
Robert Trevorrow
ADVISORY BOARD
Mike Cerre
William Drypolcher
Steve Fields
John Keker
Dudley Miller
William Millichap
Major General J. Michael Myatt (USMC Ret.)
Jon Paulson
The Honorable Nancy Pelosi
Mark Solit
Roger Walther
Carol Wilder
Chris Kanios
Joanette Sorkin
FOLLOW US!
Set up Monthly Donations
Will you consider donating $40 each month in honor of our 40 years
of service? It is easy to do on our website and will go a long way in
helping more veterans in need. Visit www.swords-to-plowshares.org/
donate and select “make this a recurring donation.”
Double or Triple Your Donation
Many employers have a matching gift program. Qualifying donations
are often matched up to a pre-designated limit. What this means,
for example, is a $100 donation will be matched with $100 by your
employer thereby doubling the initial donation. Some employers may
even have a double match making your $100 donation worth $300.
Talk to your Human Resources department for more information and
consider participating in the matching gift program. This is an easy
way to make your donation go further.
Tell Five Friends about Swords to Plowshares
Sharing our message that war causes wounds and suffering that lasts
beyond the battlefield is a powerful way to increase our supporters
and help more veterans in need. Tell five friends about the critically
important work Swords to Plowshares provides to our community.
facebook.com/vetshelpingvets
twitter.com/vetshelpingvets
linkedin.com/company/swords-to-plowshares
youtube.com/user/vetshelpingvets

Inside Swords, Generations of Veterans, 40 years of Healing and Hope

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Inside Swords, Generations of Veterans, 40 years of Healing and Hope