Our Story
Serving Those Who Served Since 2003
Beginning in 2003, a dedicated group of veterans, retired U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs professionals, civic leaders, and caring community members came together with a shared vision: to ensure that veterans in the Compton area had access to the same coordinated support services available in other communities.
Drawing upon their professional experience, relationships, and commitment to public service, they worked in close partnership with the City of Compton, the Compton Chamber of Commerce, and numerous public agencies, nonprofit organizations, healthcare providers, businesses, and volunteers to help bring the Veterans Stand Down program to Compton. Their goal was simple but profound—to ensure that local veterans could receive essential services, resources, and support close to home, in a setting that honored their service and respected their dignity.
From the very beginning, the Compton Chamber of Commerce played an instrumental role in building community partnerships, coordinating resources, engaging local businesses and volunteers, and helping ensure the continued success of the Compton Veterans Stand Down. That partnership has remained strong for more than two decades, including through the unprecedented challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic, demonstrating the community's unwavering commitment to those who served our nation.
What began as an annual collaborative effort evolved into a trusted network of volunteers and community partners. Whenever veterans needed assistance, members of this informal coalition came together to provide guidance, coordinate available resources, make referrals, and help connect veterans with healthcare, housing assistance, benefits counseling, employment services, meals, clothing, and other forms of practical support.
Recognizing the need for a permanent organizational structure to support its growing mission, the volunteer initiative formally incorporated in 2013 as For the Love of Our Veterans, Inc. In 2021, the organization renewed its corporate and nonprofit registrations, providing a stronger foundation for expanding partnerships, pursuing new opportunities, and continuing its long-standing mission of serving veterans throughout the Compton community.
Today, For the Love of Our Veterans continues to build upon the same spirit of volunteerism, compassion, and collaboration that inspired its beginnings more than two decades ago. Working alongside government agencies, nonprofit organizations, healthcare providers, businesses, volunteers, and community leaders, the organization remains dedicated to strengthening the network of support available to veterans and their families throughout the Compton community.
While the annual Compton Veterans Stand Down remains the organization's signature program, its commitment to veterans extends well beyond the event itself. Throughout the year, For the Love of Our Veterans works to cultivate community partnerships, support veteran-focused initiatives, share resource information, assist with referrals, and collaborate with organizations that serve those who served our nation.
In partnership with the Compton Chamber of Commerce, the organization also supports broader community initiatives, including the operation of the Compton Food Pantry, recognizing that strengthening the community as a whole ultimately benefits many veterans and their families.
More than twenty years after helping bring the Veterans Stand Down program to Compton, the organization's mission remains unchanged: to honor those who served by connecting them with the resources, opportunities, and community support they have earned through their service to our nation.
Our Team
EXECUTIVE BOARD OF DIRECTORS
Dr. Lestean M. Johnson -- President
Executive Director, Compton Chamber of Commerce
Charlie Lonon -- Vice President
Long Beach VA Healthcare System (ret.)
Steve Moriyama -- Secretary
Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW) District 4
Michael Miyamoto
Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW) District 4
Mike Laughlin
Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW) District 4
Joe Harris
Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW) District 4
Morris McElroy
Compton Chamber of Commerce
Alita Godwin
City of Compton (ret.)
Dinah White
Employment Development Department (EDD)
Lauren Duncan
American Red Cross
Lillie Dobson
John Hancock Investments
Dennis Tucker
Metro LA
Barbara Laughlin
Honoring Our Partners & Sponsors
Organizations Making a Difference for Veterans.
Together in Service to Those Who Served.
The Compton Veterans Stand Down is made possible through the generosity, dedication, and collaboration of an extraordinary network of government agencies, nonprofit organizations, veteran service organizations, businesses, educational institutions, faith-based organizations, and community partners.
Year after year, these valued sponsors and partners contribute financial support, donated goods and services, professional expertise, volunteer assistance, and countless hours of service. Their unwavering commitment enables us to connect veterans and their families with healthcare, housing assistance, employment resources, legal services, food, clothing, benefits assistance, and many other essential resources—all at no cost to those we serve.
We extend our sincere gratitude to every sponsor, partner, volunteer, and supporter who has stood with us throughout the years. Your generosity and commitment continue to strengthen our mission and make a meaningful difference in the lives of those who have served our nation.
As we look toward future Veterans Stand Down events, we are grateful for your continued partnership and look forward to building upon this shared commitment to serving our veterans and their families.
Thank you for standing with our veterans and helping us serve those who served.