CCWF celebrates our veterans
On Friday, Nov. 14, 2025, the nonprofit Veterans Healing Veterans from the Inside Out (VHV) held a celebration to honor veterans for their service to our country.
Due to multiple setbacks and delays, participants waited almost an hour and a half in the cold rain to support resident veterans in the Veterans Support Group (VSG) at Central California Women’s Facility (CCWF).
Once inside the gym, colored papers with insignias for the Army, Navy, Marines and Air Force decorated the entryway. Participants got to choose which branch they wanted to represent, hanging their chosen branch around their necks with colorful yarn. Next, participants were asked which competition they would like to join.
The gym held different stations of competitive games such as low crawl, tire flip, tug-of-war, and battle rope endurance, as well as spades and dominoes for mobility-impaired residents.
Resident and veteran Lori Burchett, who served in the Navy for eight years, said, “Today is about remembering those voices that have served our country, and honoring those who lost their lives. Today is giving participants a taste of the military and working together as a team unit. These challenges are all team-building based with healthy competition. We appreciate all who came out in this rain for support. Prepare for next year, it will be bigger and better.”
Master of Ceremonies, resident Deserae James, an Army Veteran, began the ceremony explaining, “We are here for every person that signed on that dotted line to serve our country.”
A roar of applause came next, and James introduced Ron Self, VHV’s founder and executive director. Self is a Marine veteran, having served for 10 years. After a brief introduction, the competitions began. Participants eagerly waited in lines to compete in the various activities.
One of the most entertaining battles of the day was the tug-of-war contest. At least 10 participants lined up on both sides of the rope. The first battle was between the Army and the Marines. The Army upset the Marines, and immediately, the Navy stepped in to challenge the Army. The Navy prevailed. The game was epic and fun, the atmosphere filled with lots of energy and excitement.
“This day was amazing,” CCWF resident April Pitts said. “There was a wonderful turnout and good energy. People came out today to support our troops. We wouldn’t be here without them.”
“Camaraderie amongst everyone is the purpose of today,” said Self. “Freedom has a different flavor from those who have fought for our country. I want people to know that there are women vets and the women vets are underrepresented.”
Another reason for the event was to raise funds for a toy drive for the children who come to visit their loved ones on Christmas Day in the visiting room. Trust withdrawals were available for all in attendance to donate any amount they could afford, which is something VSG plans to do annually.
Isaiah Thompson, VHV deputy director, served nine years as an Army ranger. VHV was established by Self while incarcerated in San Quentin in 2012. Currently, VHV is in six different prisons across California, but Thompson said with pride, “Our crown jewel is Chowchilla.”
“The reason for this inspiration is number one, the women vets, and number two, women vets are unrepresented. We want people to think of them and to give them opportunities. I want people to know that though there were many challenges for today’s event, we don’t stop until we reach our goal, just like all branches of the military,” said Thompson.
The competitions were for team building and a view of what boot camp looked like for the veterans. Competitors encouraged each other, screaming and cheering their teammates to victory.
CCWF resident Manling Williams, who uses a wheelchair, participated by playing games of spades.
“It was fun and energetic. People were cheering and enjoying themselves,” Williams said. “It was very considerate to those of us who are mobility impaired to be able to participate. They had something for everyone.”
As the competitions came to an end, the winners were called to the stage. Then everyone lined up for food service and received a hamburger and hot dog fresh off the grill. People smiled all around.
CCWF resident Rebecca Braswell, who served in the Navy for seven years, said, “It’s great to have a day to honor vets because most people don’t, especially women.”
“This day gives a glimpse of what we go through,” added Braswell. “Even though we are a group, we are more like a unit, a family. We argue and bicker, but we have each other’s back. When it comes to VHV, we’ve been waiting for more than 10 years to have a group for vets. They are so dedicated to us and this place.”
