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Chula Vista, CA – November 13, 2024 – The City of Chula Vista celebrated Navy veteran and Us for Warriors Foundation Volunteer Operations Manager Danny Shaffstall, naming him the 2024 Veteran of the Year in a heartfelt ceremony on November 12 at the City Council Chambers. This prestigious award recognizes Shaffstall’s longstanding dedication and exceptional service to the veteran community, highlighting his leadership in addressing food insecurity, organizing volunteer efforts, and creating impactful programs for veterans and their families.
The ceremony was presided over by Mayor John McCann and featured an inspiring atmosphere of gratitude and pride. Kicking off the event, Us for Warriors Executive Director Tony Stewart, himself a two-time Chula Vista Veteran of the Year, led the Pledge of Allegiance and introduced the U.S. Navy Color Guard from the Navy Medicine Readiness and Training Command San Diego. During the award presentation, Mayor McCann expressed the city’s admiration for Shaffstall’s work, emphasizing that the Veteran of the Year title is bestowed on those who truly embody service, leadership, and dedication.
Mayor McCann’s proclamation honored Shaffstall’s extensive contributions. As the driving force behind Us for Warriors' Food4Warriors program, Shaffstall has been instrumental in launching two food distributions each month, weekly pantry services, care packages for homeless veterans, and holiday support initiatives. His dedication ensured that thousands of veterans and their families received food and essential resources, especially during the challenging times of the COVID-19 pandemic. As Us4Warriors nears 80,000 served, Danny's accomplishments are a powerful force for good.
Shaffstall’s efforts have not gone unnoticed nationally as well. Earlier this year, the Veterans Health Administration recognized Us for Warriors Foundation with the 2024 National Community Partnership Challenge award, celebrating its collaboration with the San Diego VA Regional Medical Center to tackle veteran food insecurity. Under Shaffstall’s leadership, Us4Warriors was recognized for providing nutritional and dietary support, ensuring that veterans facing hardship could sustain healthy, balanced lives while combating health conditions.
When asked to say a few words at the ceremony, Shaffstall humbly attributed his success to teamwork by stating, “This is only done with a team. I am only able to get this award because of the work of my team and others that take care of the foundation. It is an honor to get this award as we help with, as you said, food insecurity for veterans and families and active duty.” His humility and dedication were echoed by Tony Stewart, who proudly remarked, “Danny is very humble. He knows that we live in a community rich in veteran heritage. Chula Vista is a great place for veterans to live, work, and play. Danny is a representative who shows what we can do. I am very proud of Danny today.”
As Operations Manager at Us for Warriors, Shaffstall has overseen the foundation’s activities and facilitated resources for crucial programs like Food4Warriors and Warrior Volunteer Force Community Service projects, which have assisted active-duty military, veterans, and their families throughout San Diego County. His leadership inspires both volunteers and colleagues with a profound commitment to improving the lives of veterans.
Chula Vista’s recognition of Danny Shaffstall stands as a testament to his selfless dedication and the city’s unwavering support for its veteran community. A video of the ceremony can be found below for those wishing to share in this celebration of service.
Danny, We (Your Team at Us4Warriors) Salutes You!
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