From Military Service to Community Action:
Reflections on the VHA Veterans Panel Discussion with Gina Ochoa, CFTH Diversion Manager
Last month, the Vancouver Housing Authority hosted a panel discussion, titled: “From Service to Community: A Veteran’s Day Dialogue,” moderated by Michael Jones Jr., People, Culture, and Belonging Manager. Among the panelists was Council for the Homeless Diversion Manager, Gina Ochoa, who brought powerful insight shaped by both her military service and her ongoing commitment to supporting families in Clark County.
Gina served in the U.S. Army before being honorably discharged after giving birth to her first child and becoming pregnant with triplets while her and her partner were stationed in Germany. While her partner was deployed to Iraq and injured by an IED, then medically discharged, the family had little stability and nowhere to go.
They returned to the States and were supported by their extended family. Gina shared that while her family was fortunate to have some support, the experience opened her eyes to how quickly life can unravel for veterans without support while transitioning back to civilian life.
Below are highlights from the panel discussion, featuring Gina’s reflections in her own words.
How does your veteran background influence your work in housing?
“I know firsthand how fast circumstances can change. When my partner was injured in Iraq and we returned home, we suddenly had no housing plan. We were lucky to have family support, but many veterans don’t. That experience grounds my work today. I understand the fear and uncertainty people feel when they have nowhere to go, and it drives my commitment to helping families find stability.”
How does your military service compare to your service to the community today?
“When I think of service now, it feels much more personal. In the military, you serve your country on a large scale. Today, I get to serve individuals and families, one by one, helping them find safety, stability and dignity through my work with Council for the Homeless. Providing that kind of service in my own community means so much more to me now.”
What is your hope for the next generation?
“My hope is that the next generation is seen fully — as whole people — and that our community supports all veterans in meaningful, consistent ways.”
How can organizations better support and honor veterans throughout the year?
“We can honor veterans by creating inclusive spaces, offering opportunities, and leading with empathy and conversation. It’s about seeing them, listening to them, and making room for them to belong.
In closing…
Panel host Michael Jones Jr. reminded the audience of the collective responsibility we all share:
“Whether it’s supporting veterans through housing, finances, education, mental health or health care, it is our moral obligation as a community to show up. There is space for everyone to step in and do something.”
Along with Gina, the panel, held on the eve of Veteran’s Day, featured veteran community members and leaders, including: Bonny Mbuya, Owner Richland Hub Coffee and U.S. Army Veteran; Donna Larson, Associate Director, Veteran Resource Center, Clark College and U.S. Air Force Veteran; Duana Johnson-Ricks, Native Leader and Community Activist, and U.S. Navy Veteran; Janice Morales, Student at Clark College and U.S. Army Veteran; Jesse York, Student at Clark College and U.S. Army Veteran; and Nathan Webster, Founder of NW & Associates and U.S. Marines Veteran.
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