Employee Spotlight

A Legacy of Service: Craig’s Commitment to Veterans on and off the Field

Craig, an Army Veteran and case manager at Village for Vets, brings a rare combination of leadership, empathy, and lived experience to his work. With six years of active duty as an 11B Infantryman, including a deployment to Iraq, and an additional two years in the National Guard, Craig’s military service shaped his values and deepened his commitment to helping others.

At Village for Vets, Craig works within the VA's CTRS program, providing front-line support to unhoused Veterans. “We’re often the first step in resocialization,” Craig says. “A lot of our Veterans reach out about everything from housing to daily life questions. They just need someone they trust.” CTRS is the first program of its kind nationally, and Craig takes pride in helping build a model that may be replicated at VA campuses across the country.

His approach centers on human connection. One moment stands out: a Veteran was spiraling during a case conference, overwhelmed by triggers. “I just looked at him and said, ‘Do you know how proud I am of you?’ He was stunned. No one had told him that in years.” For Craig, the work goes far beyond housing. “It’s about building people back up, one conversation at a time.”

Outside of work, Craig has found a parallel calling in coaching football. He started while deployed, organizing Friday night flag football games in Iraq. Since then, he has coached high school, junior college, semi-pro, and D3 college football. Through mentorship programs like Soldiers to Sidelines, Craig was certified and trained by NFL and D1 coaches. Today, he coaches at La Cañada High School and Los Angeles Valley College.

“There’s a huge overlap between the youth I coach and the Veterans I support. Many come from underserved communities, dealing with trauma and instability. The skills transfer. It’s about helping people believe in themselves.”

Craig’s leadership and heart are part of what makes Village for Vets so special. As we approach our 10-year anniversary and prepare to host our next Super Bowl party for Veterans, we are reminded of how far we have come and how people like Craig have helped carry the mission forward every step of the way.

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