The City of Chula Vista named Danny Shaffstall as its 2024 Veteran of the Year. Shaffstall is a distinguished veteran of the U.S. Navy and was presented with a proclamation recognizing his outstanding contributions to the Chula Vista and greater San Deigo veteran communities.
Mayor John McCann said this recognition represents the very best of the local veteran community in a press release.
“Danny Shaffstall’s tireless efforts to support and uplift our veterans are inspiring, and we are honored to recognize his contributions today as a testament to the deep impact he has made in Chula Vista and beyond. Chula Vista is a military and veteran city with a longstanding tradition that honors the incredible service of our veterans, and we are committed to ensuring that this recognition continues to highlight their ongoing contributions through the Veteran of the Year program,” he said.
Shaffstall was selected due to his exceptional leadership and dedication demonstrated through his extensive volunteer work and professional efforts supporting local veterans. He currently serves as the program manager for the Us for Warriors Foundation and is an active member of several veteran support organizations, including the Family Life Action Group of the San Diego Veterans Coalition and the VA San Diego Health Care System’s Food Empowerment Program. His involvement contributed to a significant achievement: recognition of the VA San Diego Health Care System and the Us for Warriors Foundation as a recipient of the 2024 Veterans Health Administration National Community Partnership Challenge award. This prestigious award honored their collaborative efforts in providing nutritional and dietary support for veterans facing food insecurity.
Shaffstall has consistently led volunteer efforts in collaboration with various organizations, including the American Legion, Veterans of Foreign Wars, and local community service groups, providing essential resources to thousands of veterans in need. His work with the Veterans Home of California – Chula Vista and other key projects further solidified his commitment to supporting the well-being and health of fellow veterans. One of Shaffstall’s most notable contributions is his leadership in the Food4Warriors program of the Us for Warriors Foundation, where he spearheaded projects that provide food distributions twice monthly, as well as weekly pantry services, care packages for homeless veterans, and holiday support initiatives. Through these efforts, he has played a crucial role in alleviating food insecurity among veterans, especially during the challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic.
“This is only done with a team,” Shaffstall said of the recognition. “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.”
Tony Stewart, chair of the City’s Veterans Advisory Commission said Veterans of Chula Vista represent a longstanding legacy of service, both in their military careers and ongoing contributions to the community.
“This year, we were humbled by the number of outstanding nominations, the most we’ve seen in years, all highlighting the incredible impact veterans continue to make. We are proud to honor Danny Shaffstall as the 2024 Veteran of the Year, and we remain committed to building upon the rich legacy established by the 23 past honorees,” he said.
