Our Projects

Mission-driven at their core, VGSQ members engage their work ethic to the benefit of the San Quentin community. VGSQ creates opportunities to build skills, to work collaboratively, and to overcome challenges as a team to generate positive results.

Veterans in Camaraderie

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VGSQ provides opportunities for Veterans to support one another as Veterans, with a shared understanding of the military culture and experiences that have shaped them.  Camaraderie is a healing power and peer support is the main strategy for fulfilling VGSQ’s mission. VGSQ holds an Annual Armed Forces Banquet, quarterly Camaraderie events, and monthly meetings, in addition to events to commemorate Memorial Day and Patriots Day.  VGSQ facilitates a donation program for the incarcerated Veterans to obtain resources and items needed for everyday life. 

Veterans in Community

​VGSQ creates opportunities to open up their spirit of camaraderie to the larger San Quentin community, including those staff members who have served in the military.  VGSQ's Color Guard is frequently requested to celebrate occasions within prison life such as graduations.  The VGSQ Color Guard elevated the sense of ceremony at over 30 events in 2024. Our Veterans Day event is an open yard event with music and activities, and which actively involves other San Quentin residents, providing Veterans and civilians alike an opportunity to uplift the Veterans at San Quentin and to share stories about other Veterans and active military who have impacted their lives.  In doing so, these residents engage in what the prison emphasizes as "pro-social skills" - the ability to connect positively and constructively with one another. 

Veterans in Service

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VGSQ provides members with the opportunity to continue their ethic of service. VGSQ created and manages a food pantry for San Quentin residents who are food insecure.  One of our favorite annual events is VGSQ's Toyland, a toy give-away event every Christmas for children who visit a loved one who is incarcerated at San Quentin. This event gives allows families to share the warmth and continue traditions during the holiday season.