A WORD FROM THE ASSOCIATION DIRECTORPAGE 9

SDP COMMITTEE UPDATEPAGE 12

HOUSING COUNSELING HELP DURING THE COVID-19 CRISISPAGE 14

VAREP FACES IN THE CROWDPAGE 25

REGISTER TODAY!C L I C K H E R E

COVID -19 ED IT ION

JUNE 15, 2020 10AM - 1:30PM PST

VIRTUALLY VIA ZOOM

A Letter From Our PresidentVAREP NATIONAL NEWS

ROGER THATMAY 2020

EDITO RIAL

PUBLISHERUSA Homeownership, Inc. DBA Veterans Association of Real Estate Professionals

CRE ATIVE

SENIOR DESIGNERJesus Lopez

GR APHIC DESIGNERNick Preston

SENIOR WEB DEVELOPERFrancisco Labias

WEB DEVELOPERFreddie Lin

CO NTAC T VAREP

HEADQUARTERS951·444·7363info@VAREP.net495 E. Rincon St., Suite 110Corona, CA 92879

w w w . V A R E P . n e t

ABOUT SON

Son Nguyen is the founder and president of the

Veterans Association of Real Estate Professionals

(VAREP). Mr. Nguyen creates, implements, and

overseas the programs within VAREP including

working with government agencies and policy makers

to create and reform veteran housing policy to remove

barriers to homeownership.

He is frequently called upon as a subject-matter expert

by government agencies, the real estate industry, the

lending industry, and real estate trade organizations to

consult on a variety of veteran housing issues.

Mr. Nguyen has more than 19 years’ experience in real

estate, public speaking, supplier diversity, curriculum

development, and non-profit management. His record

demonstrates innovation and leadership at the highest

level.

Mr. Nguyen established VAREP as a housing non-profit

for vets, by vets. He believes VAREP’s proactive stance

of providing financial-literacy education and advocating

homeownership can greatly impact homelessness

among the veteran community, by both reducing the

current epidemic and preventing future occurrences,

one veteran at a time.

Mr. Nguyen entered the Navy in 1996 and served as

a Radioman on the USS Vincennes (GC-49) and USS

Constellation (CV-64). A proud service-connected

disabled veteran, Mr. Nguyen holds a bachelor’s degree

in Public Relations from of the University of Florida

and a Master’s in Organizational Management. He

currently resides in Corona, CA, with his wife, son, and

Labrador.

Dear VAREP Members,

I present you “RT – ROGER THAT – May 2020”

E-Zine Newsletter. This is the best way for

VAREP National to communicate happenings

within our organization to our membership.

VAREP experienced tremendous growth and

recognition in 2020 for the important work

that we do. Each of you should be proud

and stand tall knowing that your passion to

empower veterans to realize the American

Dream of homeownership has enabled VAREP

to be recognized by key leaders in the real

estate, financial, and government sectors as the

authority on, and voice of, military and veteran

financial-literacy and homeownership.

VAREP ACCOMPLISHMENTS FROM 2014 - 2020

• 40 homes donated mortgage-free to deserving heroes across America.

• 1,500 military and veteran families realized the American Dream of homeownership through

our programs and services.

• 20,000 real estate and lending professional were trained as a result of the 80 live events and

online membership training.

• 5,000 military and veteran families educated about homeownership, financial literacy, and

the VA loan program through the live Veteran Housing Summits events hosted by VAREP

local chapters across the country.

• 2,000+ military and veteran families were provided food, utilities payment, rent back

payment, basic supplies, clothing, and blankets during the holiday season. This was made

possible through our VAREP Cares program implemented by the VAREP local chapters.

• $70,000 in the form of housing assistance grants for down-payment, closing costs, and adaptive

needs. This was in partnership with the Asian Real Estate Association of America (AREAA).

• w

HOW TO EXPLAIN WHO WE ARE AND WHAT WE DO

I frequently receive phone calls from our membership on how to explain VAREP as an

organization. Depending on your audience, you may want to adapt the points listed below to

introduce VAREP.

• VAREP is a 501.c.3 nonprofit organization that was founded to directly educate the 1.4-plus

million active military and 22-plus million veterans on sustainable homeownership, financial-

literacy education, VA loan awareness, and economic opportunity.

• VAREP is the only organization that educates military and veteran families on the importance

of financial health on the road to homeownership.

• VAREP is the only organization that educates the real estate practitioner on the important

housing-policy and lending initiatives that affect the military and veteran communities.

VAREP Comparison to Other Veteran Nonprofits

The comparison chart to the right shows that we fill a much needed gap in financial-literacy and

housing components that the other veteran service organizations simply do not offer…In other

words: We complement them and do not compete with them.

Our organization has only scratched the surface of creating awareness and having people rethink

how to better serve underserved military and veteran housing needs. To a great 2020...Cheers!

Son Nguyen

VAREP Founder and President

2

Financial Assistance

Emergency Food

Emergency Home Repair

Critical Baby Items

Home and Appliance Repair

Furniture and Household Items

Local Moving Assistance

Apartment Transitional Housing

Permanent Housing Placement

Employment Job Board

Rehabilitation with Recreational Therapy

Peer-to-Peer Counseling

Family Support Retreats

Peer Mentoring

Information Technology Training Academy

Financial Literacy Education

VA Home Loan Program Education

Housing Education

Housing Counseling

Credit and Debt Management Education

Credit and Debt Management Counseling

Military and Veteran First Look Affordable Housing Purchase Program

Mortgage Free Donated Homes for Wounded Warrior and Spouses of Deceased Warriors

Community Outreach

Live Community Housing, Financial Literacy, and Employment Fair Outreach Events

REALTOR, Housing Professional, and Lender Military and Veteran Certification Course

Military and Veteran Friendly Database

Advocate with a Written Policy Plan

Housing and Lending Policy Conference

Military and Veteran Financial Literacy, Housing, and Employment Resource Center

MILITARY WARRIORS MILITARY WARRIORS FOUNDATIONFOUNDATION

OPERATION OPERATION HOMEFRONTHOMEFRONT

WOUNDED WARRIOR WOUNDED WARRIOR PROJECTPROJECT USA CARESUSA CARESVAREPVAREPVETERAN NON-PROFITVETERAN NON-PROFIT

COMPARISON CHARTCOMPARISON CHART

Veterans = 22+ MillionVeterans = 22+ MillionActive Duty = 1.4+ MillionActive Duty = 1.4+ Million

Wounded Warr iors Wounded Warr iors OEF, OIF, ND = 51,849OEF, OIF, ND = 51,849

Active Duty Family ofActive Duty Family ofE1 - E6 = 1.1 MillionE1 - E6 = 1.1 Million

Wounded Warr iors Wounded Warr iors OEF, OIF, ND = 51,849OEF, OIF, ND = 51,849

Post 9/11 Post 9/11 Servicemembers & FamilyServicemembers & Family

XX

XX

XX

XX

XX

XX

XX

XX

XX

XX

XX

XX

XX

XX

XX

XX

XX

XX

XX

XX

XX

XX

XX

XX

XX

XXMilitary and Veteran

Housing Lending Policy

XX

XX

XX

XX

XX

XX

XX

XX

XXWounded Warr iors

XX

XX

XX

XX

XX

XX

XX

XX

XX

XX

XX

XX

XX

Target AudienceTarget Audience

NOTE: The no n-profit comparison chart does not list the national minority real estate trade organizations including AREAA, NAHREP, and NAREB

because we are not structurally set up as a trade organization. We have our membership whom we educate to better serve the military housing needs, but

ultimately we are all here to serve the military and veteran communities.3

May 2020TA B L E O F CO N T E N T S

VAREP Webinar Series..................................4

VAREP Chapter Map....................................6

A Word from The Association Director..........9

SDP Committee Update........................ ......12

Housing Counseling Help During The

COVID-19 Crisis...........................................14

Working With Housing Counseling...............15

Legislative Corner.......................................18

VAREP Faces in the Crowd............................................25

2020 NATIONAL EVENTS

NATIONAL CONVENTION

POLICY CONFERENCE

REGISTER TODAY!HTTPS://VAREP.NET/CONVENTION/

OCTOBER 25 - 27, 2020 SAN ANTONIO, TX

GRAND HYATT SAN ANTONIO

JUNE 15, 2020 10AM - 1:30PM PST

VIRTUALLY VIA ZOOM

VAREP will be having live webinars all throughout the year. Tune in and listen live to our representatives talk about current Military

and Veteran-related topics addressing homeownership!

WEBINAR REVIEWS

TUNE IN TO OUR UPCOMING SCHEDULED WEBINARS

May 6 @ 11:00 a.m. PST VA Loan Appraisal Changes Due to COVID19

May 13 @ 10:00 a.m. PST Freddie Mac (TBD)

May 27 @ 10:00 a.m. PST Freddie Mac (TBD)

REGISTER TODAY!C L I C K H E R E

Did you find today’s VARAP presentation

with Freddie Mac to be helpful?

Yes, great information. A lot of things that I did not know were available.

VAREP San Antonio, TX

What content from Freddie Mac would you like to

see covered in the future?

How bad is the housing side doing in terms of owners unable to pay

their mortgages during this period.

VAREP San Antonio, TX

What content from VAREP

would you like to see covered?

Programs available to help our veterans during

this crisis.

VAREP Fresno, CA

JUNE 15, 2020 · 10AM - 1:30PM PST

ZOOM ONLINE VIRTUALLY STREAMED CONFERENCE

SEE YOU SOON!CLICK HERE TO REGISTER

The conference is filled with online educational sessions and town halls to

educate at tendees on important housing policy, lending init iat ives, and economic development af fect ing the military and

veteran communit ies.

SAVE THE DATE!

5

VAREP CURRENTLY HAS

41 CHAPTERS LOCATED IN

21 STATES ACROSS THE UNITED STATES

ACTIVE CHAPTERSArkansasVAREP River Valley Chapter - Founded on September 18, 2018

ArizonaVAREP Phoenix Chapter - Founded on September 3, 2013VAREP Prescott Chapter - Founded on June 27, 2019VAREP Tucson Chapter - Founded on January 28, 2015

CaliforniaVAREP East Bay Area Chapter - Founded on August 24, 2017VAREP Fresno Chapter - Founded on January 30, 2019VAREP Los Angeles Chapter - Founded on April 23, 2014VAREP Orange County Chapter - Founded on March 11, 2013VAREP Riverside Chapter - Founded on June 17, 2013VAREP Sacramento Chapter - Founded on June 4, 2013VAREP San Bernardino Chapter- Founded on August 14, 2014VAREP San Diego Chapter - Founded on July 29, 2013VAREP Yuba-Sutter Chapter - Founded on January 11, 2018

ColoradoVAREP Denver Chapter - Founded on August 14, 2014

FloridaVAREP Broward Chapter - Founded on July 15, 2015VAREP Central Florida Chapter - Founded on April 14, 2015VAREP Miami Chapter - Founded on July 13, 2015VAREP Pinellas County Chapter - Founded on December 3, 2015VAREP Treasure Coast Chapter - Founded on June 30, 2017

GeorgiaVAREP Atlanta Chapter - Founded on January 22, 2019

HawaiiVAREP Honolulu Chapter - Founded on April 04, 2014

IdahoVAREP Treasure Valley Chapter - Founded on May 17, 2018

IllinoisVAREP Chicago Chapter - Founded on June 21, 2016

IowaVAREP Des Moines - Founded on October 3, 2017

KentuckyVAREP Louisville Chapter - Founded on June 14, 2018

MarylandVAREP Annapolis Chapter - Founded on August 23, 2018

MinnesotaVAREP Twin Cities Chapter - Founded on March 11, 2018

MissouriVAREP St Louis Chapter - Founded on March 10, 2017

NevadaVAREP Las Vegas Chapter - Founded on August 30, 2013VAREP Northern Nevada Chapter - Founded on March 4, 2015

OklahomaVAREP River Valley Chapter - Founded on January 1, 2018

OregonVAREP Central Oregon Chapter - Founded on February 12, 2019

TexasVAREP DFW Chapter - Founded on December, 2015VAREP El Paso Chapter - Founded on April 6, 2017VAREP Houston Chapter - Founded on March 30, 2015VAREP New Braunfels Chapter - Founded on August 8, 2018VAREP San Antonio Chapter - Founded on December 10, 2013

VirginiaVAREP Hampton Roads Chapter - Founded on September 5, 2018VAREP Northern Virginia Chapter - Founded on May 30, 2018

WashingtonVAREP Tacoma South Sound Chapter - Founded on December 15, 2014

Washington D.C.VAREP D.C. Metropolitan Area Chapter - Founded on June 11, 2014

6

28 CHAPTERS IN FORMATIONAlaskaVAREP Anchorage Chapter - Coming 2020

ArizonaVAREP Kingman Chapter- Coming 2020

CaliforniaVAREP Modesto Chapter - Coming 2020VAREP Oceanside Chapter - Coming 2020VAREP San Gabriel Chapter - Coming 2020VAREP Solono County Chapter - Coming 2020

ColoradoVAREP Denver Chapter - Coming 2020

FloridaVAREP Jacksonville Chapter - Coming 2020VAREP Pensacola Chapter - Coming 2020

GeorgiaVAREP Augusta Chapter - Coming 2020

GUAMVAREP Guam Chapter - Coming 2020

INDIANAVAREP Hamilton County Chapter - Coming 2020

MarylandVAREP Southern Maryland - Coming 2020VAREP Baltimore Chapter - Coming 2020

MassachusettsVAREP Boston Chapter - Coming 2020

NevadaVAREP Carson City Chapter - Coming 2020VAREP Elko Chapter - Coming 2020

New JerseyVAREP North New Jersey Chapter - Coming 2020VAREP South New Jersey Chapter - Coming 2020

New YorkVAREP New York City Chapter - Coming 2020

OregonVAREP Portland Chapter - Coming 2020

PennsylvaniaVAREP Montgomery County Chapter - Coming 2020VAREP Philadelphia Chapter - Coming 2020VAREP Pittsburgh Chapter - Coming 2020

Puerto RicoVAREP Puerto Rico Chapter - Coming 2020

TennesseeVAREP Nashville Chapter - Coming 2020

WashingtonVAREP Bremerton Chapter - Coming 2020 VAREP Vancouver Chapter - Coming 2020

7

SEE YOU IN SAN ANTONIO!varep.net /convention

S A N A N T O N I O , T X - O C T O B E R 2 5 - 2 7, 2 0 2 0

The 2020 VAREP National Convention will educate, develop, and empower current and

future leaders within the VAREP organization. The National Convention equips VAREP leaders with the necessary tools to serve the military

and veteran housing needs.

SAVE TH

E DATE

8

A Word from the

Association Director Carla Lemon

COVID-19 is the one thing all people have in

common right now. Around the world every person

has a constant eye watching the development of

the coronavirus pandemic with uncertainty and

serious concern, while at the same time -- on a

daily basis, trying to find a way to move forward

safely and efficiently.

On behalf of VAREP National Founder Son Nguyen,

Co-Founder Dustin Luce and the VAREP staff want

you to know that your, and your families’, well-being

is most important to us.

As is customary for the Real Estate Industry, change

is a constant and COVID-19 is one more change to

the way we do business in 2020. As we all adapt to

the tools of virtual meetings and webinars we also

learn this allows us to cast a wider net to further the

mission reach.

VAREP has expanded its virtual platform to ensure

full operation of the organization. By enhancing

our systems and updating educational materials

that impact homeownership moving forward, the

VAREP Chapters will have new tools and information

relevant to the current changes. VAREP’s HUD

Counseling Program, National & Chapter Education

Programs and the Chapter VAREP Cares Initiatives

were designed from the heart of service to reach out

with a hand up.

We have the opportunity to shine through the heart

of these programs and guide our Active Military

and Veteran communities through the maze of

homeownership information during the unexpected

impact on their personal lives. These free programs

provide hope and guidance to the community as we

move through lasting impacts of the Coronavirus.

We face this together, as a team across the country.

We applaud all of the VAREP Chapter directors,

volunteers, members and our sponsors who keep our

Active Military and Veterans in their hearts of service.

The combined efforts of our volunteers at the local level

shows the continued need to be available at just the

right moment to assist “One Veteran At A Time”.

Sincerely,

Carla Lemon

Association Director

9

Well, like the rest of the world, our March and April did not go as expected. The HAV donation team was scheduled to donate 2 mortgage-free homes in Michigan, and New York.

With Stay-At-Home orders in place, we were not able to do our “usual” home donation ceremony,

but we still got 2 veterans into their new homes.

David Lindsay – Saginaw, MI

David Lindsay served in the US Army for a

total of 8 years. He fought in Deser t Storm

and Deser t Shield as an Infantr yman with the

197th Infantr y Brigade.

As a result of injuries received during combat,

David was medically discharged from the Army

in 1992.

House-A-Vet Program: Home Donations During COVID 19

Mr. Lindsay isn’t the typical House-A-Vet

candidate. He is a walking example of someone

who refuses to quit. He is in need of a “hand-

up”, and receiving this mor tgage-free home will

be just that. Over the nex t 3-4 years, David

will work closely with our HUD cer tified housing

counselor to pay of f his debts, and focus on

healing. The road ahead is not smooth by any

means, but with this hand-up and his hard work

ethic, we know David is going to succeed.

David was able to move into his newly remodeled

home on Saturday April 4, 2020. VAREP purchased

some household items for him so that it would feel

a bit more like a “home”.

Photo of David Lindsay in front of his new home

1 0

Maverick Kendrick – Pine Bush, NY

Specialist Maverick Kendrick served in the US

Navy for 5 years. He served overseas for all 5

years, including a deployment to Afghanistan

for 14 months with an Army combat unit. While

in Afghanistan, Maverick sustained injuries

to his neck and spine when his convoy was

caught in an ambush. In spite of his injuries,

he still considers his militar y experience some

of the best times in his life.

Adjusting to civilian life hasn’t been easy for

Maverick. Physical limitations make it dif ficult

to sustain employment. Even af ter 10 years

out of the service, he still faces challenges on

a daily basis. His saving grace is his service

dog, Rocky IV.

Maverick has never considered himself a lucky

man, but being chosen to receive this mortgage-

free home has given him hope for a new purpose in

his life. He says he is looking forward to building a

solid foundation for a bright future.

Maverick moved out of the big city and into his

freshly updated home in Pine Bush, NY on April

9th. We made sure he had a few creature comforts

waiting for him to help him get settled in.

We will follow up with these veterans, and get interviews when it’s safe to do so. In the meantime, we thank you for your continued support.

Keep sharing these stories, so we can continue to make the American Dream of Homeownership a

reality for our deserving heroes!

Photo of Maverick and his service dog, Rocky IV in front of their new home

1 1

Your National SDP Committee has been busy updating website and Social Media content with the help of our awesome Graphics and IT Departments. Please like and share our Facebook page, follow us on Instagram, and encourage folks to view our success stories and donate to the SDP Campaign at StopDropPush.org

During this time of uncertainty, and “social distancing”, it’s important that our veterans know we are here for them. Let’s all make a conscious effort to reach out to our vets on a regular basis. Whether it’s posting a “Buddy Check” on social media, or making phone calls – let’s make sure our heroes know we’ve got their six!

The VA has published some great content and resources for veterans as it relates to COVID-19, please share this link with any and all veterans you know. https://www.publichealth.va.gov/n-coronavirus/

With so much focus on physical health, we have to remember it’s equally important to stay MENTALLY healthy – without a healthy brain, it’s impossible to have a healthy body. Let’s continue our mission to promote veteran stability, especially during this period of unprecedented isolation and fear.

Onward,

Tori Sydow SDP Program Director

Stop Drop and Push Committee Update

1 2

Tips on Managing Stress and

Anxiety

Exercise regularly, try to eat well-balanced meals, and

get plenty of sleep.

1.

8.Take breaks from

the news.

Find these and other helpful tips

on managing stress and anxiety at

mentalhealth.va.gov/coronavirus/

7.Keep your current mental health appointments. VA

offers both video and phone telemental health options that do not require you to go to your closest facility

in-person should you have a medical concern or need

to follow specific social distancing guidelines in

your community.

4.Limit alcohol.

2.Stay connected with

others while practicing social distancing.

6.Practice breathing exercises and/or meditation. VA has many free mental health

apps for Veterans.

5.Participate in activities or hobbies that you enjoy, or

learn a new one.

3.Learn ways to connect with VA providers using telehealth options and schedule or reschedule

your appointment online. If you are requesting a new mental health

appointment, please call your local VA and they will work to arrange an

appointment for you. If you need same day access for mental health services,

call your local VA to request this and you will

be connected to care.

1 3

HOUSING COUNSELING HELP DURING THE COVID-19 CRISIS

We hope our VAREP family members are healthy and safe during these challenging times! As we all know, COVID-19 is not only a threat to our health, but for most of us and our clients, it is also impacting us financially. We hope you and your family members are healthy and continue to stay well during this unprecedented and challenging times. Recently our Housing Counseling Department put together and hosted an Online Workshop “Housing Counseling Helping Our Communities” for VAREP members to educate on how our housing counseling department can assist you and your clients during these unprecedented times.

As a member of VAREP, we all want to be of service and help our communities. We hosted this workshop to remind our members that our HUD Housing Counseling Services are here to assist our Veterans, Active Military Members, patriots and our communities with their credit and housing needs. This includes helping with creating a sticking to a sustainable budget, working out payment plans with creditors, and managing debts. We are also working with our lender partners to get the latest information on the CARES Act and various forbearance plans, loan modification and loan workouts for those who may have experienced income reduction or loss. Many lenders and creditors have announced new programs to suspended payments, foreclosures and evictions. We are here to assist during this unprecedented time and we continue to be available to provide these services throughout the county via phone and internet counseling. We encourage you to help us be the boots on the ground to spread the word that we are here and continue to help by providing the following services:

•Budgeting & Financial Management•Credit Improvement & Debt Reduction and Management•Homebuying, Down Payment Programs and First Time Buyer Loans•VA Loans & Certificate of Eligibility•HUD Home Buyer Certificates – Ehome America Online & Individual Counseling•Foreclosure Prevention, Loan Modification, and Forbearance Plans

We recorded the Housing Counseling Helping Our Communities webinar, so if you missed it or want to share it with others, please view it here: https://vimeo.com/402609698/fe826bdd17

We encourage you to refer your clients who need help to call us at 888-273-7267, or email Veronica Ramirez, our Administrative Assistant, at vramirez@varep.net. You can also visit www.MyHomeownership.org or www.VetHomeOwnership.com for intake forms, more information and success stories.

In the next few weeks, we will be launching another new online Workshop, “Mortgage Help During the COVID-19 Crisis” which will offer an opportunity to learn about the mortgage relief programs that are available, how to apply and programs to help during this crisis. We encourage our members to get the facts and help our clients get prepared before speaking to their mortgage lender. Look for this workshop invite coming soon! Stay well and let’s do our best to help and stay healthy during these challenging times.

1 4

Our Housing Counseling Department is Here to Help You and Your Clients!

USA Homeownership Foundation’s Housing Counseling Program is a no cost service open to Service Members and Veterans throughout the United States. Our HUD Housing Counseling Department is based out of VAREP’s Nation headquarters is in Corona but open to any Veteran, Service Member or Patriot living in the United States. Our Housing Counseling Program currently offers pre-purchase, home buyer counseling, financial capability, credit and budget counseling, foreclosure prevention and post purchase counseling.

If Veterans or Service Members need help accessing their VA Loan Benefits or Certificate of Eligibility, Thomas Griffin, our HUD Housing Counselor who is also a US Marine Veteran can assist them. We’ve successfully assisted over 500 clients this year alone with credit improvement, budgeting, homeownership and foreclosure prevention. Have a client whose credit needs work before buying a home, send them over to our Housing Counseling Department. Check out a few of our success stories on our website at:

https://vethomeownership.com/index.php/successes/video-library

GETTING HELP FOR YOUR CLIENTS IS AS EASY AS 1, 2, 3

Contact our Housing Counseling Department by visiting our website at www.VetHomeOwnership.com and download the client intake forms.

Call our toll free number 888. 273.7267

Email your request to Veronica Ramirez, Housing Counseling Administrative Assistant, at vramirez@varep.net.

1. Contact

2. Call

3. Email

1 5

These are dark times. But even in dark times, we are preternaturally

prepared to see the end of the tunnel. If we are diligent, we will be

able to identify the return of hope and light coming back into the

American economy. While no one could truly know when we’ll see

the end of the coronavirus, we can at least know what signs to look

for that the housing market is on the rebound. With that, here is a

guide to the five indicators that the period of AD (After Disease) is

abating, and the era of AB (America is Back) is emerging.

1. Flattened Curve

The first, and in fact, a prerequisite event that will indicate that the

economy will come out of this tunnel is the turning of the number of

new cases of infection from positive to flat or negative. In the Wuhan

Province, with the strictest lockdown measures ever enforced,

it took two months for the trajectory of new cases to level off.

Furthermore, there was a span of three months from the first cases

in December until March 19 when it was reported* that there were

no new local infections. (*Questionable data noted)

If we consider the China trajectory to be the best-case scenario

(Noting questionable data) and apply those timelines to the U.S.,

then we should see the path in new cases flatten by mid to late April

for states that first issued stay-at-home orders. These states should

have fewer new cases by mid-May. I think this seemingly ambitious

5 indicators that will show when the housing market is rebounding from COVID-19

April 7, 2020 By Logan Mohtashami for Housing Wire

timeline is possible because we are growing our testing capacity, and

the two most populous states issue stay-at-home orders in March, and

others have since followed. It is from this data that I have based my

virus turnaround thesis, which is that by May 18 or sooner, we will see

a flattening of the new infection curve, and by September 1, we will be

at a much higher capacity to fight this virus.

2. End of Stay-at-Home Orders

The second and also prerequisite indicator that the economy will

be getting back on track is the lifting of stay-at-home orders.

Remember that the economic data from January to February was

robust. Job growth in those two months was running at a combined

average of 244,500 per month, well above my own 2020 forecast

range. Retail sales were growing year over year, and even a few of

the regional manufacturing data lines were trending positive.

“When credit stress and jobless claims start to fall, you can believe we are on the road to recovery.”

1 6

As I have mentioned previously, housing data was on fire with

cycle highs in purchase applications, new home sales and existing

home sales. Even housing starts showed almost 40% growth year

over year in the last report. In the days of BC (Before Coronavirus),

the economy wasn’t going into recession in 2020. However, the

stay-at-home orders that most of the country is now following have

basically shut off the economy. Turning that massive machine back

on once the protocols are removed will take time, so be patient.

We have sustained a lot of economic damage in a matter of weeks.

Catastrophic loss can be nearly instantaneous, while rebuilding is

a slow and steady process.

3. 10-Year Yield Goes Above 1%

Dramatic changes in the bond markets were the harbingers

of our oncoming economic decline and will be the beacons for

our recovery. In many ways, we are experiencing an artificially

induced recession, so we were unable to rely on the usual early

indications to predict the economic crash. In 2006, we had

many data lines that were warning us about the economy. The

effect of this virus and lockdown protocols on our economy is

nothing short of an act of war hitting the country quickly.

On January 20, the first positive test for the coronavirus was

reported in the U.S. A month later, the 10-year yield was 1.56%.

In all my yearly prediction articles since the end of 2014, I always

talked about how the 10-year yield should be in the range between

1.6% -3%. The bond markets correctly and with great speed reflected

the oncoming crash of the economy.

On March 9, we got as low as 0.32% on the 10-year yield, but on

March 12, 22 days after 1.56% print on the 10-year yield, the jobless

claims were still positive, near all-time lows.

But we all knew what was coming on that day, massive layoffs, as

it was also the first day the U.S. government banned gatherings

of more than 50 people. Before the 10-year yield broke under 1%,

Bankrate.com published my forecast for where I believe recession

yields would be: in the range of -0.21% to 0.62% on the 10-year

yield. That following Monday, on March 9, bond yields dropped to as

low as 0.32%. We had a massive sell-off in bonds, not because the

economy was getting better but because some traders took profits,

and others had to liquidate assets, which forced yields back to

1.25%. The fact that the 10-year yield is at 0.73% while I am

writing this tells me that the markets believe that Q3 and Q4 will

be better than Q2, which is using the lowest bar in recent history to

work from.

An early indicator of recovery would see the 10-year yield above 1%

–– especially if it got above 1.33%. A range between 1.33% and

1.6% on the 10-year yield is something we should be rooting for,

especially if this happens without liquidation selling of bonds. Once

you get to these levels, know that it’s a good thing.

4. Decline in Credit Stress and Jobless Claims

When credit stress and jobless claims start to fall, you can believe

we are on the road to recovery. Before COVID-19, jobless claims

and the Financial Stress Indices were basically at all-time lows.

(As seen in graph 1.)1 7

In the last expansion, declines in credit stress as measured by the

St. Louis Fed Financial Stress Index (see graph 2)

and in weekly jobless claims were discounted as indicators of an

improving economy. To track economic recovery, these weekly data

lines are going to be even more important to follow than monthly

data like leading economic indicators and housing starts.This is

the opposite of a so-called “normal recession,” when monthly

indicators would be the ones to watch because they are more

indicative of trends and less subject to statistical vagaries. In this

recession, however, the monthly data is too slow to capture the day

to day shifts in the economy. A good example is that the recent jobs

number showed a loss of 701,000 jobs where the next report could

show a report of over 15,000,000 jobs being lost.

5. Data from the hardest-hit sectors starts to trend upward

Some of the hardest-hit business sectors will show recovery first

because the declines have been so horrific. The restaurant industry,

airlines, hotels, movie tickets, rideshares and gasoline purchases

are some areas to watch. As more people walk the earth, go to work

and get back to normal, these beaten-down industries will be some

of the first to pick up.

For housing, purchase applications –– which showed double-digit

year-over-year growth all the way to March 18 –– had back-to-back

negative, year-over-year prints of 11% and 24% for the last two weeks.

We are likely to see much deeper year-over-year declines in the coming

weeks as more states follow stay-at-home protocols. You will see a

reversal of these negative year-over-year trends as one of the first

indicators for housing.

(Graph 1)

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Fiscal and monetary government disaster relief will speed

this along. Unlike the Great Depression of the 1920s, we have

many more social safety nets, not to mention the government

disaster relief of $6 trillion, to help speed the recovery. Don’t be

surprised if the government disaster aid goes above $10 trillion,

with more money for people, states and small businesses when

it’s all said and done.

“My faith in America winning has never let me

down because I always believe in my people and country.”

I believe the months of April and May are going to tell an

epic story of America’s start in defeating this virus. If we do

this right and document the cause and effect of our efforts,

future generations will be able to look to this period in time

for how to handle a global pandemic.

My faith in America winning has never let me down because I

always believe in my people and country. I can tell you now, this

virus isn’t changing my view on that. Before that reality is more

common for a lot of Americans, bond yields will have headed

higher while jobless claims and the St. Louis Financial Stress

Index have already gone lower. Let’s all be here to see it. Until

then, stay separate and safe, my friends, and keep your eyes

open for those small rays of hope.

(Graph 2)

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416

THE PATH TO SUSTAINABLE HOMEOWNERSHIP

INQUIRIES FOR SERVICES

84 GROUP WORKSHOP PARTICIPANTS FROM VHS CHAPTER EVENTS

1 ON 1 HOUSING COUNSELING CLIENTS222

124PRE-PURCHASE HOMEOWNERSHIP

27POST PURCHASE

29FORECLOSURE PREVENTION

16FINANCIAL HOMEOWNERSHIP SUSTAINABILITY COUNSELING

26CREDIT COUNSELING

306CLIENTS

COUNSELED

2020 COUNSELING & OUTREACH STATISTICS

TYPES OF COUNSELING PROVIDED

VAREP’s Housing Counseling Department is a HUD Approved Housing Counseling Agency providing home buying, credit, budget, post purchase and foreclosure prevention counseling services to Veterans, Active Military and the community nationwide. Over the past year, from January to December 2018, we provided the following housing counseling services:

VISIT W W W.VETHOMEOWNERSHIP.COM OR CALL: 888.273.72672 0

5,500 LMI HOUSING INQUIRIESINTERNET, TELEPHONE & COMMUNITY EVENTS

1,500 LMI FAMILIESRECEIVED PRE-PURCHASE, CREDIT & HOUSING COUNSELING

850 VETERAN FAMILIES SUCCESSFULLY PLACED IN HOMES THROUGH OUR PROGRAMS

350 VETERANSWERE REFERRED TO HUD VASH PROGRAM

600 VETERANSENGAGED IN CREDIT COUNSELING TO IMPROVE FINANCIAL READINESS

3,100 VETERANS & SERVICEMEMBERS EDUCATED ON VA HOME LOAN BENEFIT, IMPORTANCE OF GOOD CREDIT & HOME BUYING PROCESS THROUGH COUNSELING & OUTREACH EVENTS

VISIT W W W.VETHOMEOWNERSHIP.COM OR CALL: 888.273.7267

* Sta t i s t i c s f r om 2014 -2020

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The VAREP family celebrates the life of a good man, husband, father, grandfather, servant of God, Navy veteran & selfless veteran advocate. Robert’s kindness, smile, laughter and legacy will continue to shine in all of our hearts.

“I will always treasure Robert’s huge smile and laugh, but mostly his enormous heart for those he loved and served. Robert was a champion for all veterans, and the army of VAREPers to get our vision and mission out! You are going to be missed very much Robert but never forgotten.” - Jamie Garrett

“Very hard to hear about Robert’s untimely passing. As Navy brethren, we connected right away at my first VAREP Policy Conference and I looked forward to seeing him at every event. Full of life, he brought joy to all who ever interacted with him. You will be missed greatly - Fair winds and Following Seas. We have the watch Senior Chief.” - Eric Gardner

WE ARE BLESSED TO HAVE KNOWN YOU.

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“You helped me with my special programs package and turned my life around when I needed help the most. Because of your leadership in San Diego all those years ago I was able to accomplish my dreams and guide others to do the same. YOU are the hero and always will be.” - Ryan Jarvis

“I am gutted - a marvelous man and energetic optimist whose bighearted smile brightened any room he entered. May his family be comforted at this terrible time by his beautiful spirit powered by his inspiring faith and sincere kindness.” - Leslie Kilpatrick

“In Cincinnati Ohio in 1992 Robert Calloway was my recruiter and put me in the Navy. Years had passed before I was able to graciously thank him for changing my life. He was a great person, who genuinely cared about people. RIP Brother. Condolences to his family and friends.” - Latrice Henry

“I have such incredible memories serving along side you. Lot’s of laughs and much respect my friend. I am so sad to hear of your passing. My heart and prayers go out to the entire family.” - Amy Scruggs

“Thank you Senior Chief for everything you did for VAREP and the Vets around you. I was an honor to know you.Fair winds and following seas my friend.” - William Process

C L I C K H E R E T O V I E W T R I B U T E V I D E O

WE ARE BLESSED TO HAVE KNOWN YOU.

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LEGISLATIVE CORNER“To maintain the momentum from the Policy Conference, I have appointed G-II Varrato, AZ State Director; Yeimalis Acevedo-Rasmussen, National Board of Director; William Process, Former Nor thern Nevada Chapter President; Gary Johnson, Former VAREP Sacramento Chapter President; Robbie Grossman, VAREP Twin Cities Vice-President; and Jeff Wilson, to form VAREP’s National Legislative Committee (NLC). The NLC’s task is to do the background and heavy-lif ting work necessary to move our mission and the bill forward.”

- Son Nguyen, VAREP Founder & President

Yeimalis Acevedo-RasmussenPatriotNational Board of DirectorLegislative Committee

G-II Varrato IIU.S. Air ForceArizona State DirectorLegislative Committee Chairman

Gary JohnsonU.S. Air ForceU.S. Coast GuardLegislative Committee

Robbie GrossmanPatriotLegislative Committee

Jim ShieldsU.S. NavyLegislative Committee

Carol MeyersPatriotLegislative Committee

William ProcessU.S. NavyLegislative Committee

Lynn JabsPatriotLegislative Committee

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As we all get our arms and heads around a ‘New Normal’ that is a result of how the world works through the

challenges of COVID-19 aka The CornoaVirus, the landscape of legislative advocacy has also taken on an entirely

different way of undertaking our mission.

All of our GADs (Government Affairs Directors) continue to do yeoman’s work, keeping up their Bi-monthly outreach to

campaigns to Congress, at the local and Washington DC level moving forward.

Recall in the last publication of “Roger That” in February 2020, I noted that our trips to the HILL would put an

exclamation point on all of the pre-legwork accomplished by the GADs. What none of us knew just 60 days ago, was

that the CoronaVirus was already anchored in nearly every corner of the United States.

I was poised to take a trip, in March, to Washington DC with Son, Dustin and Robbie Grossman to set up the June

Policy Conference and lay the legislative ground work for the in-person meetings our GADs would complete in June.

That trip did not take place and plans to visit the HILL began to take on a new dimension. Enter the 1st ever Virtual

Policy Conference.

NEW CONGRESSIONAL ASSIGNMENTS

This year, the 2020 Policy Conference being a Virtual Policy Conference, will actually improve the VAREP GADs

opportunity to meet with their assigned congressional offices, VIRTUALLY.

Each of the GADs NLC POC (National Legislative Committee Point Of Contact) was assigned a number of House

and Senate members to interact with. Many of them are outside of your geographic sphere in terms of ‘drive time’.

Because the GAD’s interaction with each Washington DC Office Staffer will be by phone or video conference, the

opportunity to actually connect with the assigned Senator or Congressman/woman may well improve exponentially.

GADs will still be responsible for making personal contact with the staffer in each office who has the veteran’s agenda

and/or the particular legislative discipline for the particular pieces of legislation that is the topic of discussion at the time of

that interaction, but this time the GADs will be setting up conference calls over the period of 30 days, thus having a greater

chance of actually meeting with the legislator. Log in to https://bit.ly/CongressionalStafferLookUp and simply click on the

state assigned to the Chapter. Then simply click on the link by the legislator’s name and BOOM you have access to the Chief

of Staff, Scheduler, Legislative Director and Press Secretary. The eMail syntax is very simple. For the Senate use first_last@

Senator’sLastName.senate.gov and for the House use first.last@Mail.House.Gov.

VAREP’S NOTABLE FOOTPRINTSON CAPITOL HILL

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LEGISLATIVE CORNER

THE URLA BATTLE LINES ARE STILL IN PLACE

Recall that FHFA had directed the GSEs to make specific modifications to the URLA form and it turned out that there

were dozens of changes made/proposed to the revised URLA, most importantly was the fact that VAREP learned, on

October 23rd 2019, that FHFA Director Mark Calabria’s team moved the hard fight for “Military Question” from Page 1

of the URLA to a place on the URLA that was below the Acknowledgments and Agreements signature block.

Recall that we were waiting for a letter from FHFA Director Calabria in response to the letters he received from the

House of Representatives and the United States Senate asking him to explain why he moved the “Military Question”

to a place below the signature line on the URLA. In late February, VAREP NLC Director Calabria’s response. In general

the response from FHF a was confusing, conflated and mostly inconsistent with of a full throated acknowledgment that

relocating the “Military Question” to the bottom of the form below the signature line had any merit.

Director Calabria stated in his letter that he planned to launch a test. Of the form in March 2020 and that he expected

the form to be implemented by all lenders by September 2020.

The VAREP NLC Chair and Co-Chairs presented lives the United States Senate to try and head off the implementation

of this very poor and damaging action by FHFA. Our goal is to try and get the “Military Question” relocated back to the

first page of the URLA with simple administrative actions. However as I mentioned in my last report we have a piece of

legislation that will force the director to make this correction.

Senator Rosen (D-NV) introduced and with Co-Introducer Senator McSally (R-AZ) legislation (S.2835 Access to

Affordable Housing for Veterans Act of 2019) that would mandate the relocation of the “Military Question” above the

Acknowledgments and Agreements signature block.

Additionally Senator Kyrsten Sinema is working on legislation that will require the lenders to provide written disclosure

of the difference between an FHA loan versus a Conventional loan versus a VA loan. Bill will amend the Informed

Consumer Choice Disclosure in the National Housing Act, thus requiring by law that a written disclosure of difference

between a VA loan and other loan options be provided to an applicant when applying for a home mortgage.

BECOMING A CHARTERED VSO (VETERAN SERVICE ORGANIZATION) - A DIFFERENT STRATEGY

This year’s Policy Position will define our mission gained support from members of Congress to help VAREP become a

chartered VSO. The last VSO that was ever chartered by Congress was the military officers Association of America and

was granted charter in 2009.

The GADs given guidance as to how to approach their assigned legislative leaders to support and advocate for

this very important VSO. Given the fact that the last VSO was granted in 2009, prior to that charter, VSOs had not

been chartered since 1992. Most of the staffers the GADs will interact with barely 5 years old when that VSO was 2 6

chartered in 1992. These staffers have never had any reason to interact with anybody about a new Veteran Service

Organization. Nevertheless a primary mission to get VAREP chartered as a VSO is mission number one for the

foreseeable future.

UPDATE ON THE FIGHT FOR ADDING VETERSANS TO FAIR HOUSING S.1986 / H.R.3516 Fair Housing Improvement Act of 2019

S.1986 was advanced, the day of introduction by Senator Tim Kaine, to the Senate Banking, Housing,

and Urban Affairs and still has only one co-sponsor at the moment, Senator Jacky Rosen (D-NV). The house

version, H.R.3516, is doing much better with nearly 20 cosponsors however there are no GOP members who

have signed on to this piece of legislation.

And though the main focus of the 2020 VAREP National Policy Conference policy position will be to

advance our VSO agenda, included in our ask our elements consistent with the need to protect veterans in

their real estate transactions.

COVID-19 - THE WORLD HAS CHANGED AND SLOWED

We are all aware that United States and in fact the world has come to a screeching halt due to devastating infection

of the coronavirus. While Washington DC has not come to a screeching halt all non-coronavirus legislation is moving

at a snail’s pace. Congressman and congresswomen and senators are all working from home to include their staffers.

Markups to bills are being conducted in committee via Zoom. The only time in person votes on legislation has

occurred, over the past 45 days, happened the third week of March 2020 when Congress had to pass additional funds

for the SBA loans and other support elements of the U.S. economy.

Congressional staffers are still working on other pieces of legislation but for all the obvious reasons the

main focus of the United States Congress is to keep America financially afloat while we all work through the

disruption caused by the coronavirus. For this reason it becomes ever more imperative that all of the GADs

engage their assigned legislative offices with a fervor tenfold that of any previous engagement. We must help

Congress walk and chew gum at the same time. By that I mean not only devise legislation that will protect

the U.S. economy and support every American who has been impacted by the coronavirus, but also advance

legislation necessary to protect our military family.

Stay Safe! Stay Healthy! And… keep your #SocialDistance #IAmVAREP

G-II Varrato II is the VAREP National Legislative Committee Chair

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HISTORY OF THE NUMBER 22In 2012 the Department of Veterans Affairs

released a 59-page report outlining veter-

an suicide. The report states the numbers

of Veterans who die from suicide each day

has remained relatively stable over the

past 12 years (varying from 18 -22 per day).

STOP, DROP & PUSH MISSIONTo lower the 22 veteran lives lost each day

due to suicide by educating the public about

veteran reintegration issues; connecting al-

ternative veteran therapy providers to those

who need treatment; and provide the neces-

sary funding to ensure treatment is possible

so our heroes will rediscover purpose and

lead productive lives.

WHO WE AREThe Stop, Drop and Push Campaign (SDPC) is

part of the Veterans Association of Real Estate

Professionals’ (VAREP) philanthropic platform of

giving back (VAREP is a 501c.3 non-profit focused

on housing for veterans). Although our focus

may be on veteran housing, we cannot stand idle

while our brothers and sisters are part of the 22

veteran suicide statistic.

PROMOTING VETERAN STABILITY TO PREVENT VETERAN SUICIDE

951-268-1517 | info@stopdroppush.org

w w w.STOPDROPPUSH.org

ALTERNATIVE THERAPYResearch has determined in addition to medication and traditional therapy, a holistic

approach including alternatives therapies such as existential/transpersonal, animal-assisted

psychotherapy and play therapy (examples include martial arts, fly fishing, mountain climbing

and rafting) are important as part of the road to recovery for many veterans.

2 8

FACES IN THECROWD

“Faces in the Crowd” is a handful of responses to an intriguing question... VAREP Members share their stories of all things VAREP related!

2 9

VAREP - Northern Virginia Chapter

VAREP - East Bay, CA Chapter

VAREP - Tucson, AZ Chapter

VAREP - San Antonio, TX Chapter

WHAT IS UNIQUE ABOUT VAREP?

Educating both the real estate community and our veteran clients about options and changes as well as grass roots improvement of policy/laws and charity involvement.

Only 501(c)(3) that educates Veterans on financial literacy. Training the real estate community regarding myths of the VA loan .

We are an organization that is all about the veteran and not about marketing ourselves. We are focused on Real Estate and Finance, but we can do so much more to positively change a Veterans situation with our education and VAREP Cares Events.

Reputable organization for outreach to our military and veteran families.

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VAREP - River Valley, AR Chapter

VAREP - Louisville, KY Chapter

VAREP - Miami, FL ChapterThe mission of educating veterans about their VA Benefits as it relates to real estate. In addition to helping veterans get out of homelessness.

Focus on education of the veteran and real estate professionals combined with a “hand up” to veterans in our local community.

Our mission and our local outreach. having a 8 person local board really brings the experience local.

3 1

VAREP - Orange County, CA Chapter

VAREP - Twin Cities Chapter

VAREP - Annapolis, MD Chapter

VAREP - El Paso, TX Chapter

WHY DO YOU GIVE YOUR MONEY, TIME, OR ENERGY TO VAREP AND IT’S MISSION?

They are so many homeless vets in our country. I really feel of all the homeless in this country our Vetrans should be helped first.

I have a burden on my heart to make America a better place for the Veterans. No Veteran should ever be homeless or living on the streets. I am VAREP because this organization solves the problems facing Veterans at the Condition and Cause level. The VAREP approach is unique in this manner of issue solution.

I’ve always been involved in some type of community outreach. I strongly believe in having a well balance business balance and that includes “Giving Back” Why VAREP? It is the least I can do for Men and Women who put their lives at risk, leave their family behind, and sacrifice their future so that I can live my life.

I am a retired military Veteran and not only to I want to support other military members and Veterans, but I wish that I had had the opportunity to attend training like this before I purchased a home.

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VAREP - Treasure Coast, FL Chapter

VAREP - San Bernsrdino, CA Chapter

VAREP - Tacoma, WA ChapterFor me, it’s the right thing to do. The organization is mission-oriented, focused, and getting positive results. As a retiree, I can’t ask for more than that.

Because my husband is a veteran and he is another story of someone who served for ten years but knew nothing about purchasing a home once he was done serving and was very at a loss out there in the civilian world. He was not sure who to trust for the correct information.

I do because I believe in the cause, one veteran at a time. I wish we could help everyone, but we can’t, but if we can just help one veteran at a time I think our efforts are now worth it.

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VAREP - SoCal State Director

VAREP - Central Florida Chapter

VAREP - Pinellas County, FL Chapter

VAREP - Sacramento, CA Chapter

WHAT WOULD GO UNDONE IF VAREP CLOSED TOMORROW?

The education and advocay would no longer be availble to the real estate industry as well as the Veteran and Military Communities.

The access to the combined knowledge and experience of the real estate industry experts, focused on helping veterans.The information is much more available now than when I separated from the Air Force. However, the consolidation and distribution of applicable information is priceless. The opportunity to be that focal point for Veterans is invaluable.

Veterans voices will not be heard or housed. The fact that they deserve so much more from us as a Nation even if we just did one thing we helped.

Less people would learn to take advantage of their VA loans.

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VAREP - St. Louis, MO Chapter

VAREP - El Paso, TX ChapterThere is currently no other organization that provides education on the home buying process specifically tailored to military and Veterans. Also, there is no other program educating REALTORS and other industry professionals on the VA Loans and the specific needs of Veterans.

The Real Estate community would continue to believe the myths of the VA guarantee loan program and our Veterans would be discriminated against. Our Veterans would have less of a voice in D.C. Veterans in each chapters community would miss out on all the unique things we each do for our Veterans. Someone else would benefit from the homes available that are giving away. Less would be accomplished for suicide prevention. It really goes on and on...

VAREP - Tacoma, WA ChapterSomeone that really cares fighting for real change for our Veterans!

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VETERANS ASSOCIATION OF REAL ESTATE PROFESSIONALS

info@VAREP.net w w w . V A R E P. n e t 951- 444 -7363

The willingness with which our young people are likely to serve in any war,

no matter how justi�ed, shall be directly proportional to how they perceive

veterans of early wars were treated and appreciated by our nation.”

- George Washington

“