About the VIDC Event

Launched in 2012 as a cause to serve our Veterans’ and their families, VIDC was conceived as a signature, volunteer event to raise awareness and community involvement in assisting and caring for our military veterans.

In its first year the VIDC along with so many patriotic supporters raised more than $30K in sponsorships and in-kind donations. On July 4, 2012, over 200 volunteers prepared and served more than 1,200 BBQ meals to veterans (at bed-side and outpatient), homeless veterans, and veteran’s families. In addition the event featured onstage performances including The Long Beach Symphony, rock band, “Rock for Vets”, plus a Children’s Play Area, a vintage military vehicle display and information booths from community outreach programs.

Since that initial event the VIDC team has participated in serving veterans’ with volunteers and materials at other community events including, Operation Santa Claus and Veteran’s Super Bowl party. Our commitment and willingness to serve veterans’ continues to create incredible results, purpose and benefit the military service veteran community as a whole.

About the Host Organization

Veterans’ Independence Day Celebration, Inc. (the “VIDC”) is a Section 501(c)(3) California non-profit corporation (EIN# 82-1413286)

The VIDC is a non-member organization staffed 100% by volunteers whose sole purpose is to create a memorable event in order to show respect and honor for our veterans and active duty personnel. The VIDC does this by creating a jubilant celebration every 4th of July on the grounds of the Tibor Rubin VA Medical Center in Long Beach, California. Our July 4th Event connects our veterans and active duty personnel with each other and with our community; delivers a delicious all-you-can eat barbecue meal; and provides joyous toe-tapping entertainment for all. VIDC also provides a barbecue meal for all veterans residing within the health care facility, live television viewing of the entertainment, as well as personal visits from lovely volunteers and brave active duty personnel. We usually serve more than 2000 veterans and active duty personnel every July 4th and an unforgettable day is experienced by all who attend

Our Board of Trustees and Team Members

VIDC Board of Trustees

Dennis Osmer – President
Ben Daugherty – Vice President
Patty Daugherty – Secretary
Val Lerch – Treasurer

Team Members

Lori Bohen – Event Director
John Brown – Communications Director
Rick Mark – Volunteer Coordinator
Ryan Lopez – Entertainment
Stacy Weimer – Procurement
Josephine Villasenor – Fundraising
Becky Rustuen – Booths Coordinator
Angela Edwards – Operations