Emergency Preparedness I

As California wildfire season has begun, the California Transition Assistance Program (CalTAP) has partnered with the California Governor’s Office of Emergency Services (CalOES) to provide California service members, veterans, and their families wildfire safety and preparation tips. Webinar topics will include alerts and warnings, personal preparedness, records recovery, County Veterans Services Offices, veterans healthcare, CalVet Home Loans, and Local Assistance Centers. Please join CalVet and CalOES to learn how to prepare your home, your personal property, and your family from natural disasters.

10:00 a.m. - Welcome/CalTAP Overview

10:10 a.m. - CalVet Local Interagency Network Coordinator (LINC)

10:15 a.m. - Emergency Preparation (CalOES)

10:30 a.m. - Veterans Health Care Administration

10:45 a.m. Questions and Answers

Find out more about our guest speakers below.

Derek Rose, Training Coordinator

CalVet, CalTAP

Derek Rose is a veteran of the United States Navy, serving in direct support of Operations Iraqi Freedom, Enduring Freedom, and New Dawn.  From 2007-2009, Derek served at Personnel Support Detachment Afloat West in San Diego, CA. He also served at the Naval Support Activity Bahrain from 2009-2011, where he provided direct support for personnel stationed in the Persian Gulf. 

Derek received his Bachelor of Arts degree in Public Relations from California State University, Sacramento in 2016.

Michael Cisneros, Training Coordinator

CalVet, CalTAP

Born in Sacramento, CA, Michael Cisneros joined the United States Air Force out of high school in 2004, and served as a Security Forces leader until the summer of 2007. After he separated from service he went back to school and received a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology, with a minor in Human Development, from the University of California, Davis.

During that time Michael also worked as a student aide within his community college’s financial aid office and eventually became a permanent full-time employee in the admissions and records office. His time in student services over a span of eight years fueled an enthusiasm around assisting individuals and helping them achieve their goals.

Michael went back to school and received his Masters of Science in Counseling (Career) from California State University, Sacramento. During that time, he focused most of his research on the veteran community and their unique experiences transitioning into civilian life. He is thrilled to be a part of something that has the ability to alleviate barriers for those individuals, and looks forward to a fulfilling career assisting them in achieving their personal success.

Merlene Steinbeck, Inland Empire LINC

CalVet

While finishing her Bachelors degree in Legal Studies, and an Associates degree in Political Science, Merlene Steinbeck worked for the California State Assembly and the House of Representatives.  She became a subject-matter expert in regulations regarding USC Title 38. She has experience with veteran casework, analyzing the challenges veterans face, and recommending changes to the legal codes.

Merlene’s experience has given her the ability to become an effective advisor to community partners that provide direct services to veterans. She also provides recommendations to veterans regarding their specific and unique issues.