Service is at the heart of The Glen at Scripps Ranch, a community where residents bring diverse experiences, stories, and passions to daily life. Among these residents is a dedicated group of veterans who continue to serve others long after their military careers have ended. The Glen Veterans Club embodies a spirit of unity, giving back, and friendship that enriches the entire community.
A Legacy of Service and Connection
The Glen Veterans Club began as a simple gathering of veterans who wanted to reconnect once the pandemic restrictions eased. At first, meetings were informal, filled with stories from time in the service and shared memories from different branches of the military. Over time, those conversations grew into something more meaningful, a desire to create lasting camaraderie and contribute to a cause larger than themselves.
San Diego has long been home to a strong military presence, with many retirees from the Navy and Marine Corps, along with veterans from the Army and Air Force. Reflecting that diversity, The Glen Veterans Club includes members from several branches and even welcomes veterans from friendly foreign nations who now call The Glen home. The message is simple: a veteran is a veteran, and everyone who served is part of the same extended family of service.
Building a Foundation for Community Involvement
To provide structure and continuity, members of The Glen Veterans Club developed a charter and formal Standard Operating Procedures. These guidelines ensure that activities remain consistent and purposeful each year. A small steering committee of members provides leadership, plans annual events, and identifies opportunities for engagement that reflect the values of both the club and the wider Glen community.
Monthly meetings bring veterans together to discuss ideas, plan outreach, and organize special events in partnership with The Glen’s Activities Director. The club also coordinates tours of local military facilities, invites guest speakers, and hosts socials that encourage conversation and fellowship among members and residents. Through these gatherings, the sense of belonging and shared purpose that defines military life continues to thrive at The Glen.
Honoring Service Through Meaningful Events
Two of the club’s cornerstone events are The Glen’s Memorial Day and Veterans Day ceremonies. With the support of the Activities team, the Veterans Club plans, hosts, and leads both events. Memorial Day programming includes thoughtful presentations on the meaning of service, remembrance slides honoring veterans who have passed, and a respectful playing of Taps. Veterans Day celebrations often feature the National Anthem, live entertainment, and opportunities for all residents to honor those who served.
Beyond these annual observances, the club also arranges educational programs and speaker events that highlight history, world affairs, and personal stories from service members. These programs enrich the community and remind residents of the ongoing value of service, teamwork, and sacrifice.
Extending Service Beyond the Gates
The Glen Veterans Club is deeply committed to giving back to the broader San Diego military community. Each year, the club selects a local nonprofit to support through financial donations and volunteer involvement. One long-standing partnership is with the Armed Services YMCA San Diego, an organization that provides critical support to active-duty military members and their families.
Together with residents and The Glen’s management team, the Veterans Club has raised funds and collected goods to make a difference in the lives of others. Past efforts have included donating 100 turkeys and pies to junior-enlisted families, supporting the Daddies and Daughters Dance, and providing gifts to terminally ill military children. Most recently, the club and The Glen partnered to contribute nearly $6,000 to the Armed Services YMCA’s Operation Holiday Joy, helping young military families experience a brighter holiday season.
These projects highlight how service continues to shape life at The Glen. Veterans remain active contributors to their community and beyond, fostering relationships that extend well past the walls of the neighborhood.
Service, Support, and Shared Purpose
What began as a small group of veterans meeting over stories and coffee has grown into a valued part of The Glen’s culture. Today, the Veterans Club not only honors the legacy of military service but also demonstrates how connection and compassion can build a stronger community.
Residents often remark that being part of this club brings back the camaraderie and shared mission that defined their years in uniform. Whether assisting with ceremonies, organizing tours, or fundraising for local causes, members show that service does not end with retirement, it simply takes on new meaning.
A Spirit That Inspires
At The Glen at Scripps Ranch, the Veterans Club stands as a reminder that service and fellowship enrich life at every stage. Through their dedication, generosity, and leadership, members continue to inspire others to find purpose and joy in giving back.
The Glen is proud to honor their commitment and to support the ongoing mission of the Veterans Club, proof that the spirit of service thrives in every chapter of life.
If you are seeking a community where service, friendship, and purpose come together, discover life at The Glen at Scripps Ranch. Contact us to schedule a visit to explore our community, meet residents, and see firsthand how service inspires every day.
