El Cajon has a long history of veterans performing community service in support of other veterans, the City, and its residents. The City of El Cajon is committed to recognizing its veterans for their significant contribution of talents to strengthen and support the community. The City of El Cajon “Veteran of the Year Award” recognizes the accomplishments and contributions of veterans to the City of El Cajon and the greater San Diego area. Each year, the El Cajon Veterans Coalition selects a Veteran of the Year to recognize them as one of the City’s finest veterans.

To be considered for the City of El Cajon Veteran of the Year, a veteran must:
- Have been honorably discharged from U.S. military service or from the National Guard
- Reside in an El Cajon zip code (92019, 92020, or 92021)
- Have made significant contributions to the community since their discharge

Emphasis is placed upon contributions the veteran made to the nominating organization, contributions to community service, and to the residents of the City of El Cajon on an individual basis, as well as to the greater veteran community of the County of San Diego, if applicable. Members of the City of El Cajon Veteran’s Coalition are ineligible while serving on the Coalition.

All nomination packages must be received between September 1, 2022 and October 19, 2022. The package must include the completed application, a copy of the veteran’s DD-214 or NGB-22 (with social security number covered), and a summary of the veteran’s accomplishments. The application should provide two photos of the veteran; one should be in uniform if possible, and one current. Original photos will be returned to the veteran, if requested. All nomination packages will be reviewed for correctness and completeness by the City of El Cajon Veteran’s Coalition. The City of El Cajon Veteran’s Coalition will review the eligible packages and select the City of El Cajon Veteran of the Year. The Veteran of the Year will be announced October 27, 2022.  

To access the Veteran of the Year application, please visit www.elcajon.gov/VeteransCoalition.