About VAC

A True Testament to Dedication and Service

Our Story

At Veterans Advocacy Council Community Developmental Corporation, our journey is one of passion, dedication, and a deep commitment to serving those who serve. Our story began in 2020, during a time of immense challenge and change, when our founder, Christina "Chris" Thomas (an Air Force medically retired veteran herself and prior active duty spouse), she realized the critical need for a holistic approach to veterans’ well-being. Serving as the elected Chair of the Veterans Mental Health Advocacy Council, a congressionally mandated council under the Veterans Administration, Chris witnessed firsthand the growing mental health crisis among veterans during the opioid epidemic. This experience ignited a powerful mission: to create a "whole health community" for veterans, their families, and the broader community.

Through her work with veterans and advocacy councils, Chris gained deep insights into the needs of veterans, their families, healthcare providers, and community organizations. Alongside a dedicated board of veterans representing all eras of service—Vice President and Nevada State Commissioner Mr. Wendell Blaylock, former Chair Dr. Marvin Carter, and Co-chair Dr. Perry Paschall—the team worked tirelessly through the pandemic to address urgent issues like hiring, housing, healthcare, and homelessness, all compounded by a national mental health crisis. Their work planted the seeds for what would become Veterans Advocacy Council Community Developmental Corporation.

Driven by the realization that the need extended beyond veterans, Chris and the council expanded their reach to help all those in need through the council's partnerships. This vision soon turned into action, and Veterans Advocacy Council CDC was born, igniting a movement that has since touched countless lives and made meaningful change in our communities.
 

Our Mission and Values

As a for profit that operated as a non-profit, Veterans Advocacy Council CDC is built on the belief that empathy, community, and action are the keys to transformative change and it takes community as the wealth. Our mission is to foster whole health and healing avenues for veterans, families, and communities by providing best care practices advocacy that addresses the full spectrum of mental, physical, and emotional well-being. Over the last four years, born out of the pandemic, we have grown significantly, reaching veterans across regions and expanding our impact in ways we couldn’t have imagined at the start. We touched veterans across the world. 

We have proudly become a national model for integrating federal, state, and local partnerships to support veteran mental health at the latest VA/SAMHSA innovation conference in San Diego 2024. Our dedication to holistic care and mental health advocacy has earned us recognition as a Golden Standard in our field, and we are committed to continuing to set that standard across the community beyond just veterans and families. 
 

Our Team

Our organization’s strength lies in the diverse and passionate team of professionals and volunteers who share our vision. From different backgrounds and walks of life, they bring not only their skills and experience but also their unwavering dedication to making a difference. These individuals are the heartbeat of Veterans Advocacy Council CDC, and together, they fuel our mission with resilience, hope, and inspiration. 
 

Milestones and Successes

Throughout the years, we have celebrated many milestones, but one project that stands out is our veteran integration initiative, which made history in Nevada. This project addressed veterans' socioeconomic needs, driving a ripple effect that extended far beyond the veteran community. It created greater awareness and mobilized community members to contribute to our mission of fostering lasting change. The North Las Vegas Veterans Hometown Block Party held 80 vendors, serving over 1500 veterans in 2023. This led the council to be awarded for their dedication to the North Las Vegas Community Resource Center as a community partner but also a network of veteran brothers and sisters that refused to leave their fellow brother and sisters behind. In 2024 They made history again awarding the Vietnam Veteran Era persons of color that had not been rightfully welcomed home and awarded before the Vietnam Veteran Congressional Award program was done in 2025, signed originally by President Barack Obama. Christina and the Congressional liaisons with Montford Point Marine Association tirelessly looked for veterans of color that hadn't been awarded to come to Las Vegas City Hall and be awarded by all 5 Congressional offices, with city and state officials in hand. What was beyond significant was the inclusion of Vietnam Veteran Allies to be acknowledged for the first time alongside their other brothers in arms. 10 members of the Veteran Association for the Republic of Vietnam (South) were also awarded and pinned. Ms. Donna Lee would be the first African American woman in the state of Nevada to be awarded the Vietnam veteran pinning, award for her unwavering dedication to the veteran community. Congressional Black Caucus Chair, Congressman Steven Horsford had the flag flown over the white house for 6888 Marine Battalion Marine Mrs. Lena Bell. As her recent passing, the flag was presented to her family by the Montford Point Marine Association Chapter 46 lead by President Mr. Gary T. White. Montford Point Marine Mr. Jackson was also honored with a quilt and recognition by Mayor Pamela Goynes-Brown and Assemblywoman Claire Thomas amongst numerous Las Vegas and North Las Vegas City Council. A moment to honor our heros that were once left behind and not acknowledged as equal. A presentation of multicultural military service was presented by Mr. Gary T. White. 

Looking Ahead

At Veterans Advocacy Council CDC, we know that our success is rooted in collaboration and unity. Our story isn’t just ours—it belongs to every partner, supporter, and community member who has stood with us. We are deeply grateful to each individual who has played a role in our journey. Together, we’ve created something truly special, and together, we will continue to make a difference.

As we move forward, we remain focused on our mission to deliver trauma-informed, culturally competent, and whole-health care practices for the veteran community. With your support, we will continue to create opportunities, foster growth, and transform lives.

Welcome to Veterans Advocacy Council Community Developmental Corporation—where our story is your story too!