When Steven Gutierrez moved to El Dorado Hills in 2016, he discovered something missing in his beautiful new community: a strong local group that brought military service members together. He served for 36 years in the U.S. Marines and the U.S. Army, on active duty and in the reserves, and he saw a need for a strong veterans network. So he started one.
“The goal was to create camaraderie, provide a place where veterans could support one another, and connect our community to the values and service of those who served,” says Gutierrez, who retired as a U.S. Army Lieutenant Colonel decorated with a Bronze Star with Valor, along with other distinguished medals. As a commander, he was assigned to U.S. Special Operations Command and the Army Criminal Investigation Division, with overseas deployments during the Desert Storm, Iraqi Freedom and Enduring Freedom operations.
“A handful of local veterans helped pull the group together in those early days,” says Gutierrez, president of the EDH Military Veterans Group, “and it has grown steadily since then.”
Today, roughly 60 regularly active members participate in the group, with others joining up for specific projects or events. Membership is open to all who have served in the U.S. Armed Forces, regardless of branch or status—active, reserve, or veteran. Participation is voluntary, with no fees and no required hours, and while most of the members live in the EDH community, local residence is not a requirement.
The EDH MVG mission is simple: to honor, support, and serve veterans and their families while connecting with and strengthening community.
“We actively participate in community events, flag ceremonies, parades, and educational programs,” says Gutierrez. “We want the broader EDH community, especially young people, to understand the meaning of service and sacrifice.”
The message has gotten out. As a service project, EDH’s Boy Scout Troop 645 created a monument with plaques and a flagpole, dedicated in November 2020, at Promontory Park. Another plaque is located at the New York Creek Nature Trail. Additionally, EDH MVG has launched a larger project, envisioned for EDH Community Park, but it is currently paused as the Community Services District assesses some internal factors. More than $100,000 has been raised toward the effort, and Gutierrez says even if the district is unable to proceed, EDH MVG has identified alternate options, so he’s confident in completing “a permanent and dignified space to honor all who served—a lasting landmark featuring plaques, monuments, and areas for reflection.”
The most important aspect of EDH Military Veterans Group is connection, says Gutierrez. “Bringing veterans together, linking them with the community, making sure no one is forgotten.”
One way the organization does that is through its No Vet Goes Hungry program. By partnering with Food Bank of El Dorado County and the El Dorado County Veterans Commission, group members deliver food, provide transportation, and see to it that veterans in need can reach important resources. “It’s a simple but impactful way to show that service continues long after the uniform comes off,” says Gutierrez.
For those interested in getting involved, opportunities range from attending meetings to volunteering at community events and supporting service projects. This Veterans Day, EDH MVG members will take part in regional commemorations, including Folsom’s parade and the ceremony at the El Dorado County Veterans Monument in Placerville. In addition, November 10 marks the 250th birthday of the U.S. Marine Corps, and a local celebration is planned for past and present Marines to gather in honor of that milestone.
For more information about EDH Military Veterans Group visit edhmvg.com.