Veterans Readiness & Employment (VR&E) Overview

Meet our Guest Speakers

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.  

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 and joined CalVet shortly after.  

During his time with CalVet, Derek has obtained experience working across multiple programs, including human resources, the Veterans Housing and Homelessness Prevention Program (VHHP), and most recently as a Training Coordinator with CalTAP.  

Derek brings with him a shared experience of navigating the VA benefits system, coupled with his experience as VSD Program Analyst to provide service members, veterans, and their families the care and support they have earned and deserve.  

Kevin Graves, Bay Area LINC 

CalVet 

Kevin Graves is a survivor and Gold Star Father. His son, SPC Joseph A. Graves, was KIA just outside of Baghdad, Iraq on 25 Jul 06. Joey was killed while serving in the 720th MP BN, 110th CO out of Ft. Hood, Texas. Joey was Kevin’s only child and was raised by his father as a single parent from the age of nine. 

At that time, Kevin had been in the construction industry for thirty years. The loss of his child ultimately resulted in the loss of his career. In searching for direction and purpose, Kevin started working on legislation to provide Gold Star license plates to families of the fallen. With the assistance of CalVet, as the sponsoring agency, the ‘Gold Star Family’ license plate bill was signed into law in 2009. Kevin, alongside another Gold Star father, wanted to make sure that the bill was designed to show recognition to all immediate family members that had sacrificed so much. They also made sure it included all eras. 

In 2010, still searching for a purpose and with no prior service, Kevin was struggling with understanding the experiences his son had in the military. In January of 2010, Kevin was sworn into the Cal Guard as a 56M, Chaplains Assistant. This fulfilled the need Kevin had to earn the right to wear the uniform his son so proudly wore. Kevin is currently a Sergeant First Class serving the 185th MP BN out of Pittsburg, CA.   

As the Bay Area LINC, Kevin provides outreach to approximately 360,000 veterans and their families in a ten-county region. His role with CalVet ties into his survivor support by continually advocating on behalf of survivor families. Kevin feels honored to provide veterans and their families with resources and benefits and he is passionate about this mission that is fueled by the sacrifice of his son. 

The VR&E program helps Veterans and Servicemembers with service-connected disabilities and an employment handicap prepare for, obtain, and keep suitable jobs. It is authorized by Congress under Title 38 of the United States Code, Chapter 31.