Hidden Gems: Meet Kimberly Berger of We Are Vets

Today we’d like to introduce you to Kimberly Berger.

Hi Kimberly, so excited to have you on the platform. So before we get into questions about your work-life, maybe you can bring our readers up to speed on your story and how you got to where you are today?
In late August 2024, a wonderful family friend, Paul Jones, was running for State Assembly in District 62, and he kindly invited me to join him on a visit to the West Los Angeles VA home to check in on some veterans. While there, I had the pleasure of meeting a service dog named “Tank” and his human, George. Hearing George’s story touched my heart deeply and inspired me to find ways to help the veterans. I went home and immediately visited our local family-owned feed store, Blacksmith’s Corner in Bellflower, where I chatted with Staci, the owner, about how we could support the service dogs with dog food. I shared my plans with my husband, who is a veteran himself, and he felt proud that I was taking steps to ease some of the burdens faced by unhomed veterans. On that Saturday, my husband James bought supplies for sack lunches, which led to the start of WE ARE VETS. Since then, we’ve started collecting donations of gently used clothing, Bomba socks donated by Lilly’s Legacy, and books, and assembling toiletry kits for each veteran. On the last Sunday of every month, rain or shine, we visit the VA home to hand out everything we’ve gathered, along with snacks and a lunch for any veteran in need.
Each new month brings new veterans, along with some of our long-term veterans, and we get a chance to listen to them and make them feel seen. While some have been there longer than others, some get the chance to move to their permanent home right there on the homeland in apartments. While they are now in better housing, they are still facing some of the same problems.
So, We Are Vets started a Pantry. On the second Saturday of every month, we take fresh produce, canned goods, if we are lucky breads, and some dairy products that, up to this point, have been donated by Angelo Maldenado, aka Saint Angelo, from the American Legion #359 in Norwalk. Jessie from Navy Federal Credit Union in Lakewood has gotten involved and is starting a canned food drive throughout the regional locations, which will bring relief to many.
We have places like American Legion Norwalk, Navy Federal Credit Union, VFW in La Mirada, Lilly’s Legacy, and several gracious donors, without whom we could not do what we do each and every month. We were lucky to get connected with Janice Hahn’s office (through Angelo), which provided us with a grant in 2025. While that was a great help, we are in constant need of monetary aid.
The core group that comes together each month includes myself, James, Cheyenne Berger, Kayla—our social media expert—Bill, our dedicated head volunteer, and Kevin Wheeler along with his MU group of merry vets. It’s always wonderful to see this team come together and make a difference!
It’s been a truly heartwarming journey, and we’re grateful for the chance to make a small difference in their lives.

Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
We have struggled to raise funds to support our 501(c)(3). Most everything comes from clothing donations or the American Legion. The toiletry kits alone cost approximately $800 per month, which usually comes directly from our pockets, as do the storage unit we pay for and the monthly U-Haul rental.

We’ve been impressed with We Are Vets, but for folks who might not be as familiar, what can you share with them about what you do and what sets you apart from others?
We Are Vets is a true boots-on-the-ground 501 (c) (3) that gives 100% of everything that comes in back to the veterans in need. We help them with clothing, toiletries, resources, food, and services for their service dogs, and most importantly, we listen and acknowledge their importance.

Do you have any advice for those looking to network or find a mentor?
Honestly, I am still finding that myself. I can tell you that I find my inspiration and drive from each and every veteran.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://wearevetsltd.com
• Instagram: @wearevetsltd
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/groups/wearevets/