Larry Walker, a retired Army veteran and volunteer service officer, told the Kern County Board of Supervisors on Jan. 7 that he was removed from a Kern County veterans clinic last March after what he described as a false complaint by a county employee.

Walker said the complaint led to his removal five days early from an assignment he intended to end because of a medical condition. "All I'm asking for is an apology and this letter be removed," he told the board, referring to a disciplinary letter he said accused him of cursing at and threatening a younger staff member.

The board's chair expressed sympathy and urged Walker to meet with county employment counsel. County counsel said the office's employment section could help and suggested Walker meet with Assistant County Counsel Kendra Graham and Chief Deputy Brian Alba to review the letter and explore next steps.

Several veterans spoke in support of Walker. George Garcia, identifying himself as a Vietnam combat medic, credited Walker with helping several hundred veterans with disability claims and with organizing outreach activities. Dan Keeter, also a Vietnam veteran, read a letter from another veteran who described Walker's assistance as leading to a 100% disability rating within a year of filing a claim. Arlene Aninyan, a county retiree and veteran, said the clinic lacked critical volunteer support after Walker and other volunteers left.

Board members thanked Walker and the veterans who spoke. Supervisor Parlier, identified in the record as Sherman Parlier, and other supervisors acknowledged Walker's service and supported staff assistance to seek a resolution. The chair asked Walker to visit the fourth-floor employment office after the meeting to meet with counsel staff.

The board did not take formal action on the matter during the meeting. County counsel's office advised a meeting with its employment section and named Kendra Graham as an available contact; the transcript records County Counsel offering to arrange the meeting and to seek a path forward.

The public comment record and the county response will be part of the administration's follow-up; no timeline for resolution was stated at the meeting.