Casa and the Military Connection
Pictured (from the left) are Georgena (Gena) Bitgood Evans (1st. Lt. USAF-NC-Ret.), Myldred E. Jones (LCdr. USN–Ret.) and B.G. Butcher (Maj. Gen. USMC–Ret.), who represented Lt. Gen. Michael Nelson, USAF-Ret, President, The Retired Officers Association, TROA, now known as The Military Officers Association of America (MOAA). Gen. Butcher is presenting a plaque recognizing Myldred, Founder of Casa Youth Shelter, on the occasion of her 90th birthday as, “Personifying a living legacy of dedication and unselfish service throughout her lifetime.” The presentation, made August 5, 1999.
Among the many other very special recognitions presented to Myldred on her 90th birthday were those received from the President George H.W. Bush, all four former living presidents and the Secretary-General of the United Nations. Also extending their special wishes and recognitions of an exemplary lifetime of service were those of numerous national and state political and social figures and included as well those from the military as represented by: Secretaries of Defense and the Navy, Generals Powell and Schwarzkopf and the presidents of both National and California TROA organizations (now MOAA, the Military Officers Association of America).
Among the many good people at the shelter are a number of individuals who are either retired or former military officers. In addition to bringing a shared military leadership background to their duties, they bring a deep commitment to helping troubled youth and their families regain stability in their lives.
Myldred Jones, Casa’s founder and an active member of the Board of Directors, is a retired Naval LCmdr., having served during WWII. She has become an internationally recognized figure for her humanitarian activities. Her original mission in establishing the shelter was to provide what she called a “safe harbor” for run-away youth. “I simply wanted to get the youth off the streets and out of harm’s way; and I have always had a special place in my heart for military kids.” Remembering her role in Navy Relief services, Jones has often said. “With Dads gone on sea duty, or temporary duty away from home, youngsters and their families sometimes have a difficult time adjusting. The help that Casa provided aided many military families as well as their civilian neighbors.”
Surrogate “Grandmother” to many during their stay at Casa, Jones particularly enjoys receiving emails and letters from former “Casa Kids,” some of whom have selected military careers, and all of whom have wished to share their personal successes with her.
Assuming an active role on the Board is retired Maj. Gen. Daniel J. Hernandez, USA. Gen. Dan first learned of the shelter while serving as Commanding General, 40th Infantry Division (Mechanized) in Los Alamitos, CA. Through his long tenure on the board he has served on many key committees and was Chair, Finance Committee and Treasurer for Casa Youth Shelter. He offers encouragement when speaking to the Hispanic residents in their language, and works with all the residents in helping them to set future goals, always emphasizing the value that education will have on their futures.
Also on staff is Georgena (Gena) Bitgood Evans, former 1st Lt. USAF-NC, Flight Nurse. Evans is Casa’s Fund Development Director, charged with obtaining funding from foundations, corporations, organizations and individuals. Evans formally served as two-term president of the Long Beach, CA Chapter of, The Military Officers Association of America (MOAA). The Chapter officially adopted CASA YOUTH SHELTER as its designated community outreach program in March 1998, receiving a United States Congressional citation, as introduced by former Congressman, the Honorable Steven Horn, one that commended Jones and Casa Youth Shelter’s services for military dependent teenagers and families.
Evans cites the military’s association with the shelter as first being established in the ‘70s when a large concentration of military personnel and their families lived in the greater Long Beach-Los Alamitos area; an association that continues today as Casa responds to inquiries from military families throughout California. Speaking for the staff, Evans says, “The shelter stands always ready to help military teens and their parents, especially now with the ‘call-up’ of reservists, many of whom stage out of Los Alamitos.” She notes that for active duty, reserve, retired and/or former members and/or organized groups of the armed services that would like to help Casa do so, clicking on “Donations” button will offer suggestions.
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