January 2026 Newsletter

To say Christine Ward is a legislative field aide who helps military veterans is an understatement. Christine not only helps veterans; she advocates for veterans to have a better quality of life; she does all she can to make certain that every veteran can access and obtain their military benefits.

Christine recognized that the veteran community didn’t need just an advocate, the community also needed a friend that they can rely on and trust. Since 2000 Christine has worked relentlessly by building friendships with veterans, while learning all the ins and outs of every government agency (both State and Federal) to better assist the community in whatever they may need.

Take a read at the interview Christine was gracious enough to give us. Read about what helped build her confidence, the foundation of her strong work ethic, and what inspires her to continue doing what she does.  

C4V: How would you describe yourself?

Christiine: Outgoing, having patience and compassionate about helping others.

C4V: Tell us a little bit about your background. Where did you grow up?

Christine: I grew up in the San Fernando Valley, Pacoima.

C4V: What kind of kid were you?

Christine: Very responsible, I was the oldest daughter but treated like the oldest child of 4. you get into trouble? Rarely but occasionally for being smart mouthed.

C4V: What were your parent’s professions? How did that influence you?

Christine: My Dad worked in Defense Aerospace and my mom worked as an in-patient Insurance Biller for Hospitals. My first job was as a switchboard operator for San Fernando Community Hospital where my mom worked.

C4V: What hobbies did you have? Do you still have them today?

Christine: I did not really have any hobbies as I made being with and enjoying my children. Yes, except now they are my grandchildren. I will add I love to shop for them.

C4V: Did you have a favorite subject in school, what impact did that have on your life?

Christine: I did not have a favorite as I worked hard at all my classes. I participated at the time what they called “gifted classes” and provided me extra opportunities for social clubs and school field trips. I will say I also was a co-leader for our school’s Drill Team and really enjoyed that. It gave me the confidence needed to be out in front whether to address classrooms or encouraging students to participate in school activities.

C4V: What hardships, if any, did you face growing up?

Christine: None really, I was treated like the oldest so the responsibility of taking charge over my siblings and making sure, chores were completed before my parents came home from work.

C4V: How did your upbringing shape the person you are today?

Christine: My father’s strong work ethic was the best example I could ever have been given. It drove me to have the work ethic I have as well as instill in my children. The family joke was that when my father was in his end of life, he would tell my relatives not to worry about attending his services because I would bury him at night so that no one would have to miss work.  My Dad was truly a jokester, but everyone knew where I got that from.

C4V: Before you became a Field Representative, what were you doing? What jobs have you held, and what lessons did you learn from them?

Christine: Again, my first job was at a hospital where I went from PBX Operator to credit collections biller. I then managed a medical Family and Internal medicine practice for 18 years. My Dr. then ran for State Assembly and won. I started with Dr. Keith Richman, 38^th Assembly District back in the year 2000.

C4V: Can you walk us through the events that lead to your career today.

Christine: Being able to successfully build a good reputation for resolving casework and representing the member well in the community has allowed me the opportunity to go from Member to Member.

C4V: Had you imagined yourself doing what you’re doing now?

Christine: No, it would never have come to me to strive to do this job.

C4V: What is your schedule like? Very hectic. What does a typical workweek look like for you?

Christine: It depends, some days are 12 hours if I have an early breakfast and an evening meeting on the same day. It could change on a moment’s notice if the Senator’s schedule changes. This job requires me to be ready for anything.

C4V: What did you find to be the most challenging in your first year?

Christine: Learning all the agencies and what they do. That goes for both the State and Federal Government. As a caseworker on top of being a Field Rep. it is our job to assist constituents with whatever issue they might have with one of the Agencies. How did you overcome it? I would go online to the various agencies I would deal with to learn what they did so that when issues arose, I would know who to go to. I also needed to know what level of government to go to or refer to. It took me almost 2 years to figure things out when I initially started.

C4V: What is the biggest challenge you face now/today? How do you work through it?

Christine: Everyone should have this problem in that I get so many invitations to events in the community that I wish I could divide myself to be able to attend everything. Managing means prioritizing what would be most beneficial to the Senator for me to attend.

C4V: What is the best part of your job?

Christine: Getting to meet new people and learning something new every week.

C4V: What is the fondest memory you can share with us about being a Field Rep?

Christine: It really falls under casework. I had the opportunity to meet a 99 yr. Old WWII Veteran who needed assistance with the VA because they stated he owed benefits $146,000.00 back to the VA. After providing extensive records to the VA we were able to eliminate his debt down to zero. There is no greater joy than to give that kind of news.

C4V: What moment made you realize that this is the career for you?

Christine: When I first started back in the Assembly in 2000. My first case involved a constituent who was having significant medical issues and needed a CT scan of the Brain, and her doctor was having difficulty obtaining authorization from Medi-Cal. I thought this is right up my alley being familiar with Medi-Cal and how it worked. After obtaining the medical records needed, I was able to obtain an Authorization for a Treatment Authorization Request (TAR) under Medi-Cal for her to schedule her CT scan in a timely manner. I knew then I was going to be ok doing this job. The best news was that I loved it.

C4V: What advice would you give to anyone heading down this same path?

Christine: Only apply if you can have patience and compassion because you will always be dealing with the most vulnerable.

C4V: Is there a misconception people have about the work you do that you would like to clear up?

Christine: It isn’t always fun & games we do have to do some work. My favorite line to folks who call with that very misconception, is I will tell them that “today I am going to change your mind about a government worker because I am going to help you”.

C4V: What inspires you to continue doing what you’re doing?

Christine: All the above! People don’t realize every 2 years is election and I must worry about employment if we lose our election. This can be very scary and frustrating especially the older I get. At the end of the day there is no greater job than serving your community. I will continue to put myself through the stress of an election.

C4V: What would people find most surprising about you?

Christine: I am a private person who loves live music and my quiet time with my family when I get it.

C4V: On your rare days off, what do you do for fun?

Christine: I love going to the movies, so I am ready for the Academy Awards. On Oscar Sunday it’s like the Superbowl in my house watching to see who is wearing what and who wins in each category.

C4V: If you were a character from any movie, book, or show, who would you be and why?

Christine: I would have to say Scarlet O’Hara, Gone with the Wind because she was so strong and determined.

C4V: What book would we find on your nightstand?

Christine: I have a book of prayers.

C4V If we pressed play on your phone/music app, what song would come on right now?

Christine: It would be either be old school, country new and old.

C4V: If you could turn back time, is there anything you would do differently?

Christie: I could say yes in that I wanted to go to college and study law but that would eliminate everything in my life that I love so the answer is no.

C4V: Choose only one … Reality TV or Scripted shows? … Wine or Beer? … Ohtani or Kershaw?

Christine: Scripted TV … Neither Tequila … Ohtani!

C4V: What are your 5 Do’s and Don’ts in life?

Christine:

1. Do, be faithful and thankful to God.

2. Do, always kiss/hug your family hello, goodbye and goodnight.

3. Do, treat others how you want to be treated no matter what it is.

4. Don’t have any regrets, if there is something weighing on you alleviate it.

5. Don’t put things off for tomorrow when you can do them today.

Christine Ward is without a doubt a well-known community member. She leads the charge in making certain our military veterans are seen and heard. Her compassion combined with her determination to help our military veterans makes her one of the most respected and beloved veteran advocates in the whole Antelope Valley.

Thank You Christine for taking the time to do this interview. And most importantly, Thank You for all the work you do for our military veterans and community.