Coffee4VETS Morning Breakfast – May 15, 2025 – Santa Clarita
THUNDERBOLT PILOT HONORED – On the occasion of his 102nd birthday WWII “Greatest Generation” Pilot, Lt. Ken Placek was honored at Coffee 4 Vets in Santa Clarita. After the war, Placek transitioned into a successful career in insurance. Among his wartime accomplishments, 95 missions braving Nazi flak in tactical missions to take out enemy materiel, munitions, emplacements and, well, enemy. He was awarded the Distinguished Flying Cross and more than a dozen awards of the Air Medal. At Thursday’s gathering at Crazy Otto’s in Santa Clarita he was honored and recognized by representatives for Congressman George Whitesides, state Sen. Suzette Valladares, Los Angeles County Supervisor Kathryn Barger, City of Santa Clarita, and of course, to thunderous acclaim by the veterans of Coffee4Vets. On hand to witness his honors were his grown sons, Paul and Gregg, photogaphed with their Dad. Photos courtesy of Coffee4Vets Secretary and Edwards AFB Honorary Cmdr for Public Affairs Atherine Blanco. Click on link below to watch our live stream. Coffee4VETS Breakfast – May 15, 2025 Click on images to view gallery.