Coffee4VETS Morning Breakfast – February 28, 2023

Coffee4VETS February 28, 2023 Announcements. GREATEST GENERATION STILL GOT IT! WWII veteran William “Bill” Babajian who served in the Pacific during the Battle of Okinawa in 1945 was honored today at Coffee4Vets on the occasion of his 98th birthday. Bill flexed his muscles before receiving Certificates of Recognition from Congressman Mike Garcia, also a Navy veteran and fighter pilot. Garcia’s aide presented the recognition along with similar honors from Assemblyman Tom Lackey and state Sen. Scott Wilk. “Do I get money?” Babajian joked. Then he added, “Why are we doing this?” “Because you’re a national treasure,” Carlo Basail, an aide for Lackey said. “Your name sounds Armenian,” Babajian said. Christine Ward presented for Rep. Garcia. Basail presented for Lackey and Brandon Roque for Wilk.

Coffee4VETS Morning Breakfast – February 21, 2023 

Coffee4VETS February 21, 2023 Announcements. IF IT’S TUESDAY – It’s Coffee4Vets and Christine Ward, veterans advocate for Rep. Mike Garcia, is presenting Master Sgt. Ret. Leonard Thornton with Old Glory plussed up with Eagle Globe Anchor and his name and rank. Why? His Marine Corps size epic contributions to the veterans community. Click on the images to view gallery.

GREATEST GENERATION GOODBYE

The veterans and vet-supporting community of Antelope Valley bade farewell Saturday to World War II veteran Louis E. Moore Saturday in a ceremony at Lancaster Cemetery. Moore turned 100 years old on Oct. 30, 2022, and died surrounded by friends and veterans support family on Dec. 6, to rejoin his beloved Nellie, wife of 74 years. Moore and Nellie’s mortal remains were escorted to the cemetery by Patriot Guard Riders leading elements of American Legion Riders, Rogue One MC, Elks and others. Vietnam Navy veteran Pastor Steve Baker delivered the service and eulogies were delivered by Lou’s friends and care team, Gabriella Salas, and from American Legion Auxiliary by Marcy Naungayan Velador and Linda Madison Jeffery Hayes, with additional remarks by his veterans services advocate Dennis Anderson, Licensed Clinical Social Worker. Thé Honor Guard from VFW Post 3000 Quartz Hill provided military honors, folded flag, rifle salute and taps. Moore served as an aviation cadet before transfer to an Army Air Force weather squadron posted in Europe for D-Day until VE-Day, Victory in Europe the total and unconditional surrender of Nazi Germany. Brig. Gen. David Smith of the California State Guard presided as ranking officer, saluting Moore’s service. Reception was at Bravery Brewing Co. Where his 100th Birthday party was held with more than 100 attending, including: Assemblyman Tom Lackey, Christine Ward representing Congressman Mike Garcia, leadership from AV Vets4veterans, Coffee4Vets, Marine Corps League Detachment 930, American Legion, Veterans of Foreign Wars, Point Man Antelope Valley, Elks, Bombshell Bettys Calendar for Charity, and other patriotic groups. Rat Pack Ricky Medlin provided an American Songbook tribute to Moore. Also present were family friends Mike Burroughs and Stacy Smith Alvey who joined publishing agent Robin Blakely in shepherding the release of Moore’s memoir “Eternal Love,” a brisk seller and critical favorite on Amazon. Moore was awarded the Congressional Gold Medal on Veterans Day 2021 for his service with the 20,000 Chinese Americans who served during World War II. His book, “Eternal Love” recounted his marriage to Nellie Hatsumi Mayeda Moore, a Japanese American who was interned with others of Japanese ancestry during WWII. We must thank Dayle DeBry, Dave Owens, Bart Avery, Sandra Avery, Lancaster Cemetery, Bravery Brewing for their outstanding and wonderful support of this veteran and this remembrance. Click on the images to view gallery.

77th Annual Miss Antelope Valley Pageant

77th Annual Miss Antelope Valley Pageant at the AV Fairgrounds. There were six beautiful contestants in the running for the 2023-2024 Miss Antelope Valley Crown currently held by the beautiful Ms. Jade Diaz. Assemblyman Tom Lackey and Representative Juan Blanco, for Assemblyman Juan Carrillo were there to honor Miss Diaz for her time as Miss Antelope Valley. Coffee4VETS BOD’s Tony Tortolano, VP and Atherine Blanco, Secretary also came out in support as Miss Diaz often visited our Breakfast programs and volunteered for our community events… Miss Diaz has now pass the crown to the new Miss Antelope Valley, Miss Lyn’Aya Gipson of Rancho Vista. Big Congratulations to Ms. Gipson and her parents on a job well done. The ballroom was filled with many Queens and their very proud parents. We were very happy to be apart of this great event. Good showing of community support for the pageant.