Armed Services Auto Body

GRAND AND GREAT – Armed Services Auto Body launched its Grand Opening on Friday at its new location, 150 W. Ave. J-5 in Lancaster. A large gathering of community Queens, veterans groups, chambers of commerce and supporters turned out to welcome Army Afghanistan veteran John Parsamyan and his bride Mary, along with the all-veteran team of Armed Services Auto Body to the new location. Along with representatives of elected officials and chambers, American Legion Riders from American Legion Post 311 presented a $3,000 donation to the Vets4veterans local veterans service non-profit. Award was presented by Vietnam Veteran Phillip Waln, who served with the 1st Cavalry Division. The check was accepted with gratitude by Vets4veterans President Jack Woolbert and John Parsamyan, Vice President and a Palmdale Veteran of the Year. The Veteran of the Year Award from City of Palmdale honors the late Tom Hilzendeger who founded the group. Vets4veterans is also an awardee of the Veterans Community Service from High Desert Medical Group. Parsamyan, who served with 10th Mountain Division in Afghanistan post 9/11, is committed to running a veterans job training program. Among the groups at the opening were Coffee4vets, Mental Health America of AV, Homes4Families, Point Man Antelope Valley and AV Wall Committee, also Vets4veterans, Lancaster Chamber of Commerce, and the Hispanic Chamber of Commerce. Field deputy Christine Ward represented Rep. Mike Garcia. Brandon Roque represented state Sen. Scott Thomas Wilk, and Carlo Basail represented Assemblyman Tom Lackey. Congratulations John & Mary! Job Well Done! Click on the images to view gallery.

EAGLE GETS WINGS

Michael Bertell who staged out of Fire Base Bastogne as a draftee 11 Bravo infantry soldier in Vietnam was awarded Air Assault Wings at Ft. Campbell Ky. Today during 101st Airborne Division’s Eagle Week. Honor and Country Mike. ABU Wings we’re awarded by active duty Screaming Eagles to combat veterans who earned Air Medal in combat operations. Mike is President of Point Man AV and Antelope Valley Mobile Vietnam Memorial- the “AV Wall.” Mike has dedicated much of his active life to supporting veterans. Last photo Mike shares a moment with Vincent Speranza, WWII Screaming Eagle who survived original Siege of Bastogne in Battle of the Bulge, 1944. Brotherhood forged in battle. Click on the images to view gallery.