GREATEST GENERATION GOODBYE

Announcements, Events, News

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

Announcements, Events

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.

Antelope Valley Cemetary District Wreaths Across America

Events, Weekly Coffee Update

Antelope Valley Cemetary District Wreaths Across America Lancaster Cemetary sponsored by Friends of Lancaster Cemetary, District Board of Trustee, David Owen’s and Manager Dayle DeBry welcomed the community and Sponsors along with the volunteers to todays event. American Legion/Patriot Guard Riders, Jin & Uno Hur, Owners Crazy Otto’s Diner, Lancaster and crew serviced hot coffee and hot chocolate coco and a variety of treats to warm the body as it was 25’ degrees this morning. Despite the cold weather, many volunteers came out to support this yearly event. Honoring and thanking our fallen Hero’s as wreaths were placed on their grave site. Lancaster City Councilman Ken Mann & Raji Mahli gave out gift cards to all the volunteers. Thanking our community Leaders, our Military Service men & women that came out to support including our community veterans groups. Thank you all for your service. Click on the images to view gallery.

USAF Plant 42

Events, Weekly Coffee Update

USAF Plant 42 Hollywood 1940’s Party and what an awesome gala it was. All the beautiful dress attires. Big Band played wonderful as many danced the night away. Hands down to Rommel DePaz & Denise Smith and the entire crew who turned a MTEC Hanger into a beautiful atmosphere of a Swinging Night Club. It was truly enjoyable. Thank you. Juan Blanco, President of Coffee4VETS would like to thank our guests Juan Carrillo, Assemblyman 39th District and his wife Vanessa, VP Tony Tortolano, Brandon Roque, Rep Senator Scott Wilk for attending. You are appreciated. Click on the images to view gallery.

2022 Veterans Military Ball

Events, Thank You, Weekly Coffee Update

A TRULY MEMORABLE VETERANS MILITARY BALL – Veterans from World War II to Post 9/11 Generations of service enjoyed a joyous celebration on Veterans Day weekend. The Coffee 4 Vets hosted event at J.P. Eliopoulos Hellenic Center featured Dr. Vito Imbasciani Secretary of California Department of Veterans. Dr. Imbasciani, Colonel Ret. Army Medical Corps, shared about saving lives during Operation Desert Storm. Dr. Imbasciani, awarded the Combat Medics Badge, also shared with the packed audience and loved ones the benefits, educational, housing and elder care provided by Calvet. The Coffee4Vets Ball Committee honored WWII veterans Louis Moore and William Senso. The Ball honored Army vet Lou Gonzales of AV Chevy for his philanthropy supporting affordable housing for veterans. Also honored Jin Hur for his generosity and patriotism hosting Coffee4Vets. Others honored included Walter Sapp Lt. Cmdr. Ret. Coast Guard and Vietnam veteran, and Krishna Flores Marine Corps veteran of Iraq War for her leadership with VA Greater Los Angeles Healthcare System. Salute to Army paratrooper vet Juan Blanco Atherine Blanco Mayra Dee Alfredo Paniagua Tony Tortolano Elvie Ancheta for their tireless work organizing what CalVet Secretary Imbasciani credited as the only Veterans Military Ball solely planned by veterans. Photos Julia Claire and David Doc Manzo and John Parsamyan with Vets4veterans. Thank You. High Desert Medical Group was a major sponsor along with The Boeing Company and Homes 4 Families Click on the images to view gallery.

AV Wall 2022

Events, News

AV Wall is on the move from its storage unit to Palmdale Amphitheater. Opening day, Wed, Nov 9th, starting at 5 p.m. on display from Nov 9th-13th- 24 Hours/Day. Veterans Day Ceremony, Friday, Nov 11, 11 a.m. Candlelight Ceremony, Sat, Nov 12, 8 p.m. Taps nightly at 9 p.m. Most walls keep people out, this wall brings people together.

The 12th Annual Salute to Patriots

Events

The 12th Annual Salute to Patriots at the SCV Senior Center, Santa Clarita. It was wonderful to see Donna Deutchman, President and CEO of Homes 4 Families presented her Candidate, Army Veteran Alex Sigglar. There were a total of six Patriots that were honored and recognized tonight. The event was well attended by the community and its elected officials representatives that honor their community veterans. Click on the images to view gallery.