Toys for Tots
Thanking every veteran and family member that brought a new unwrapped toy that brought smiles and the joy of Christmas to some kids at Crazy Otto’s Diner and Toys for Tots. Creating a magical holiday season that will last forever.
WREATHS ACROSS AMERICA
Our dear friend and news colleague Lynn Crothers DuPratt had the honor of planting the first wreath of Wreaths Across America at Lancaster Cemetery. Lynn dedicated the wreath in honor of our beloved, recently deceased Managing Editor and Antelope Valley Press sage and columnist Vern Lawson Sr. Lancaster Cemetery is our Arlington where our veteran brothers and sisters take their rest. Vern was a WWII veteran, died Oct. 19 at age 96. He trained as B-24 Liberator air crew, flight engineer. He was spared shipment out of U.S. by the atomic bomb and observed VJ Day in Denver, saying “I was kissed by every pretty girl in sight. It was wonderful.” Vern raised a family, lived honorably and was still writing his column until just before his health failed. Salute to Vern, and profound gratitude to Lynn and Cemetery Manager Dayle DeBry for nominating Vern for the honor, nearly 80 years of service to America. t was a beautiful ceremony today, with plenty of support from City of Lancaster and volunteers from Lockheed Martin who prepared hundreds of Veterans gravesites for their holiday wreaths in remembrance of their service. Valley Press friends on site: Allison Gatlin Claudia of Andrew Clark, Jim Skeen, Kim Cullen Rawley, Clavito LC, Evelyn Kristo, Lynn Crothers DuPratt. A mini reunion, more to come. Jin Hur with Uno Hur and family and Juan Blanco & Atherine Blanco of Coffee4Vets were on hand along with Dave Corbin, Phillip Waln, Brent Waln and American Legion Riders 311 were on hand as well as Chris Chandler, Alfredo Paniagua and Marine Corps League Detachment 930. Philip Roberts and Mako, and Dean Brown of AV Veterans Community Action Coalition were there, with Christine Ward from Rep. Mike Garcia, Brandon Roque from Sen. Scott Thomas Wilk Representative from Tom Lackey and Lancaster City Council members Raj Malhi and Ken Mann. Helping Dayle was Karla Archuleta.
MEMORIES VETERANS MILITARY BALL 2021
A MEDAL for WWII veteran Louis Moore. A SALUTE for Army veteran Gwendolyn Thornton. A TOAST for late Marine veteran Jerry Lawrence and the other AV veterans who passed since the 2019 Veterans Military Ball. WWII veteran Lou Moore was awarded the Congressional Gold Medal for his service. The award was authorized by Congress for Chinese-American veterans of World War II. Similar Congressional Gold Medals for service have been awarded to the Tuskegee Airmen, Japanese-American WWII veterans, Navajo Code Talkers, and Women’s Air Service Pilots, women who volunteered for flight service to free men up for combat flying duty. The award was presented to Moore this week by Maj. Gen. Robert B.F. Lee and Mr. Moore’s representative in Congress, Rep. Mike Garcia, R-Santa Clarita. Also honored at the Veterans Military Ball hosted by Coffee4Vets was Army veteran Gwendolyn Thornton of the state Employment Development Department. Thornton has worked tirelessly for years to place veterans, many with disabilities, in “real jobs, good paying jobs.” Also saluted was Marine vet Jerry Lawrence who died in 2020 as the pandemic lockdown began. Lawrence innovated the “You Are Not Forgotten” program to honor veterans at end of life. Because of Covid restrictions Lawrence himself could not be properly memorialized until this week of Veterans Day 2021. Top Tier sponsors at Hellenic Center were High Desert Medical, Group Team Boeing, and City of Palmdale. Click on the images to view gallery.
Mobile Vietnam Memorial Wall
ON THE ROAD AGAIN – The Antelope Valley Mobile Vietnam Memorial Wall is on its way to Destination El Centro for its Veterans Day presentation in that patriotic Imperial Valley Community. Escorted by American Legion Riders and Patriot Guard Riders the half-scale monument to the 58,000 plus Americans killed during the Vietnam War was built entirely by community grass roots support. The AV Wall will return to the Antelope Valley presentation in 2022. Click on the images to view gallery.
VPAN Event October 1
VPAN host a very well attended event for our Veterans and family members. Many services including Vaccination stations and lots of information to educate you on your benefits.. Good food and lots of dancing. Good time had by all…Hoorah to James and the entire Team of VPAN. Did I mention Dancing… Veterans known how to have a great time on the dance floor. Music provided by DJ Julio. Click on the images to view gallery.
Coffee4VETS Morning Breakfast September 21
Coffee4VETS September 21st Announcements
Coffee4VETS Morning Breakfast September 16 – Santa Clarita
Coffee4VETS September 16th Announcements
Coffee4VETS Morning Breakfast September 14
Coffee4VETS September 14th Announcements
USC vs San Jose Football Game
Coffee4VETS attending the USC vs San Jose Football Game at LA Memorial Coliseum VIP SUITE 10, Guest of Kathy MacClaren & Dave Gomez representing IBEW LOCAL 11 & NECA LA. Today they will honoring our Men & Women of our Military Services. Our very own Pastor Ken Hart will enter center field representing The Antelope Valley Veterans. We have Juan, Atherine & Alfredo and Leo Pinney. Looking forward to a great game. Horray. Click on the images to view gallery.
Coffee4VETS Morning Breakfast September 2 – Santa Clarita
Coffee4VETS September 2nd Announcements
Coffee4VETS Morning Breakfast August 31
Coffee4VETS August 31st Announcements
Coffee4VETS Certificate of Appreciation
Presentation by Coffee4VETS BOD’s of a Certificate of Appreciation to Steve Hofbauer, Mayor and J.J. Murphy, City Manager for their support of Veterans in the City of Palmdale, and outstanding achievement in making the Healing and Honor Fields.
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.