Coffee4VETS Morning Breakfast – February 28, 2023

Announcements, News, Weekly Coffee Update

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 

Announcements, Events, News, Weekly Coffee Update

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

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.

A FULL 100

News

Note with great sadness and respect the passing of our Greatest Generation veteran, Louis E. Moore. Awarded the Congressional Gold Medal for his service with 20,000 Chinese Americans who served their country in World War II, Army Air Force veteran Sgt. Moore died peacefully among friends from his Antelope Valley military family. At 98, Lou became a first-time author of a memoir about his 74 years of devoted marriage to Nellie Hatsumi Mayeda Moore. “Eternal Love,” his book told the story of a young Chinese American WWII veteran returning home to fall passionately in love with a young Japanese American who had spent the early years of the war in an internment camp where people of Japanese heritage were held after the attack on Pearl Harbor. No Japanese American was ever found to have been disloyal to the United States and in the following years the U.S. Supreme Court held the captivity unconstitutional. The couple met in New York City and a week later married. Together the couple started from scratch and built a life, overcoming prejudices of the day, adversity and challenges. Nellie Moore died in October 2020. “I was not a hero, but I was always proud to have served my country, and proud to be an American,” Moore said. For his 100th birthday, hundred of friends from the veteran community celebrated in a big party at Bravery Brewing. An American flag flown at the U.S. Capitol was presented by fellow veteran, Congressman Mike Garcia. Moore also said “I hope that God’s arms will reach down from heaven and pull me up to be with my beloved Nellie.” On Tuesday, a little more than a month after his 100th birthday, his hope was fulfilled. Click on the images to view gallery.