YEAR ENDER 2022 @VETS4VETERANS & COFFEE4VETS

Announcements, Thank You

Some nice moments, last working lunch at Armed Services Autobody, launch pad for veterans working on success after service. Also, the holiday party before Christmas, Hanukkah and more at Coffee4Vets hosted by Jin Hur at Crazy Otto’s on Avenue I. Leading pastors, Jeremy Mayor, Ken Hart and Bishop Henry Hearns veterans and Lancaster city leaders, Vice Mayor Marvin Crist, and Councilmen Raj Malhi and Ken Mann gathered to finish out a tough but rewarding year. 2022 was a year when veterans faced many challenges and loss and rebounded with resilience. 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.

A Visit to Ralph Furness

Announcements, News, Thank You

A visit to Ralph Furness, WWII War Veteran at Alexi Manor Senior Living Facility where he lives now. Ralph was at Coffee4VETS every week until he fell to illness. As he would say, “My mind is well but the body is not.” I found Ralph in good spirit and we spent the time talking about his time in the service, marriage and his children. He looks forward to more visitors. You can visit Ralph at 41453 Alexo Dr, Lancaster, CA 93536, times 11am-1pm and 3pm-5pm or you can reach his on his cell at (661) 350-4108. Take a moment to reach out to him as he would really appreciate hearing from you. After an hour visit it was time to go. I also met his daughter Sally there as well. So thankful for the time spent.

Farewell to Captain Ed Buclatin

Announcements, News, Thank You

As the Honorary Commander of 412th Test Wing Public Affairs, I had the opportunity to bid farewell to my PA Director, Captain Ed Buclatin as he starts his new chapter, new career. It was an honor being under his command. You are leaving this office but your legacy will remain forever. It’s hard to forget a great director like you and you’ll be deeply missed. Thank you for your service and thank you for providing me the opportunity to serve for our Antelope Valley Veteran Community.

Joseph Lopez Pratti Memorial 5K Run-Walk

Events, Thank You

Today’s Joseph Lopez Pratti Memorial 5K Run-Walk that took place in Rosamond. Jin & Uno Hur have been attending this event for many years where they provided homemade burritos on site for the attendees. Jin also ran the 5K and made it to the finish line. Thank you Jin & Uno for your service to our veteran community.

Memorial Day Events 2022

Events, News, Thank You

Click on the images to view gallery. What an honor to present the wreath at the Antelope Valley Healing and Honor Field Ceremony, honoring those who gave all to protect our nation. Some may see the wreath as a circle of life and death because of its circular shape but today it was paced to honor all our fallen heroes. Here are the representatives of women from our veterans groups that carried the wreath, Megan Hilzendeger for Vets4Veterans, Michele Schottelkorb for Point Man, and Atherine Blanco for Coffee4VETS, Inc. and Spunky Sparks for Antelope Valley Veteran’s Community Action Coalition. Great job ladies. The wreath was design by Atherine Blanco with the support of Tina Pullum. Big thank to Stacia Nemeth for putting this team together. See you in 2023.

Spotlight Krishna America Flores

Events, News, Thank You

In recognition of #MentalHealthAwarenessMonth, #TeamWilk is pleased to spotlight Krishna America Flores, US Marine Corps Veteran & Veteran Outreach Program Specialist for the Antelope Valley Veteran Center. In 2005 Krishna was 1 of 2 women in her battalion to volunteer to deploy in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom. She struggled significantly with PTSD after returning home. But through the support of the VA, she was able to face her challenges head on & obtain her Bachelor’s degree in Public Health Promotion & her graduate degree in Health Administration. Today she helps connect combat veterans & veterans who have experienced military sexual to counseling, healthcare & community resources. Thank you Krishna, for your service to our nation & for your ongoing service to our military men & women! Read more: https://wilk.cssrc.us/may-mental-health-awareness-month Click on the images to view gallery.