Hundreds attend veterans event

“We want to express heartfelt gratitude for your service and sacrifice,” said Rep. George Whitesides, who represents the Antelope Valley in Congress.

Whitesides was joined by other elected officials or their representatives, including state Sen. Suzette Valladares and Palmdale Mayor Richard Loa.

Veteran Of The Year award went to Mauro Reza, originally of Whittier, who served as a combat helicopter pilot during the Vietnam War from 1967 to 1970. Additionally, Reza shared that he also served in ground combat.

Whitesides shared with Reza that his combat achievement would be read into the Congressional Record, and Valladares thanked him on behalf of the Legislature, as well as Assemblyman Tom Lackey. Assemblyman Juan Carrillo was also represented.

Receiving accolades and awards, Reza blinked back tears. He said he lost eight close comrades during his time in combat, and would gladly return all his medals in order to have them back.

The “Welcome Home” ceremonies fell on National Vietnam Veterans Day, a day that was signed into law, Valladares noted, in 2017 by President Donald Trump.

For the fourth year, the recognition was organized by Boots On The Ground Alliance. An array of area veterans service organizations participated in the recognition of the men and women who served from 1955 until 1975, the time span recognized by the Department of Defense-sponsored 50th Anniversary Vietnam Commemoration.

Alejandro Castillo, leading Boots On The Ground, said it is important for succeeding generations to understand the sacrifices that were made by troops who served in the Vietnam War. Part of that recognition is presentation of the 50th Commemoration lapel pins awarded for service during the Vietnam War Era.

Helping coordinate events from the stage was Mayra Duarte, like Castillo, is a veteran of the Iraq War. Castillo served with Marines, and Duarte with the Air Force.

Vietnam combat Veteran Michael Bertell, president of the Antelope Valley Vietnam Wall Committee was joined by AV Wall volunteer coordinator Stacia Nemeth in presenting the pins to the veterans who passed through a line in review that they probably never believed they would be a part of as young troops returning from the war.

Many of the troops were welcomed with a “Welcome Home” hug from Stacia Nemeth, whose daughter, Marika Nemeth, is on active duty as a pilot with the Air Force.

Among the groups participating were Marine Corps League Detachment 930 as color guard, Young Marines in welcoming the veterans, also Antelope Valley Vets4Veterans, AV Coffee4Vets, and the Los Angeles County-affiliated Veterans Peer Access Network.

Later in the evening, a “Welcome Home” dinner was hosted by the Antelope Valley Veterans Community Action Coalition at Palmdale Elks Lodge 2027.