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Press Releases and Statements
 
For Immediate Release
August 23, 2006
Contact: Sonia Melendez
(202) 225-5464; (202) 225-4573
 
Solis, Angelides Honor Local Veterans at 3rd Annual Veterans Care Day
 

Click here for photos. 

Azusa, Calif. - Today, Congresswoman Hilda L. Solis (CA-32), joined by California State Treasurer Phil Angelides, hosted her 3rd Annual Veteran Care Day Event at the  California National Guard Los Angeles Readiness Center.

“Honoring our veterans must not be in words only; it also includes ensuring that they have access to quality health care, employment opportunities and other valuable services,” said Congresswoman Solis. “No one has paid a higher price and sacrifice for our freedom than our veterans. They kept their commitment – we should keep ours.”

Representatives from the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs, the Social Security Administration, the Internal Revenue Service, and other federal and local agencies were present to provide information about services, programs, and benefits available to veterans.  Free on-site medical examinations and haircuts were also available.  

Solis also presented military medals to four veterans including Ildefonso Muñoz Chagolla of Azusa, Robert Z. Fernández of South El Monte, Lannie Baas and Frederick F. Gansert of West Covina. Congresswoman Solis’ office helped obtain the medals for the veterans.

"It is important to recognize both those who have worn the uniform and those currently serving,” said Congresswoman Solis. “Military families are struggling with extended stays, lack of mental health care, failure to provide bilingual services and lack of burial funds. They are keeping their commitment – we should keep ours.” 

Congresswoman Solis has introduced H.R. 5007, the Culturally Competent Veteran and Family Care Act, to require the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) to extend mental health counseling to all eligible U.S. military families, including individuals with limited English proficiency (LEP).  In 2003, legislation introduced by Solis to expedite the naturalization process for legal immigrants serving in the U.S. military was signed into law (Public Law 108-136).

Here is the San Gabriel Valley Tribune article on the event:

 

Salute to Service Veterans

Solis Sponsors Annual Event at National Guard Facility


By Sang Lee, Staff Writer
San Gabriel Valley Tribune

AZUSA - For a group of local U.S. veterans, it was an important reminder that their past service was not forgotten.

More than 500 people came to California National Guard Los Angeles Readiness Center in Azusa on Saturday for the third annual Veterans Care Day to not only recognize the veterans' past contributions, but also to give thanks.

"We are here to honor the veterans," said Rep. Hilda L. Solis, D-El Monte, who sponsored the event. "I'm so thankful for all that they have done for our country, and this is just one way to show them that we will never forget."

The event also gave veterans the opportunity to get information to help them find jobs and promote health care awareness.

Local, state and federal officials were present to award belated medals to Ildefonso Munoz Chagolla of Asuza, Robert Z. Fernandez of South El Monte, and Lannie Bass and Frederick F. Gansert of West Covina.

"It's taken 47 years, but I feel like I've been born again." Chagolla said. "It's all starting to catch up with me."

Chagolla was honorably discharged as a petty officer third Class from the Navy following his service in the Korean War and has lived in Azusa for the past 47 years.

Bass, 51, called the experience overwhelming as he greeted dozens of fellow veterans after the ceremony.

"It's such a feeling of belonging," said Bass, who has worked as an information technology consultant since his honorable discharge in 1975. "Any time you're with fellow veterans, it's like one large fraternity. This is certainly something to be extremely grateful for."

Bass received training from the same military base in Missouri as Brig. Gen. John Gong of the 40th Infantry Division, who gave a formal reading during the ceremony. Gong recently returned from deployment on missions for Operation Enduring Freedom and Operation Iraqi Freedom.

"There are thousands of untold stories, and it is important to recognize these dedicated men and women who have made sacrifices for this nation," Gong said.

Democratic gubernatorial candidate state Treasurer Phil Angelides addressed the audience with promises to provide benefits to California National Guard members if he were to become governor.

"It's unacceptable to me, and any of us, that California ranks near the bottom in benefits for our guard," Angelides said. "It's time to give them the honor they deserve as we would give any other branch of service."

Angelides promised he would waive academic fees, provide family health insurance coverage, offer unpaid family leave for spouses, increase access to the California Military Relief Fund and match tax credits to small businesses that pay guardsmen on active duty.

sang.lee@sgvn.com

(626) 962-8811, Ext. 2393

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