FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE                           CONTACT: Roel Saldivar (562) 801-2134

May 3, 2004

CONGRESSWOMAN NAPOLITANO HONORS VETERANS

AT MILITARY MEDALS PRESENTATION CEREMONY

Santa Fe Springs, CA – U.S. Representative Grace F. Napolitano (D-CA38) honored veterans with a military medals presentation ceremony on Saturday, May 1, 2004, at the Pico Rivera Senior Center.

In front of about 200 people in attendance, Lieutenant Colonel Tom Lasser, of the California National Guard, served as Master of Ceremonies, and Brigadier General John Gong, also of the California National Guard, joined the Congresswoman in pinning the medals and presenting the awards to the eleven veterans being honored, all of whom served in either World War II or the Korean War.  They include: Richard Almeida of La Puente, Rodolfo Casas of Pico Rivera, Clyde Davis of Santa Fe Springs, Sam Herrera Jr. of Montebello, Louis Lovato of Norwalk, Joe McAfee of Whittier, Edward Rodriguez of East Los Angeles, Robert Tamayo of Whittier, and Marciano Valente of Pico Rivera.  Also honored were Henry Ramos Jr. of La Puente, and Ramon Reyes of Montebello, whose families received their awards posthumously.

In expressing his gratitude, General Gong commented, “This event brought tears to my eyes. I have been in the service for 36 years, so I know what this ceremony means to veterans.  These men have spent a great part of their lives as veterans and it should not be forgotten.  Their patriotism and commitment should never be forgotten.”

Congresswoman Napolitano shared similar sentiments and directed her appreciation to veterans, in particular those being honored, saying, “You deserve these honors because you’ve earned them.  You have also earned the benefits that you are entitled to, but we need you to speak up when they are being cut.  You need to let this administration know your concerns.”

Among the military honors presented were a POW Medal, two Bronze Stars, and a Purple Heart (see complete list, attached). The Congresswoman also presented each veteran with a “Certificate of Congressional Recognition,” along with a Congressional pin, and a U.S. flag, folded in the traditional tri-cornered hat mold.

Sergeant Richard S. Almeida, who was one of the Bronze Star recipients, humbly expressed his appreciation noting, “We joined the military as young men, not knowing or caring about medals or awards.  We just did the best that we could.  Now, we are receiving these awards, and it’s nice.  I appreciate it, and I know it means a lot to veterans, especially for our families and the ones that have passed away.” 

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