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For Immediate Release Contact: Amanda Molk, 202-225-5256 August 7, 2003 or Amelia Wang, 562-801-2134 Napolitano Presents Local Veterans With Medals Congresswoman Grace F. Napolitano (D-CA38) today held a ceremony in her district office to present local veterans with medals they earned during their service in the U.S. military. “I was very honored to have veterans in my office. They worked hard, and they deserve this recognition,” Napolitano stated. Colonel Thomas Lasser of the California National Guard was on hand to help the Congresswoman present the medals. “This was a very special and memorable ceremony,” he said. Edward Valencia, a veteran from La Puente, was delighted to receive his purple heart and share it with his family. “It was 50 years ago that I served, and I had my medal but I lost it. My sons wanted to see it. I did not have it and did not know if they replace them,” Valencia explained. “I called you guys [Napolitano’s office] and you helped me replace it, so I really appreciate it very much. I promise I will take care of it this time,” he concluded. Veteran Harlan Edwin Coffman of Norwalk was ecstatic to receive his medal after seeking it for many years. “I have been trying for 57 years to get it, so you can imagine what this means to me. They had told me that it takes 20 years to get it, but I would be gone by then. Someone told me to call my Congresswoman — Grace Napolitano, and my daughter got in touch with you [Napolitano’s office] and I am very happy for it,” Coffman noted. Francisco Arroyo Fargas, a veteran from Pico Rivera, accepted his purple heart with great appreciation for the help Napolitano’s office gave him in receiving it. “I thought I would never get it. I called your [Napolitano’s] office, and it didn’t take that long,” he commented. Anita Olazabal accepted a medal on behalf of her late husband, Abel Olazabal. “I am very proud and grateful. My husband was in all the Santa Fe Springs organizations, so he had quite a history on this city. It is very emotional for me as you can see,” Olazabal stated. Napolitano concluded the ceremony by thanking the veterans for all they have done for our nation and by promising to continue to serve them. “I hope you all stay in good health. I am working with my colleagues and staff to bring more mental health services and other programs to our veterans. You have worked hard, and you deserve it. Our nation, my district and I thank you. God bless you,” she concluded.
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