Last week, it was my honor to attend our 2nd annual Veteran of the Year Luncheon put on by the San Mateo County Veterans Commission. For nearly a year, the Veterans Commission has met to organize this special luncheon to recognize and thank our veterans for their service.
With over 300 people in attendance, their efforts were no small feat. The attendees honored Romie Bassetto as Veteran of the Year, LeAnn Thornton as Patriot of the Year, and the Central Peninsula Church as Enterprise of the Year. These individuals and the church have done so much to improve the life of veterans in this county – and I thank them.
In the audience were veterans from World War II through the Vietnam War (in which I proudly served) to the most recent conflicts. To the nearly 150 veterans in attendance, thank you for your service.
Thank you to Hoover Institution's Admiral Jim Ellis, Jr. (Ret.) for a moving and memorable keynote address, and to CALVET Secretary Dr. Vito Imbasciani for your inspirational words and for travelling from Sacramento to attend.
Thank you to the sponsors of this lunch – this event could not have happened without your support to our veterans. Beals Martin Inc., Collantes Realty, Comcast, Cotchett, Pitre & McCarthy, LLP, Dignity Health Sequoia Hospital, First National Bank of Northern California, Genentech, Kaiser Redwood City, Liberty Bank, PG&E, Recology San Mateo County, Republic Family of Companies, Republic Services, San Mateo Credit Union, San Mateo County Sheriff's Office, San Mateo County Veteran Lawyers, South San Francisco Scavenger Co., Toole's Garage, Toyota 101, and W. L. Butler - your contribution to this event is deeply appreciated.
Lastly, I thank the Veterans Commission for your unwavering commitment to the veterans of San Mateo County and the residents of our Country. This Warren Award goes to you, Veterans Commission, for countless hours and long nights you spent ensuring this luncheon to honor our veterans was “pitch perfect”.