The city of Chula Vista is accepting nominations for the 2019-20 Veteran of the Year until June 30.
The Veterans Advisory Commission will be choosing the veteran of the year from those who are nominated. The Veteran of the Year award is just a part of the acknowledgment the city provides to veterans.
The city already maintains a Walk of Honor in Veterans Park located on East Palomar Street. Additionally the city’s second oldest park, Memorial Park, is the site of the Memorial Monument. Memorial Monument is dedicated to the armed forces.
The Veterans Home of California, Chula Vista, is one of eight dedicated veterans homes in California. The facility, which is a 400-bed long-term care facility, provides care to veterans.
Within the Civic Center Library is a counseling space, updated veterans information and memorabilia, book and media material. A lesser known fact is the 92 city streets named to honor veterans.
To be considered for the Veteran of the Year award a veteran must have been honorably discharged from U.S. military service, employed within or a resident of the city, and a citizen who has made significant contributions to the community since military service.
“I want to encourage everyone to nominate qualified veterans for Veteran of the Year,” said councilmember John McCann. “We have a large veterans’ community and we have many exemplary leaders who deserve to be recognized.”
A member of the commission pointed out what they look for.
“We look for what they have done – community service activity in the community and schools,” said Veterans Advisory Commission vice-chair Bill Sears. According to Sears, obligations include appearances at events such as the Starlight Parade, Veterans Day functions and other commitments.
“I’m very proud how the city of Chula Vista honors veterans in so many ways,” said Mayor Mary Casillas Salas. “We started the Veteran of the Year award in 1998 and our first honoree was Bill Ayers. Since then we’ve honored so many men and women who served in the military.”
“I am the liaison for the city,” said Chula Vista Police Department Capt. Eric Thunberg. “The commission solicits the community for nominations.”
Eligible branches of service are Army, Marine Corps, Navy, Air Force and Coast Guard.
Completed applications should be sent to: City of Chula Vista c/o Police Department, Attn: Veterans Advisory Commission, 315 Fourth Ave., Chula Vista, CA 91910.
Applications must include supporting documentation, two photographs—one in uniform and a current photo.
