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by Michael Toschak and RWCPulse Veterans Day week started with a Veteran of the Year Luncheon, in which several patriots were honored at the Marriott Hotel in Milbrea. Commander of Post 105 George Smith was honored as the San Mateo County Veteran of the Year for his work promoting Veterans issues. Smith served in the U.S. Marines for several years, including a tour in Vietnam in 1968. This year’s Veteran of the Year is also an active community volunteer and a former San Mateo firefighter. “All of us owe a great debt of gratitude to all who serve their country,” said Warren Slocum, San Mateo County Board of Supervisors and an Army veteran. “These individuals are truly remarkable for giving so much to their country and for continuing to give so much to their community.” Following his military service, Smith returned home to San Mateo and became a firefighter and a member of the San Mateo County Veterans Commission. Smith is also an active member of the American Legion Riders and Marine Corp League General J.C. Breckinridge San Francisco Detachment 10. During the COVID-19 pandemic, Smith worked to ensure final honors for veterans at funerals in San Mateo, San Francisco, Marin and Sacramento. The San Mateo County says Smith is the “embodiment of duty and service.” The County of San Mateo honored Smith through the County Veterans Commission at the 7th annual Veterans Recognition Event held Thursday, Nov. 10, 2022. More than 250 individuals attended the event to celebrate Smith’s dedication and his service to veterans and the veteran community.
Patriots of the Year, the event also recognized the county’s Patriots of the Year – Wendy Weller and Andrew Trapani. Weller and Trapani are members of the Patriot Guard Riders, Warrior Watch Riders and the American Legion Riders. They have dedicated themselves to escorting veterans to their final resting place and helping families during their time of grieving. The pair have participated in over 148 Final Honors funerals for veterans.
Enterprise of the Year, This year’s Enterprise of the Year is the Veterans Surf Alliance, a volunteer-run nonprofit organization that creates community through surfing. Meeting at Linda Mar Beach in Pacifica, Veterans Surf Alliance provides lessons, coaching and mentors, as well as access to surfboards, routine surf meetups and annual events.
The County of San Mateo lifetime achievement award has been dedicated to congresswoman Jackie Speier, In her final year in congress, Speier has dedicated her career to advocating and advancing veteran issues at the highest level of government. Speier is the chair of the Armed Services Military Personnel Subcommittee, which works to advance numerous initiatives to ensure the military finds and keeps the most qualified individuals, provides their families with needed assistance, and adequately compensates those harmed in the line of duty.
Commander George Smith (previously pictured), Legionnaire Stan Maupin and Alberto Villarreal with Thanksgiving dinner for Menlo Park VA.
Girl Scout Troop 61802 presented Thank you cards to the veterans in attendance at the General Meeting the night before Veterans Day.
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