Three members of Post 105 in San Mateo will be honored at the Nov. 10 Veteran of the Year Luncheon hosted by the San Mateo County Veterans Commission.
VETERAN OF THE YEAR, George Smith: Smith is the embodiment of duty and service – first as veteran of the U.S. Marine Corps where he served honorably in Vietnam in 1966. After his Marine Corps service, Smith became a San Mateo firefighter and a volunteer working on behalf of veterans and veteran causes. He has been active in the American Legion Post 105 in Redwood City, where he serves as post commander, and the American Legion Riders and Marine Corps League. During the COVID-19 pandemic, Smith worked to ensure final honors for veterans were given at the funerals of all Marines in San Mateo, San Francisco, Marin and Sacramento counties when requested. He also served on the San Mateo County Veterans Commission.
PATRIOTS OF THE YEAR, Wendy Weller and Andrew Trapani: Weller and Trapani embody the patriot spirit as volunteers for veterans and their families. They have participated in over 148 Final Honors funerals for veterans and their families, helping them during their time of grief. As members of the Patriot Guard Riders, Warrior Watch Riders and the American Legion Riders, they have provided escort to veterans to their final resting place, honoring them with a flag line at the end. Weller and Trapani volunteer about 1,200 hours a year for this service to veterans.
To read about the other honorees and more about the event visit: The San Mateo County website.
Author: caLegion Contributor
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