FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
CONTACT:
Melissa Utsuki
Executive Director of Communications and External Relations
626-914-8872
mutsuki@citruscollege.edu
Local Veterans Honored at Annual Ceremony Hosted by Citrus College
Glendora, Calif. (Nov. 8, 2019) – Four hometown heroes were recently acknowledged during the 14th annual Saluting Our Veterans ceremony at Citrus College on Nov. 7.
Co-hosted by Citrus College, Azusa Pacific University (APU), and the cities of Azusa and Glendora, Saluting Our Veterans is an annual celebration that thanks the brave men and women who have served in the United States armed forces. As part of the event, each of the hosting organizations recognizes a veteran from their community who has served the country bravely and contributed to the greater good.
This year, Citrus College honored U.S. Army Specialist Sal Hernandez, APU honored U.S. Marine Corps Major Donato Powell, the city of Azusa honored U.S. Navy Petty Officer Henry Perez and the city of Glendora honored U.S. Army Specialist Ramiro Carrasco.
"Recognizing our community's most heroic citizens is always a highlight of Saluting Our Veterans," said Dr. Geraldine M. Perri, superintendent/president of Citrus College. "For more than a decade, Citrus College has been proud to host this patriotic event. Our hope is that it shows our appreciation and support for those veterans enrolled at Citrus College, as well as those living in our community. We are forever grateful for their service, courage and commitment to our country."
Community members and elected officials joined faculty, staff and students at the event, which included a musical prologue by the Citrus College Blue Note Orchestra, a presentation of colors by the Army ROTC of APU and a moment of silence for fallen veterans. Following the moment of silence, a three-volley salute and flag-folding ceremony were conducted by the La Verne Veterans of Foreign Wars Band of Brothers Post 12034.
The event concluded with keynote remarks by U.S. Navy Petty Officer Ulicies Bolanos, an alumnus of Citrus College. Petty Officer Bolanos served as a hospital corpsman from April 2008 to August 2012. During his service, he was deployed to Kuwait, Iraq, Indonesia and the coast of Somalia. While attending Citrus College, he actively supported student veterans, serving as president of the Veterans Network Club and assisting as a Federal Work-Study student in the Veterans Success Center.
"This year's Saluting Our Veterans was an inspirational recognition of the brave men and women who have made many sacrifices in service to our country," said Susan M. Keith, president of the Citrus Community College District Board of Trustees. "It served as an excellent reflection of Citrus College's commitment to supporting veterans, particularly those who are part of the college community. I am proud of the great work the college has done on behalf of its student veterans and consider it a privilege that Citrus College can assist members of the military in reaching their academic and professional goals."
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