By Noel Smith
On the Friday November 8, just three days before Veterans Day on the 11th, about 20 former members of the military who are now Santa Cruz city and county employees received recognition in a ceremony held outside the Santa Cruz County Courthouse.
Santa Cruz County Supervisor Zach Friend originated the event when he was a Santa Cruz City employee with the police department. The ceremony has been held for the past two years at Santa Cruz City Hall. Now in its third year, Friend said the tradition would continue with the location alternating between the county courthouse and Santa Cruz city hall.
“We felt that we haven’t spent enough time acknowledging those who have served our county while in uniform and continue to serve their fellow citizens as city and county employees,” said Friend after the ceremony.
A color guard with Santa Cruz police and Santa Cruz County sheriff’s deputies organized by former soldier Josh Trog, now a City of Santa Cruz Policeman presented flags, while a fellow officer played “taps.”
Santa Cruz Mayor Hilary Bryant and Supervisor Friend presented written proclamations to the city and county employees who are veterans.
Other officials at the event included Santa Cruz Vice Mayor Lynn Robinson, Santa Cruz City Councilman Don Lane, Santa Cruz Police Chief Kevin Vogel, Santa Cruz County Sheriff Phil Wowak and county supervisors Neal Coonerty, Bruce McPherson and Greg Caput.
Speaking to those assembled to honor these veterans Mayor Bryant said, “I want to thank you for your service, not only to our country but to the community that we live in,” she said.
Another Veterans Day event took place the evening of November 11 at Scopazzi’s Restaurant in Bounder Creek sponsored by the San Lorenzo Valley Historical Society. Dr. Arnie Leff, Commander of VFW Post 5888 was the master of ceremonies.
Those attending joined in songs for all the four services, the Army, Air Force, Navy Marines and Coast Guard led by Cheryl Rebottaro and Beth Hollenbeck.
Speaker for the evening was Fr. Michael Hendrickson, Pastor St. Frances Cabrini Parish in San Jose. Fr. Hendrickson has as interesting history as he graduated in 2001 from the Navel Academy and after serving his allotted time in the Navy, he went back to school at a seminary to enter the catholic priesthood.
After his ordination, Fr. Hendrickson was assigned as an Army chaplain in Afghanistan. He said, “I found myself in one of the most primitive places in the world. I and another priest served about 6,000 servicemen and women spread out over 40 bases some of which could only be reached by helicopter. There were approximately 700-800 service people for every chaplain over there. We were often sought out not because many of today’s soldiers were religious, but because they needed someone to talk to that was sworn to keep their confidence.
“The difference with being in a war zone today is that through the Internet servicemen and women can communicate with their friends and family though Facebook and other social media. There are some advantages to this but it also causes emotional ups and downs as they see a much different world on the computer screen than the one they are living in and have to cope with every day. It used to be just the occasional letter was their only contact with family and friends.”
The dinner is an annual fundraising event for the SLV Museum. If you want the opportunity to rub shoulders with veterans for a good cause, put November 11 2014 at Scopazzi’s on your calendar.