Veterans at JFTB Honor Their Own

Although organizers prepared for rain, the sun shone brightly at the Veteran’s Day Celebration held at the Joint Forces Training Base in Los Alamitos.

Hundreds of veterans, their families and local organizations gathered to celebrate service members and honor them for their sacrifice. Among those organizations that made an appearance were the Long Beach Veteran’s Administration Hospital, and a number of employment services.

Francisco Paras, Jr., a Marine Corps veteran, said he was glad he attend the event.

“It makes me proud to see everyone, and even prouder to be a part of it,” he said.

Quilts of Valor, a group of women who sew quilts specifically for veterans was also on hand so that visitors were able to become a part of the group’s efforts by writing notes on pieces of cloth that will eventually become a part of a quilt.

 “Maybe people don’t know how to sew a quilt, but they can at least write a thank you to a veteran,” Winkler said. “It’s a way of giving them a hug and showing them we appreciate them serving.”

According to quilter Barbara Winkler, last year, the group sent out 460 quilts. And since 2006, Quilts of Valor has made more than 1,700 quilts for veterans.

The event had a festive, family atmosphere complete with balloons, free giveaways and a barbeque serving up burgers to everyone in attendance.

Major Arnie Carrillo, a 19-year veteran who helped organize the event along with other service members and the Long Beach VA Hospital, said planning the day’s festivities was a priority for him.

“(This celebration) is for the community to show appreciation to veterans and show the government’s commitment to veterans,” he said.

A number of dignitaries also attended the event, such as Congressman Dana Rohrabacher (R-CA) and Congresswoman Loretta Sanchez (D-CA). Both officials talked about the importance of the day and the pride they have in the nation’s military.

“We are thanking and expressing our appreciation to all those who serve in the military...so thank you, thank you, thank you,” said Rohrabacher.

Particularly, Rohrabacher highlighted the work of SEAL Team 6, a group of Navy SEALS that caught and killed Osama Bin Laden in May 2011.

“...thank you for letting those people who kill Americans know that we have men and women who will do what it takes and track them it’s time to come home,” he said.

Congresswoman Sanchez also addressed the crowd, stating that she “loves veterans.”

“Today celebrates the fact that you would put your life on the line for our freedoms and American values,” she said.