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Announcing our 2023 Veteran of the year Recipients
San Benito County League of United Latin American Citizens (LULAC) Council 2890, VFW Post 9242 and American Legion Post 69 announce selection of Larry Brown and Bryan Morse as their 2023 “Veteran of the Year Award” awardees. Both Veterans have a history spanning decades demonstrating a spirit of excellence through their dedication and unselfish acts.
Our “Veteran of the Year” award is an honor given to a veteran who has demonstrated exceptional service and commitment to their community, often recognized for their significant contributions beyond their military service, including volunteer work, advocacy, and impactful actions within their local area; it aims to highlight exemplary veterans who go above and beyond to support fellow veterans and their community at large.
Our awardees will be introduced and honored at our Veterans Day Ceremony on November 11, 2023. The ceremony will begin at 11 a.m. at the Hollister Veterans’ Memorial Building at 649 San Benito Street. The public is invited to attend the ceremony.
HONORING-OUR-VETERANS
HONORING our 2023 veteran of the year
Larry Brown
Veteran of the Year, Larry Brown has been happily married for 65 years to Darlene and they have two sons, John and Mark. Larry served two tours in Vietnam with the United States Navy from 1966 -1970 on the USS Kearsarge and USS Hornet He was a boiler plant operator for the Naval Postgraduate School in Monterey.
A lifetime member of VFW Post 9242, Larry is widely known as becoming part of the solution to hunger in San Benito County as a volunteer for the past 18 years with the Community Food Pantry. For decades, Larry has served and volunteered as a Scout and Unit District Executive for the Boy Scouts of America, providing the direction, coaching, and training that empowers today’s youth with the skills they need to lead tomorrow.
Larry is currently an assistant Scoutmaster to Troop 400 and is a merit badge trainer and counselor supporting our younger generation by preparing them to make ethical and moral choices over their lifetimes .For the past 38 years Larry has also volunteer as a docent with the California State Parks in San Juan Bautista. Larry has a deep and abiding belief in democracy while empowering voters by volunteering for multiple years serving as an Election Poll worker dedicated to ensuring the smooth functioning of the voting process.
HONORING our 2023 veteran of the year
Bryan Morse
Veteran of the Year, Bryan Morse has been happily married to Linda for 23 years.
Bryan Morse, a proud Navy veteran, served four tours in Vietnam as a Gunners Mate Guns 4 from 1961–1966. After an injury prevented him from re-enlisting, he transitioned to civilian life, working at Kragen Auto before retiring from Sherwin-Williams after 46 years. As a community liaison, he donated painting supplies to local nonprofits and families in need.
A Lifetime Member of VFW Post 9242, Bryan is known for his generosity and dedication to helping others, especially those often overlooked. He volunteers with Hollister Babe Ruth Bambinos, supporting special needs youth and adults, and assists with the Hollister High School Buckaroos’ special needs rodeo.
One of Bryan’s most meaningful contributions is serving on the Military Funeral Honors detail, playing ‘Taps’ as a VFW bugler. With only 24 notes, its solemn melody honors fallen veterans, offering comfort to their families. Bryan performs this duty with deep reverence, embodying the motto “service before self.“
Our PREVIOUS VETERAN OF THE YEAR
LULAC VETERAN OF THE YEAR
2023 – Larry Brown, U.S. Navy; Bryan Morse, U.S. Navy
2022 – Gina Lopez; Robert DeLuna
2021 – Maria Spandri; Joseph Liera
2020 – Wayne Norton
2019 – Jim Gibson; Ralph Marquez; Adam Mendolla
2018 – Daniel Pagaran, Post Everlasting; Memorial Mention – William McFarlance; Calvin Arthur Bremmer, Post Everlasting
2017 – David Martinez, Post Everlasting; Joel Ortiz; Robert Caballero
2016 – Bernie Ramirez & Sam Rivera
2015 – George Nava, Tommy Nava, David Nava, Nathan Vasquez
2014 – Sonora Vasquez, Cesar Flores, Larry Brown
2013 – Hector Torres
2012 – Nazhat Parveen Sharma, & Ron Sanchez
2011 – Felipe Galvan, Jr.
2010 – Mike Pulido
2009 – James Perales, Post Everlasting
2008 – Richard Herrera
2007 – Matt Caffiero & Refugio Chavez
2006 – Rudy Rodriguez, Post Everlasting; Gordon Machado
2005 – Ruben Lopez; Scott Brooks; John Alnas, Post Everlasting
2004 – Elaine Reyna; Frank Lucchetti, Post Everlasting
2003 – Edward Quinonez
2002 – Cal Turpin, Post Everlasting; Jim Caffiero & Vince Luna,
2001 – Greg Thul, Post Everlasting; Rick Solano, Robert Martin Del Campo
2000 – Raymond “Dede” Valles, Post Everlasting, U.S. Army, MSG – Vietnam War
1999 – Bob Bouchard, Post Everlasting, U.S. Navy, WWII
1997 – Robert Picha, U.S. Army
1996 – Manuel Chavez, U.S. Army,
1995 – Louta Pinuela, Post Everlasting
1994 – John Z. Hernandez, U.S. Army. Post Everlasting
CONTACT INFO
P. O. Box 1446
Hollister, CA 95023
Phone: (831) 205-1836
Email: San Benito County LULAC 2890
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