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Announcing our 2024 Veteran of the year Recipients
LULAC Council 2890 and Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 9242 proudly recognize David Lopez and Raymond Lopez, Jr. as the 2024 Veterans of the Year.
Both veterans have dedicated decades to service, embodying excellence through their commitment and selfless contributions. The Veteran of the Year award honors those who go beyond their military service, making a lasting impact through volunteerism, advocacy, and community support.
David Lopez and Raymond Lopez, Jr. will be formally honored at the Veterans Day Ceremony on November 11, 2024, at 11 a.m. at the Hollister Veterans’ Memorial Building (649 San Benito Street). The public is invited to join us in celebrating their remarkable contributions.
Photo credit: Robert Eliason
HONORING-OUR-VETERANS
David Lopez
United States Navy from Jan 31, 2001 to June 3, 2005. Served on the USS John C. Stennis and took part in Operation Enduring Freedom in Afghanistan
Raymond Lopez, Jr.
United States Marine Corp 1996 – 2007. Served on the USS Constellation, USS Lincoln and USS Stennis and took part in Operation Enduring Freedom and Operation Iraqi Freedom.
HONORING our 2024 veteran of the year
David Lopez
Veteran of the Year, David Lopez was born and raised in Hollister. He is currently a firefighter in San Benito County.
A proud graduate of San Benito High School in 2000, he enlisted in the U.S. Navy on January 31, 2001. Notably, he spent almost three years aboard the aircraft carrier USS John C. Stennis (CVN-74) and was deployed in support of Operation Enduring Freedom in Afghanistan from November 2001 to May 2002. His was stationed at the Helicopter Maritime Strike Wing Pacific until the end of his active duty service.
David’s dedication to community service extends far beyond his professional life. He serves as the Junior Vice Commander of VFW Post 9242, actively participating in ceremonies as a member of the Honor Guard to ensure that fallen veterans are honored with the dignity they deserve. He is also deeply involved in numerous local youth sports associations, including Hollister Little League, San Benito Babe Ruth, Rebels Football League, and Vikings Football League, promoting athletic opportunities for children in our community.
HONORING our 2024 veteran of the year
Raymond Lopez, Jr.
Veteran of the Year, Raymond Lopez, Jr. joined the United States Marine Corps on Aug 19, 1996 to May 4, 2007. Participated in Operation Enduring Freedom and Iraqi Freedom. He graduated from CSU Monterey Bay with a Bachelor of Science in Nursing program with an emphasis in Public Health.
Our honoree is an active Lifetime Member of VFW Post 9242 and a proud VFW Honor Guard member, ensuring that fallen veterans receive the dignity and respect they deserve.
Ray is an on-field medic for the Hollister Rebels in the Monterey Bay Youth Football League. His dedication to inclusivity shines through their involvement with Challenger Little League and Bambinos Baseball, creating opportunities for children with special needs. Most recently, he helped launch the 1st Annual Carnival of Heroes, celebrating and honoring the special needs community.
Ray’s tireless efforts embody the true spirit of community service, leadership, and unwavering support for both veterans and those in need.
Our PREVIOUS VETERAN OF THE YEAR
LULAC VETERAN OF THE YEAR
2024 – David Lopez, U.S. Navy; Raymond Lopez, Jr., U.S. Marine Corp.
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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