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Announcing our 2025 Veteran of the year Recipients
This Veterans Day, the San Benito County League of United Latin American Citizens (LULAC) Council 2890, in collaboration with Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW) Post 9242, proudly honors two extraordinary individuals whose lives reflect the enduring power of service. Together, we shine a special light on two individuals whose commitment to service continues long after their military careers: Ellen Herrera and Ryan Grimes, our 2025 LULAC Veterans of the Year.
The LULAC Veteran of the Year Award, now in its 32nd year of honoring veterans, recognizes veterans who have demonstrated outstanding contributions both in uniform and as community leaders. These two distinguished veterans will be honored at the annual VFW celebration on November 11th at 11:00am, for their exceptional military service and continued dedication to the San Benito County community.
“Together, Ellen and Ryan embody the spirit of LULAC’s mission: service, sacrifice, and solidarity. They remind us that patriotism is not just a chapter—it’s a lifelong practice. We are honored to recognize them as our 2025 Veterans of the Year.”- Irma C. Gonzalez, LULAC Council 2890 President
HONORING-OUR-VETERANS
Ellen Herrera
U.S. Army veteran. Ellen is a 20‑year U.S. Army veteran who served from 1985 to 2005, specializing in finance and accounting and teaching the subject at Army schools across 14 states. After two decades of service, she declined a promotion to E‑8 that required deployment to Iraq and chose retirement instead.
Ryan Grimes
United States Marine Corp veteran. United States Marine Corps veteran who served as a logistics and embarkation specialist, coordinating the movement of troops, vehicles, and cargo on ships and aircraft. His assignments ranged from Fort Lejeune and Blount Island to overseas posts in South Korea, Kuwait, and Iraq.
HONORING our 2025 veteran of the year
Ellen Grimes
Ellen Herrera, a 20-year U.S. Army veteran, has spent the last eight years as Quartermaster for VFW Post 9242— the Chief Financial Officer responsible for the Post’s funds and property — all while working full-time. She manages the post’s finances with precision and keeping operations running smoothly. But her dedication doesn’t stop there. Ellen serves in the Honor Guard, supports military funerals, participates in parades and school functions, and uplifts Special Needs programs. She helps organize care packages for deployed soldiers and contributes to scholarship programs for local youth. Her commitment is quiet, constant, and deeply rooted in community care.
“Ellen doesn’t just keep the lights on at VFW Post 9242—she keeps the spirit of service alive. Her leadership is quiet, consistent, and deeply impactful.” said Irma Gonzalez, President of LULAC Council 2890. “From military funerals to scholarship programs, Ellen shows up. Her commitment is a daily act of patriotism.”
HONORING our 2025 veteran of the year
Ryan Grimes
Veteran of the Year, Ryan Grimes, a U.S. Marine Corps veteran, represents the next generation of civic leadership. While pursuing his bachelor’s degree, Ryan has served as Adjutant for VFW Post 9242 for the past two years. He also supports the Honor Guard and contributes to community programs, all while balancing academic goals and family responsibilities. “Ryan’s ability to serve with excellence under pressure is a testament to his character. He reminds us that service is not defined by circumstance—it is defined by choice, and by the willingness to show up for others even when life is demanding” said Irma Gonzalez, President of LULAC Council 2890, “His ability to balance academic goals, family responsibilities, and veteran service is a testament to his character and resilience.”
“Veterans Day is an emotionally charged day for me,” he said, “and it’s all in that connection with other veterans, even with veterans I don’t know. There’s an overwhelming sense of pride that comes with this honor.”
Our PREVIOUS VETERAN OF THE YEAR
LULAC VETERAN OF THE YEAR
2025 – Ellen Herrera, U.S. Army; Ryan Grimes, U.S.M.C.
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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