by 
San Manuel Miner
On Monday, Nov. 10, 2014 at the San Manuel High School auditorium the Mammoth – San Manuel Unified School District presented a program to honor veterans for Veteran’s Day. The program was organized by Principal Melissa Joliat and teacher Amanda Trejo. Trejo is a veteran having served in the United States Navy 2004-2008.
The theme of this year’s event was a Salute to Women Veterans. Women veterans are probably the least known group of all veterans even though women have served their country in military roles since the Revolutionary War. After the Pledge of Allegiance led by Kadi Monfred, student body president, and the Star Spangled Banner, the Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW) color guard presented the colors. The VFW color guard was made up of Margarito Bejarano, Sergeant US Army; Sam Robs, third class Shipman US Navy; and Lloyd Bradshaw, first class Hospital Corpsman, US Navy and Marines. Veterans in the audience were asked to stand and were thanked for their service while the audience applauded. A video was shown about the history of women in the military and the roles they have played and continue to perform.
Essays on “What is a Woman’s Role in the Military” were written by students in the district. The students who read their essays at the program were: Andy Rodriguez, Mammoth Stem School, fourth grade; Chastity Maghinay, First Avenue, fourth grade; Mireya Curry, Mammoth Stem, fifth grade; Haylei Lozoya, First Avenue, fifth grade; Victoria Zazueta, Mammoth STEM, sixth grade; Adrian Romero, First Avenue, sixth grade; Celeste Large, SMJH, seventh grade; Olivia Ortega, SMJH, eighth grade; Julia-Cardenas Telles, SMJH, ninth grade; Nicole Encinas, SMHS, 11th grade; and Austin Clark, SMHS, 12th grade. The San Manuel High School Choir led by Dan Miner also performed a musical tribute to all the branches of the military.
The two guest speakers were two retired Air Force Colonels now living in SaddleBrooke, Linda Thomas and Hollace “Holly” Lyon. Linda spent 22 years in the Air Force. Her last post was at Andrews Air Force Base near Washington, DC where Air Force One is based. She is the current president of the Oracle School District #2 School Board. Holly served for 26 years most of her time in the communications and computer career field. She also worked at the Pentagon setting the budget and strategic goals for the Air Force. She recently ran for the House of Representatives in LD-11. The Colonels talked about their service, opportunities for women in the military and how women are contributing and impacting today’s military.
Congratulations to those participants and organizers of the Salute to Veterans. It was an excellent program. Thank you veterans for your service and sacrifice!
John Hernandez lives in Oracle. He is retired and enjoys writing and traveling. He is active in the Oracle Historical Society. He covers numerous public events, researches historical features and writes business/artist profiles.
by by