CITRUS HEIGHTS, CA (MPG) - The collective spirit, experience and stories of dozens of veterans who served their country in World War II, Korea, Vietnam and other conflicts was evident to those attending the annual Citrus Heights Veterans Appreciation and Resource Picnic on August 25, 2018 at Rusch Park.

The event was sponsored by American Legion Post 637 with help from members of the GFWC Citrus Heights Women’s Club and other organization and individuals.

Appearing on the park’s covered bridge at 10:00 sharp, forty members of the Citrus Heights Community Marching Band, under the direction of Cody Tickner, kicked off the day with a rousing patriotic concert including the Military Medley, Danny Boy and the El Capitan March.

The Folsom Marine Corp League Color Guard presented arms and led the Pledge of Allegiance. At noon the famous traditional Wild Wade’s Barbeque lunch was served.  Local caterer Julie Dalli, 11 members of Brownie Troop 223 and Girl Scout Troop 890 helped with the food. For dessert there were plenty of Girl Scout cookies.

Dozens of services and resources for attendees were provided at the Department of Veterans Affairs Mobile Vet Center and from representatives from Assemblyman Ken Cooley and Congressman Ami Bera’s offices.  Other resources included “Roads Home,” getting homeless veterans a place to live, and “Affordable Homes for Veterans,” helping them get to purchase that first home.

Keeping it in the family, retired Air Force veteran DJ Carlos Verrett provided a constant background of music, both nostalgic and modern, and called out the winning much coveted raffle and door prize numbers.

A partner with the military community in Citrus Heights, the CHPD had a large presence at the event. The force has over a dozen military veterans serving their city. Kids and adults alike visited the large Police Command Post and the Incident Response Vehicle, a retrofitted Lenco Bearcat armored vehicle.

Financial sponsors include the Rotary of Citrus Heights, City of Citrus Heights, Walmart, Mr. Singh of Antelope and Citrus Heights City Market.

Three individuals were recognized for outstanding service to the Citrus Heights Community. U.S. Navy Veteran Melissa Washington, founder and president of Women Veteran’s Alliance, was honored for her non-stop efforts supporting our veterans. Her organization brings much needed visibility to women who have served their country and continue to serve in their communities. According to Washington, WVA is the fastest growing professional women veteran networking organization. It is 100% woman and disable veteran owned.

Washington’s daughter, Maya, an 8th grader at 12 Bridges Middle School in Lincoln, is following in her mother’s footsteps, supporting WVA at community events and whenever else she can.  By going door to door in her neighborhood and creating a fundraising video which was shared on social media, she raised over $2,500 for the WVA at the Women Veterans 5k Fun Run in May. 

The 2018 American Legion Police Officer of the Year award was presented to Motorcycle Officer Emily Lombardi. She was honored for her work on the CHPD since 2013. She was the first female officer to successfully complete the Sacramento County Motor School. Since then she has been a leader in her unit and, along with educating the public on safe driving habits, attends a myriad of community meetings and city events in effort to work towards building positive connections with the public.