CITRUS HEIGHTS, CA (MPG) - The Citrus Heights American Legion Post 637 is once again gearing up to host the annual Veteran’s Appreciation and Resource Picnic to honor the area’s active duty servicemen and servicewomen, our retired veterans of past wars and conflicts, and their families. 

This free event will be held Saturday, August 24, at Rusch Park, 7801 Auburn Blvd. at the Gazebo/Pavilion and picnic area from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. All veterans and their families and friends are welcome.

The day will begin with the Citrus Heights Community Marching Band featuring some of its new repertoire. The Folsom Marine Corp Honor Guard will present colors, followed by the Pledge of Allegiance, and the National Anthem sung by Air Force Army Veteran James Miranda. Immediate Past Commander Paul Reyes will represent newly elected Post 637 Commander Sylvia Thweatt as Master of Ceremonies.

A special ceremony will again be held to honor an outstanding veteran and this year’s Police Officer of the Year.

Folsom resident Robert Snyder enlisted in the U.S. Navy at the age of 17, retiring after 22 years. Part of his service was on the U.S.S. Enterprise. For his second stint of 22 years Snyder worked for the Department of the Army out of the Sacramento Army Depot, helping prepare equipment for use in Operation Desert Storm. Twenty-two years later he again retired from service to his country.

K9 Officer Kyle Shoberg of the Citrus Heights Police Department (CHPD) has served the force for nine years. He will be honored as the American Legion’s Officer of the Year for, among a variety of other accomplishments, “his exceptional performance as a K9 handler, Wellness Advocate and as one for the CHPD’s Top Cops”.

Lunch will be a hot dog and hamburger barbeque with all the fixings prepared by Wild Wade’s BBQ of Citrus Heights. Music will be provided by DJ Carlos Verrett.

Dozens of veteran and non-profit resources including Veteran’s Administration representatives will be available to retired and active duty veterans. Scheduled children’s crafts and other activities will be provided by local Pageant ambassadors and princesses.

Picnic sponsors and members of the community are generously donating gift baskets and other opportunity drawing prizes to show their appreciation to our veterans. Raffles will be held throughout the day.

Covered, accessible picnic tables are available or bring your own chairs, blankets and umbrellas. Thank you for your service.