Every veteran’s event calls for the singing of The Armed Forces Medley. Photo by Elise Spleiss

CITRUS HEIGHTS, CA (MPG) – Lakeview Village Mobile Home Park’s deep-rooted appreciation for their veterans was evident Nov. 11 throughout the annual Veteran’s Day breakfast in Citrus Heights.

Tucked away off Van Maren Lane near the corner of Old Auburn Road, the close-knit adult community of 500 is largely made up of active seniors.

Resident Diane Weber coordinated this year’s Veterans Day event. After working for the Veteran’s Administration for 20 years, she continues finding ways to work with veterans wherever she can. The clubhouse on Nov. 11 was packed with nearly 125 veterans, Lakeview residents and guests.

A continuous slide show on a classroom size screen presented each veteran’s unique story told through photos from their past.

Resident Dennis Ford was responsible for creating each veteran’s page on the slide show. Close to 50 men and women veterans submitted a photo or photos from when they served, as well as a photo of themselves today. Included in the slideshow was their branch of service, war/conflict and where they were deployed.

Some of Lakeview Village’s residents served in World War II, Korea and Vietnam and many have received multiple awards, including the Purple Heart. Veterans having served during peace time also shared their stories.

Breakfast overseer Paul Marsh and his volunteers served more than 100 plates of creamed chipped beef on a biscuit (SOS), a traditional dish which was a military staple from World War I through the Vietnam War. 

Citrus Heights Mayor Jayna Karpinski-Costa greeted the audience, reiterating how powerful the photos were.

“I can almost picture the war you were in when I see the youngster picture,” Karpinski-Costa said.

Upon entering the clubhouse, guests were greeted by Veterans Community Center volunteers. Later, Veterans Community Center President Michelle Grant gave a brief history of the center, including the legacy that community center co-founder Jean Rounsavell left them when she recently died.

Grant invited all veterans to visit the community center which offers many services but whose main purpose is for veterans to gather, be uplifted and develop a camaraderie with those who have had the same experiences. As the morning ended, the band played patriotic music, including the Armed Forces Medley.

Behind the main hall, a wall honoring past and present veterans continues to tell their stories.

A collage with the faces of all veterans who have lived there, “Lakeview Veterans Yesterday and Today,” hangs next to a glass case of military memorabilia donated by families, including medals, photos, statues, a deactivated hand grenade and bullets.

Residents will be back in the clubhouse on Dec. 4 for the annual Teddy Bear Luncheon where they will welcome Citrus Heights Police Department members and deliver hundreds of teddy bears they have collected. The teddy bears are handed out during the holiday season and also placed in the backs of police cars. The teddy bears are handed out to young crime victims with the hopes of bringing children comfort in a moment of distress.