The Club honors our Veterans.
We are honored once again to salute our Club Member Veterans in honor of Veterans Day, Nov. 11.
To all Club Veterans, thank you for your service!
For William Valdez, United States Navy
“To William, thank you for your service.”
— William Valdez, Electrical Construction
For Corporal Seth Gerhardstein
United States Marine Corps
Installation Trial Organization, Pacific, 2020-23
“We are so proud of your dedication and service. We all love you so much.”
— Robert Gerhardstein, General Services
United States Navy Chief Petty Officer, E7, 1962-82. Vietnam War and Cuban Crisis.
“Serving for 20 years in the U.S. Navy was the best time of my life. I have the great honor of serving and protecting our country and her citizens against all enemies at home and abroad.”
— Delio Jacildo, Building and Safety
For Andrew Virzi Sr.
United States Marine Corps
1st Lieutenant, First Marine Division, Korea.
“For Dad, Grandpa and Great Grandpa Andrew Virzi Sr.: He is the late father of LACEA Insurance Services (The Club) Board Director Andrew Virzi Jr. and the grandfather of LACEA (Association) Board Chair Andrew Virzi III. Andrew Sr. passed away in July at 96.
“He served heroically in Korea as part of the First Marine Division, which fought in one of the most historic battles at the Chosin Reservoir. Many strategists on both sides counted them as lost in the early days. However, they defied all odds and decimated the opposing forces on their march south. To this day, this still stands out as one of the fiercest battles in our history.
“Dad/Grandpa/Great Grandpa, thank you for serving our Great Country. We love you and miss you.”
— The Virzi Family
United States Army
SFC E-7, June 1989-September 2009, Operation Enduring Freedom, Iraq.
Manuel Flores, CDCR, State of California
United States Navy
Submarine service, 2010-15 aboard the USS Greeneville (ssn 772) for two deployments in the western Pacific. Electronics Technician, navigation, 2nd class submarine qualified.
“Born and raised in Pacoima, I was always curious about learning more about cool machines and fixing them, so I signed up to learn about submarines and how to fix them while underwater. This experience has been very beneficial to being successful working for the people of Los Angeles as an electrical mechanic.”
— Alejandro Romo, LADWP
United States Marine Corps
“Stay motivated.”
— Officer Alexis Solares, LAPD
United States Army 11 Bravo Infantry Specialist, E-4 1998-2001.
Schofield Barracks, Hawaii.
“The most amazing warrior I know has an amazing wife, four kids and three grandkids, and is always willing to sacrifice for the team.”
— Ruben Lucero, LADWP
For Clifton Trute
United States Army
Private E-1, Honorably Discharged as Staff Sergeant. Vietnam War.
National Defense Medal, Vietnam Service Medal, Bronze Star, Vietnam Campaign Medal, Army Commendation Medal, Good Conduct Medal.
“Dad, you were a man of few words, but you were greatly admired by many. And I know the sacrifices you made for your country and family. You will always be my hero, and even though you are in heaven now, your picture, medals and flag hang honorably on my wall so your grandchildren, great-grandchildren, other family and friends, and I will know how honorable a man you always were in life and in heaven. Love you forever, Daddy.”
— Victoria Acosta, CHP, State of California
United States Marine Corps
Corporal, 0811 Field Artillery Cannon Crewman for the 5th Battalion,
14th Marines, 2006-12.
“For my younger self in the photo, thanks for the memories. I will never forget them.”
— Robert Garcia, Public Works/StreetsLA
United States Air Force Staff Sergeant, Weapons Mechanic, 1969-73, Tuy Hoa and Da Nang Vietnam.
“I was doing my job to make sure that when we were called to support the troops fighting in different areas, I was able to make sure that they had a chance to come home and see their families and friends. Welcome home to my brothers and sisters who made it home.”
— James Dixon, Retired, LADWP/Public Works
United States Marine Corps
E-5, Sergeant. 6174-UH-1N Helicopter Crew Chief (Door Gunner);
6177 Weapons and Tactics Crew Chief Instructor. 2003-08.
Combat Service: Operation Iraqi Freedom, 2005.
“Having the ability to serve our country, especially during wartime, has been an absolute honor. The lessons I have learned, the friendships made, and the life that I now have would never have happened without my time in the Marine Corps. I would like to thank anyone who raised their hand and took an oath to defend this amazing country. Past, present and future, it is truly because of you and your selfless sacrifice that we are able to enjoy these freedoms. God bless you and God Bless America.”
— K. Layne McGowan, LADWP
United States Navy
E-5 (EM – Shipboard Elevator Electronics/Electrical System Maintenance Technician), 1992-99. Southwest Asia Service/Gulf War.
“My Boot Camp photo at age 17. Proudly served from 1992-99, forward deployed on the U.S.S. Independence (CV-62) and U.S.S. Mobile Bay (CG-53).”
— Eric Yoshida, LADWP
For Koichi Honbo
United States Air Force Sgt. 1966-69, Vietnam.
“Koichi, thank you for your service and your contributions to making our nation a safer place!”
— Officer Kevin Ishida, LAPD
For Mose Tyler
United States Navy
E3, Boiler Operator, 1968-74, Vietnam.
“My Daddy, Rev. Mose Tyler, served in the Vietnam War aboard the USS Bennington (CVS-20). He married the love of his life, Hortense Stanley-Tyler in 1971. They had two children – Monique (1971) and Keisha (1976). In 1985, he began working for the U.S. Dept. of Agriculture as a CSI (Consumer Safety Inspector) GS 10/10. He Retired in 2012. He was called to preach the gospel in 2012. He continues to work in the ministry teaching and preaching gospel. My father means the world to me. I commend him for serving his county and continuously providing and nurturing his family. I salute you and I love you! Thank you for your service to our country and your family.”
— Keisha Tyler, General Services
For Doyle Stevens Brown
United States Air Force
Chief Master Sergeant, 1972-78, Juvat (80th Fighter) Squadron.
“Steve, as a young boy, Mom called you chief. Fast forward 30 years, you earned the title of Chief Master Sergeant while in the Air Force! We are proud of you and humbly thank you for your service; you have been a positive influence in my life.”
— Valerie Brown-McCain, Airports
For Art Garcia
United States Air Force
Sgt. E4, 1969-72, Vietnam.
“To Art, thank you for your service and dedication to our nation!”
— Officer Kevin Ishida, LAPD
For Keith Wilson
“Keith passed away Dec. 28, 2021. He Retired from the City after 28 years in 2009. We were married 49 years. He was the love of my life. I miss him every day.”
— Mary Jane Wilson, widow of Keith Wilson, Retired, General Services
For Jarvis Parker
United States Army National Guard
CW3 Geospatial Engineering Technician, 2003-present. Afghanistan, 2008-09, Iraq/Kuwait 2014-15, Kuwait 2023.
“Jarvis AKA Superman! You’re an incredible human being but also an amazing son, brother, uncle, father and partner! You have been serving our country since 2003 with pride, dedication, devotion, integrity, honesty and effortlessly. You take pride in being an amazing soldier and leader. You always put others first and have a heart of pure gold! You are absolutely the world to me and our children, and I want to let you know that we Love you, we cherish you, and we will continue to support you no matter what.”
“Be strong and of good courage; do not be afraid, nor be dismayed, for the Lord your God is with you wherever you go.” ~ Joshua 1:9
“Please keep fighting for our country and wearing that uniform with dignity and honor. I love you, Superman.
— From Erica, Zamari, Morgan, Jarvis Jr. and Da’mon Jr.”
Erica Meadows, Probation, LA County
For Tony Gonzales, LA County
United States Marine Corps
1961-65.Good Conduct Medal (First Award), Rifle Markman Badge, Special Comm. Operator. Honorable Discharge – recommended for reenlistment.
“Tony, known as Pop Pop to his family, joined the Marine Corps and served his country from 1961 to 1965.
“After service, Pop Pop, his wife and three children moved to sunny Southern California with excitement and hope. Using the GI Bill, he attended UCLA, receiving an MBA. He began his career with the aerospace program and then joined the Harbor as Treasurer and Controller, where he served for 25 years.
“Unfortunately, as Pop Pop looked forward to his golden years, he was diagnosed with Parkinson’s. The diagnosis was life-changing for him, his wife, Debbie of 60-plus years, and his family. However, Pop Pop found strength through community. He joined the Pep4U Exercising Program of Orange County, and attended their exercise classes daily. Through this fantastic resource, Pop Pop connected with new friends, attended social gatherings, and even served on the PAOC Board.
“The family is deeply grateful to Pop Pop for his unwavering love and joy that he continues to spread, even in the face of Parkinson’s. His dedication as a husband, father and grandfather is a testament to his character. He is not just an inspiration, hero and role model, but a beloved part of our lives.
“We love you so much, Pop Pop! Thank you for your dedication to this family and to your Country.”
— William A. Gonzales, Harbor
