Linda Sánchez Names Lakewood Man “Veteran of the Month” (Jan 4 2012)
Cerritos, CA – Incontinuing her veterans' outreach program, Congresswoman Linda Sánchez (CA-39)has named Operation Desert Shield veteran and Lakewood resident Ernesto "Ernie"Aguilar as the 39th Congressional District's "Veteran of the Month"for December 2011.
Ernie Aguilar joined the U.S. Army in January 1995. He served in the 1st CalvaryDivision as an infantryman and medic during Operation Desert Shield, where hecarried out policing operations in Kuwait. Mr. Aguilar was honorably discharged in June 1997. For his service,Aguilar was awarded the National Defense Service Medal and several othercommendations.
"It is an honor to recognize Mr. Aguilar's service to ourcountry, as a member of the Army and as a tireless advocate for veterans," saidCongresswoman Sánchez. "Since being honorably discharged, Mr. Aguilarhas dedicated himself to advancing the rights of veterans and raising awarenesson veterans' issues. His work with veterans suffering from Post TraumaticStress Disorder has saved the lives of local veterans. We all owe Mr. Aguilar a debt of gratitudefor his dedication."
Mr. Aguilar is a very active member of several veterans'organizations. He serves as theCommander of the Long Beach City College Veterans Club and chairs the college'sVeterans Resource Center. He belongs tothe American Legion Post 496 (Lakewood), AMVETS Post 48 (Paramount), and theVeterans of Foreign Wars Post 7243 (Hawaiian Gardens).
Mr. Aguilar is also very passionate about helping veteranswith Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD). He regularly reaches out to veterans and their families to provideinformation on different resources to treat PTSD. Through his work, Mr. Aguilar has helpedprevent five veterans from committing suicide. Additionally, Mr. Aguilar has worked with the Student Veterans of Americato help draft legislation designed to improve veteran education opportunitiesand encourage veteran employment at the Department of Veterans Affairs.
To see a picture of Mr. Aguilar receiving his "Veteran ofthe Month" award, click here.
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