Rep. Sánchez Kicks Off Veterans Advisory Council
Washington, D.C.— Rep. Linda Sánchez kicked off her new veteran outreach program by naming a Veterans Advisory Council, comprised of distinguished veterans from the 39th Congressional District. The Council will spearhead a "Veteran of the Month" program designed to honor the many deserving veterans from across California's 39th Congressional District. They will also meet with Rep. Sánchez periodically to listen to legislative updates and provide feedback on veterans issues.
"Stories from our local veterans remind me how much our service men and women sacrificed to protect our country and freedoms," said Rep. Linda Sánchez. "Our promise doesn't end when their service is done – our commitment continues to honor our veterans each and every day. I look forward to staying connected and hearing from the veteran community through the Veterans Advisory Council."
Congresswoman Sánchez' "Veteran of the Month" program will be coordinated by her Veterans Advisory Council. Each month, a veteran will be recognized for their service overseas and here at home. The Veterans Advisory Council will nominate a veteran from the district that has served or is serving in the U.S. Armed Forces, and has demonstrated outstanding military service and/or service to their community or to veterans and military personnel.
For more information regarding the Veterans Advisory Council or the Veteran of the Month program, please contact Mr. Jamie Zamora atJamie.Zamora@mail.house.gov.
Inaugural Veteran Advisory Council Members:
Jose G. Ramos, Vietnam Veteran from the City of Whittier, served as a combat medic with the 101st Airborne Division from 1967-1968. Mr. Ramos is Founder and President of Welcome Home Vietnam Veterans Day, Inc, an organization that is dedicated to establishing a national "Welcome Home Vietnam Veterans Day." In 2004, Mr. Ramos led a group of Desert Storm and Vietnam Veterans on a bicycle ride across America from Whittier to Washington, DC to raise awareness that a welcome day for Vietnam Veterans should be established. He worked with the California State Legislature and Governor to establish March 30 as a Welcome Home Vietnam Veterans Day in California. He retired from the County of Los Angeles in 1994 where he was employed as a physician's assistant in hospital emergency rooms for over 20 years.
Jake Alarid, Korean War era veteran from South Whittier, is currently Commander of American GI Forum, El Camino Real Post in Whittier. Mr. Alarid was past National Commander of the American GI Forum and member of the Governor's California Veterans Board. As National Commander, Mr. Alarid has testified before Congress on the importance of securing and streamlining veteran benefits. Mr. Alarid has served on numerous veteran and youth advisory boards. He proudly served with the U.S. Marine Corp from 1953-56.
Jeff Enomoto, Operation Iraqi Freedom veteran from the City of Cerritos, is currently assigned as Company Chemical, Biological, Radiological, and Nuclear Non-Commissioned Officer, with California Army National Guard. Mr. Enomoto is a graduate of the U.S Coast Guard Academy and served as a commissioned officer aboard the U.S. Coast Guard Cutter Citrus. He has been deployed overseas three times since 2001. Mr. Enomoto has held several board positions with VFW Post 1846 (Cerritos-Artesia), including commander. He has worked for the California Department of Toxic Substances Control and is currently employed with the California Department of Conservation.
Janice Munson, veteran from the City of Lakewood, enlisted in the Army in 1983, and began her first assignment at Fort Carson, Colorado with the 4th Infantry Division. Since serving in the Army, Ms. Munson has dedicated over 22 years of service to law enforcement. She is currently a Sergeant with the Los Angeles County Sherriff's Department and devotes her spare time to American Legion Post 496 (Lakewood), where she is the commander.
Charles Wood, Vietnam Veteran from the City of Lynwood served with the U.S. Navy for 21 years. During his tour in Vietnam he served aboard swift boats and participated in Operation End Sweep. He served aboard the U.S.S. Yorktown and retired while serving aboard the U.S.S. Monticello. He is a life-time member of the VFW and American Legion. Since retiring, Mr. Wood has devoted his time to the planning of several Veterans Day and USO ceremonies in the City of Lynwood. He currently serves as Chair of the Lynwood Parks and Recreation Commission and serves on several youth sports boards.