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HomeMy WebLinkAboutMINUTES - 11132012 - D.3Veterans Day 2012 “Honoring All Who Served…” November 13, 2012 11:00 A.M. Board of Supervisors Chambers Contra Costa County Board of Supervisors Supervisor Mary Nejedly Piepho, Chair, District III Supervisor Federal D. Glover, Vice Chair, District V Supervisor John Gioia, District I Supervisor Candace J. Andersen, District II Supervisor Karen Mitchoff, District IV “Freedom is not Free” by Ashley Persyn There is a price we pay for freedom For it is not truly free But rather paid for by the contributions of Veterans To buy our liberty As their blood drains from their body and runs like a river through the grass Over the years it’s forgotten, war is placed in our past I don’t think we all realize the importance veterans play as they voluntarily serve America each and every day We should honor the veterans for they act like a shield Protecting us from danger, keeping America healed So if you would take a second to commemorate You will instantly see We owe veterans our gratitude For they are the reason we are free Veterans Day Celebration Introduction of Supervisors Supervisor Mary Nejedly Piepho, Chair of the Board Presentation of Colors – Concord Marines National Anthem – Richard O’Connor Greeting & Reflection on Event Nathan Johnson, County Veterans Service Officer (CVSO) Acknowledgement of Elected Officials – Nathan Johnson (CVSO) Acknowledgement of Veterans Organizations – Nathan Johnson (CVSO) Guest Speaker – 1st Sgt. Simon Sandoval Presentation of Proclamations Supervisor Mary Nejedly Piepho Warriors Watch Riders Bryan Welden, Diablo Valley Flag Brigade Conclusion – Chuck Jamison ‘America the Beautiful’ Yellow Ribbons Handmade Courtesy of Blue Star Moms, Chapter 20 First Sergeant Simon L. Sandoval was born in Fort Riley, Kansas and enlisted in the Marine Corps July 4th 1995 reporting to MCRD San Diego, CA. After graduating recruit training he attended the School of Infantry where he trained as a Rifleman. Through the ranks of Private and Lance Corporal, he served with Company A, 1st Battalion, 3d Marines, 3d Marine Division at Marine Corps Base, Kaneohe Bay, Hawaii. He deployed twice to Okinawa, Japan and once to Camp Pohang, Korea. In June 1999, Corporal Sandoval served as a Range Coach, Block Non Commissioned Officer, and Primary Marksmanship Instructor at Weapons Field Training Battalion, Edson Range, Camp Pendleton, CA. In September 2000 he was promoted to Sergeant and graduated from Infantry Squad Leaders Course. In January 2002, Sergeant Sandoval received orders to Company A, 1st Battalion, 7th Marines aboard MCAGCC Twentynine Palms, California. As a Squad leader, he deployed to Okinawa Japan to support Operation Cobra Gold. Upon return, he graduated from Sergeants Course. In January 2003, as a Platoon Sergeant, he deployed to Iraq for Operation Iraqi Freedom. In November 2003, Sergeant Sandoval returned from Iraq and was promoted to Staff Sergeant. He received orders to Company A, 1st Battalion, 4th Marines, and as a Platoon Sergeant deployed to Iraq for a second time. In August 2004, he fought against the Mahadi Militia through the Najaf Cemetery, liberating the Imam Ali Mosque in the Holy City of Najaf. In October 2004, Staff Sergeant Sandoval served as a Drill Instructor and Senior Drill Instructor at MCRD, San Diego with Company I, 3rd Recruit Training Battalion. In November 2007, he was promoted to the rank of Gunnery Sergeant and assigned as Chief Drill Instructor for Night Operations and Company Gunny for Receiving Company, Recruit Training Regiment. He graduated from the Advance Course in September 2008. In December 2008, Gunnery Sergeant Sandoval received orders to 2nd Battalion, 7th Marines, MCAGCC, Twentynine Palms, California, and served as the Company Gunny. In December 2009, he deployed to Okinawa, Japan with 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit, Battalion Landing Team 2/7. He conducted training operations in Thailand, Cobra Gold 2010, and Crows Valley, Philippines. In January 2011, he was frocked to the rank of First Sergeant and received orders to Company K, 3d Battalion, 4th Marines and served a combat tour in Afghanistan. First Sergeant Sandoval now serves as the I&I First Sergeant for Det 2, 1st BTO, Company A, 4th Landing Support Battalion, Concord California. First Sergeant Sandoval is divorced and has three children. His two sons are Eli, Allen, and his youngest daughter Sofia-Isavel. His personal awards include the Bronze Star Medal with Combat Distinguishing Device, the Purple Heart Medal, the Navy and Marine Corps Commendation Medal with one Gold Star, Navy and Marine Corps Achievement Medal, and the Combat Action Ribbon with one Gold Star.