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Star Post 309 Veterans Day Ball
On November 6, Star Post 309 celebrated a Veterans Day Ball, a gala to honor those who serve and many others who continue to serve. A black-tie affair, the Ball gave attendees an opportunity to dust off their best formal wear, enjoy the camaraderie, and revel with their fellow veterans, families, and supporters. A multitude of Star Post members were joined by several other American Legion members who attended in support of the event. A large number of 309 members donned their mess dress and dress blues for the event. The large contingent of Army, Marines, and Navy dressed in their blues was truly a spectacle to behold. The cigar bar, where freshly rolled cigars were offered to our guests gratis, turned out to be a great hit, as did the photo booth and DJ provided by Air Force veteran, Steve Ferreira.
Among the many Star Post and LASD members present, we had the honor of having with us that evening Department Commander Autrey James, Department Adjutant Barbara Lombrano, our Area 4 Vice Commander Nick Rosa, and our District 17 Commander Danielle Duffaut. Joining us from other posts were Los Angeles Post 8, Pomona Post 30, Hollywood Post 43, Ronald Reagan-Palisades Post 283, LAPD Post 381, and Post 731. We also had the pleasure of hosting the Secretary of the Department of California Veteran Affairs, Dr. Vito Imbasciani, and our Law Enforcement Officer of the Year, Deputy Claudia Apolinar. Regardless of their affiliation, all came together as veterans.
The Guest of Honor for the evening was our very own Star Post member Sheriff Alex Villanueva. Our Distinguished Guest Speaker was Major General (retired) Peter Gravett, US Army. Peter Gravett is also retired LAPD, but we didn't hold that against him. Both delivered moving speeches about the need for veterans to take care of each other. In special recognition, Post Commander Oscar Martinez acknowledged as the most distinguished guests of the evening, all past and present LASD members. When asked to stand to be recognized, it was incredible to see that the majority of attendees stood to be honored.
Among the many Star Post and LASD members present, we had the honor of having with us that evening Department Commander Autrey James, Department Adjutant Barbara Lombrano, our Area 4 Vice Commander Nick Rosa, and our District 17 Commander Danielle Duffaut. Joining us from other posts were Los Angeles Post 8, Pomona Post 30, Hollywood Post 43, Ronald Reagan-Palisades Post 283, LAPD Post 381, and Post 731. We also had the pleasure of hosting the Secretary of the Department of California Veteran Affairs, Dr. Vito Imbasciani, and our Law Enforcement Officer of the Year, Deputy Claudia Apolinar. Regardless of their affiliation, all came together as veterans.
The Guest of Honor for the evening was our very own Star Post member Sheriff Alex Villanueva. Our Distinguished Guest Speaker was Major General (retired) Peter Gravett, US Army. Peter Gravett is also retired LAPD, but we didn't hold that against him. Both delivered moving speeches about the need for veterans to take care of each other. In special recognition, Post Commander Oscar Martinez acknowledged as the most distinguished guests of the evening, all past and present LASD members. When asked to stand to be recognized, it was incredible to see that the majority of attendees stood to be honored.
Korean War Memorial
17th District Commander George Aguilar attended the Korean Memorial groundbreaking ceremony in the city of Fullerton on August 14th. Here are a few pictures of the event.
American Legion Korean Bunker Post 829
Members of American Legion Korean Bunker Post 829 hosted their first meeting of the year and celebrated the Lunar New Year. With them were members of Chinatown Post 628 and Star Post 309.
Members of American Legion Korean Bunker Post 829 hosted their first meeting of the year and celebrated the Lunar New Year. With them were members of Chinatown Post 628 and Star Post 309.