The San Benito County Council of the League of United Latin
American Citizens proudly filled the stomachs of some area veterans
and members of the public before Monday’s historic parade at its
ninth annual Veterans Day Breakfast.
The San Benito County Council of the League of United Latin American Citizens proudly filled the stomachs of some area veterans and members of the public before Monday’s historic parade at its ninth annual Veterans Day Breakfast.
The “Recognition of Veterans” event in the San Benito High School cafeteria included many local leaders, including Assemblyman Simon Salinas, D-Salinas, City Councilmember Pauline Valdivia and Superior Court Judge Steve Sanders. They filled their plates with the likes of eggs, sausage, beans, tortillas and donuts.
As its Veterans of the Year, LULAC honored Jim Caffiero, a guidance counselor at SBHS; Vince Luna, a Vietnam War veteran and American Legion Adjutant; and Calvin Turpin, past American Legion national chaplain.
Luna, who is married to LULAC State Director Mickie Luna, has been involved with the breakfast since its origin and said the San Benito County chapter is the only one to hold such an event.
The crowd, made up of members of both military and non-military members of the community, milled around until speakers started the ceremonies. Also in the crowd were 10 LULAC youth members and members of SBHS’s Junior Naval ROTC program.
Leslie Vega, an SBHS senior and LULAC state youth president, helped sell the $6 tickets.
“We’re showing them (veterans) that they’re appreciated,” she said.
The students mostly kept tabs on duties such as re-filling coffee and food.
“We’re here to help serve them and keep the coffee flowing,” Vega said.
Proceeds from the event benefit the LULAC scholarship fund.
Against the back wall of the cafeteria, LULAC featured memorial tables, including pictures of deceased veterans placed by family members. Ten photos of soldiers in uniform were perched on the tables draped by black cloth. Small statuettes and candles also decorated the memorial.
Turpin said the breakfast is always good for the community.
“This event is very rewarding,” he said.
Also speaking at the breakfast were Cesar Flores, Marley Holte, Servando Medina, Lolita Pinuella and Maribel De Alba.
