CALIFORNIA STATE ASSEMBLY LUNCHEON OVER-SUBSCRIBED

It was a bright, sunny Wednesday morning May 7th in Sacramento for the start of a very special veterans recognition event hosted by The Honorable Mary Salas (D-Chula Vista), Chair, Assembly Committee on Veterans Affairs, and assisted by the affiliated members of the California State Commanders Veterans Council (CSCVC), of which CAL-MOAA is an active member.

The downtown streets were filled with pedestrians, ultra-modern light rail cars were passing by, tourists were enjoying coffee at the outdoor cafes, there was a farmers market underway in the park, and at the capitol a large group known as “Parent Voices” was about to begin what later would be a loud and spirited demonstration about the need for more child care.

The CAL-MOAA president attended the day-long events and activities and represented all affiliated chapters.

CSCVC members gathered in the capitol basement restaurant for breakfast and last minute planning and coordination. The morning was set aside for “storming the hill” followed by a formal luncheon just before noon and then afternoon visits to hearing rooms.

About mid-morning Pete Conaty was seen guiding a client through the halls of the capitol, probably on his way to an important meeting or hearing. Pete is a faithful friend who does so much for all California veterans.

The first legislator visited was Assemblymember Ted W. Lieu, 53rd Assembly District, representing a number of communities in the greater Los Angeles Area. He was not seen, however, as he was on active duty for training at Beale Air Force Base. He is a United States Air Force Reserve major, earlier served on active duty for four years as a military lawyer, and continues his reserve affiliation. Lieu is Chair of the Assembly Rules Committee and serves on the Veterans Affairs Committee. He is dedicated to his country, has done much for veterans, and is being honored as one of the CSCVC Legislators of the Year. He will be presented an appropriate award at a later date. His office staff was receptive, interested in what was said, and graciously accepted an expression of thanks for all they were doing on behalf of veterans.

A second visit was made, this time to the office of Senator Dave Cogdill, proudly serving the 14th District of California, including part or all of six Central Valley counties with San Joaquin on the north and Fresno to the south. A resident of Modesto, he has been chosen Senate Republican Leader-Elect culminating a career as small businessman and then beginning in 1975 election to public office. He was not present in the office because, frankly, he was on duty working tirelessly to promote Republican principles and bring both Democrats and Republicans together to make the Senate function at its optimum. Over the years he has done much for veterans and it was the intention of CSCVC members to honor him as a Legislator of the Year, again presenting the award at a later date. His staff accepted what was said in a very positive way and was obviously thankful for the appreciation extended by members for a job well done. It was clear that visiting with staffers was not a waste of time, that some good is likely to come from the presentations.

The noon luncheon took place in the California Room, 14th floor, Chamber of Commerce Building on K Street, just a couple blocks from the capitol. It was necessary to stop taking reservations because the room had a capacity of only 120 persons–the luncheon was literally over-subscribed. LCDR Art Curtis of ROA was at the check-in table. LTC Beverly Houghton, AUS (RET), an Army Nurse and past CSCVC Chair, assisted. CDR William Manes, CSCVC Legislative Officer, greeted guests and later served as Master of Ceremonies. Forty two legislators and their honorees, the “Veterans of the Year,” gathered for a very pleasant and rewarding time.

Bill Manes began the luncheon meeting with the Pledge of Allegiance followed by some very appropriate opening remarks. Mary Salas then extended here welcome. Bill Manes made the introductions. At that point, attendees enjoyed a very nice buffet luncheon provided by Asante Catering of Sacramento. The keynote speaker was The Honorable Tom Johnson, Secretary, California Department of Veterans Affairs, the perfect speaker to thank the veterans for their service to America. Mary Salas then recognized the honorees by presenting each with a special certificate.

There were a number of program sponsors, organizations which contributed time, effort, funds, and staff to make the event possible: First was the California State Assembly Committee on Veterans Affairs, Mary Salas, Chair.

The California State Commanders Veterans Council contributing member organizations included: the Department of California Veterans of Foreign Wars, the MOAA California Council of Chapters, Legion of Valor, California Association of County Veteran Service Officers, American Legion, the Reserve Officers Association, and Vietnam Veterans of America.

Still other sponsors were Roy M. Perez, RMP Strategies, Inc., the American GI Forum of California, and Pete Conaty & Associates. There were two “Platinum Sponsors,” Pacific Gas and Electric Company and AT&T with both corporations donating $1,000 each.

A number of people stayed on after the luncheon and returned to the capitol to attend certain legislative hearings underway at the time. The experiences at the capitol, legislative offices, and hearing rooms demonstrated that it isn’t difficult to visit, have some good conversation with a legislator or staff person, attend a meeting and get some perspective on the issues and processes, and make a difference by extending influence.

This was an event California State Commander Veterans Council (CSCVC) members have been asking for and expecting for many years and it has finally happened. And it couldn’t have been a more impressive program for veteran honorees and their legislators. We can all be proud.

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