SM Elks Mini Stand Down 8-17 AVU Area 1
The August 17th Santa Maria Elks Mini Stand Down served approximately 125 people. The Veteran groups that attended are committed to helping our veterans. Those participating at the August event were Good Samaritan Services, Combat Vets Association motorcycle club 33-4A, Vets Center of SLO, County of Santa Barbara Veterans Services, Legacy Village, New Life K9 and American Veterans United Area 1.
Purple Heart Ceremony Aug 5, 2023
Additional Information
Purple Heart and Gold Star recipients were honored at a special event on August 5th held at Avenue of the Flags in Buellton. Sponsors for the event were the Cloverlane Foundation and Santa Ynez Community Outreach. During the opening ceremony, Pam Gnekow, CEO of SYV Community Outreach and Gerald Chase, Founder of Cloverlane welcomed everyone and thanked them for being there.
American Veterans United, Inc. Area 1 (Central Coast) participated in this special event. Clettus McDonell, AVU Area 1 Vice-President introduced their new President, Frank Renteria who talked about the Purple Heart Medal history and offered his appreciation for veterans and military. We especially thank our veterans, their families and friends plus our men and women who are currently serving in the military.
Purple Heart Ceremony Photos 8-5
Frank Renteria AVU President
Frank Renteria AVU President
Frank Renteria AVU President
Clettus McDonell Area 1 VP
Frank Renteria AVU President
Frank Renteria AVU President
AVU Area 1 Float
Frank Renteria AVU President
AVU Area 1 Float
AVU Event Table
Pam Gnekow & Gerald Chase
AVU Area 1 Float
Pam Gnekow & Gerald Chase
Pam Gnekow & Gerald Chase
Pam Gnekow & Gerald Chase
Clettus, Gerald & Frank
Pam Gnekow & Gerald Chase
Pam Gnekow & Gerald Chase
Honor Flight
Blas Sanchez, Area 1 Lifetime Member was picked to be part of the Central Coast Honor Flight from April 24-26, 2023. There was a total of 73 veterans (not including their guardians) that flew out of the Santa Maria Airport to Washington D.C. He was on their waiting list for 3 years.
He said “It’s a trip I have been dreaming of going. This is one of the greatest events I have ever experienced.”
He along with other veterans shared their stories of war, AWP, and how they survived. Blas visited many memorials such as the Tomb of the Unknown Solider, Lincoln Memorial, the U.S. Marine Corp Memorial and more.
We encourage our Veterans and their families,
to go on this trip of a Lifetime!
He and his fellow Honor Flight Veterans
were treated to a free dinner at the
Santa Maria Elks Lodge #1538 on
July 26, 2023.
Visit: www.honorflightccc.org or Call: 805 610-4012
To find out more about and how to sign up for this once in a lifetime experience.
See Honor Flight Photos below.
