Placer County Local News: Veterans

On Monday, Dec. 16, the Auburn-Grass Valley Elks Lodge 538 provided 40 Target gift certificates – totaling $50 each – to Placer County Veterans Service Officer Richard Johnson for distribution to homeless veterans.

A full-house crowd at the Colfax Veterans Hall was recently hosted to an Asian dinner fundraiser from VFW Post 2003. A social hour, silent auction and dinner served by local boys and girls scout troops made for a memorable evening for all guests.

Braving the weather last Saturday on National Wreaths Across America Day, local residents came out to honor the 1,200 veterans buried in the Newcastle, Gold Hill and Ophir cemeteries during a brief ceremony and laying of wreaths.

After years of service around the world, Navy veteran Edward Kerr found a new calling helping student veterans at Sierra College transition to civilian life. Beginning as a work-study student in the college’s Veterans Success Center, Kerr is now the school’s certifying official helping students access their education benefits through the VA and offering other support.

Under a sunny and clear sky Friday morning, Loomis Grammar School students and faculty gathered outside of their classrooms to celebrate local veterans who have served in the nation’s five military branches.

Auburn Oaks Care Center is home for 25 veterans and hosts several specific events, including a monthly "Veterans Social" to provide a sense of community and belonging.

On Monday, Nov. 11, come rain or shine, Auburn will honor all its veterans with the greatest pancake breakfast, Veterans Day Parade and ceremony ever.

The Placer County Board of Supervisors on Oct. 22 approved a proclamation supporting Operation Greenlight in honor of veterans.

The National Association of Counties (NACo) describes Operation Greenlight as a way for the nation’s 3,069 counties, parishes and boroughs to show their support of veterans by lighting buildings green from Nov. 4-11.

Just in time for Veterans Day, Placer County has launched a new military appreciation website summarizing local business discounts available to veterans and active military personnel. Additionally, the county is joining Operation Greenlight, a national initiative encouraging residents to shine green lights in support of veterans.

Changing Cadence Foundation hosted a Walk of Remembrance to honor Sgt. Nicole Gee and other fallen veterans in Roseville last Saturday, May 25, at Nela Luken Park.

Changing Cadence Foundation hosted a Walk of Remembrance to honor Sgt. Nicole Gee and other fallen veterans in Roseville last Saturday, May 25, at Nela Luken Park.

Learning a trade and giving back to the community, the students of Confluence High School have partnered up with a local nonprofit to build a home for an unhoused veteran.

American Legion Post 84, in collaboration with Post 169, seeks volunteers for its Placer Veterans Stand Down tri-tip dinner and comedy show fundraiser on Saturday, March 23.

Most graves are identified by their headstones or records, but there are others that remain unknown.

The report examined the Veterans Service Office and the county’s spending on homelessness.

The first proclamation recognizes November as National Military Family Appreciation Month.

Gee received numerous honors while serving, including the Purple Heart, Combat Action Ribbon, Good Conduct Medal, National Defense Medal, Afghan Campaign Medal, Global War on Terrorism Medal and more.