Despite being online, Citrus is finding a way to celebrate those who have served in the military.
The 16th annual Saluting Our Veterans event was held on Nov. 4 via Zoom. Citrus College recognized veterans from different branches of the military.
The event kicked off with a performance of the national anthem from Azusa Pacific University alumnus Sean Gabel and an address from Superintendent/President Greg Schulz.
Citrus student and U.S. veteran Missael Cuevas Chavez was honored at the event. Cuevas Chavez served in the U.S Marine Corps from 2014 to 2019.
“During the summer of my junior year at Azusa High School I signed up for a Marine Corps down the street from Citrus,” Cuevas Chavez said.
The reason he joined was to challenge himself and create a stepping stone to success.
Cuevas Chavez accomplished many things.
“I learned so many important lessons including how to foster relationships, navigating through depressional settings, and how to adapt under stressful compliant situations,” Cuevas Chavez said.
One of the biggest things he learned is how to adapt to different environments.
Citrus College employee and veteran Barry Kuan was also recognized for his service.
Kuan, who served in the U.S. Marine Corps for five and a half years, graduated from Azusa Pacific University in 2017 with a master’s degree in leadership and organizational studies. He is now the Citrus admissions and records coordinator.
Azusa Pacific University assistant professor Marlon Ware served in the U.S Marine Corps from 1989 to 2016 and was recognized for his service.
Citrus Dean of Visual and Performing Arts John Vaughan was the master of ceremonies for the event.
Special guests included Karen Davis, the mayor of Glendora, and Keith Hall, Azusa Pacific University’s vice president and chief diversity officer.
Schulz said he was glad that everyone at the event participated in honoring veterans.
“I would like to thank everyone who made this year’s Saluting Our Veterans event possible, including our partners from Azusa Pacific University,” Schulz said.
Schulz honored the brave men and women who served in the armed forces.
“To our veterans: we thank you today, we thank you on Veterans Day, we thank you every day of the year,” Schulz said.
