Assemblymember Freddie Rodriguez honored Stephen Manzanares of Pomona as the 2015 Veteran of the Year from the 52nd Assembly District.
Manzanares enlisted in the Army in 1946 at the age of 18. A veteran of World War II, Manzanares trained with the 82nd Airborne and later earned his jump wings and glider wings with the "K" Company 504 in North Carolina. As part of the parachute infantry he participated in training exercises as the U.S. armed forces prepared for the conflict in Korea.
After leaving the service, he worked for 40 years at the Fairplex in Pomona as the foreman overseeing grounds and maintenance. He is an active member with AMVETS Post 113, the Hispanic American Airborne Association Post 804, the American Legion and the State Honor Guard Chapter 82 which participates in burial ceremonies for veterans. In addition to his numerous veterans organizations, Manzanares is an active participant in his local neighborhood watch program.
Manzanares has been married for 60 years to his wife Dora. The couple had 5 children together; 3 sons and 2 daughters. They are also the loving grandparents to nearly 20 grandchildren and great-grandchildren
"I met Stephen many years ago through our neighborhood watch program and I have known him to be an active and upstanding member of our community," said Rodriguez. "Our veterans selflessly answered the call to duty to defend freedom. Stephen served our country honorably during World War II and I am proud to honor his service and sacrifice."
Manzanares was honored in Sacramento on June 24th during the 8th Annual Veterans Recognition Luncheon. The Luncheon is an annual event hosted by the Assembly Committee on Veterans Affairs.
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Assemblymember Freddie Rodriguez represents the 52nd Assembly District which includes the cities of Chino, Montclair, Ontario, Pomona and portions of unincorporated Fontana.