CTF‑Soledad salutes veterans

November 12, 2024

Warden Borla speaks at the CTF-Soledad Veterans Day event held Nov. 8.

Friday’s Veterans Day celebration at the Correctional Training Facility (CTF) at Soledad marked another successful tribute to military service members.

Under the guidance of Director Jennie Nestler, with the Veterans Transition Center, and incarcerated liaison M. Wade, the Veterans Hub organized an engaging and reverent series of events Friday, Nov. 8.

The day kicked off with a solemn ceremony featuring a rendition of the National Anthem by Holmes, an incarcerated person.

Wade welcomed guests, leading into Honor Guard presentations and branch acknowledgements. Warden Edward J. Borla and Associate Warden Gonzalez expressed deep gratitude toward the facility’s veteran population.

Solemn early Veterans Day ceremony

Watch the video (story continues below):

Video by Clarissa Resultan, TV specialist
Office of Public and Employee Communications

“These events strengthen our resolve and commitment to each other and to those who have worn our nation’s uniform.”
Warden Edward J. Borla

An incarcerated speaker at the Veterans Day event with an audience of incarcerated and non-incarcerated people.

Incarcerated person Culbertson shared a poignant Veterans Day message while Nestler and guest speaker Mark Reeber imparted their insights.

As the formalities concluded, the atmosphere shifted to a more festive note with a live performance by the band Loaded Dice. The highlight for many was the Veterans Transition Center team narrowly clinching a victory over the incarcerated veterans in a competitive kickball game, with a final score of 7-6.

The Grillin’ and Chillin’ food truck began serving free meals to attending veterans at 12:30 p.m.

Wade delivered the closing remarks, wrapping up the ceremony with thoughtful reflections and gratitude toward all participants and attendees.

As the CTF Veterans Day event came to a close, Warden Borla expressed his appreciation.

“Today was not just about celebrating our veterans but also about reinforcing the sense of unity within our community. I am immensely proud of how everyone came together to honor the brave men and women who have served our country,” Borla said. “These events strengthen our resolve and commitment to each other and to those who have worn our nation’s uniform.”

Learn more about CTF on the facility locator page.

Story submitted by Lt. W. Landrum
Correctional Training Facility, Soledad