Through runs, community events, solemn ceremonies and parades, CDCR and CCHCS staff honored military veterans across California. Veterans Day, observed Nov. 11 each year, celebrates and honors the service of all military veterans. In this round-up of activities, see how our staff were involved.
Note: If your institution, division, or program were involved in Veterans Day events, submit them no later than Nov. 18 to be included in this round-up. This will be updated as more submissions are received. Send submissions to Don Chaddock and Emily Idleman (emails found in Global).
Pelican Bay State Prison honors veteran staff
Staff at Pelican Bay State Prison in Crescent City gathered Nov. 10 to honor veteran employees and commemorate their service. The gathering, held at the flagpole, featured flags representing each branch of the military, symbolizing our deep respect for their dedication.
Warden Stephen Smith addressed the assembly, sharing the significance of this day. He expressed heartfelt gratitude to all staff for their service and invited anyone who wished to share their thoughts. Following remarks, staff came together to enjoy cake and camaraderie, celebrating the occasion with joy and laughter.
“Today we honor the service of all our veterans,” said Warden Smith. “As a member of a multi-generational military family, I know this day resonates with us all. I am deeply grateful for their dedication and the unity it fosters within our community.”
Submitted by Lt. S. Leon
Pleasant Valley State Prison celebrates veterans
Pausing a moment on Monday morning, Pleasant Valley State Prison staff gathered to honor and celebrate military veterans. The Veterans Day ceremony honored all who have served and commemorated the 250th anniversaries of the U.S. Navy and U.S. Marine Corps.
This year’s ceremony featured speeches from veteran staff members:
- Chaplain Andres Zamudio, Army
- Chief Nurse Executive John Keith, Navy
- Capt. Carlton Dukes, Army
- and acting Chief Deputy Warden Steven Marsh, Army.
“We as people often think of heroes as larger-than-life figures. The characters from our movies and shows, the supermen from our childhoods, or even our own parents who we watched and learned so much from, but in this country, we recognize a different group of heroes, not only on this day, but in every day. Our veterans are the most inspiring form of heroes I can think of, because they are people like you or I, who found their calling in defending the freedoms of those they love, and those who they do not know,” said Marsh.
Guests and staff were then invited to a cake reception following the event.
Submitted by Lt. Brian O’Daniels
Salinas Valley State Prison honors staff veterans
Salinas Valley State Prison (SVSP) staff showed remarkable dedication in supporting veterans. A local bake sale was organized, raising funds to benefit service members at the institution. With the money collected, miniature MRE (meal ready-to-eat) style gifts were distributed to the veterans. The mini MREs included small items such as meal vouchers to be used at the institutional café and a commemorative pin representing each veteran’s branch of service.
US Marine Corps (USMC) veterans came together Nov. 10 for a casual-cake cutting ceremony to celebrate the USMC’s 250th birthday. Attendees played USMC trivia games, listened to the commandant’s birthday message and ate some cake all while connecting with each other through their unique experiences.
SATF thanks veterans
On Nov. 13, the Substance Abuse Treatment Facility and State Prison at Corcoran (SATF) held a Veterans Day celebration to honor staff who currently serve or have served in the military. Staff from various departments attended a ceremony inside the Administrative Building. The ceremony began with the presentation of colors by the Honor Guard. Warden Raul Morales, Chief Deputy Warden Matt Jones, and Associate Warden Eric Smith spoke at the ceremony.
“Today we come together to honor the men and women of SATF who have proudly served in the United States Armed Forces. To each of you, we say thank you,” said Morales.
Staff enjoyed a free barbecue lunch of tri-tip, homemade chili, and all the fixings followed by dessert. Attending service members also had a chance to win gift cards supplied by SATF’s Veterans Day Committee during the lunch. All veteran staff also received a limited-edition challenge coin created just for the event. A slideshow featuring submitted military photos was also played during the event showcasing the veterans during their service time.
Submitted by Lt. Kyle Cade
Wasco State Prison visits school, takes part in memorial run
The Wasco State Prison-Reception Center (WSP-RC) Honor Guard visited a local elementary school for their annual Veterans Day event. The Honor Guard presented the colors as the children looked on and stood at attention during their Nov. 7 event.
The patriotism could be seen and heard as students belted out the song “God Bless the USA.” At the end of the ceremony, local veterans were treated to snacks as students presented them with letters of thanks.
In the above video, staff representing different military branches took part in the Benny Alcala Jr. Memorial Veterans Day run around the institution. For the hearing impaired, only background noise and some chanting can be heard.
The same day, the prison hosted its fourth annual Benny Alcala Jr. Memorial Veterans Day Run.
WSP-RC veterans from various branches stood in formation as the institution’s Honor Guard presented the colors. Members of the Alcala family also attended and joined staff in cheering the runners on as they passed by with their respective flags.
A Prison of War-Missing in Action table setting was also displayed. To mark the 250th anniversary of the US Marine Corps, a cake-cutting ceremony was held.
Submitted by Lt. Salvador Sanchez
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