Top Veteran of the Year will be recognized Nov. 11

Hugh B. Speed III will be honored as Mission Viejo’s Veteran of the Year on Monday, November 11 during the City’s annual Veterans Day ceremony at 2 p.m. inside the Norman P. Murray Community and Senior Center at 24932 Veterans Way.

Hugh is a longtime Mission Viejo resident who has lived a life of service. It began in 1969 when he served with the 1st Marine Division in the Republic of Vietnam. From there, Hugh went on to serve in other military posts including the 2nd and 3rd Marine Divisions and Massachusetts Army National Guard. His faithful service earned him nine medals including the Vietnam Campaign Medal with 5 stars, National Defense Service Medal and Good Conduct Medal.

His service to his community also runs deep. For the past four years, Hugh has been a member of the Mission Viejo Marine and Sailors Adoption Committee, supporting every committee activity and program all designed to benefit the Headquarters Battalion of the 1st Marine Division stationed out of Camp Pendleton. To support the Marines and veterans, Hugh has participated in many community functions like Veterans Day and Memorial Day ceremonies; Oso Fit 5K Fun Run; 4th of July Street Faire; and donation collections for toys, baby supplies and care packages shipped overseas.

Hugh has lived in Mission Viejo since 1987 and is married to Carole. The couple has a son, daughter (an active-duty staff sergeant in the Marine Corps) and granddaughter.

He will be recognized with local veterans during the City’s public ceremony, which will include a color guard, rifle salute and taps followed by a reception, entertainment and veteran resource fair.

For more information, call 949-470-3061.