Military & Veterans

Mission Viejo Veteran of the Year Hugh B. Speed III will be recognized with local veterans during the City's annual Veterans Day ceremony Monday, November 11 at the Norman P. Murray Community Center, 24932 Veterans Way.

The public event, which begins at 2 pm, includes remarks by Colonel Chris Griffin, commanding officer of the Headquarters Battalion, 1st Marine Division, and retired Army Colonel Gregory Daddis. The ceremony also includes a color guard, rifle salute, taps and vocal performance by Kristienne Guerry. 

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.

The City of Mission Viejo and American Soldier Network will host a simple flag-holding and candlelight gathering to honor the people who lost their lives and the heroes who responded to the catastrophic events of 9/11.

Calling all Mission Viejo heroes! We're seeking nominations for our annual Male and Female Veterans of the Year awards.  These are folks who bravely served our country and continue to serve our community by giving back. Indeed, they are heroes.

The City launched this program in 2011 to celebrate residents from all wars and conflicts. Since then, veteran honorees have been recognized during our annual Veterans Day ceremony.  Nominations are due by October 1.

Mark your calendar for Sunday, July 21 when the "Boots, Beer and BBQ" bash takes place, benefiting members of our City's adopted Headquarters Battalion of the First Marine Division.

Hosted by the Mission Viejo Marines and Sailors Adoption Committee, the event is from 4-7 pm at the Norman P. Murray Community and Senior Center, 24932 Veterans Way.

You will enjoy a barbecue buffet by Outback Steakhouse, kicking your boots up to tunes from a live DJ, line dance lessons and camaraderie.

As the nation reflects upon the 75th Anniversary of D-Day and is mindful of the service and sacrifice of our Veterans, the South Orange County Vet Center invites Veterans, active duty service members, their families and the public to an Open House, celebrating the 40th Anniversary of the Vet Center program.

This special event takes place from 1:30 to 4:30 p.m. at 26431 Crown Valley Parkway, Suite 100, where attendees will meet the local staff and learn of the many ways they assist Veterans in Mission Viejo.

The Kiwanis Club of Mission Viejo, working with the City of Mission Viejo's Marine Corps Adoption Committee, is supporting our troops this holiday season through the "See's for Soldiers" program.

Along with buying See's for family and friends, you can purchase a one-pound box of See's at two designated sites and have it shipped to Marines who are deployed overseas or stationed at Camp Pendleton. Thanks to the community's support, in the last eight years, the Kiwanis Club has sent 4,020 of these boxes to our Marines. (Note: This program is not available at See's retail stores.)

Get ready to be inspired and have fun with the entire family during the 4th annual Veterans Resource Fair and Wounded Warrior Amputee Softball Team matches on Saturday, November 10.

Hosted by Assemblyman Bill Brough and Senator Pat Bates in partnership with the City of Mission Viejo, the event is from noon to 4 p.m. at the Saddleback College Baseball Stadium, 28000 Marguerite Parkway.

The fair will offer health benefits, Veterans Affairs home loans, education benefits, veteran employment services and legal services to military veterans and their families.

Veterans of the Year Nominations

The Veterans of the Year program began in 2011 to celebrate a male and female resident veteran from all wars and conflicts within the Mission Viejo community. Since then, veteran honorees have been recognized during our annual Veterans Day ceremony. Applications to nominate a veteran are available online and can be dropped off at the Norman P.

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