WVCBA Celebrates Service at the 29th Annual Military Appreciation Dinner

​On September 25, WVCBA was proud to bring together local business leaders, community advocates, and military personnel at the Holiday Inn Oxnard - Ventura for the 29th Annual Military Appreciation Dinner. The signature event served as a profound celebration of local service members, honoring outstanding individuals for their exemplary military service, impactful community involvement, and dedicated volunteer efforts.

The highlight of the evening was the individual presentation of awards to six local heroes across our military branches.

The evening commenced with an invocation by Chaplain Joseph Frana, followed by the Parade of Colors by the Naval Base Ventura County Honor Guard. The Pledge of Allegiance and the National Anthem were led by Brendan McMullin and the Moorpark College Jazz Combo.
 
This year’s keynote speaker, Captain Andy Litteral, Chief Staff Officer of Naval Base Ventura County (NBVC), delivered an inspiring address highlighting the vital economic and cultural partnership between NBVC and the West Ventura County business community.
 
The highlight of the evening was the individual presentation of awards to six local heroes across our military branches:
 
United States Navy
Roberta L. Asare Bediako, Engineering Aid Second Class
Hannah J. Heck, Equipment Officer First Class
Kyle J. Roach, Aircrew Survival Equipmentman Second Class
 
Department of the Air Force
Victor D. Hernandez, Technical Sergeant, Channel Islands Air National Guard
Hieu D. Tran, Technical Sergeant, United States Air Force
 
United States Coast Guard
Joshua R. Law, Aviation Survival Technician 3rd Class, Rescue Swimmer
 
We also presented the first annual Military Community Partner Award to Gold Coast Veterans Foundation, recognizing their exceptional, long-standing dedication to supporting local veterans and their families.
 
The event was made possible by our generous Title Sponsors Clear Channel Outdoor, GenOn, Pleasant Valley School District, Procter & Gamble Paper Products, and The Port of Hueneme. Thank you to all of our sponsors, board members, and business community for making this annual tradition a resounding success and showing gratitude to our local armed forces.

The first annual Military Community Partner Award was given to Gold Coast Veterans Foundation