Supervisor V. Manuel Perez has Demonstrated Unmatched Dedication to Veterans [Opinion]

My dealings with Manny Perez began while he was serving as Vice Chairman of Veteran’s Affairs in the State Legislature. He supported veterans programs that improved our healthcare and state veterans homes that housed fellow veterans in our own long term care facilities and the California Military Department.

On the Coachella City Council he championed the construction veterans memorial. If you have some spare time, I encourage you to visit that monument. It is one of the finest tributes to those who served our nation. It is a gathering place for not only veterans but residents alike.

Later,  after joining the Board of Supervisors he championed establishment of the only county veterans park in our county. Lake Cahuilla has a first class veterans memorial designed by local veterans from every branch of the armed forces. Dedicated on Memorial Day it is a lasting tribute to all who served.

He is the only county Supervisor to have a Veterans Council. These men and women advise him on issues important to veterans and their families. Instead of a single veterans advisor he has many. This brings important ideas and recommendations to Manny directly.

Working with those veterans he helped them establish a popular veterans fishing tournament at Lake Cahuilla. Veterans are competing for free and funds raised go directly to veterans service organizations like our American Legion. Children win prizes like new bicycles and vendors from across the valley step up to award dozens of prizes. It’s just a great time for veterans and others to compete and enjoy fellowship.

He has used district funds to conduct a countywide needs assessment for veterans. Post Traumatic Street Disorders impact many of the veterans in Riverside County and his district .

While the desert was well served by former Supervisors McCandless, Larson, Wilson, and Benoit it would be Manny Perez who finally got additional Veterans Services Officers added to the district to help veterans and families with medical claims and other needs.

When the American Legion Post in Indio needed help with facility improvements Manny Perez helped make that happen. He made county funds available more than once to make this facility safer and comfortable.

When the George S. Patton Museum was adding its new West Wing, it was Manny Perez and Jim Battin, both no longer in office, that had sledgehammers in hand getting the expansion started with some sweat equity. No media on hand, no press releases, just a lot of “bipartisan support” to honor those from “The Greatest Generation.”

Perez, always looking for ways to thank our military, also set county policies to recognize veterans for their service for Valor or Meritorious Service. Special awards are available to veterans at the county if they just ask.

He also had the U S flagpole added to the county fairgrounds as one more tribute to the veterans of our nation. Hard to believe it, but the fairgrounds never had a flagpole. This one makes a statement and can be viewed all over the grounds.

Military families and veterans enjoy free admission to the Riverside County Fair & National Date Festival, Thank you, Manny Perez

Having served as the County Defense & Military Services Commissioner, before Manny Perez was appointed to fill the vacancy left by his predecessor, I am eternally grateful that during three decades of service with the County, we had a Board of Supervisors that not only supported veterans and their families, but that also supported our military personnel.

Veterans and the families of the Fourth District have been fortunate to have had a series of county supervisors that have supported veterans and our military regardless of political party affiliation.  Two Fourth district supervisors served in our Armed Forces: Al McCandless with the Marines and Roy Wilson with the Navy.

I cannot speak for my fellow veterans. Although Manny and I are from different political backgrounds and parties. I remain grateful for the patriotic support he has shown for all of us who have served in war and in peace. More bipartisan leadership like this is needed in every level of elected government today more than ever.

Thank you to every elected leader from the Republican, Democratic, or Independent parties who stands with our military, our veterans, and their families. Thanks to every valley city that honors veterans with monuments and parades. It is appreciated!

Special thanks to fellow veterans who also hold elected office now or in the past and serve once again. We need more veterans serving in public office!