Men and women in uniform packed the Rossmoor Community Center on Thursday as the Los Alamitos Chamber of Commerce held the first of what promises to become an annual event celebrating the heroism of men and women who serve the public In uniform.
Chamber President Dawnette Palmore thanked the sponsors and the agencies responsible for their support of the event as she looked out at a sea of multi-colored uniforms draped by the free-flowing colors of red, white and blue.
“The dictionary describes a hero as someone who is admired or idolized for courage or outstanding achievement,” she said in her opening remarks. “Each person selected (for recognition) has been touched by your presence. Thank you for your efforts in protecting our great country, state, counties, cities and neighborhoods,” she said.
Master of Ceremonies Col. Tom Lasser (retired) kept the event in character and moving through the opening ceremonies, lunch and eventual presentations to recipients from six military, law enforcement and first responder agencies.
The event opened with the presentation of colors by a color guard of service members from the Joint Forces Training Base in Los Alamitos, followed by the national anthem.
Select members of the Los Alamitos Show Choir were on hand to add to the patriotic theme, entertaining the group with several patriotic songs.
State Sen. Tom Umberg, himself a retired Colonel, set the mood for the day by saying he was impressed with the Chamber’s effort to “recognize those who sacrifice for all of us,” adding that he hoped the ceremony would “become an annual event.”
“Real heroes are not sports stars that come back from an injury,” said Umberg. “Real heroes are not celebrities on tv. Real heroes are folks that get up every day and sacrifice themselves for all of us,” he state Senator said.
Umberg was among a cadre of local officials on hand, either in person or with representation, that presented awards to each of the luncheon’s honorees.
In addition to Umberg’s office, each of the six honorees were presented with awards and certificates by the City of Los Alamitos, Orange County Supervisor Michelle Steel, Assemblyman Tyler Diep, Congressman Alan Lowenthal and the Chamber.
Los Alamitos Mayor Pro-tem Richard Murphy welcomed the group on behalf of the city. He also thanked Master of Ceremonies Col. Tom Lasser for his service. Lasser had left out himself while introducing “heroes,” as Murphy said the thousands of men Lasser rescued as a helicopter pilot over a two-year period in Vietnam “would likely consider you to be a hero.”
Lasser emphasized that while service heroes were being recognized, “they were not selected by the Chamber.” He said each of the agencies were contacted and asked to select someone who had made a real difference to the communities they serve.
The Chamber also thanked Rossmoor Community Services District President Ron Casey and other Rossmoor officials for their hospitality and support of the event.
Following an “All-American” lunch consisting of fried chicken, watermelon, potato salad and other fixings, Lasser introduced each of the six agencies who introduced their honorees.
Here are the 2019 “Heroes” honored by the Chamber for their “courage and bravery.”
- California Highway Patrol – Officer Michael LaRocchia
- Joint Forces Training Base – Sgt. Ashley Q. Solis
- 79th Theatre Sustainment Command -Staff Sgt. Rheana Martinez
- Los Al Police Department – retiring Capt. Chris Karrer
- Orange County Fire Authority- Firefighter Austin Krie
- Orange County Sheriff’s Department – Dep. Alicia Quinones
“Sometimes we take you (heroes) for granted, but we want you to know today how grateful we are for everything that you do in making a difference,” said Palmore.