Chaplain Jim Linzey (now retired) supports a Soldier and spouse by conducting the wedding at Camp Roberts, California in 2007 prior to separation due to a deployment.
 
NEWS PROVIDED BY
Military Bible Association
Oct. 23, 2019

SAN DIEGO, Calif., Oct. 23, 2019 /Christian Newswire/ -- The biggest population of military personnel, active and retired, including veterans, is located in San Diego County, California. These personnel and their spouses and dependents were honored on Tuesday, October 22, 2019, at the San Diego County Administration Center in Escondido, California at the San Diego North County Military & Veterans' Forum. This year's focus was titled "Hidden Heroes: Honoring Our Military Spouses and Families."

The annual Salute to Service Award was awarded to Tony Teravainen as the Veteran of the Year for his role in supporting enlisted personnel. He is the CEO and Co-Founder of Support The Enlisted Project (STEP).

Nick Macchione who is the Agency Director and Deputy Chief Administrative Officer of the Health and Human Services Agency kicked off the program and introduced the Emcee The Emcee was STS1 Ron Stark, USN (Ret.), who serves as President of San Diego Veterans Coalition. The invocation was then given by Chaplain (MAJOR) James F. Linzey, USA (Ret.), who serves as the President of the Military Bible Association and was the supervising chaplain for the largest mobilization and demobilization mission in the continental United States at Fort Bliss, Texas in 2003-2004.

The National Anthem was then sung by J.J. Gentry, a US Navy veteran. He also led in the Pledge of Allegiance. Supervisor Kristin Gaspar of the 3rd District of the County of San Diego delivered the opening remarks, pledging her continued outstanding support of the US military, veterans and their spouses and families. The Keynote Speaker was Jodie Grenier who is the CEO of Women Warrior Foundation. Her presentation was followed by a very professional video titled "Our Hidden Heroes" featuring the stories of two spouses of veterans and their heartwarming story about supporting her husbands who served on Active Duty.

Supervisor Jim Desmond of the 5th District of the County of San Diego who is also a US Navy veteran presented the "2019 Salute to Service" Award to Tony who received a resounding applause and standing ovation for his tremendous accomplishments as a veteran and now in support of them.

Christopher Gunn, Senior Veteran Services Representative in the Office of Military & Veterans Affairs for the County remarked afterward that teamwork between agencies is positively impacting our service members.

SOURCE Military Bible Association

CONTACT: Commander Don Biadog, CHC, USN (Ret.), 858-444-7125, chapbiadog@yahoo.com