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This year’s Veteran of the Year not only dedicated himself to a lifetime of military service, but he is also an active community volunteer and a former San Mateo firefighter.
“All of us owe a great debt of gratitude to all who serve their country,” said Warren Slocum, San Mateo County Board of Supervisors and an Army veteran. “These individuals are truly remarkable for giving so much to their country and for continuing to give so much to their community.”
Former U.S. Marine George Smith is the County of San Mateo’s Veteran of the Year. Smith served in the U.S. Marines for several years, including a tour in Vietnam in 1966.
Following his military service, Smith returned home to San Mateo and became a firefighter and a member of the San Mateo County Veterans Commission.
Smith is also an active member in the American Legion Post 105, holding the rank of post commander and member of the American Legion Riders and Marine Corps League.
During the COVID-19 pandemic, Smith worked to ensure final honors for veterans were not forgotten at the funerals of all Marines in San Mateo, San Francisco, Marin and Sacramento. The county says Smith is the “embodiment of duty and service.”
The County of San Mateo honored Smith through the County Veterans Commission at the 7th annual Veterans Recognition Event held Thursday, Nov. 10.
More than 250 individuals attended the event to celebrate Smith's dedication and his service to veterans and the veteran community.
Patriots of the Year
The event also recognized the county's Patriots of the Year – Wendy Weller and Andrew Trapani.
Weller and Trapani are members of the Patriot Guard Riders, Warrior Watch Riders and the American Legion Riders. They have dedicated themselves to escorting veterans to their final resting place and helping families during their time of grieving.
The pair have participated in over 148 Final Honors funerals for vets and volunteer more than 1,200 hours a year.
Enterprise of the Year
This year’s Enterprise of the Year is the Veterans Surf Alliance, a volunteer-run nonprofit organization that creates community through surfing.
Meeting at Linda Mar Beach in Pacifica, Veterans Surf Alliance provides lessons, coaching and mentors, as well as access to surfboards, routine surf meetups and annual events.
Lifetime achievement
The County of San Mateo lifetime achievement award has been dedicated to congresswoman Jackie Speier.
In her final year in congress, Speier has dedicated her career to advocating and advancing veteran issues at the highest level of government.
Speier is the chair of the Armed Services Military Personnel Subcommittee, which works to advance numerous initiatives to ensure the military finds and keeps the most qualified individuals, provides their families with needed assistance, and adequately compensates those harmed in the line of duty.
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