Caption: (L to R) SCPO Matthew Kreamalmyer, Mayor Eric Bruen, Juliette and War War II Veteran CPO Victor Monacelli (retired); KCCD Trustee Jack Connell (Retired Naval Officer); and Dr. Sean Hancock, President of CCCC.
Cerro Coso Community College Veterans Services kicked off Veterans week with a presentation of colors and 13 Folds ceremony by SCPO Matthew Kreamalmyer, Naval Air Station, China Lake; AC2 Edward Prida, Naval Air Station, China Lake; HM2 Walker E. Garrett, Navy Medicine Readiness and Training Unit (NMRRTU), China Lake; AT3 Vegas Monroe, Airtevron 9 (VX-9); and AE3 Noah Sloan, Airtevron 9 (VX-9); around the fountain at the Ridgecrest campus on Monday, November 7, 2022.
“This is the first of a week of activities here at Cerro Coso, to celebrate with gratitude the sacrifices made by our military and veterans,” said Dr. Sean Hancock, President.
“The heroism that has been demonstrated, time and again, by veterans from the American Revolution to the global war on terrorism is sometimes unnoticed by those who enjoy the security that their sacrifice has provided. Our debt to these heroes can never be re-paid, but our gratitude and respect must last forever,” stated Hancock.
Honor Guards prepare to march to National Anthem for presentation of colors.
(L to R) Presentation of flag to veterans Monacelli and Connell.
Honor Guards - HM2 Walker E. Garrett, AC2 Edward Prida. War War II Veteran Victor Monacelli (retired), AE3 Noah Sloan, and AT3 Vegas Monroe.
Speakers and guests of honor for the event included: Cerro Coso President Dr. Sean Hancock; KCCD Trustee and retired officer Jack Connell, Ridgecrest Mayor Eric Bruen, War War II Veteran Chief Petty Officer Victor Monacelli (Retired, October 1942 - October 1961) and his wife Juliette; and SCPO Matthew Kreamalmyer, Naval Air Station, China Lake.
The college Veterans Services department presented veterans Monacelli and Connell with folded flags and certificates of appreciation for their service to our country.
“I encourage each of you to say thank you to our military and veterans,” ended Hancock. “As president of Cerro Coso Community College I thank you for your many sacrifices in defense of our freedom.”
