The Grand Marshals and guest speakers were given certificates of recognition and plaques for their contributions. Pictured (l-r) at the Veterans Day ceremony are Fillmore Mayor Pro Tem Christina Villasenor, with Grand Marshals Ismael Alonzo and Victor Westerberg, and guest speaker former Police Chief and Marine veteran Richard “Dick” Diaz., Fillmore Knights of Columbus Grand Knight Bob Gradias and Supervisor Kelly Long’s Representative Manuel Minjares. Inset, Fillmore VFW leading the parade down Central Avenue. Inset photo credit Angel Esquivel-AE News.
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Pictured are classic cars which carried Fillmore and Piru Veterans down Central Avenue in this year’s parade and future cadets marching to close out the parade with the Fillmore Police & Fire Departments following. Thank you for serving your country. Photo credit Angel Esquivel-AE News. One of the traditions was the presentation of each branch of service flag and medley. As each branch was recognized, the veterans of that branch stood and saluted as the medley played.
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The Veterans Day Celebration was a huge success as the community paid homage to our local heroes on Friday, November 10th and Saturday, November 11th. The celebration began with a Concert at the Park at City Park on Friday evening. Mack and D started the night captivating the crowd of over 150 with their blend of pop, country, blues, and requests. The headliner was Ventura County’s own “Los Amigos” and they performed a variety of music from rock, cumbia, jazz, and country. Los Amigos are a talented troupe of professional musicians who have played with various artists over the years. Their style of music had the crowd jumping and dancing over the evening.

On Saturday, the Veterans Day Parade started with the Annual Veterans Day Parade hosted by the Fillmore Lions Club. Over 70 Veterans rode in classic cars and corvettes waving at the crowd as they cheered each veteran when they drove by. This year’s Grand Marshals were Victor Westerberg and Ismael Alonzo. Victor and Ismael are long time members of the Fillmore-Piru Veterans of Foreign War. Their dedication and commitment to the members are extraordinary as they work to provide services and information to our local veterans.

The parade was followed by the Annual Veterans Day Ceremony at Fillmore Middle School. The guest speaker was former Police Chief and Marine Veteran Richard “Dick” Diaz. Mr. Diaz shared his experiences serving in Viet Nam. He also discussed the importance of honoring and remembering our Veterans for their commitment and sacrifices to keep our country free. Many of our Veterans still experience physical and mental challenges and supporting them is an essential need to provide the care they need.

Supervisor Kelly Long’s Representative Manuel Minjares, and Fillmore Mayor Pro Tem Christina Villasenor were on hand to present certificates of recognition to Victor, Ismael, and Richard. The Fillmore Knights of Columbus Grand Knight, Bob Gradias presented them with plaques for their contributions.

One of the traditions was the presentation of each branch of service’s flags and medley. As each branch was recognized, the Veterans of their branch stood and saluted, many with tears running down their cheeks.

Music and sound were provided by Danny Ibarra and Danny Rodriguez for both events.

A delicious luncheon BBQ was served to over 200 guests attending the ceremony. Colette Golson and her staff provided a full coarse meal and dessert. Congratulations to Colette for providing such a wonderful meal. And, yes, Vets ate for free!
Kudos to the Veterans Day Committee for their hard work in making this such a success.

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Courtesy https://www.blog.fillmoreusd.org/fillmore-unified-school-district-blog/2...

Our updated renderings show the exterior design for our new FHS Athletic Complex. We still need to determine the colors and the image on the west side of the building that will be facing the stadium. Our architects are working to finish the interior design and plan for the required solar power installation. This plan set is currently being costed to ensure that we are within the School Board’s funding allocation for this facility.
Please join us on Monday, November 13, for a FHS Athletic Complex Public Meeting at the Fillmore High School Library at 6p.m. until 7p.m. to discuss plans for the new complex. More information at blog.fillmoreusd.org.

Richard “Dick” Diaz

Richard “Dick” Diaz was born in Honolulu, Hawaii, the oldest of ten. When he was 10 years old his father, a career Submarine Sailor, was transferred to San Diego where Dick attended grades 4-12 in National City, graduating from Sweetwater Union High School in 1965.

After graduation Dick enlisted in the Marine Corps for 4 years. His Basic Training was at MCRD San Diego and Camp Pendleton. After a short time in Memphis, Tennessee he was stationed at MCAS El Toro in Irvine, California, with Third Marine Air Wing VMGR 352 as an aircraft First Mechanic on a KC130F Hercules Air Refueler/Transport Aircraft.

VMGR 352 made frequent Transpacific flights to Vietnam continuously performing in-air refueling along the way for Marine Corps F-4 Phantom fighter jets making their way to Vietnam. He was a First Mechanic on the flight crew on those flights. While on operations within Vietnam, their mission was either in-air refueling bomb laden F-4’s over the Gulf of Tonkin or transporting troops and equipment to various bases, Chu Lai, Dong Ha, Phu Bai, and Da Nang. He logged over 1,000 flight hours as a flight crew member onboard the KC130F.

While in Vietnam during 1967-1968, Dick was exposed to Agent Orange and in 1981 was diagnosed with Bladder Cancer. But it was not until December 2021 through a court order that the Veterans Administration recognized Bladder Cancer as directly associated with Disabilities or Death of Vietnam Veterans exposed to Agent Orange. In 2022, he was classified by the Veterans Administration as having disabilities associated with his service in Vietnam and exposure to Agent Orange.
Dick started his law enforcement career with the Orange Police Department after his service in the Marine Corps. His law enforcement career was from October 10, 1969-March 25, 2006. During that time, Dick served with the Orange Police Department, Signal Hill Police Department, Fillmore Police Department and Ventura County Sheriff’s Department. Dick was the police chief here in Fillmore.

He and his wife Carolyn live in Fillmore, and have five children, 11 grandchildren and two great-grandchildren.

USMC Active January 10, 1966-October 10, 1969

USMC Inactive Reserves October 10, 1969-January 10, 1971

Sergeant E5 MOS 6314 Jet Engine Mechanic/Flight Crew KC 130F Air Refueler/Transport Aircraftid.