It is with great sadness that the California Department of Veterans Affairs (CalVet) joins the families of Alexander J. Griffith and Bobby R. Price in mourning their passing. Griffith died on October 20, 2012 and Price died on November 2, 2012.

“On behalf of the Department, I offer my sincere condolences and prayers to the families and friends of Al Griffith and Bobby Price,” said CalVet Secretary Peter J. Gravett. “Al was a great supporter of his fellow veterans and served diligently on the VetFund Foundation Board as a leader in the veterans’ community.”

“Bobby was also was a great friend of veterans and a strong leader for the veteran of California,” said Gravett. “He served on the VetFund Foundation Board, was Chairman of the Chula Vista Veterans Home Support Foundation and was immediate past State Commander of the Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW), Department of California.”

Griffith, a retired U.S. Air Force pilot and VetFund Foundation Secretary, served much of his career as a helicopter pilot in Air Rescue Reserve. He was awarded the Meritorious Service Medal, Vietnam Service Medal, Armed Forces Expeditionary Medal and the Air Medal. Griffith retired from military service in 1987. After military retirement, he taught mathematics at Center Junior High School for a number of years. He remained active in the VFW in various capacities at the local, state and national levels, including their excellent Voice of America program.

Price retired as a Lieutenant from the U.S. Navy after serving more than 24 years and then worked for many years as a defense contractor. He joined the Veterans of Foreign Wars in 1990 and served in several important positions, including achieving All American Post Commander status. Price earned his Bachelor of Science degree from the University of Phoenix in 2008.

“We are saddened by the passing of these great men, but are thankful for their service to our Nation,” added Gravett. “Both Al and Bobby will be greatly missed by their colleagues and friends. May they forever rest in peace.”