March 13, 2008

County seeks nomination for 2008 Friend of the Veteran award

The Santa Clara County Office of Veterans’ Services is seeking nominations for the 2008 Friend of the Veteran Award for residents who have demonstrated their commitment to veterans in Santa Clara County.

Nominations are due by April 10 to the Office of Veterans’ Services. Applications and selection criteria are available at www.sccgov.org under Hot Items, or by calling (408) 553-6000. The award recipient will be honored during Veterans’ Appreciation Month at a board of supervisors meeting in May.

The Office of Veterans’ Services established the Friend of the Veteran Award in 1991 to recognize community members for their outstanding support and dedication to veterans of Santa Clara County. Vietnam Veteran Lawrence Doutherd received the award at a ceremony in 2007, acknowledging nearly 20 years of community service in the Bay Area.

“Many volunteers give to the community selflessly,” said Peter Garrison, director of the County Office of Veterans’ Services. “This is an opportunity to recognize a resident for his or her dedication and service to local veterans.”

Nominees should be residents of Santa Clara County for three years; have three years of active service to the local veterans’ community; and be at least 18 years of age or have demonstrated exceptional initiative. In addition, they should have participated or significantly contributed in the following areas: volunteer service at the VA Health Care System, promoted volunteer support in community services, participated in patriotic holidays and/or special veterans’ and military events, volunteered in family support activities for families with deployed military personnel and those in need; and have membership and participated in organized service groups consisting of veterans.

A full list of requirements is available at www.sccgov.org.

Nominations should be faxed to (408) 553-6016 or mailed to Peter Garrison, director, Santa Clara County Office of Veterans’ Affairs, 68 North Winchester Boulevard, Santa Clara, CA 95051. For more information, call (408) 553-6000.