UPDATE: Kaiser Permanente Vacaville Medical Center held a heartfelt Veterans Day Salute on November 11, 2023, celebrating the sacrifices of military veterans. The event featured Luciano “Lucky” Valero, a remarkable veteran who proudly served in all four branches of the U.S. military, captivating the audience with his extraordinary service record.
Valero’s introduction drew widespread applause as he shared his unique achievement of serving in the Army, Navy, Air Force, and Marines. His journey includes four years as a sergeant and survival trainer in the Air Force, a year in the Army Reserves as a combat medic, 14 years in the Marine Corps as a major, and three years as a Navy lieutenant after becoming a nurse.
“I’m A.D.D.,” Valero joked during the event. “I loved serving. And I’m not done either — there are other things I want to do, like study and maybe become an ambassador.” His enthusiasm resonated deeply with fellow veterans and attendees, illustrating the spirit of service that pervades the military community.
The ceremony also featured Darryl Curry, senior vice president of Kaiser Napa-Solano, who reflected on his own Air Force experience. “Thank you for your service and sacrifice — and thank you to your families,” he expressed, emphasizing the importance of their support for veterans.
Curry took a moment to honor the late George McEnroe, a devoted veteran and nurse, whose legacy continues to inspire those at Kaiser. “His legacy continues to inspire us and lives on in every life that he touched,” Curry stated solemnly.
Another inspirational figure, Dr. Dennis Chin, shared his late-in-life commitment to service, having joined the Navy Reserves at age 63. He was deployed during the COVID-19 pandemic and emphasized the shared values of medicine and military service. “Both require commitment, service, resilience, and putting the needs of others above your own,” he noted.
Michelle Ona-Diaz, an emergency department nurse and nine-year Air Force veteran, echoed this sentiment, stating, “It taught me about service, discipline, and sacrifice. Looking back on it, I wouldn’t change a thing.”
Attendees were reminded of the ongoing duty to support veterans and their families by U.S. Rep. Mike Thompson, who reaffirmed the nation’s commitment. “On Veterans Day, we pay tribute to veterans and recommit ourselves to making sure we support our vets and their families once they take off the uniform,” he declared. “We can’t turn our backs on our veterans. They had our backs — and we need to have theirs.”
As the ceremony concluded, veterans exchanged salutes and shared stories, with Valero invited back for photos with elected officials and hospital leadership. Thompson humorously remarked, “If you will just sign this paper here — you haven’t served in the Space Force yet!” eliciting laughter from the crowd.
This event not only honored the sacrifices of veterans but also highlighted the ongoing impact of their service in the community. The heartfelt tributes and shared experiences underscored the deep bond between military service members and their families, making this Veterans Day Salute at Kaiser Permanente Vacaville a resonant celebration of honor and dedication.
