• Veteran of the Year: Gary Welsh

Local Vet Honored

This a bit late in coming since he was selected last year, but as our Assemblywoman, Melissa Melendez, jokingly put it, "He was named in November but has been avoiding me because he doesn't like being in the spotlight and he doesn't like to be recognized for the things that he does." 

"In order to present him with this resolution this evening we had to kind of, you know, go ninja style on him and surprise him. He didn't know we were going to do this —sorry Gary," Melissa said with a grin. 

Gary Welsh and Assemblywoman Melissa Melendez.

"Basically the reason why Gary is getting this recognition is because he is a veteran and has been serving veterans —for years. I think that warrants recognition. I know a lot of veterans in the district, and it's hard to pick one, but I can tell you 'this is a guy who doesn't do it [to get] a pat on the back'... which is why we had to sneak in here."

- Assemblywoman Melissa Melendez

He served in the United States Army from '63 to '66 as a medic. His service included tours in Europe, including Germany and France. His first year in the military he went to work on an ambulance. Afterwards he worked at Loma Linda VA Hospital, he did that for the next 29 years as a volunteer.

During this time Gary joined the American Legion in 1966 and later became a member of the Elks Lodge. He has a love of motorcycles and belongs to the motorcycle club called The Rough Riders.

Of the many things he helps out with, you may also know him to be the calm, smooth and steady Bingo caller at the Elks Lodge.

Gary's fellow Rough Riders watched on as he was honored.

Gary was asked to say a few words and he began with, "Well, that's humbling."

No stranger behind the mic, Gary addresses the Bingo crowd with some thoughts.

Then continued, "Volunteering and working for the community, helping veterans and everything, is something we do (motioning to The Rough Riders), all my brothers, myself, the Elks, and you guys (motioning to the Bingo audience). Because 100% of the budget from The Elks Veterans Foundation comes from Bingo. So, I want to thank you guys for helping us do what we do. Without you we couldn't do this."

Gary Welsh and Melissa Melendez pose with The Rough Riders.
This chapter of The Rough Riders focuses on military veterans and their families.

He continued, "I want to thank my brothers for always being there, for everything that they do, and they don't just do it here in our small little community; it's worldwide."

Gary Welsh, Melissa Melendez and Exalted Ruler of the Elks Michael Cain. 

He finished with, "Melissa, (after a short pause and with playful banter) I'll never forgive you." To which those in attendance gave a hearty laugh as they applauded.

VFW Post Commander Steve Regalado spoke of coming to know Gary better over the two years that he's been at the helm of the VFW, and just today they worked together to help a homeless vet get back on his feet.

•                •                •

“Whatever you are, be a good one.” 
– Abraham Lincoln

Wildomar Rap is always humbled to be a fly on the wall at such events as these. Thank you Gary for always being there with a smile and a firm handshake.

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