Dodgers honor Bob Archuleta as Military Hero of the Game

DOWNEY — State Sen. Bob Archuleta (D-Pico Rivera) was honored by the Los Angeles Dodgers as the team’s Military Hero of the Game on Aug. 3.

“It was quite exhilarating receiving a standing ovation from 50,000 Dodgers fans,” Archuleta said. “I’ve had great memories attending games here, and meeting Dodger greats Tommy Lasorda, Manny Mota, Fernando Valenzuela and Jaime Jarrin. This night will definitely count as another wonderful Dodger memory.”

During each home game, the Dodgers invite a military veteran and publicly honor them for his or her service to their country. The experience also includes a tour of Dodger Stadium.

Archuleta is an Army veteran, having served in the 82nd Airborne Division.

“I didn’t recognize the magnitude of the recognition until I was actually there on the field, being recognized by one of Major League Baseball’s legendary franchise,” Archuleta said. “I am humbled by this acknowledgement of my military service, but more importantly, I thank the Los Angeles Dodgers for their continuous support of our veterans and active military members. It’s a privilege to count myself among my fellow veterans.”

Archuleta, who attended the game with his wife, Rose, grandson, Zachery, and several friends, said he was overwhelmed by the ceremony that took place during the game between the Dodgers and the Oakland A’s.

A former Pico Rivera council member, Archuleta was elected to the California state senate in November 2018 and re-elected in 2022. His district includes Downey.

Archuleta is the chair of the Senate Committee on Veterans Affairs, the first Latino Army veteran named to the position. He was appointed to the Governor’s Military Council in 2019.

President Barack Obama appointed Archuleta to the Board of Visitors to the United States Military Academy at West Point – the first Mexican-American to be appointed by any president to the board -- and was elected co-chair.

He also served on the Los Angeles County Military Veteran Affairs Commission, the United States Army Advisory Board for Military Recruitment, and the Los Angeles County Library Commission.

Archuleta has received congressional recognition awards and proclamations for service and has been recognized by the Vietnam Veterans of America, Hispanic American Airborne Association, and Veterans of Foreign Wars.

He is married to his wife, Rose, and has five children and 11 grandchildren. His two youngest sons graduated from West Point and are currently serving in the military.