Whittier man named 'Veteran of the Month'

WHITTIER - Whittier resident Brian Moralez, a veteran of Operation Desert Storm, has been named "Veteran of the Month" by Rep. Linda Sanchez.Moralez joined the California National Guard as a combat engineer in 1986, later transferring into the 2668th Transportation Unit in 1990. He was then transferred to the 101st Airborne Division and deployed to Operation Desert Storm. He returned to Southern California in 1993 and joined the American Legion, where he later became commander of "Sunshine Acres" Post 477. Moralez has gone on to hold several officer positions with the Legion's 19th district in Los Angeles County. "Mr. Moralez has a passion for public service that is inspirational," said Sanchez. "Not only did he serve our country with his military service, but Mr. Moralez continues to make sure our veterans are recognized and supported. His involvement in the community is a great example for our younger generation to follow." Moralez currently serves as sergeant-at-arms of the Whittier County Sheriff's Community Advisory Council. He is also a charter member and vice president of the Welcome Home Vietnam Veterans Day in Whittier. For his community service, Moralez has received many awards, including Volunteer of the Year by the Los Angeles County Board of Supervisors and Patriot of the Year by the Whittier County Community Coordinating Council. Sanchez' Veteran of the Month program is coordinated by her Veterans Advisory Council, composed of distinguished veterans from across the district. For information on nominating a veteran, contact Jesse Cheng at (562) 860-5050.

********** Published: February 10, 2011 - Volume 9 - Issue 43