State Assemblywoman Lori Wilson honored Antioch veterans’ leader Gerald “J.R.” Wilson as the 2025 Veteran of the Year for the 11th District during a ceremony and luncheon with family and friends with a resolution and check for his Delta Veterans Group organization on Tuesday, Dec. 9, 2025. All photos by Allen D. Payton
Makes donation to his Delta Veterans Group
Also honored by Contra Costa County Supervisor Diane Burgis, Antioch Mayor Ron Bernal
By Allen D. Payton
During a luncheon ceremony on Tuesday, Dec. 9, 2025, Antioch resident and veterans’ leader Gerald “J.R.” Wilson was honored by Assemblywoman Lori Wilson as the 2025 Veteran of the Year for the 11th Assembly District.
During the brief ceremony and luncheon, attended by a few of his family and friends, at Monica’s Riverview restaurant in historic, downtown Rivertown, Wilson (no relation) presented J.R. Wilson with a framed certificate from the California State Assembly of a Resolution (see below) honoring him. She also presented him with check for a donation of $1,000 to his organization, the Delta Veterans Group.
It’s the Assemblywoman’s first Veteran of the Year Award that she’s presented since being elected during a special election in March 2022 when her district still included a portion of Antioch. The new district went into effect following that November’s General Election and no longer does.
“Many times we recognize amazing people in our district and state who do amazing things,” the Assemblywoman said. “I’ve had the opportunity, to now, each year nominate a Woman of the Year, Non-Profit of the Year…different businesses and things like that. I come from a military family. My husband is retired Air Force. My son is a former Marine. I thought…I have yet to do a veteran and I wanted that to be coming from a veteran family and I wanted to include that in the things that we do.”
Then turning to J.R. she said, “So, you are my inaugural, just so you know, my inaugural veteran that I get to recognize.”
“I did not know that,” he responded.
Lori Wilson then read about J.R.’s background and accomplishments as leader for veterans, both locally, statewide and nationally.
Antioch Mayor Ron Bernal with J.R. Wilson (center) and Assemblywoman Lori Wilson hold resolutions from her (right) and County Supervisor Diane Burgis (left) during a ceremony and luncheon on Tuesday, Dec. 9, 2025.
Mayor Ron Bernal was also in attendance and said “J.R. is amazing and an asset to Antioch.”
Then speaking to Wilson the mayor said, “I want to thank you for your service, for your heart…for loving the people you serve in Antioch.”
Bernal then said a proclamation from the City of Antioch was being prepared and would be presented to J.R. Wilson at a later time.
The veteran was also presented by the mayor with a Proclamation from Contra Costa County District 3 Supervisor Diane Burgis who also honored him as 2025 Veteran of the Year, even though Wilson lives in District 5. She did not attend the ceremony.
J.R. then thanked the Assemblywoman and shared his appreciation for those in attendance.
“Everyone of you mean a lot to me. There are mentors, here,” he said and then shared something about those seated around the table.
MEMBER’S RESOLUTION
By the Honorable Lori D. Wilson, 11th Assembly District
Relative to commending
GERALD WILSON
WHEREAS, Throughout the course of American history, courageous individuals have taken up arms to secure, defend, and maintain the core principles upon which the nation’s freedoms depend, and as one such stellar individual, Gerald “J.R.” Wilson will be honored as the 2025 Veteran of the Year for the 11th Assembly District; and
WHEREAS, A veteran of the United States Army who served in the Military Intelligence Corps, J.R. Wilson has established a long history of supporting his fellow veterans, beginning in 1998 when he joined Disabled American Veterans (DAV), where he graduated from its Academy Class VI and took on the role of National Service Officer, and he went on to serve as National Service Officer Supervisor from 2000 to 2004; and
WHEREAS, In further service to DAV, J.R. has served on its Interim Legislative and National Executive committees, as the Mt. Diablo Chapter Commander, as State Commander and Legislative Director for the Department of California DAV, and as Legislative Director and Chair of the California State Commander’s Veterans Council; and
WHEREAS, In 2012, J.R. founded and took on the role of Chief Executive Officer of the nonprofit Delta Veterans Group (DVG), guiding the organization as a champion for providing the four pillars of success—housing, employment, health care, and education—to veterans and working to ensure that they have access to the resources necessary for a fulfilling and balanced life; and
WHEREAS, Among his remarkable accomplishments in leading DVG, J.R. launched its inaugural Stand Down on the Delta event in 2015, which has since become an annual four-day, three-night program in which veterans are provided full medical treatments; court and legal services; Department of Motor Vehicles assistance; chaplain services; housing, addiction, and mental health counseling; employment assistance; and a myriad of other community services while being offered clothing, meals, showers, sleeping tents, and a safe place to “stand down” for the duration of the event; and
WHEREAS, Having worked to unite local veteran service organizations in Contra Costa County to strengthen community support and create a lasting impact for those who have served the nation, J.R. also launched the Antioch Veterans of the Year and Lifetime Veteran of the Year programs, created the Antioch Veterans Memorial Banner Program, and joined a group of veterans in redesigning the City of Antioch’s Veterans Memorial; and
WHEREAS, Recognized with numerous honors for his tireless service, including Antioch Citizen of the Year and recipient of the Key to the City of Antioch in 2023, J.R. Wilson has dedicated his life to honoring and supporting those who have courageously served and sacrificed while safeguarding the nation’s principles, for this generation and for generations to come; now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED BY ASSEMBLY MEMBER LORI D. WILSON, That she takes immense pleasure in recognizing Gerald Wilson as the 2025 Veteran of the Year for the 11th Assembly District and expresses her sincere gratitude for his dedication to duty and his honorable and faithful service to the United States.
Dated this 9th day of December, 2025.
Honorable Lori D. Wilson
11th Assembly District
Later, in a post on his Facebook page, J.R. Wilson wrote, “I am truly humbled and honored to be selected as the 2025 “Veteran of the Year” for California’s 11th Assembly District.
So grateful to celebrate this moment alongside Assemblywoman Lori Wilson and Antioch Mayor Ron Bernal.
This recognition belongs to our entire community. I couldn’t do what I do without the incredible support of our volunteers, partners, and fellow veterans.
This is not a me thing — it’s a WE thing.
Veterans served their Country, and Veterans serve their Communities.”
Join us for Homeless Persons’ Memorial Day, where we will create a space to remember, honor and celebrate those in our community with a lived experience of homelessness who have died in the past two years. As part of the event, we will be reading their names and stories. You are invited to share the names of people whom you would like to be remembered here: https://forms.gle/ksauQ1dwxKT2j2rR7.
This hybrid (in person and online) event will take place:
Event co-hosted by Antioch Seventh Day Adventist Church, Bay Area Rescue Mission, City of Antioch, Contra Costa Council on Homelessness, NAMI Contra Costa, and Safe Organized Spaces Richmond.
At these events each year, we remember those who have died and we strengthen our resolve to work for a world where no life is lived or lost in homelessness. We state clearly, together with others in scores of communities across the nation, that no person should die for lack of housing.
About NAMI CC – Support. Educate. Advocate. Outreach.
Mission Statement – To provide support, outreach, education, and advocacy to individuals impacted by mental illness, their families, and the broader community.
NAMI Contra Costa is a 501(c)3 non-profit organization providing outreach, education, support and advocacy to individuals living with mental illness, their families, and the broader community. We have been serving in Contra Costa County and beyond for over 35 years. All our programs are free, so get involved today and help make a difference in your life, others’ lives, and in the local community.
NAMI Contra Costa is an affiliate of the National Alliance on Mental Illness. We are unique in our independence with long history of supporting individuals living with mental illness, their families, and the broader community.
NAMI CC has a commitment to serve the needs of all impacted by mental illness. We have staffed our agency to be reflective of those who are unserved, underserved, and inappropriately served. We have many support groups, classes, and services for these communities. Additionally, to help reach much of the homebound community, we provide almost all of our groups and classes via Zoom, and now more are in-person. So please visit our calendar page for group dates and times.
NAMI Contra Costa was named the 2023 California Nonprofit of the Year.
About the Delta Bay Wellness Hub
NAMI CC is committed to ensuring ALL individuals impacted by mental illness have their needs met and no one is left behind. We, therefore, lifted the 40 Voices Campaign to advocate for an African American Holistic Wellness & Resource Hub to improve outcomes for the African American community. Despite 40 Voices’ successful advocacy for a total of $8.9 million dollars from the Contra Costa Board of Supervisors, we have been asked to wait until 2029 for the physical site of the hub to be realized. We cannot afford to wait. NAMI CC CEO and Founder of the 40 Voices Campaign, Gigi Crowder, decided to move forward with the hub – primarily using her own personal funding and securing donations from others.
If you would like to support this important effort, you can Zelle a payment (510-990-2670) or mail in a check (2151 Salvio Street, Suite V, Concord, CA 94520) or simply go to ww.namicontracosta.org/donate to make a donation. All donations are tax deductible. Donations of $40 dollars or more will be recognized on a poster as a “Founding Contributor” of the 40 Voices African American Holistic Wellness & Resource Hub at Delta Bay. The renovations have resulted in a beautiful healing space.
Join former 49er Jeremy Newberry for Newberry’s B.L.O.C.K. 2025 Toy Drive & Car Show! Sunday, Dec. 14. 11am– 3pm at Lumpy’s Diner at 5891 Lone Tree Way in Antioch.
Your $25 donation or unwrapped gift for a child gets you a delicious barbecue lunch by Kinder’s BBQ and entrance to the So-Low Riderz Car Show.
If you’re unable to make it, we also accept Venmo donations @NewberrysBlock we’re a 501c3 organization 100% of your donations go toward underprivileged children. Thank you.
Newberry’s B.L.O.C.K. is a non-profit organization providing underprivileged children the opportunity to participate in sports by sponsoring scholarships and equipment to youth programs Benefiting Leagues Offering Children Kindness.
Family raising funds for funeral, memorial expenses
By Allen D. Payton
According to reports on Next Door and by a reader of the Herald, a woman’s body was found near the Antioch Water Park on Saturday, Dec. 6, 2025. According to Contra Costa County Deputy Coroner Dasia Pickett, “The decedent was Latisha Moore, 39 years old. Moore was an Antioch resident.”
Other residents mentioned she was shot, and a gun was found next to her and did not know if it was a suicide or homicide. When asked if she could share the cause of death, Pickett responded, “I cannot at this time. Thank You for understanding.”
However, when asked if the cause of death was suicide and if some kids discovered her body as other residents had reported, Antioch Police Lt. Bill Whitaker responded, “Yes, it was a suicide which we try not to publicize for the family, and she was found by a group of young adults.”
“Our family is heartbroken as we prepare to say goodbye to our beloved one Latisha Moore who passed away December 6th, 2025. Our hearts are saddened and we’re loss of words. Losing someone you love is never easy, and we’re trying our best to navigate this emotional time while also facing the financial burden of funeral and memorial expenses.
We want to give Latisha the beautiful and dignified farewell she deserves, one that reflects the love, kindness, and strength she showed throughout her life. Any contribution, no matter the amount, will help lighten the weight on our shoulders as we make these arrangements.
If you aren’t able to donate, please share this page or keep our family in your thoughts and prayers. Thank you from the bottom of our hearts for your love and support.”
To Donate contact: Richonda Redd
Zelle/ApplePay : (925) 752- 1183
Venmo: @Richonda-Redd
Cashapp : $Richonda40
Source: Facebook
In addition, a GoFundMe page has been created entitled, “Support for Latisha’s Memorial Service” on which the same information is shared.
Santa Claus is Coming to Willow Park Mercantile! Join us Dec 13th 2:30pm-5pm and take a Free Selfie with Santa in our antique One-Horse Open Sleigh! We also will have on site a professional photographer offering 4×6 instant pics for only $5.
This event will be fun for the entire family.
Be sure to allow extra time to shop our Winter Wonderland!
Photos by Allen D. Payton
Willow Park Mercantile is located at 205 G Street in Antioch’s historic, downtown Rivertown.
We’d like to remind everyone to keep doors locked and windows secured, especially overnight. Detectives are currently looking into a series of residential burglaries that have occurred in Pittsburg, Antioch, Oakley and Brentwood. In many of these incidents, groups of juveniles have entered through unlocked doors, sliding glass doors, or unsecured windows – sometimes by removing window screens. They appear to be looking primarily for vehicle keys, which has unfortunately led to several stolen vehicles.
To help keep your home and property safe, please consider placing your vehicle keys in a secure, less visible area inside your residence rather than near entryways, kitchen counters, or tables.
Our police departments are actively investigating these cases working with the Contra Costa County District Attorney’s Office. In the meantime, a few simple preventions steps can go a long way in helping protect our community.
Thank you for your cooperation, and please stay safe.
This Thursday, December 11, 2025, you are invited to join us for a Christmas Concert led by our High School Ministry! This will be a time of worshipping Christ and reflecting on the first Advent through Scripture reading, songs led by the High School worship team, and a brief Christmas message.
There will be s’mores and hot chocolate available too!
Join us this December 13th for National Wreaths Across America Day at Oak View Memorial Park Cemetery to help us honor those who’ve served by sponsoring a wreath to be placed on a veteran’s grave in honor of their service and sacrifice.
The mission of Wreaths Across America is to “Remember the fallen. Honor those who serve. Teach the next generation the value of freedom. Our volunteers are the beating heart of the program and work year-round to share this important mission and inspire others to join.”
Join the more than two million volunteers and supporters who will gather to Remember, Honor and Teach at more than 5,200 participating locations in all 50 states, at sea and abroad.
