The Antioch veteran community continues to answer the call of service! Join us on Thursday, June 18th for a powerful day dedicated to supporting our veterans, their families, and our community at a Veterans Information & Resource Fair.
We are honored to announce that DAV National Service Officers from the Oakland DAV National Service Office will be conducting a Veterans Information Seminar and providing FREE VA Claims Service assistance to Veterans and their families.
Services and community partners include:
Department of Veterans Affairs Concord Vet Center Mobile Unit
CCC Homeless Health Care Mobile Services
Team Jesus Outreach Ministry
Antioch Rivertown Veterans Lions Club
Antioch John McMullen VFW Post 6435
DAV Chapter 154 and Veteran advocates
Whether you need assistance with VA claims, health care resources, counseling services, housing support, or simply want to connect with fellow Veterans and organizations serving our community — this event is for you.
We are also inviting all nonprofits, Veteran organizations, and community service providers to participate! If your organization would like to table and highlight your services to Veterans and the community, please contact me directly.
As always, we remain committed to our mission:
“Veterans served their Country and Veterans serve their Communities.”
Honoring the brave men and women who gave everything for our freedom. Join us this Memorial Day as the Delta Veterans Group and the City of Antioch come together to remember, reflect and honor our fallen heroes.
According to MemorialDay2026.com, “Memorial Day is a federal holiday in the United States dedicated to honoring and mourning military personnel who died while serving in the U.S. Armed Forces. It’s a day of remembrance, reflection and gratitude for the ultimate sacrifice made by service members throughout American history.
“Memorial Day traces its roots to the years following the Civil War, when communities across America began decorating the graves of fallen soldiers with flowers. Originally called ‘Decoration Day,’ the observance was first widely celebrated on May 30, 1868, when flowers were placed on the graves of Union and Confederate soldiers at Arlington National Cemetery.
“After World War I, Memorial Day evolved from honoring just Civil War casualties to commemorating American military personnel who died in all wars. In 1971, Congress passed the Uniform Monday Holiday Act, officially declaring Memorial Day a federal holiday and moving its observance to the last Monday in May.”
The Contra Costa County Fair is held at the Contra Costa Event Park (fairgrounds) at 1201 W. 10th Street in Antioch. For tickets and more information visit www.contracostafair.com.
U.S. Navy First Division Officer Ensign Emma Crandell (official photo) serves aboard the Amphibious transport dock ship USS John P. Murtha (LPD 26) as it steams through the Pacific Ocean, April 8, 2026. John P. Murtha was underway in the U.S. 3rd Fleet area of operations supporting NASA’s Artemis II mission, retrieving the crew and spacecraft following their return to Earth and splashdown in the Pacific Ocean. NASA’s Artemis II mission sent four astronauts on a flight around the moon in the Orion space capsule, marking the first time humans journeyed to deep space in over 50 years. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class Elyssia Rodriguez) The Orion space capsule Integrity inside the flooded well deck of the ship. Photo by Emma Crandell
First Division Officer Ensign Emma Crandell watched completion of historic space mission
“It was crazy to see water fill our deck and the capsule slowly pull into our ship. I thought, ‘Wow! That’s the Integrity right there.”
By Allen D. Payton
Emma Crandell, a 2021 Deer Valley High School graduate, serves as a First Division Officer Ensign aboard the USS John P. Murtha, which was chosen as the recovery ship for the Orion spacecraft and its crew upon their return from the historic Artemis II mission on Friday, April 10, 2026, which she witnessed. Crandell is the daughter of Jeff and Marie Crandell of Antioch.
Before she graduated from high school, Crandell was presented with a $200,000 Naval Reserve Officers’ Training Corps (NROTC) scholarship. She was selected through a rigorous process from among thousands of students across the state and nation.
Then-Petty Officer Byung Jung, of the Antioch U.S. Navy Recruiting Station, said the scholarship would “pave the way for Emma to get commissioned as an Officer in the Navy.” (See related article)
Emma took her scholarship and attended then, graduated from the University of San Diego, Class of 2025 with a Political Science major. Out of the entire naval fleet, she chose to serve aboard the John P. Murtha as a First Division Officer with the rank of Ensign.
U.S. Navy Ensign Emma Crandell with the Artemis II Orion space capsule Integrity following splashdown and recovery in April 2026. Photo courtesy of Emma Crandell
About the Recovery Mission
About the Artemis II recovery mission Crandell said, “Our ship was off the coast of San Diego and I was, actually on the bridge after being on-watch” which means she “was helping drive the ship, navigating it safely and served as the Conning Officer” as she had the ‘Conn’ “right before splashdown.”
“So, I could just observe it. I heard the sonic boom. We were up there with a lot of NASA contractors, most of the ship was top side and we just watched,” Crandell shared.
Asked about the recovering process she explained. “We had a team of small boats that went out with a team of Navy divers to medically assess the astronauts. When they were cleared, the helicopters flew in to do an air evacuation with assistance from the divers. It was a low and slow process. We were up until the wee hours of the morning.”
“We had to approach the capsule. There was a lengthier process to tow it into our well deck,” Crandell stated. “They rigged up the capsule to a piece of machinery that essentially pulled it into the dock.”
Asked if she witnessed that process, as well Crandell said, “I was on station the entire time as a safety observer.”
“It was crazy to see water fill our deck and the capsule slowly pull into our ship,” she stated. “I thought, ‘Wow! That’s the Integrity right there in our ship.’”
The Artemis program is the overarching name for multiple missions, Orion is the type of capsule, and the astronauts named this one, Integrity.
Asked why her ship was selected for the operation Crandell said, “Our main mission is to conduct amphibious warfare, so, we are built to extract amphibious vehicles and we’re a transport ship. I can’t speak specifically why the Murtha, but the back of our ship opens up to the ocean. We can ballast down to let the ocean in and extract the capsule. I don’t know why they chose us but I’m grateful that they did.”
“I’ve only been on board a few months. I’m pretty new to the ship,” she continued. “This was my first major mission, for sure.”
Her Basic Training was in ROTC during college. “I did intermittent summer trainings, but there wasn’t any boot camp,” she explained.
After college she remained in San Diego and went to work on the John P. Murtha which is stationed there.
Asked about her experience in the Navy, Crandell stated, “It’s been amazing so far. It’s opened up opportunities and I’ve got to do a lot of exciting things.”
Like meeting one of the four Artemis II astronauts.
“I got to meet Christina Koch briefly, the morning they were flying out,” Crandell stated. “After landing on the flight deck in the helicopters the astronauts stayed overnight on our ship.”
Asked why she wanted to join the Navy Crandell said, “It was a cool purpose behind it. A sense of leadership and ownership and getting to do cool stuff with amazing people.”
That’s her favorite thing about the Navy, “The people.”
U.S. Navy Ensign Emma Crandell dressed in her “civvies” was joined by her parents Marie and Jeff Crandell to see the Artemis II mission Orion space capsule Integrity on board the John P. Murtha in April 2026. Photo courtesy of Emma Crandell.
Although she hasn’t been home since she joined the John P. Murtha, her parents visited her last week.
“I invited them to come down and see the Orion capsule while it was on the ship,” Crandell explained.
Her mother, Marie, said about Emma’s experience, “Definitely huge Forrest Gump moments for her. Her dad and I are still shaking our heads. We’re still trying to wrap our heads around all the cool stuff she did.”
Marie shared about a People Magazine article entitled, Little green alien spotted at Artemis II crew’s splashdown following high-stakes mission around the moon, which shows a photo of the bridge of the John P. Murtha and Emma standing right next to “an inflatable green alien peeking out and appearing to wave along with the crew.”
Asked about her favorite subject in high school Crandell said, “Mock Trial was the best.”
In 2020, as a student in Deer Valley High’s Law and Justice Academy and a member of the school’s Mock Trial Team that made it to the third round of the county competition, she won a prosecution witness award.
That helped lead her to now doing legal work in the Navy.
Asked about her daily activities and future plans Crandell said, “A normal day for me is doing some administrative paperwork for my division, doing some legal paperwork. I also work as one of the Command legal officers. I try to spend time with my sailors getting to know them better. Then working on my qualifications to be a Surface Warfare Officer. It means I’m qualified to essentially drive the ship.”
Asked if it means she’d have the ‘Conn’ in that position Crandell shared, “I could have the ‘Conn’ but I would have the ‘Deck’ which is a stronger position and takes longer to obtain.”
Amphibious transport dock ship USS John P. Murtha (LPD 26) steams through the Pacific Ocean, April 8, 2026. John P. Murtha is underway in the U.S. 3rd Fleet area of operations supporting NASA’s Artemis II mission, retrieving the crew and spacecraft following their return to Earth and splashdown in the Pacific Ocean. NASA’s Artemis II mission sent four astronauts on a flight around the moon in the Orion space capsule, marking the first time humans journeyed to deep space in over 50 years. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class Elyssia Rodriguez)
About the John P. Murtha
According to Navy Petty Officer 1st Class Jomark Almazan, the ship is named in honor of the late and long-serving Pennsylvania Congressman John P. Murtha and is a San Antonio Class Amphibious Transport Dock currently operated by the United States Navy. The USS John P. Murtha has been in active service for 10 years.
“It is a fitting tribute to Congressman Murtha, who dedicated his life to serving our nation, that the ship bearing his name will be integral to this historic moment in space exploration,” said Capt. Erik Kenny, commanding officer of John P. Murtha. “He was a champion for our military and a visionary. We are honored to carry on his legacy by supporting NASA and the Artemis II mission.”
A former Marine Corps officer, Murtha was the first Vietnam War veteran elected to the U.S. House of Representatives. (Source: Wikipedia)
The San Antonio class amphibious transport docks feature a large floodable well deck, advanced flight deck, and extensive command facilities. They can transport nearly 800 Marines along with vehicles, landing craft, and helicopters for effective ship-to-shore movement.
The Artemis II mission was the first crewed flight of NASA’s Space Launch System (SLS) rocket and Orion spacecraft, sending four astronauts on an approximately 10-day journey that took them beyond the Moon. This mission marks humanity’s first crewed voyage to the vicinity of the Moon in over 50 years.
Upon completion of their mission, the Orion capsule splashed down in the Pacific Ocean west of San Diego, where John P. Murtha and its crew recovered the astronauts and the spacecraft.
The U.S. Navy’s amphibious transport dock has unique advantages, including a well deck, helicopter pad, onboard medical facilities, and communication capabilities needed to support the mission. The platform gave NASA the ability to recover the Orion space capsule and collect critical data to help ensure it’s ready to recover the astronauts and capsule during future Artemis missions.
MH-60S Sea Hawk helicopters from Helicopter Sea Combat Squadron (HSC) 23 provided imagery support for NASA by tracking the Orion space capsule as it traveled through Earth’s atmosphere. After splashdown, HSC-23 helicopters recovered the astronauts once they emerged from the capsule and brought them to the ship for assessment and then transported them to shore.
Explosive Ordnance Disposal Group 1 provided Navy divers to recover and transport the Orion space capsule from the ocean to the ship’s well deck. Navy divers are experts in mobile diving, salvage, towing and open water, small boat operations. In addition to the Navy divers, EODGRU-1 supported the recovery mission with a dive medical team which assessed and assisted the astronauts following their exit from the capsule.
Artemis II is NASA’s first crewed mission in a series of missions around and to the lunar surface where crew can build and test systems needed to prepare for the challenge of future missions to Mars. The mission launched from NASA’s Kennedy Space Center in Florida, April 1, with four astronauts onboard, three from the U.S. and one from Canada.
Allison Norris (Herald file photo) and Joanne Bilbo (photo courtesy of Antioch Sports Legends) will be honored as Antioch’s 2025 Citizens of the Year at the annual Chamber Gala & Dinner on March 27th.
Antioch Chamber of Commerce announces other community award winnersincluding Businesses, Non-Profit, Youth and Veterans of the Year
To be honored at 2026 Gala & Awards Dinner
By Allen D. Payton
The Antioch Chamber of Commerce has announced Allison Norris and Joanne Bilbo as the 2025 Antioch Citizens of the Year as well as other winners of the annual community awards. Honorees will be celebrated at the 2026 Gala & Awards Dinner, Friday, March 27th.
CITIZEN OF THE YEAR 2025
Most Impact 2025
Allison Norris
Lifetime Achievement
Joanne Bilbo
BUSINESS OF THE YEAR 2025
Small Business
Almost There Travel Agency
Large Corporation
US Bank
NON-PROFIT OF THE YEAR 2025
SHARE Community – Homelessness Resources
YOUTH OF THE YEAR 2025
Amanda Brown – Deer Valley High School
ANTIOCH LIFETIME VETERAN OF THE YEAR 2025-2026
U.S. Army Veteran Bob Franchetto
ANTIOCH VETERAN OF THE YEAR 2025-2026
U.S. Army Veteran Ricky Diaz
The Veterans of the Year winners were announced, previously, during the Antioch Veterans Day ceremony on Nov. 11, 2025.
Annual Gala & Awards Dinner
The Annual Gala will include the Awards Ceremony, Silent Auction, Golden Tickets, 50/50 Raffle, No-host bar, Music by DJ GBaby and Dinner Buffet:
Fresh baked garlic rolls & garlic butter
Italian green salad with vinaigrette
Lone Tree Caesar salad with marinated tomatoes, croutons & shaved parmesan cheese
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.
2025-26 Antioch Veterans of the Year, Ricky Diaz and Bob Franchetto (holding certificates) are joined by their wives, Gerri Diaz and Mary Franchetto (in wheelchair) family and council members, and former Antioch Veterans of the Year during the council meeting Thursday, Nov. 20. Photo courtesy of Chris Trotta.
Bob Franchetto, Antioch Lifetime Veteran of the Year and Ricky Diaz, Antioch Veteran of the Year
By Allen D. Payton
During their special meeting on Thursday, November 20, 2025, the Antioch City Council honored the 2025-26 Veterans of the Year, Bob Franchetto and Ricky Diaz, by approving proclamations for each recipient. The awards were announced during last week’s annual Antioch Veterans Day Ceremonies and both U.S. Army veterans were presented with plaques and jackets with their names embroidered. (See related article)
Both Mayor Pro Tem and District 2 Councilman Louie Rocha and District 4 Councilwoman Monica Wilson were absent from the meeting.
Proclamations
IN HONOR OF
BOB FRANCHETTO
Antioch Lifetime Veteran of the Year 2025-2026
WHEREAS, Bob Franchetto was born on June 23rd, 1938, in Fort Dodge, Iowa, and relocated with his family to the City of Antioch in 1947. He attended Antioch High School, where he contributed to the Panther newspaper, before graduating in the spring of 1956;
WHEREAS, In 1961, Bob Franchetto enlisted in the United States Army as a 717 – Clerk with Crypto Clearance and was stationed at Fort Baker, Sausalito where he served for three years;
WHEREAS, after completing his service, in 1964, he returned home to Antioch with his beloved wife, Mary, whom he met while serving in the Army, together, they continued the legacy of his family business, Cottage Florist, established in 1947 and purchased by Bob in 1959, carrying forward the family tradition that had been maintained by his parents during his time in the military;
WHEREAS, for decades, Bob and Mary’s commitment to family and community has been evident in all they have done. Married for 61 years, they raised three children – Bob, Tony, and Paula – each carrying forward the spirit of service and family pride. Their daughter Paula has continued the family’s legacy, owning and operating Paula’s Family Florist, formerly known as Cottage Florist, preserving the Franchetto name as a cherished part of Antioch’s history;
WHEREAS, Bob’s lifetime of giving back to Antioch exemplifies the true spirit of this award. His enduring dedication, quiet leadership, and steadfast love for his community remind us all that service does not end when the uniform comes off – it simply takes on new meaning;
WHEREAS, for his lifetime of service to his community and country, the Delta Veterans Group and the City of Antioch proudly recognize U.S. Army Veteran Bob Franchetto as the Antioch Lifetime Veteran of the year for 2025-2026;
NOW, THEREFORE, I, RON BERNAL, Mayor of the City of Antioch, do hereby salute, commend and honor Bob Franchetto for his dedication, commitment, and positive influence to our community and the Veterans in the City of Antioch.
NOVEMBER 20, 2025
RON BERNAL, Mayor
—————-
IN HONOR OF
Ricky Diaz
Antioch Veteran of the Year 2025-2026
WHEREAS, Ricky Diaz was born on September 29, 1961, in East Contra Costa County; WHEREAS, In 1979, Ricky enlisted in the United States Army, where he served with the 1st Battalion, 37th Field Artillery at the Fort Richardson duty station in Anchorage, Alaska, until 1982. Ricky continued to live and work in Alaska for four more years before returning to his hometown of Antioch;
WHEREAS, Ricky has given countless volunteer hours to local organizations, including the Antioch VFW, the Antioch Historical Society, and the Antioch Bedford Center – quietly making a difference without ever seeking recognition. His humility, commitment, and heart for service truly reflect the values of our Veteran community;
WHEREAS, Ricky met his wife, Gerri, in 2007, and the two were married in 2013, at the Antioch Historical Society Museum – a fitting place for a man whose life and service are woven into the very history of our city;
WHEREAS, U.S. Army Veteran Ricky Diaz has been proudly honored as the Antioch Veteran of the Year 2025-2026, a man who continues to serve his community with honor, humility, and heart;
NOW, THEREFORE, I, RON BERNAL, Mayor of the City of Antioch,
do hereby salute, commend and honor Ricky Diaz for his dedication, commitment, and positive influence to our community and the Veterans in the City of Antioch.
Mike Conklin, Chairman and CEO of Sentinels of Freedom presents the donation check to LMC President Pamela Ralston on Nov. 6, 2025. They were joined by Tara Sanders, LMC Foundation Director (left), Melissa Jackson, LMC Veterans Services Program Coordinator (right) and LMC student veterans affiliated with the Veterans Resource Center. Photos: LMC
Funding to support in-person math tutoring
By Juliet V. Casey, Director of Marketing, Los Medanos College
Pittsburg, Calif. – Mike Conklin, chairman and CEO of Sentinels of Freedom, came to Los Medanos College Nov. 6, 2025, with words of wisdom and a hand-written check worth $5,000 for LMC’s Veterans Resource Center.
Just ahead of presenting the check, Conklin spoke to students attending LMC to gain the skills and education needed to transition from military service to civilian life.
“I’m here to tell you, people in this community want to see you succeed,” Conklin said, after sharing personal stories about the military service of his son whose combat injuries resulted in a stay at Walter Reed National Military Medical Center. “They all respect your service and sacrifice for this country.”
Mike Conklin speaks with the LMC student veterans.
He noted that Sentinels of Freedom, a nonprofit organization of veterans, aims to help wounded and injured post-9/11 veterans transition into civilian life. Through personalized support, the group provides guidance to veterans pursuing higher education, establishing careers and working toward self-sufficiency. The donation, he said, would support in-person math tutoring for student veterans at LMC. The college has 168 student veterans enrolled this fall.
Conklin also led a workshop for the group on budgeting and financial planning.
“Many veterans return to college after years away from the classroom, often facing challenges in subjects like mathematics as they transition back into academic life,” said Rikki Hall, LMC director of Admissions and Records. “This grant provides essential, targeted support to help them build confidence, strengthen foundational skills, and ultimately succeed in achieving their educational goals.”
Los Medanos College Veteran Services focuses on meeting the needs of military-affiliated students, while honoring their distinct experiences and contributions. LMC is approved for education and training under applicable federal and state laws administered by the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs and the California Department of Veterans Affairs.
About Sentinels of Freedom
The San Ramon, CA-based Sentinels of Freedom are committed to empowering severely wounded and injured post-9/11 veterans during their transition into civilian life. Through personalized support, they provide guidance to each veteran in pursuing higher education and establishing fulfilling careers, facilitating their seamless integration into society and self-sufficiency.
The idea for Sentinels for Freedom began with our founder, Mike Conklin, whose son Kris was wounded in Iraq. While visiting Kris in the hospital, Mike spoke with others who were also wounded. It when then that he realized the tremendous physical and emotional hurdles these war–torn men and women faced when transitioning back to civilian life. Conklin established the organization as a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization in 2007. For more information visit https://sentinelsoffreedom.org.
About Los Medanos College (LMC)
LMC is one of three colleges in the Contra Costa Community College District serving the East Contra Costa County community. Established in 1974, LMC has earned federal designations as a Minority-Serving and Hispanic-Serving institution. It offers award-winning transfer and career-technical programs, support services, and diverse academic opportunities in an inclusive learning environment. With exceptional educators, innovative curriculum, growing degree and certificate offerings, and state-of-the-art facilities, the college prepares students to succeed in their educational pursuits, in the workforce, and beyond. LMC’s Pittsburg Campus is located on 120 acres bordering Antioch, with an additional education center in Brentwood. For more information visit www.losmedanos.edu.
