Each year, Congressman Jerry McNerney (CA-09) nominates exceptional students from the 9th Congressional District for appointment to the U.S Military, Naval, Merchant Marine, and Air Force Academies. Appointed students receive a free 4-year university education, room and board, medical and dental coverage, and a stipend in exchange for a 5-year military service commitment upon graduation.

This year, the Congressman will host two information sessions for high school students interested in attending a military service academy. The first information session will take place in Antioch on Tuesday, September 24th from 7:00 PM – 9:00 PM at the Deer Valley High School Library.

Antioch Military Service Academy Information Session

When: Tuesday, September 24

7:00 PM – 9:00 PM

Where: Deer Valley High School Library

4700 Lone Tree Way

Antioch, CA 94531

The Congressman will also host an information session in Stockton on Wednesday, September 25th from 7:00 PM – 9:00 PM at the Ronald McNair High School Theater.

Stockton Military Service Academy Information Session

When: Wednesday, September 25

7:00 PM – 9:00 PM

Where: Ronald McNair High School Theater

9550 Ronald E. McNair Way

Stockton, CA 95210

Representatives from Congressman McNerney’s office and various service academies will be on hand to offer information and answer questions about the application process.

For more information about this event or academy nominations, please contact Congressman McNerney’s Stockton office at (209) 476-8552.

Veterans relax on their bunks at Stand Down on the Delta. Herald file photo

By Sandee Wiedemann

The biennial effort known as Stand Down on the Delta to support homeless and at-risk veterans, returns to Antioch at the Contra Costa Event Park (fairgrounds) September 20-23. This is a great opportunity for the community to show appreciation for their service to our country and to receive the reward of helping others. The events were last held in 2015 and 2017. The 2015 effort attracted over 300 veterans and 260 veterans were assisted in 2017. (See related articles, here and here).

Veterans will be given dental, medical, and counseling services, plus legal and VA claims assistance. They will also receive clothes, haircuts, shaves, meals, and sleeping accommodations. Real estate and banking leaders will be available to help the veterans possibly purchase a home.

Delta Veterans Group needs the community’s help to provide the most possibilities for our veterans. There are opportunities for professional services in the fields of medical, dental, legal, and more. See volunteer options under categories of general volunteer and/or professional services at https://www.deltaveteransgroup.org/stand-down-on-the-delta. There is a place for every person or service club to make a difference in the lives of our Veterans.

The Contra Costa Event Park is located at 1201 W. 10th Street in Antioch.

Veterans watch a movie at Stand Down on the Delta. Herald file photo.

This year Antioch is excited to host a whole weekend of enjoyment for our local community for Memorial Day.

The weekend starts off with the first eight Antioch Veterans Memorial Banners being displayed on L Street. The ceremony starts at 9:00 A.M. and will be held at the Antioch Veterans Memorial at the Antioch Marina. We also want to let people know that they can visit www.deltaveteransgroup.org to download an application for the Veteran Memorial Banner program.

Veterans Memorial Banners will be flown the length of L St. from 10th St. north to the Veterans Memorial at the entrance of the marina. A total of 34 Memorial Banners will be hung. The Memorial Banners will hang until it is torn or worn at which time the Banner will be retired by the Antioch Veterans Community with dignity and respect, the applicant will be notified at that time.

Delta Softball Tournament of Heroes (FREE Team Registration www.deltaveterans group.org) at the Antioch Community Park May 25th and 26th, 2018. Both days start at 8 A.M. Saturday there will be an Opening Ceremony at 8 A.M. on Field One. This is a co-ed double elimination tournament and is a family friendly event. You do not need to be a veteran to play. For the kids there will be a Tee-Ball Longest Hit competition (6 and under, 7-8, 9-10, 11-13).

On Monday the 27th, as in the past, there will be a Motorcycle Parade from downtown to the Oak View Cemetery in Antioch, where we will hold our Memorial Day services starting at 10 A.M. This year our keynote speaker will be Disabled American Veterans Past National Commander Delphine Metcalf-Foster. Mrs. Metcalf-Foster is the daughter of a Buffalo Soldier, a retired U.S. Army 1st SGT, and the first woman to be elected as National Commander for a major veterans service organization. She will also be the first female keynote speaker for Antioch’s Memorial Day Celebration.

That will be followed by a free BBQ at the Antioch VFW hosted by the Antioch VFW Post 6435 located on the corner of E. 18th Street and Fulton Shipyard Road.

Also on Monday, the Antioch Water Park is offering free admission to active and retired military personnel with current ID. The water park is located at 4701 Lone Tree Way inside Prewett Park.