U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs CMV - News Update

Looking on from his front porch in New Orleans, Lawrence Brooks probably never imagined he'd see this day. Today, the oldest known US veteran of World War II turned 111, and the National WWII Museum held a socially distant celebration for him. [From CNN]

During National Hispanic Heritage Month, today’s #VeteranOfTheDay is Army Veteran Miguel Olivera, who served during Vietnam. Miguel Olivera was born in 1942 in Puerto Rico. [From VAntage Point]

We honor his service.

Department of Public Health and Social Services Medical Director Dr. Janna Manglona has retired. In a letter to the governor, Manglona said she started her retirement process a year ago to spend more time with her husband Martin. [From Pacific Daily News]

While Eddie Wilson spoke to the Army recruiter on December 6, 1941 he had no idea Japanese military planes were just hours away from launching an attack on Pearl Harbor in Hawaii. While the attack delayed his enlistment the Hamilton native was pulled into the Army 25 days later on January 1, 1942. [From WCPO 9]

Please join the Department of Veterans Affairs Hispanic Heritage Month Committee as VACO Observes Virtual Event Hispanic Heritage Month on Wednesday, Oct. 14 via Microsoft Teams Live, from noon to 1:00 p.m. ET.

Vernon Baker was the first living African American World War II Veteran to receive a Medal of Honor when he was awarded 50 years after the war. African Americans fighting in World War II dealt with combat at their front and Jim Crow at their rear. But many fought anyway, and put their lives on the line for their country, including Vernon Baker. [From VAntage Point]