On Wednesday, June 25, Assemblyman Ken Cooley (D-Rancho Cordova) honored Don Harper as the 8th Assembly District’s 2014 Veteran of the Year. Each year, the Assembly Veterans Committee hosts the Veteran of the Year Awards to recognize veterans with distinguished military careers or those who have continued to serve making significant contributions to their communities.
“Following his distinguished service in the Marine Corps, Don became an outstanding community leader who continually serves his fellow Americans,” said Cooley. “His tenacious attitude and drive to serve have helped him succeed in his 20-year career in local government, as the director of Vietnam Veterans of California, and as one of the founding members of the Sacramento Veterans Resource Center.”
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Harper served in the United States Marine Corps from July 1963 until his honorable discharge in May 1969. Then-Corporal Harper served in Vietnam with the 3rd Battalion - 7th Marine Regiment from 1967-68, and was awarded the Bronze Star with a V device for his heroism during Operation Rio Bravo. During this time, the men of the 3/7 received the Presidential Unit Citation for their extraordinary heroism and gallantry in completing their missions.
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“I am very humbled and honored to be recognized for my work helping veterans over the years,” said Harper. “Assemblyman Cooley has always served veterans extremely well throughout his public career. He is a true veterans advocate, and I appreciate this award today.”
Assemblyman Ken Cooley represents the 8th Assembly District which includes the communities of Arden-Arcade, Carmichael, Citrus Heights, Rancho Cordova, Rancho Murieta, Rosemont, Wilton and other portions of unincorporated Sacramento County. For more information, please visit http://asmdc.org/members/a08/