GLENDORA, Calif.–America’s Christian Credit Union (ACCU), in partnership with Project Glendora Yellow Ribbon (PGYR) and Project Chaos, hosted the third annual Patriot Week, with the purpose to unite the community in celebrating, honoring and supporting the U.S. military, veterans, first-responders and their families. The week included an Opening Ceremony, a baked goods drive, and the Family Day Celebration.
At the opening ceremony, presenters included Ken and Nancy Bennett of Project Chaos; Rev. Col. Rick Givens, Azusa Pacific University Associate Chaplain, who offered an opening prayer; Sarah Stebbing, who sang the national anthem, and Cath Howarth of PGYR.
ACCU employees donated homemade baked goods that were delivered to police stations, fire houses, and ambulance service providers. This was a small token of ACCU’s appreciation for the sacrifice of the first responders in the community.
The week concluded with the Family Day and Awards Ceremony. This event began at 4:30 pm at the flagpole of ACCU’s headquarters in Glendora. The event was started with the Pledge of Allegiance by Boy Scout Troop 483 under the leadership of Mark Steimle; announcement and reading of winning patriotic essays by local schoolchildren; presentation of letters [penned by local schoolchildren] to the families of the fallen; remarks by World War II veteran Carl Harstine; recognition of Patriot Award honorees Kristine Hesse (Air Force) and Alex Mendoza (Army); POW/MIA ceremony by Civil Air Patrol Brackett Composite Squadron 64 of La Verne, CA; a lowering of colors accompanied by bugler Bill Lyng; and a closing invocation and blessing on the military community and their families by Cindy Davenport of ACCU.
The winning essayists, who were honored with certificates and $25 savings certificates by ACCU, were: Isabella Weaks (3rd grade, Cullen School); Jacob Ek (6th grade, Firm Foundation Christian Academy); Hannah Erlandson (7th grade, Firm Foundation); and Kayla Parayno (8th grade, St Dorothy’s School). Each of the four read his/her winning essay to the attendees.
This year ACCU is donating $10 to Project Chaos for every new account opened during Patriot Week and has been extended through June 3, 2016. The proceeds from this promotion will be presented to founding principals Ken and Nancy Bennett.
“I’m so glad we make this a priority every year. These men and women who serve and have served our country, along with their families, need to know their community is here for them. Dedicating one week to celebrating and honoring them is the least we could do for their sacrifice,” said ACCU President/CEO, Mendell L. Thompson.
Above right, Kristine Hesse, Alex Mendoza, Carl Harstine, Joe Leal, Below, Naomi Paris-Klotz, Ken & Nancy Bennett, Mendell L. Thompson.