SACRAMENTO – Assemblymember Jacqui Irwin (D-Thousand Oaks) selected Richard F. Camacho of Camarillo as the 44th District ‘Veteran of the Year’. His extraordinary bravery and accomplishments as a warrior at home and overseas exemplify the core American values of service, community, and compassion.
“Recognizing and caring for our Veterans is our duty as Americans,” said Assemblymember Irwin, who chairs the Veterans Affairs Committee. “Events like this are only a small part of that mission,” she added.
Camacho served in the United State Marines Corps during the Vietnam War. Over the course of his service, he received several accolades including the Purple Heart Ribbon and Medal, Presidential Unit Citation Ribbon, and Vietnam Gallantry Cross Ribbon and Medal.
Camacho joined the Vietnam Veterans of Ventura County in 1986 and has served in every board position including many years as president to help them further their cause of outreach and assistance. Camacho is a frequent speaker at schools throughout Ventura County telling students about his experience in Vietnam.
For the past nine years, the California State Assembly has honored veterans that have demonstrated exemplary service in the military and in their community. Nominees are selected from active duty or retirement from one of the five Armed Forces of the United State, including the Reserve, National Guard, or the United State Merchant Marines. Recipients are brought to Sacramento to be honored on the Assembly Floor.
His celebration will continue locally with a reception at the Assemblymember’s district office in Camarillo on July 12th at 4:30pm.Contact the district office for more information.