On Saturday, August 15th, America’s Christian Credit Union (ACCU), a faith-based financial institution, joined in a drive-by parade that featured over 100 cars and motorcycles to honor ACCU member, Carl Harstine, a proud World War II Marine Veteran, for his 95th birthday.
Pictured Above: (left) WWII Veteran and ACCU Member Carl Harstine and ACCU Chief Development Officer Fawn Imboden during the drive-by celebration.
Over the past decade, Harstine has become a familiar face at ACCU by participating annually in the credit union's Patriot Week festivities in the week before Memorial Day. During that week, Harstine honors and represents those who have served and fought for our country with the Carl Harstine Patriot Award. This year, the annual springtime celebration was cancelled due to COVID-19 restrictions. Nonetheless, ACCU, along with dozens of community members, set out on a warm Saturday afternoon to honor Harstine, on the occasion of this special milestone birthday, surrounded by beautiful signs and banners, and a brilliant red-white-and-blue balloon arch.
Those who joined in the festivities included Glendora Mayor Michael Allawos, the Glendora Police Department, Los Angeles Fire Dept (Station 85), Athens Services, Lighthouse Baptist Church, the POW-MIA advocacy group Rolling Thunder, Cal-Rods, the Glendora Chamber of Commerce, and many more. During the celebration, ACCU President/CEO Vicki VannBerstein commented, "This turnout demonstrates the appreciation that our community has for veterans that have protected us. Carl is an honored member of ACCU and we take pride in wishing him a Happy 95th Birthday. God Bless you, Carl, and God bless America."
As the car parade concluded, Glendora Mayor Michael Allawos presented Harstine with a Certificate of Recognition from the Glendora City Council for his service to our country and his community.
