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.
The opening ceremony was held on Tuesday, May 24. 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.
On Wednesday, May 25, 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.
On Thursday, 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 (see next paragraph); 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.
Mark your calendars for next year! ACCU's fourth annual Patriot Week is scheduled for May 22-26, 2017. We look forward to seeing you there!
Pictured: 1: Kristine Hesse, Alex Mendoza, Carl Harstine, Joe Leal
About Project Chaos
Project Chaos was founded to bring awareness to the needs of wounded warriors and family members of the Fallen/Gold Star families. By creating and selling glass artwork and other items, the organization is able to provide financial support to veteran organizations and the EOD Warrior Foundation (EODWF). Founders Ken and Nancy Bennett of Glendora, California started the organization after their son, Wade Bennett, U.S. Army Explosive Ordinance Disposal (EOD), was killed in action in November 2012 while serving his third and final tour of duty in Afghanistan.
About Project Glendora Yellow Ribbon
Project Glendora Yellow Ribbon is a grassroots effort to gain public recognition for Glendorans presently serving in the Armed Forces. Through solicited funding, PGYR arranges for the printing, purchasing and installation of personalized banners to hang along various lamp posts within the City of Glendora.