Once again Atascadero hosted a wonderful tribute to our nation’s beloved veterans on November 11, Veterans Day. It was the 15th annual Veterans Day Ceremony, and it was truly a community event. The annual event was sponsored by many businesses, and I thank them for their patriotism and support of the veterans. There was also a lot of participation by volunteers, including local Boy Scout troop 51, local Cub Scout troop 51, local Girl Scout Troop 45017, pilots and members of the Warbirds, the Atascadero Kiwanis, and of course the host organization, the Atascadero Veterans Memorial Foundation.
Over fifteen years ago a group of patriots formed the Atascadero Veterans Memorial Foundation (AVMF) and set out on a mission to create a monument in Atascadero to pay tribute to all who had served. The amazing bronze statue we see today was created by a local Atascadero artist, Mark Greenaway. Eventually, with the help of the City of Atascadero, the AVMF was able to build the memorial in a beautiful parklike setting especially designed for locals and visitors alike to access.
The Atascadero Veterans Memorial Foundation has hosted programs on Memorial Day and Veterans Day at the site for many years now. They always do a wonderful job, and this year was no exception. The Veterans Day program included a guest speaker. CW2 Rod Dykhouse, US Army recalled his experiences flying helicopters in Vietnam. I was happy to see people of all ages hearing first-hand accounts of the sacrifices our veterans have made to secure freedom across the globe. The program also included again this year the presentation of the Quilts of Valor. This is a very touching part of the program every year where the local Gold Coast Quilters present local veterans beautiful handmade quilts and thank them for their service. I look forward every year to joining so many community members to pay tribute to the veterans. I think this is one more thing that makes Atascadero a unique and special community, and I thank all who work to make this annual event happen.
We have left the summer heat behind finally and are experiencing frosty mornings in many spots in the north county. With the changing of seasons, I want to wish everyone a wonderful Thanksgiving. Along with so many other things to be thankful for, I know many of us are thankful and appreciative of living in this wonderful community.
It is an honor to serve as your 5th District Supervisor.
Debbie Arnold
5th District Supervisor
5th District Supervisor, Debbie Arnold
Debbie Arnold moved to San Luis Obispo County in 1973 to attend Cal Poly, she fell in love with both her husband, Steve, and the farming and ranching values that had been a part of the Arnold family way of life for more than 5 generations. While raising two children, she owned and operated a small business in Atascadero for more than 17 years. She then had the privilege of advocating for local families as a Legislative Aide at the County Supervisor’s office and as a San Luis Obispo District Representative for the State Senate. During these years, she worked with a broad range of community groups and interests, bringing people together to solve problems. Debbie Arnold now serves as the 5th District Supervisor for San Luis Obispo County.
