Veterans, Nonprofit To Be Honored At Annual San Mateo Co. Event

SAN MATEO COUNTY, CA — Two local veterans and a nonprofit that assists senior veterans are set to be honored this week at the Sixth Annual Veteran Recognition Event in San Mateo County.

The virtual event, held by San Mateo County Veterans Commission, will honor recipients for their commitment and effort to improve the quality of life of veterans.

This year’s awardees are Paul Harrell, Sue Digre and Peninsula Volunteers.

Harrell, the Veteran of the Year, was stationed at Travis Air Force Base during the Vietnam War and moved to San Mateo County following the war, when he began volunteering for several organizations.

Digre, one of the founders of Pacifica Military Moms, was named the Patriot of the Year. She has helped organize care packages to be sent to troops overseas and has served for 16 years in Pacifica as a mayor and councilmember.

The Enterprise of the Year award went to Peninsula Volunteers, which is entering its 75th year serving vulnerable seniors, many of whom are veterans. Peninsula Volunteers serves more than 700 meals per day through Meals on Wheels, and has more than 100 volunteers and staff.

The prerecorded virtual event will be available at 10 a.m. Wednesday at hsa.smcgov.org/veterans