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Politics & Government

UPDATE: Nathan Johnson of Concord is Named Veteran of the Year

Retired Marine sergeant is honored for the state's 11th Assembly District by Assemblywoman Susan A. Bonilla.

UPDATE: Thanks to the office of Assemblywoman Susan A. Bonilla for updates after the ceremony Wednesday.

Nathan Johnson's boss, Denver Mills of the Concord Vet Center, said, "Nathan, having served on the front lines, is able to establish a trust and bond with the veterans he sees, which is the biggest step in their healing process."

 

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Retired Marine Sgt. Nathan Johnson of Concord has been honored as the Veteran of the Year for the state’s 11th Assembly District.

He was applauded at the annual luncheon of the Assembly Veterans Affairs Committee June 22. Johnson was named by Assemblywoman Susan A. Bonilla, D-Concord.

Find out what's happening in Concordwith free, real-time updates from Patch.

His service from 1999 to 2003 included a tour in Pakistan and during the invasion of Iraq.

Johnson has returned to the East Bay, pursued advance degrees and is now a counselor with the Department of Veterans Affairs’ Vet Center.

 The news release from Bonilla’s office follows:

 

Veteran of the Year Award

 (Concord, CA) – Assemblywoman Susan A. Bonilla (D-Concord) is honored to name Nathan Johnson of Concord as Veteran of the Year for the 11th Assembly District.  Nathan Johnson served in the U.S. Marine Corps from 1999 to 2003, and he left the service as a Sergeant.  Johnson’s service included tours of duty in Pakistan and in the invasion of Iraq. 

 Following his service, Nathan received a B.A. in Social Welfare from Cal State Stanislaus and M.A. in Social Welfare from U.C. Berkeley.  He now uses his skills and experiences as a readjustment counselor with the Department of Veterans Affairs Vet Center.  Nathan started at the Concord Vet Center as a Global War on Terrorism (GWoT) Outreach Coordinator working with returning Iraq and Afghanistan Veterans. 

“Nathan has been an invaluable resource to the veteran community in Contra Costa County and across the country, facilitating many services and activities such as GWoT Veterans Group, a game night and starting a softball team to assist returning Iraq and Afghanistan Veterans through the challenges of transitioning back to civilian life.  We are honored to recognize Nathan for his continued service to our Country,” said Assemblywoman Bonilla.   

 Nathan Johnson is a life member of the VFW and AMVETS.  Assemblywoman Susan A. Bonilla honors him and all of our fine service men and women.

The California State Assembly Veterans Affairs Committee will hold an annual luncheon in Sacramento on Wednesday, June 22, 2011 to honor our service men and women.

WHO: Nathan Johnson honored for his service in the U.S. Marine Corps.

WHAT: Annual Luncheon by the California State Assembly Veterans Affairs Committee

WHERE: Sacramento Convention Center, Rooms 202-20

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