2017 November PASO Magazine

GIVING BACK TO VETERANS
ROUND TOWN
Imagine a crisp, clear, early
summer day while driving on
CA 46 West. There is no traffic
while I get to enjoy golden
California hills dotted with
ancient oaks and vibrant vineyards.
Everyday I am blessed
with the advantages of living in
this amazing environment, free
from many of the fearful issues
that plague millions of people
around the world.
It occurred to me this privilege
is available, in part, because
of the military service members
that graciously serve now and
have served throughout the history
of our great country. I fall
asleep peacefully every night because
these folks are awake 24/7
watching and caring!
To celebrate Fourth of July
this year we had a fundraiser
that raised $250 for homeless
Veterans. We sold retired flags,
provided by Paso Robles resident,
David Kudija, for a $20 or
more donation.
Jory Rogers of Supportive
Services for Veteran families,
By Michelle Sanders
from Community Action Partnership,
was able to use these
proceeds to outfit an apartment
for a homeless veteran.
We will revisit this fundraiser
for the months of November
and December. Super cool recycled
USA and California
flags are available again at Casa
Rustica Furniture Gallery, 1336
Park St. in Paso Robles, open 7
days a week 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.
and Sundays 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Check out the flags for sure,
and while you are there take a
peek at the handcrafted artisanal
pieces we stock. Items are
crafted in California, USA and
countries around the world.
We offer several styles including
California Ranch Vibe,
Vineyard Farmhouse and Urban
Wood and Metal.
We specialize in custom made
sofas, sectionals & chairs and
offer you the size, configuration
& fabric of your choice. Design
consultation with an experienced
designer is free and we
love doing it!
See our ad on page 12 of this
issue of PASO Magazine.
VETERANS from page 22
as enemy troops dragged boards
across roads attached with claymores
to time their detonations
and recoilless rifles were used to
target them. Roadside gauntlets
numbering anywhere from
60-80 soldiers were poised atop
hillside mounds and would open
fire upon American convoy as
they passed. Enemy forces even
jumped up onto truck running
boards to shoot directly inside
of the cabs.
“I was shot down twice,” said
Jesse Gonzalez, who served as
a truck driver and helicopter
gunner in the 2nd Transportation
Company in 1968-1969.
“I provided convoy coverage
with the 2nd Transportation
Company in 1966-67 and again
in 1969-70.” Gonzalez is a
Purple Heart recipient.
Birgit Gonzalez attends the
annual reunions with her husband,
Jesse.
“For 40 years, Jesse didn’t talk
about the war,” said Birgit, concern
filling her eyes. “It was not
until the past few years, when he
began going to these reunions,
that he began speaking about it.
Now he can talk to me about it
— and to anyone.”
November 2017, PASO Magazine 23