Valley patriot
Assemblyman Garcia’s office honors Kim Vincent.
Long time veterans advocate Kimberly Vincent was celebrated as the 56th Assembly District’s Veteran of the Year by Assemblyman Eduardo Garcia’s office Tuesday.
Vincent, a resident of El Centro is a U.S. Navy veteran who served between 1988 and 1989 aboard the USS San Onofre ARD 30, based at Naval Base Point Loma in San Diego where she served as manager of the ship’s store and barbershop. The ceremony took place at the California State Capitol where Vincent was recognized along with the 80 other assembly district honorees.
“It was very humbling to receive this honor,” said Vincent. “But what a unique experience to be at the Capitol Building and get a tour where our state legislators are making progress.”
Vincent is a member of the American Legion Auxiliary Unit 138 and an active member of the Bradly Keffer Post 138. She is also an active member of the Memory Gardens Cemetery restoration helping improve this community gravesite to its former reverence in Imperial.
N.O. Benavidez, a Korean War veteran, was invited by Vincent to help pitch in. He admitted he was super impressed with all the hard work she is doing at the cemetery and characterized her as conscientious and dedicated.
“I really admire what she’s doing at the cemetery,” said Benavidez. “I went out there several times to help and took some burritos, sandwiches and water through the Korean War Veterans Association, Chapter 102, for when the volunteers took a break.”
Vincent journeyed to Sacramento to join honorees from throughout the state at the 10th annual Veteran of the Year Luncheon and Award Ceremony. The luncheon is sponsored in part by the American Legion, Department of California, AMVETS, Department of California, Veterans of Foreign Wars, Department of California, Vietnam Veterans of America, California State Council and the Assembly Committee on Veterans Affairs.
“I highly commend her valor and distinguished service in defense of our great nation, as well as her significant contributions within the community,” said Garcia. “Mrs. Vincent is a veteran’s resource enthusiast who has been hailed as the unofficial first point of contact for veteran services in Imperial County. We are celebrating the achievements of a true patriot and exemplary citizen.”
Vincent has a history of community service. Most visibly, she volunteers as a driver for disabled veterans needing transit to medical appointments to the San Diego VA Medical Center. And she is amazing and energetic at mobilizing people, remembered Andrew Lowenthal, former Post 138 and District 30 commander.
“She has great leadership skills,” said Lowenthal. “She simply brings people together for a common cause and then things flourish. Her heart is for the veterans, active duty members and their families.”
Veteran of the Year could not go to a more worthy individual because of the outstanding work she performs, remarked Lowenthal. And she loves to work with children. “She’s an outstanding mentor to kids and provides good leadership skills to the Imperial County Sheriff’s Office Explorers Post 4500,” he said.
Vincent believes service to the community is important to having a strong community. “Being able to sit here with Assemblyman Garcia and have him listen to my concerns and heard by someone in our legislative process was a wonderful opportunity. I hope we can work together in the future.”