June 25, 2015 | Antelope Valley Times
Assemblyman Tom Lackey (left) and Dennis Anderson Wednesday, June 24, at the State Capitol. (contributed)
SACRAMENTO- Assemblyman Tom Lackey (R-Palmdale) has named Dennis Anderson as the 2015 Veteran of the Year for the 36th Assembly District.
Anderson served in the U.S. Army from 1972 to 1975 as an airborne infantryman, and was deployed to the East German Border. Following the conclusion of his service, Anderson went on to have a 40-year career in journalism. He covered the Iraq War as an embedded reporter with a California National Guard unit from Lancaster.
“It is a privilege to be recognized by Assemblyman Lackey, a former first responder,” Anderson stated. “I am grateful, and the honor is for all California veterans.”
Anderson currently belongs to the Point Man of the Antelope Valley, the AV Wall Organization, American Legion and Veterans of Foreign Wars Men’s Auxiliary. Since retiring as editor of the Antelope Valley Press, he obtained a Master’s Degree in Social Work with a specialty in working with veterans, active-duty service members and their respective families. Anderson’s son is also a veteran of the Marines who served during the Iraq War.
“Dennis has been a longtime leader in Antelope Valley’s veteran community. He has not only helped bring attention to veteran and military issues through his work as a journalist, but his involvement with local nonprofits assisting veterans in returning to civilian life has been inspiring,” Lackey stated. “Dennis helps remind us every day why it is critical to recognize the sacrifice our veterans have made.”
This is the State Assembly’s eighth annual Veteran of the Year recognition event. Veteran of the Year honorees were recognized from all 80 Assembly Districts around California.