Veterans Day Ceremony

Fresno City College will hold its traditional Veterans Day Ceremony on Wednesday, November 9 at 12:00pm at the Veterans Peace Memorial. All are welcome to attend. Parking is free in student lots.

This year, the college will recognize the 75th anniversary of the United States Air Force. All U.S. Air Force veterans are invited for a special recognition. However, veterans from all branches of the military are encouraged to attend. The ceremony will include the presentation of the Citizen Soldier Award and keynote speaker Chief Master Sergeant Lynn E. Williams. In addition, student veterans will participate throughout the ceremony which will also include a rifle salute by the American Legion Federal Post 509 Honor Guard and conclude with echo taps.

Keynote speaker CMSgt. Lynn E. Williams

Keynote speaker CMSgt. Lynn E. Williams is the Command Senior Enlisted Leader to the Adjutant General of the California National Guard headquartered in Sacramento.  CMSgt. Williams was last year’s Citizen Soldier Award recipient but was unable to attend the ceremony due to being out of the country in Ukraine on a training assignment.

CMSgt. Williams began his military career when he enlisted in the U.S. Air Force in May of 1989. During his career he has held various positions, primarily with the 144th Fighter Wing in Fresno. He was appointed to his current position in November 2021. In his civilian life, he served as a parole agent in Fresno for 21 years before retiring.  He is also an adjunct instructor for the Fresno City College Police Academy. 

Citizen Soldier Award

This year’s Citizen Soldier Award will be presented posthumously to Frederick Edward Jaso, a Vietnam War Veteran and Fresno City College alumnus.  Known as Ed to his family, he was raised in Caruthers. Ed enlisted in the U.S. Army at the age of 19 and served during the Vietnam War from April 18, 1968 to November 20, 1969.  He earned numerous medals, among them the Bronze Star and the Purple Heart.

Upon his return he resumed attending Fresno City College while working full-time in construction.  He earned an associate degree in Liberal Arts and encouraged others to continue their education. He always believed in giving back to the community through volunteering and encouraged others to do so as well. He worked tirelessly with the homeless veteran population, primarily at the Homeless Veterans Rehabilitation Program in the Menlo Park/Palo Alto area.

While in Vietnam, Ed was exposed to the chemical “Agent Orange” and was diagnosed with Leukemia twenty years later.  He lost his battle in 1993.  In his memory, his family, including his sister who nominated him for this award, established a scholarship at Fresno City College to honor his love of learning and serving others.