Majority Leader Holden Names 80-year-old Veteran of the Year for the 41st A.D.

Assemblymember Chris Holden (D-Pasadena) honored 80-year-old Air Force veteran Jefferson Hill at a Sacramento ceremony yesterday for his years of service both in the Air Force and in his community.

“In recognition of his outstanding service to his country and his community, I am pleased to recognize Jefferson Hill as Veteran of the Year for the 41st Assembly District,” said Assemblymember Holden. “Jefferson served his country with distinction, earning many honors during his 22-year career. But it is his exemplary service and commitment to his community and his fellow Vets that continues to make such an impact”

Hill served as a Senior Master Sergeant in the Air Force for 22 years during both the Korean and Vietnam Wars. He then worked for Northrop as an aerospace engineer, earned a Masters in Psychology, and went on to teach at several colleges.

His role in helping his fellow Vets remains his biggest passion. He is a lifetime member of the VFW, and is a past post-commander. He was instrumental in the campaign to construct the La Verne Veterans Memorial for which they raised $230,000. And last year, as a member of the Veteran’s Committee for the 41st A.D., he helped to organize a Veterans Job Fair in Claremont. As if that weren’t enough, when he saw a need, he founded the La Verne Meals on Wheels program.

Jefferson Hill has been married to his wife Helen for 56 years and they have 3 children and six grandchildren.