Citrus College, APU join together to honor veterans
Citrus College commemorated 20 years of honoring local military heroes with its annual Saluting Our Veterans celebration on Nov. 10.
Held in the Campus Mall and co-hosted by Azusa Pacific University (APU), the event opened with heartfelt remarks from Dr. Greg Schulz, superintendent/ president of Citrus College, and included a presentation of colors by APU's Army ROTC program, a moving rendition of the National Anthem by the Citrus College Blue Note Swing Orchestra, and an invocation from Ensign Rio J. Martinez, a U.S. Navy chaplain, veteran and coach at APU.
"This is a wonderful tradition that has taken place at Citrus College for 20 years, and we are privileged to host it with our partners next door, Azusa Pacific University. Our institutions benefit immensely from the presence of student-veterans, as well as our professional colleagues who have served," Superintendent/President Schulz said. "I am deeply grateful for the courage, sacrifice and steadfast commitment that these veterans have shown, and I am also filled with gratitude that so many veterans have chosen to work or study at Citrus College."
During the ceremony, Citrus College honored two members of its campus community: Tommy Reyes, architecture instructor, served in the U.S. Air Force from 1996 to 2020, while student Joshua Alcaraz served in the U.S. Marine Corps from 2011 to 2022. Both were recognized for their dedication, service and inspiration to others. APU employee Jeffrey Graham and student Clod Aljon Silverio, both veterans of the U.S. Army, were also acknowledged.
One highlight of the event was the keynote remarks from Maria Estrada, a retired U.S. Air Force and Army National Guard veteran who graduated from Citrus College. She served for more than 21 years in the military, including multiple deployments to Iraq and Afghanistan, and retired as a Sgt. 1st Class. After transferring to the University of La Verne and earning a bachelor's degree, Estrada continues to give back at VFW Post 12034, mentoring veterans and at-risk youth.
This article originally appeared in the December 2025 edition of the Citrus View.