Salute to Veterans 2023

SALUTE TO VETERANS

INSIDENOVA.COM • NOVEMBER 2023 | SALUTE TO VETERANS

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About this section InsideNoVa is delighted again this year to be able to recognize a number of veterans and active-duty service members from Prince William County and surrounding communities in our annual “Salute to Veterans” section.

The write-ups and photos in the pages that follow were submitted by InsideNoVa readers to honor and remember their family members and friends. The submissions have been lightly edited for style and grammar.

As we honor all veterans this weekend, we recognize that these write-ups represent only a tiny percentage of the veterans and active-duty service members who live in or are from our community, and we salute all those veterans and thank them for their service. We also thank the advertisers who made this section possible.

– Bruce Potter, Publisher On the cover: Photo illustration featuring retired Army Maj. Karan Cerutti, president of the Fort Belvoir Retiree Council, saluting during the garrison's Veterans Day observation in 2022. (Photo by Paul Lara of the Fort Belvoir Public Affairs Office and photo illustration by Jaksa Gabric.)

(ROBERT) RAND BEERS Age: 80 Hometown: Boston, Va. Branch of service: Marine Corps Highest rank: Captain Years of service: 4 Honors received: National Defense Service medal; Vietnam Service ribbon; Republic of Vietnam Campaign medal; Presidential Unit Citation medal; Vietnamese Cross of Gallantry medal.

Other details: Rand served in Vietnam from May 1966 until January 1968 as platoon commander, regimental staff officer and company commande. After leaving the Marine Corps in 1968, Rand continued his career of public service for 39 years, working for the government in the Department of State, National Security Council, the Department of Homeland Security and the White House staff. Believing that the function of government goes beyond politics, he served under eight presidents (Richard Nixon, Gerald Ford, Jimmy Carter, Ronald Reagan, George Bush, Bill Clinton, George W. Bush and Barack Obama) and worked on policies in both international and domestic arenas. Retired in 2015, he currently mentors former colleagues and is working on a project to enhance training for Foreign Service officers.

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SALUTE TO VETERANS | NOVEMBER 2023 • INSIDENOVA.COM

VICTORIA MCPHEE GONZALEZ

Age: 42 Hometown: Fredericksburg Branch of service: Marine Corps Highest rank: Sergeant Years of service: 42 Honors received: Navy Achievement Medal; Global War on Terrorism Medal; multiple Certificates of Commendation; Molly Marine Award from Parris Island, 2000 conferred by the women of her unit recognizing her as the most exemplary woman Marine in their class.

Other details: Served in South Korea, Thailand, Philippines, Guam and Ramadi, Iraq (2004), as crew chief of direct air support for emergency medivacs and firepower (combat job). Victoria’s life was changed by Col. Hans Heinz and Top Gunnery Sgt Gene Graffenstein, who ran the Junior Marine ROTC program at Culpeper County High School. She joined the Marines in 2000, and for five years served honorably in places and situations that required fast decision-making and a cool head under pressure. Those strengths have stayed with her for life.

RUSTY FLEMING

Age: 43 Hometown: Culpeper Branch of service: Army Highest rank: Sargeant Years of service: 9 Honors received: Combat Infantryman Badge; Operation Enduring Freedom; Operation Iraqi Freedom.

Other details: Rusty enlisted in March 2001. Little did he know how 9/11 would change things. He was in Afghanistan when his first child, a daughter, was born. And then was in the United Arab Emirates en route to Iraq when his third child was born.

Today he is a disabled combat veteran who spends his free time volunteering with Reva Fire and Rescue and Calvary Chapel church.

DONNA W. DIEHL

Age: 79 Hometown: Woodbridge Branch of service: Army Highest rank: First Lieutenant Years of service: 2 Honors received: Vietnam Campaign Medal W/60 Device; Vietnam Service Medal; National Defense Service Medal; Army Commendation Medal.

Other details: Vietnam veterans were and are continually overlooked for the sacrifices they made for this country.

While as a woman Donna could have chosen another job during Vietnam, she decided to go to war for this country.

She, as well as her comrades, deserve our gratitude.

BILL PETERS

Age: 76 Hometown: Woodbridge Branch of service: Marine Corps Highest rank: Major Years of service: 21 Honors received: Bronze Star with Combat V; Combat Action Ribbon; Meritorious Unit Citation (2); Sea Service Deployment Ribbon (2); National Defense Service Medal; Vietnam Service Medal with 3 stars; Vietnam Campaign Medal; Vietnamese Cross of Gallantry Unit Citation; Vietnamese Unit Pacification Medal.

Other details: Served as an infantry officer for 21 years, training at Marine Corps Base Quantico and Camp Lejeune, N.C. Fought in Vietnam and deployed to various countries in the Mediterranean as well as Okinawa and countries in the western Pacific. Majority of his time was spent in training positions of increasing responsibility including deployments aboard Navy ships as the commanding officer of troops and special independent duty as an Inspector. Served as an instructor for Marine reserves and served his country while raising two children as a single parent.

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GERALD SPROLES

CARL MISNER

VICTOR JONES

JACK MCCLELLAND

Age: 89 Hometown: Nokesville Branch of service: Navy Highest rank: Petty Officer First Class Years of service: 4 Other details: Our father served in the Navy and is proud to be a veteran, but he doesn’t believe he deserves high praise as he was not in active combat like many others.

He has been actively volunteering in various veteran activities over the years and currently volunteers at the Freedom Museum in Manassas as his way of giving back to the community.

Age: 55 Hometown: Duck, N.C. Branch of service: Air Force Highest rank: Colonel Years of service: 33 Honors received: Defense Superior Service Medal; Legion of Merit; Meritorious Service Medal; Air Medal.

Other details: Commanded a group and a flying squadron with over 100 combat missions. Carl served during multiple overseas tours flying combat missions over Kosovo, Iraq and Afghanistan. He enlisted as a private in the Army and retired as a colonel in the Air Force. His life has been dedicated to serving our nation.

Age: 75 Hometown: Amissville Branch of service: Army Other details: My father is a proud Vietnam veteran who signed up for war before the draft. He was a welder on bridges during the war and continued his career for many years after.

He always has a smile on his face and is always willing to help others. He has been an amazing father and I’m always honored to hear others tell stories about how he has impacted other people’s lives.

Age: 55 Hometown: Culpeper Branch of service: Army Highest rank: Major Years of service: 25 Honors received: Bronze Star; Operation Iraqi Freedom Other details: Jack is the epitome of a soldier – duty, honor and country.

He honorably served for 25 years to protect our freedoms. He is my soldier, my husband, my hero.

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SALUTE TO VETERANS | NOVEMBER 2023 • INSIDENOVA.COM

RICHARD QUINN

GEORGE NORRIS

Age: 53 Hometown: Culpeper Branch of service: Marine Corps Highest rank: Sergeant Years of service: 10 Honors received: Combat Service; Sea Service; Saudi Arabia, Kuwait Liberation; Good Conduct; Operation Desert Shield/Storm Other details: Served from January 1988 until June 1998 at Parris Island, Camp Lejeune and Washington. Every veteran should be recognized every day of their lives. They do and have done extraordinary life events that the majority of us would never put ourselves in harm’s way for another even once, let alone every day. God bless our servicemen and women and especially our veterans.

Age: 74 Hometown: Culpeper Branch of service: Marine Corps Years of service: 4 Honors received: Vietnam veteran Other details: This veteran also happens to be my dad and is the most selfless and humble human being I know. He doesn’t speak often of his service but shows his pride by serving on the VFW Honor Guard, and you will normally see him out wearing his Marine Corps gear or Vietnam vet hats. I am proud to be his daughter and believe that he, as well as all veterans, deserve to be honored for their patriotism, love of country and willingness to serve and sacrifice for the common good.

CHRIS MORRIS HARVEY DEGREE JR.

Age: 53 Hometown: Gainesville Branch of service: Marine Corps Highest rank: Staff Sergeant Years of service: 7 Honors received: Navy and Marine Corps Achievement Medal; Good Conduct Medal (2); National Defense Medal; Navy Meritorious Achievement Award (2).

Other details: Chris was a soprano bugler with The “Commandant’s Own” U.S. Marine Drum and Bugle Corps, stationed at The Oldest Post of the Corps, Marine Barracks 8th & I in Washington.

He performed around the world in front of hundreds of thousands of spectators and also played Final Honors, “Taps,” at numerous military funerals at Arlington National Cemetery and other cemeteries in the Washington area. Chris is a proud veteran, husband and father. He loves his country, the Marine Corps and his family.

Age: 34 Hometown: Shelby, N.C. Branch of service: Army Highest rank: Captain Years of service: 14 Other details: Serves as commander of company at Fort Eisenhower, Ga. My husband cares about his soldiers and always treats them like family. He works hard for his family at home as well. I’m very proud of him for accomplishing so much in the Army.

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Candidates, date set for Gainesville special election WHITHER WASHINGTON? Sumers, Weir vying to succeed Candland

The stage is set for a February special election to fill the seat vacated by former Prince William County Supervisor Pete Candland in the Gainesville District.

Haymarket Town Council member Bob Weir, who won the Republican nomination in a contested election Monday night, will face Democrat Kerensa Sumers on the ballot next month.

Judge Kimberly Irving issued a writ of special election last week scheduling the

T H U R S DAY ,

Some town buildings sprin to life, others g languish

Under state law, the Prince William three contested general elections for the contest for Feb. 21. The seat was vacated after the Dec. 16 resignation of Cand- Board of County Supervisors cannot ap- district, Republicans have won by an average margin of 2,090 votes. point a temporary reland, a Republican first elected Although the candidates are placement ahead of in 2011. affiliated with political parties, a special or general Candland’s resignation was under state law, they will appear election. It is the only spurred by expanded limitaon the ballot without their party local governing body tions on his voting powers by designation identified. in Virginia specificalCommonwealth’s Attorney Amy The winner of the special elecly barred by state law Ashworth. The recommendation tion will have to run for a full from appointing a temwas tied to Candland’s involveBY TIM CARRINGTON BOB WEIR porary replacement for KERENSA SUMERS four-year term in the November ment as an applicant in the conFor Foothills Forum f Washington’s general election, when all eight a vacancy among its troversial PW Digital Gateway buildings form as is often said, a seats on the Board of Supervisors are up proposal in his district, which includes members, with very limited exceptions. they would off stage set, backdrop to a Republicans will try to retain the seat, for grabs. nearly 70,000 residents. The project prosweeping drama er a perfect elements of renewal, mixing uncertainty and poses 27.6 million square feet of data cen- while Democrats hope to capture it for the For more neglect.

ELECTION PAGE 5 reinvented than four decades, first time in more than 30 years. In the last ters on 2,139 acres along Pageland Lane. the tiny town itself, as the Inn has at Little Washington expanded its culinary and lodging lifting some two empire, lives. Meanwhile,dozen buildings from their past a parade of outsiders and renovated built homes for retreating, remote-working. retiring or Both patterns are continuing Washington’s commercial, public– investment in structures is estimated and residential to be about since 2010, with half a dozen major $23 million home

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City’s first Hispanic member calls swearing in ‘an honor’ jforetek@insidenova.com

A new Manassas City Council was sworn into office Tuesday night, with Democrats expanding their advantage to 5-1 on the temporary dais at Jennie Dean Elementary School.

Democrat Sonia Vasquez Luna made a little bit of city history Tuesday, becoming the first Latina woman to serve on City Council. A labor organizer and native of El Salvador, Vasquez Luna said it was an honor to be the first Hispanic person to serve on the council.

“It’s not only an honor but a responsibility that I don’t take lightly … I’m really happy,” Vasquez Luna said after being sworn in. “We are ready for the responsibility. I’ve been talking to each one of you and getting to know you. I’m looking forward to working together as Manassas celebrates 150 years.”

Tuesday’s gathering was held at Jennie Dean Elementary due to ongoing renovations at City Hall.

Meanwhile, Democrat Ralph Smith and Republican Teresa Coates Ellis were sworn in for their second terms. With Vasquez Luna replacing Republican Lynn Forkell Greene

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Democrat Sonia Vasquez Luna was sworn into office on Manassas City Council Tuesday night. Vasquez New Town Mayor

BY LUKE CHRISTOPHER Joe Whited honors JARED FORETEK | Mayor INSIDENOVA Luna is the first Hispanic person to serve on the council.

on the council, Coates Ellis is the sole Republican on the council. She has historically been one of the most conservative members on the council when it comes to budgeting issues, advocating for smaller budgets and lower real estate and property tax rates. The council’s fiscal 2024 budgeting will start in earnest in the upcoming weeks.

“I want to welcome Sonia to the council.

I look forward to working closely with her COUNCIL

PAGE 8

Manassas Council Terms

Fred Catlin in his inaugural former New era begins address. with a boost for business  Page 8

» Tom Osina: 2020-2024 » Pamela J. Sebesky: 2020-2024 » Mark D. Wolfe: 2020-2024 » Theresa Coates Ellis: 2022-2026 » Ralph J. Smith: 2022-2026 » Sonia Vasquez Luna: 2022-2026 » Mayor Michelle Davis-Younger: 2020-2024 (mayor votes only in case of ties)

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BY LUKE CHRISTOPHER are leasing Headmaster ’s space.

BY BEN PETERS Rappahannock nock County News staff for Marin County, Sperryville’s California. ter’s Pub was popular Headmas- the Sumac Dan Gleason, owner of sold and is closing food truck that March, but a in outside parks new new ownership restaurant under his wife Pen Druid Brewery, and will take its soon after. place the coupleAbigail are leasing from the space where Current owners Jordan and Cliff master’s currently sits and HeadMiller IV are plans to leaving RappahanSee PUB, Page 17

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 Page 15

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She’s Miss Virginia USA – and a Local First Responder.

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Fauquier native Kitty Kendrick Head becomes a published author at 92

Zen in the Woodshop: MAD Wood Creations

Local veterans Robert Brice and Bob Sommer

Filling a Niche: Craft & Crust Pizza Tavern

Recipes for Thanksgiving leftovers that your family will eat

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INSIDENOVA

W II merican 1's.

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ed her life to helping others. While serving her country, she fostered and then adopted 10 children. She went on to help abandoned unwanted animals by starting and running an animal rescue, at first just part time.

She now runs Serendipity Animal Rescue on a full-time basis. She has helped place a combined total of over 600 dogs into loving homes.

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Age: 59 Hometown: Culpeper Branch of service: Navy Highest rank: Chief Petty Officer Years of service: 24 Honors received: Surface Warfare and Air Warfare Qualified Other details: Served as a legal clerk on board ships during deployments, and other assignments included recruiting school and recruiting duty for four years, firefighting school for onboard ship firefighting and administrative school. Deployed on the USS Blue Ridge, USS John C. Stennis and USS Nimitz. Cynthia has dedicat-

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Age: 61 Hometown: Madison Branch of service: Marine Corps Highest rank: Corporal Years of service: 4 Honors received: Good Conduct Other details: To some he is Jack; to others he is Cpl. McKeen; to us, he’s our papa Jack. We feel that he needs to be honored on this day as he still continues to give back to the community that he lives and works in. He has spent countless hours as an EMS provider for multiple counties both through volunteer work and his current job. He is always willing to give a helping hand where it is needed.

SCOTT GOODMAN DAISY WOODLEY DENISE ORMSBY

Age: 61 Hometown: Ashburn Branch of service: Marine Corps Highest rank: Sargeant Years of service: 21 Honors received: Navy and Marine commendations; Desert storm; Kuwait liberation Other details: Served three tours in Okinawa and during Desert Storm.

He is an awesome individual and my son-in-law. We need more men like him to serve in the military.

Age: 26 Hometown: Culpeper Branch of service: Marine Corps Highest rank: Corporal Years of service: 4

Age: 58 Hometown: Woodbridge Branch of service: Army Highest rank: Specialist E-4 Years of service: 4 Other details: My wife is the most selfless person I know. We run The Spot on Mill Street in Occoquan, and she is adamant at honoring all who have served and takes care of anyone who needs assistance.

JEFF MOORE

Age: 58 Hometown: Bristow Branch of service: Navy Highest rank: Lieutenant Commander Years of service: 13 Other details: A former submarine officer, Jeff Moore is a Navy veteran and entrepreneur living in Prince William County. He and his wife, Rachel, recently opened Northern Virginia’s newest axe-throwing pub, Heroic Axe. While Jeff and Rachel love throwing axes, Heroic Axe has a greater mission to support veterans and first responders. Through a number of initiatives and campaigns, they give back to those who preserve our freedom and protect our communities.

INSIDENOVA.COM • NOVEMBER 2023 | SALUTE TO VETERANS

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11-9-2023 AC PW Today Full Page Ad (Veterans Day)_APC Best OF Tab 10/31/23 1:01 PM Page 1

Honoring Ho nor oririn ing ng & Re Remembering em Hon ono R eme mem emb mbe ber eririn ing ng THE

BRAVE VETERANS Appliance Connection and it’s employees would like to take this time to remember our Veterans and thank you all for your bravery and service to our country.

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SALUTE TO VETERANS | NOVEMBER 2023 • INSIDENOVA.COM