On Sept. 23, members of the Silicon Valley Association of REALTORS® (SILVAR) honored the country's veterans, including their own, at "REALTORS® Honor Veterans," held at the Palo Alto Hills Golf & Country Club. More than 150 members and guests attended. The event raised over $37,000 for the "SILVAR Veterans Scholarship Fund."
The SILVAR Veterans Scholarship Fund is a new component of the Silicon Valley REALTORS® Charitable Foundation's focus on education. The scholarship fund will support eligible U.S. veterans and eligible dependents of deceased veterans residing in the local trade association's traditional service area who wish to further their education.
Chris Isaacson, the local REALTOR® group president, and Lehua Greenman, Silicon Valley REALTORS® Charitable Foundation trustee and chair of the REALTOR® group's Membership Committee, which began planning the event early in the spring, welcomed everyone to the membership-wide gathering. They recognized special guests Santa Clara County District 5 Supervisor Joe Simitian, who served as the evening's auctioneer, and San Mateo County District 4 Supervisor Warren Slocum, a U.S. veteran who served in U.S. Army in Vietnam 1966-67.
Both Isaacson and Greenman noted the country's veterans have made many sacrifices "so we can live free and with liberty." The veterans are heroes not only because they had fought for freedom, but because they have inspired many by continuing to contribute to society. A number of the association's members are veterans helping many families achieve the American dream of homeownership. There are many veterans in Silicon Valley that need help. The SILVAR Veterans Scholarship Fund is for them, they said.
A highlight of the event were the presentations of the Certificate of Special Congressional Recognition "for outstanding and invaluable service to the community" from U.S. Representative Anna Eshoo and a Certificate of Commendation from the County of Santa Clara presented by County Supervisor Joe Simitian to the local trade association and all Realtor veterans.
On behalf of all U.S. veterans, Tom Gordon, who served in the U.S. Air Force 1984-1988, thanked the REALTORS® for creating a scholarship fund for veterans. He noted when veterans come home, "there are gaps … they are ready for something better. Getting an education is one of the things that can help us to lead a fuller life."
U.S. veterans present at the event were recognized. They included Supervisor Slocum, Gordon, Bill Weseloh (U.S. Army), Frank Limon (U.S. Army 1965-68, Vietnam 1965-67), Mike Frangadakis (Vietnam 1967-70, currently with the California State Military Reserve), Derrick Felton, (U.S. Army 1988-1992, Persian Gulf), Steve Trolan (U.S. Army 1981-85, Fort Shafter, HI 1987-1994, U.S. Army Reserve, 12th Special Forces), Larry Tringali (U.S. Navy Corpsman 1967-69), Kelly Hutter (U.S. Air Force 1985-1993), Bill Moody (U.S. Army, Vietnam 1966-68), John Tripp (Pacific Theater, 1947-1956, and Joe Brown (U.S. Air Force 1969-73, Vietnam 1970-71).
As he opened the live auction for bidding, Simitian reminded everyone of the huge sacrifices made by the veterans on stage and those not present, including parents and grandparents of many in the audience. "We need to show them we care enough to say thank you and tangibilitize our appreciation for their service," said Simitian. His plea worked and the REALTORS® bid generously.
The Silicon Valley Association of REALTORS® (SILVAR) is a professional trade organization representing over 4,000 REALTORS® and Affiliate members engaged in the real estate business on the Peninsula and in the South Bay. SILVAR promotes the highest ethical standards of real estate practice, serves as an advocate for homeownership and homeowners, and represents the interests of property owners in Silicon Valley.
The term "REALTOR®" is a registered collective membership mark which identifies a real estate professional who is a member of the National Association of REALTORS® and who subscribes to its strict Code of Ethics.
Variations of this article have appeared in local area newspapers.
For further information, please email or call the SILVAR office at (408) 200-0100.