KHTS
By. Grace Halaby 

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One of the passions of Congressman Mike Garcia, R-Santa Clarita, is bringing recognition and honor to local veterans and their families. When a local veteran reached out to Garcia to try to track down his father’s World War II medals the family never received after he was killed in combat, Garcia was quick to start working on a remedy.

This Wednesday, Jan 26, 2022, 76 years after Paul Bradley was killed in Europe, the medals were presented to his son Daniel Bradley in a ceremony in Santa Clarita.

The medals Bradley earned for his service in World War II included the European-African-Middle Eastern Campaign Medal, the World War II Victory Medal, and the Purple Heart.

“It’s just what’s right, making sure we do right by our veterans. Medals are not given, people earn medals. The Purple Heart is a big deal. We have a World War II veteran who gave his life in support of our country, and it has been an honor to get his medals that he earned to his survivors, and in this case Dan. We are blessed to be a part of this process and it is a great day to be here in support,” stated Garcia.

Daniel Bradley, a gold star son and a veteran himself accepted these awards on his father’s behalf. Paul Bradley died in 1945 when Dan was a toddler, deployed with the Army’s 104th Infantry Division. He served all around Europe, serving in combat in Germany when he gave the ultimate sacrifice for his country, getting mortally wounded by mortar fire.

Dan Bradley, a Newhall resident, served himself during the Vietnam war. He stated that though he did not get to grow up making memories with his father, he is glad that now he can make memories in his honor.

In 2020, Dan attended a ceremony at the White House honoring Gold Star families and their sacrifice, which Dan remembers as a moving night and a great show of support from former President Donald Trump and former First Lady Melania Trump.

“We want to make sure that local veterans know that if they need anything from our office, whether it’s help with federal agencies, or things like this, retrieving records, awards, medical information, to please reach out and let us help you,” Garcia said.

A similar resource for local Santa Clarita veterans is the Santa Clarita Veteran Services Collaborative, where veterans can turn to as a more immediate resource than the VA. With a food pantry, wheelchair loans, a library, computer and printing services, and connections to housing, healthcare, and other assets and necessities, the Santa Clarita Veteran Services Collaborative is a blessing and an essential service to the community.

Twice a week, a VA benefits specialist meets with active-duty military members, veterans, and/or their families to help them navigate how to get the support they need. Tuesday mornings and all-day Thursdays, those in need can have professional help at no charge.

Run entirely by volunteers and donations, the Collaborative has paired with over 70 businesses and individuals who want to help provide for our country’s veterans right here in our community.