ESCONDIDO, CA — On Veterans Day, Assemblymember Dr. Darshana Patel emphasizes the importance of pairing recognition with results. At a Veterans Day ceremony at American Legion Post 149 in Escondido, Patel honored six veterans whose leadership continues beyond the uniform. And, earlier this year, she was able to secure a tax exemption for retired veterans through legislation she co-led.
Assemblymember Patel was a lead author alongside Assemblymember Ramos and others on AB 53, which would exempt up to $20,000 of military retirement pay and Survivor Benefit Plan annuities from California income tax. The provisions of this bill were enacted through the state budget this summer. The change honors veterans and their families and helps retain experienced talent in California’s workforce.
“Recognition and results go hand in hand,” Patel said. “We honor extraordinary veterans in our community and, at the same time, make sure retired service members can keep more of what they’ve earned under California’s new tax exemption. Our military community strengthens our community, and it is my honor to advocate for them in Sacramento and honor them in San Diego County.”
At Saturday’s event, Assemblymember Patel honored six veterans as Assembly District 76’s Veterans of the Year for their commitment to serving their communities after their military careers.
- Captain Willie Chao, U.S. Navy (24 years) Captain Chao was a naval dental officer who now serves underserved populations at San Ysidro Health and leads dental mission trips to Mexico, Honduras, and Cambodia.
- Captain Antonia Sterbenz, U.S. Army (4 years) – Engineering officer who led Hurricane Andrew recovery efforts, now serving as Marriage and Family Life Counselor at Camp Pendleton, supporting Marines and their families.
- Lieutenant Colonel Greg Rassatt, U.S. Army (25 years) – Corps of Engineers officer who served in Kuwait and Bosnia, now organizing San Marcos' Veterans Day ceremony for 15 years and coordinating Wreaths Across America.
- Lieutenant Kim McNealy, U.S. Navy (8 years) – Nuclear submarine officer and Naval Academy graduate, now mentoring transitioning veterans and serving as Board Chairman of Adjoin, providing $25 million annually in services to veterans with disabilities.
- Sergeant Jason Beyer, U.S. Marine Corps (6 years) – Now helping veterans at Cal State San Marcos find employment and preserving veteran stories through the Veterans Oral History Project for the Library of Congress.
- Mike Plue, U.S. Marine Corps (4 years) – Volunteering for 8+ years with VetCTAP (Veteran Career Transition Assistance Program), coaching hundreds of transitioning veterans and serving on the organization's Board of Directors.
With more than 200,000 veterans, San Diego County has the second-largest veteran population in California.
“These veterans didn’t stop serving when they took off their uniform,” said Assemblymember Dr. Darshana Patel. “I am truly honored to represent them and am inspired to serve District 76 with the same determination and commitment that these veterans served our country and continue to strengthen our community with.”
###
Dr. Darshana Patel represents Assembly District 76, which includes the cities of Escondido, San Marcos, and northern San Diego, as well as the unincorporated areas of Del Dios, Elfin Forest, Fairbanks Ranch, Harmony Grove, Lake San Marcos, and Rancho Santa Fe. Assemblymember Patel serves on the following committees: EDGHI (Economic Development, Growth, and Household Impact), Health, Education, Higher Education, Budget, and the Budget Subcommittee #3 on Education Finance.
