Back row, left to right: Max Gurney (US Army), Roberta “Randy” Tidmore (Rosey the Riveter and US Marine), Andre Chappaz (US Army Corps of Engineers), Art Dioli (US Navy), Marshall Varano (US Army)
Front row, left to right: Walt Travis (US Marine), Betty Ridenour (Rosey the Riveter), Dwayne “Bill” Ridenour (US Army
The Torrey Pines Rotary Club celebrated its 19th annual Veterans Appreciation Day on Wednesday, November 13, aligning with Veterans Day, traditionally observed on November 11.
Seven WWII veterans, comprising five men and two women—with four being centenarians—graced the Torrey Pines Rotary Club meeting for a luncheon held in their honor to express respect, admiration, and gratitude for their service.
In addition, four veterans from the Torrey Pines Rotary Club, representing all military branches, were present, including the oldest, Max Gurney, who is 103 years old.
Holly Shaffar, Director of Public Relations and Marketing for Honor Flight San Diego, also attended the event. Honor Flight is a national organization that facilitates veterans' visits to national monuments in Washington, DC, free of charge. Initially serving America's WWII veterans, the Honor Flight Network has broadened its scope to include Korean and Vietnam War veterans. Their TLC program extends this honor to critically ill veterans from any service era.
The Torrey Pines Rotary Club and the Sheraton in La Jolla sponsored the event.