John Garcia was given a surprise birthday party to celebrate his 93rd birthday, Saturday, November 8th, at El Pescador. He was pleasantly surprised to see his children, grandchildren, great-grandchildren, nieces, nephews and in-laws; 45 family members total in attendance. One grandchild who attended, who is an active duty Coast Guard Chief, traveled from Corpus Christi, Texas for the event.
The medals, ribbons, Merchant Marine emblem and a replica of a plaque that is mounted on a memorial wall to honor all veterans at Mount Soledad in San Diego was arranged by his children on a beautiful wood framed with glass top case and presented to him by Dick Schuck and Bud Untiedt, both VFW members, having served in WWII.
Mr. Garcia, a Fillmore resident since 1976, served as a US Merchant Marine from 1942 - 1945, on board the SS Fort Clatsop. The case presented to Mr. Garcia had a Ribbon and Medal for the Pacific War Zone, Atlantic War Zone, Merchant Marine WWII Victory, and Merchant Marine Defense.