Leisure World News

A6 December 2021 • Community • www.lwca.com By John Latus On Tuesday, November 9, the Lions Club held its annual Veterans Day Celebration event. And quite an event it was! Over 150 veterans and friends attended the breakfast meeting and were treated to a wonderful event supporting and remembering veterans of several wars. A trumpet player played Taps to begin the event, followed by all veterans saying the Pledge of Allegiance. Then came a breakfast of scrambled eggs, sausage, fruit cup and juice. As breakfast was ending, the theme song of each branch of the service was played (Army, Navy, Coast Guard, Air Force and Marines). As each song was being played, veterans of each branch service stood and were applauded. These were veterans of World War II, Korea, Vietnam and Iraq. A Touching Tribute A touching ceremony was developed by veteran and Leisure World resident Gary Lock. Gary is a retired U.S. Navy Lieutenant Commander. He is the current commander of the Junior ROTC program at the Apache High School in Apache Junction. The ceremony was developed to honor veterans who were missing in action, prisoners of war and unknown soldiers who never returned from the war. The ceremony involved a small table for one at the head of the room. It represented the missing service man. One by one, a member of the color guard would place one item on the table to symbolize an aspect of the missing man’s life. For example, a red rose was placed on the table to represent the families of the loved one who would never be returning. After each item was placed, there was two minutes of silence to remember the lost one. Then, a lit candle was placed on the table to represent the spirit of the family waiting for their loved one to return. Then came a drinking glass placed upside down to symbolize that the veteran would never be able to drink from it. And finally, a chair was brought to the table to symbolize that the veteran would never be able to sit at the table. An Inspiring Mandate At the end of the ceremony, Gary challenged the audience. “Remember veterans, don’t just retire but get involved in something greater than yourselves like a charity or club similar to Lions Club,” said Gary. “More importantly, talk to young children and teens about your experiences as veterans because they have no idea what it was like during those times. You will inspire them!” Finally, there was the “Parade of Veterans,” which allowed all the veterans to leave the room first so they could take a group picture taken on the Leisure World courtyard. We will all remember this day. And it will be hard for the Lions Club to top this event next year! -John Latus is a Leisure World resident, veteran and LW News contributor. VETERAN SPOTLIGHT A Memorable Lions Club Veterans Day Celebration! Leisure World veterans gather in Rec. 1 Courtyard. U.S. Navy Lieutenant Commander Gary Lock ROTC members participating in the event. Leisure World is pleased to announce Employee of the Third Quarter, Web Administrator Camilo Vallinas. Camilo — affectionately known as Cam— has established himself as an invaluable asset to Leisure World with his web and IT savvy and positive attitude. “Camilo has a can-do attitude and is always willing to help coworkers and residents by improving Leisure World’s information technology and website,” says Community Manager JasonDoll. “He is a teamplayer who goes the extra mile to ensure we are able to effectively operate and provide much-needed services to residents. He is professional, friendly, always smiling and has an admirable work ethic!” A Real Pro Cam has extensive experience in information technology and cybersecurity. As Web Administrator since June 2021, Cam ensures digital communication are safe, efficient and user-friendly by implementing security protocols, modifying programs, creating system backups, updating content and resolving software issues. And he does it all with ease! “Camilo is a real joy to work with” says Information Technology Manager Lisa Yttri, who Cam reports to. “He is always willing to jump in to help with whatever is needed. He has a go-getter attitude and goes above and beyond for his job. It is a pleasure to have him on the IT team.” Camilo has a bachelor’s degree in software development and a bachelor’s degree in cyber security from the University of Advancing Technology. Prior to working at Leisure World, Cam was a Data Entry Specialist at Sunview Respiratory Rehabilitation in Surprise, Arizona. “At the time, I was not using my skill set,” recalls Camilo. “Leisure World offered me a full-time position with the opportunity to do just that. I am so happy to be here and honored to win this award!” Champion Behavior Although Cam does not work directly with Leisure World residents, this does not stop him from being an integral part of the community. Recently, he saved the day when a resident needed assistance. “My coworker, Systems Administrator Brent Hall, and I were headed towards the Fitness Center and saw a man struggling,” recalls Camilo. “His wife was trying to hold him up, but we could see that he was falling. We then ran to the Rec. 1 Ballroom and got him a chair. There was also a wheelchair available, so we helped put him in it and accompanied him and his wife to their car. Thankfully, we were there at the right time and place!” This gesture of kindness did not go unnoticed. The Champions — a group of Leisure World employees wo recognize excellent customer service — awarded him and Brent (nicknamed the Dynamic Duo) with balloons and a mug filled with candy. “Camilo is such a great person,” says Champions Leader and Recreation Office Manager Jamie Knowlton. “It was important for us to reward them both for going the extra mile. It is always inspiring when people are nice to one another without expecting anything in return.” Humble Beginnings Born and raised in Bogota, Colombia, Camilo moved to the United States with his family in 2003. His mother, younger brother and sister lived in Miami, Florida, for one year and then in Queens, New York for another before settling in Arizona in 2005. Shortly thereafter, Camilo joined the United States Army, where he served for 10 years. Cam’s immigration and military experience have forged his character marked by service, a strong work ethic, dependability and being a team player. No one knows this better than his work partner, Brent. “Working with Camilo is almost like working with my little brother!” says Brent affectionately. “We get along very well, and I can rely on him and trust his work!” Cupid Strikes Cam has given Leisure World so much in such a short period of time. We are glad we were able to reciprocate. While working here, Camilo found love with former Leisure World Event Coordinator Ashley Adams. The sweet couple began dating in August and are now next door neighbors! In his spare time, Camilo enjoys playing soccer, cooking and building video games. He also enjoys spending time with Ashley and her dog Wonton. But in the meantime, Cam wants to continue to flourish at Leisure World. “I am so happy to be appreciated by this amazing community and will continue to work hard!” concludes Camilo. Congratulations, Cam! Thank you for all your hard work! Employee of the 3rd Quarter Camilo Vallinas: A Tech Savvy Problem Solver! Community Manager Jason Doll awards Cam for his work.