Exchange Club Honors Local Veterans

During the upcoming Veteran's Day Weekend – November 9th through 11th - the Culver City Exchange Club will kick-off the first annual Tribute to Heroes – Field of Valor.

Along with its community partners the Culver City Chamber of Commerce and the City of Culver City – the Exchange Club will plant hundreds of American Flags at Veteran's Memorial Park to honor the sacrifice of American Veteran's, current military service members, fallen heroes, Gold Star Families and First Responders. Each flag will be sponsored by local community members or businesses. All profit proceeds from this unique charitable event will go New Directions for Veteran's – a non-profit group founded and run by veterans to serve fellow veterans in need.

In an effort to honor the many generations of Americans who have served our nation, the event organizers have selected Honorary Co-Chairs representing several generations of Veterans who have selflessly served. Below is the list of the Honorary Co-Chairs with a brief service biography for each:

Earl Eskridge – United States Navy – World War II - Seaman, First Class - Served from 1944 to 1946. Pacific Fleet – San Diego. Assignment: Headquarters Squadron U.S. Navy. Recipient of the America Area Victory Metal

Ken Owens – United States Army – Vietnam War – 1st Lieutenant – Served from 1966-1969 - Field Army Support Command (FASCOM) and Executive Officer of the HQ Battery of 1st Region Air Defense Command.

Jim Clarke – United States Coast Guard – Vietnam War – Commander USCG Reserve. Served from1970-1993 (Active & Reserve) - USCG Academy graduate. Deck Officer USCG Ventourous. Deputy Executive Officer & Commanding Officer, USCG Marine Safety Officer, Los Angeles, Long Beach. Commanding Officer USCG Loran Station Johnson Atoll.

Marcus Tiggs – United States Army – Afghanistan War & Kosovo Conflict – Lieutenant Colonel – Served from 1988-2012 – Attended U.S. Army General Command and Staff College. Branch: Field Artillery – Commands include Battery Commander and Battalion Commander. Awards: Bronze Star, Kosovo Campaign Medal, Afghanistan Campaign

Medal, NATO Medal, Overseas Service Ribbon, Meritorious Service Medal, National Defense Service Medal, and Global War on Terrorism Service Medal

Daniel Lee – United States Air Force and Air National Guard – Afghanistan War - Staff Sergeant – Served from 2002-2008. Combat Communications. Satcom wideband telemetry and space systems specialist. Taught combat first aid, CPR and was a recognized sharpshooter. Earned Air Force Achievement Medal.

Mr. Lee currently serves as a member of the City Council for the City of Culver City. Mr. Clarke is a former Mayor and member of the City Council of Culver City. Mr. Tiggs is a member of the Culver Planning Commission. Messrs. Eskridge, Owens, Clarke and Tiggs are active members of the Exchange Club of Culver City. All of these Honorary Co-Chairs, including Mr. Eskridge – aged 93 – continue to actively in serving the Culver Community with same dedication and selflessness with which they served our country.

The Honorary Co-Chairs will be attendance at the Opening Ceremony for Culver Tribute Heroes on November 9, 2019. The opening ceremony will be held on the steps of the Veteran's Memorial Auditorium located at the corner of Culver Boulevard and Overland Avenue. The opening ceremony starts at 10:00 am and will be followed by a solemn procession through the Field of Valor to commemorate those being honored. These Honorary Co-Chairs will be joined at the opening ceremony by fellow veterans and first responders along with a selection of local elected officials.

To learn more about Culver Tribute to Heroes – Field of Valor, and how you can support this very important charitable event visit http://www.culvertribute.org.