SACRAMENTO – Assemblymember Nicole M. Parra (D-Hanford) announced Justin Bond of Hanford as her selection for the 2008 Veteran of the Year for the 30th Assembly District.

“Justin Bond has been a leader in Kings County and a true champion of Veterans throughout the 30th Assembly District.  He has been relentless in his commitment to his country, his community, and his fellow service members,” said Assemblymember Nicole Parra. “Justin has overcome many personal obstacles to make the world a better place for our brave men and women fighting overseas and fighting for a better life once they come home.”

Justin Bond, a resident of Hanford, served in the United States Army from 1995 to 2005.  He was wounded in Iraq, after an ambush left him with damage to both knees.  Since his return home and during his recovery, Justin has worked to help other wounded veterans by raising funds and hosting events.  He started “Bowling for Wounded Soldiers” which raised money to help families travel to Washington, DC to visit with their injured soldiers while they recover.  Justin raised over $25,000 through this effort alone.

Justin Bond also initiated a drive to collect books and board games to send to soldiers in Iraq.  He was able to collect over 50,000 books to send overseas.  Justin is currently pursuing a project to bicycle across the United States through the foundation he started called Wounded Soldiers and Family Relief Fund.  Justus is married to Laurel Bond and they have two children, Jennifer and Jared.

The Veteran of the Year event is held to commemorate extraordinary Veterans in California actively working toward making a difference in their respective communities. On Wednesday, May 7, 2008 honorees convened in Sacramento for a special ceremony held by the Assembly Veterans Affairs Committee.

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