Editor, Manteca Bulletin:
On behalf of the Manteca Mural Society we would like to acknowledge and thank everyone for their support of the dedication of the Vietnam Mural, fourth in the “Veteran’s Mural Project” series. 
We would like to thank VFW Post 6311 color guard and East Union JROTC for the posting and retrieving of the Colors; Rich Benavides for singing the National Anthem; and Dave Steffy for the invocation and benediction.  We were so pleased to have a performance by the Brock Elliott school choir, which was led by Melissa Manalastas. Special thanks and appreciation go to our guest speakers – Mayor Steve DeBrum, Maj. General Eldon Requa, Ron Cruz and Key Note Speaker Pastor Mike Dillman.
A lot of preparation work goes on behind the scenes, and much gratitude is due to our installation crew:  Bill Barnhart, Gene Bedard, Bill Buffington, Ron Cruz, Jack Dauler, Fred Gallegos, Roger La Presle, and Alan Peterson.  Their volunteer service is invaluable, and without them there would be no mural on the wall.  Of course, extra-special recognition goes to our muralists, Linda Shrader and her daughter, Echo Westover, who went above and beyond our expectations and produced a mural of which the whole community can be proud. 
Various elected officials shared our vision to honor local veterans, especially Mayor Steve DeBrum and others from the city of Manteca.  Presentations were given by Pete Butler, Rep. for Congressman Jeff Denham’s office; San Joaquin County Supervisors Bob Elliott, District 5 and Tom Patti, District 3; and State Assemblyman Heath Flora, which demonstrated their continued support of the Veterans’ Mural Project.
Many people contributed to this effort, and we appreciate Party Warehouse in Tracy for the donation of 200 chairs; Terry Pierce, Manager of Hampton Inn, for helping us with accommodations for our artists; Costco; Bedquarters; members of the Manteca Mural Society for all the service given over many months, and Shay Rosas, Veteran Service Officer, who donated the free raffle for our veterans.
We look forward to completing the “Veterans’ Mural Project” with the fifth and final World War I mural, which will be designed and painted by master muralists Dave Gordon and Ella Yates.  With the financial support of the community, our goal is to complete the WWI Mural in time for the Manteca Centennial in May, 2018. 
 Our “Fill the Helmet” fund raiser for the WWI mural will take place this Saturday, May 27 at the Bedquarters’ parking lot, from 10:a.m. to 2 p.m. Please plan on dropping by, as every donation will help us complete the “Veterans’ Mural Project.”
 
Charleen Carroll
Manteca Mural Society, President