Chula Vista Veterans Leader Honored This Week in Sacramento for Outstanding Service to Veterans and Returning Military
SACRAMENTO – (Friday, June 28, 2013) – California State Assemblywoman Lorena Gonzalez (D-San Diego) named Chula Vista resident Anthony “Tony” Stewart the “District 80 Veteran of the Year” this week, honoring him for his tireless community service and leadership in developing innovative programs for returning military and their families.
“Ensuring our returning military heroes are afforded the dignity and respect of the services, benefits and support they need is a major priority for San Diego County and Tony has worked relentlessly to make these connections for South Bay’s veterans community,” Assemblywoman Gonzalez said. “Our region is fortunate to have someone with Tony’s energy and tenacity working on the behalf of veterans and their families.”
Mr. Stewart and other veterans leaders around California were honored at the Assembly Committee on Veterans’ Affairs’ 6th Annual Veterans Recognition Luncheon in Sacramento on Wednesday.
Mr. Stewart is a strong advocate and leader in today’s community service and veterans related causes. Shortly after military service, he worked as a Veterans Service Representative for the Veterans Benefit Administration of U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs. He has served as Post Commander of American Legion Post 434 in Chula Vista at a time when Post 434 has been presented with Top Honors by the California American Legion Convention for its community service and youth programs. Mr. Stewart was honored as the City of Chula Vista’s Veteran of the Year in 2011-12 and 2012-13 and served as Master of Ceremonies for the 2010 Chula Vista Veterans Day celebration. Mr. Stewart is also an avid volunteer and supporter for the Operation Comfort Workers, Wounded Warriors program at Balboa Park’s Naval Hospital, and the Veterans Village of San Diego. He currently serves as a founding member of United States Submarine Veterans and as a member of Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 2111 and Fleet Reserve Association Branch 61, both based in Chula Vista.
Mr. Stewart served in the United States Navy from 1987 to 2007, joining the Navy at the age of 19 to serve in the Navy’s Submarine Force. During a distinguished 20 year period, he served onboard four of the Navy’s submarines and three submarine support squadrons during a career in which he moved up the ranks quickly and received nine Navy Achievement Medals, two Navy Commendation Medals, and various campaigns ribbons and medals for professional achievement above and beyond the call of duty.
Mr. Stewart resides in Chula Vista and is the proud father of four daughters and six grandsons. He currently works for the United States Navy as Administrative Officer for Naval Special Warfare Basic Training Command leading the administrative support services department supporting the mission of training future Sea, Air, and Land (SEAL) Special Warfare Operators and Special Warfare Combatant-Crewman (SWCC) Special Boat Operators.