County of San Mateo Honors Veterans and Community Champions at Annual Recognition Luncheon

The County of San Mateo Veterans Commission and Supervisor Lisa Gauthier honored three recipients at the 11th Annual Veterans Recognition Luncheon on Nov. 9. The event brought together veterans, military families, caregivers, elected officials and community partners at San Mateo Elks Lodge No. 1112 in San Mateo.

"We must declare loudly that we have not forgotten our veterans from any conflict or era, that we value their service, and we care about them and their families," said Supervisor Lisa Gauthier.

Veteran of the Year - Joe Quirarte Jr.
Quirarte, who was honored posthumously as the County of San Mateo's Veteran of the Year.

Quirarte served for 20 years, including two combat tours in Afghanistan and one in Iraq. After retiring in 2024, he volunteered at the Pacifica Resource Center's food bank and brought together the American Legion in Pacifica and the Veterans Resource Center at City College of San Francisco to give student veterans a place to share a meal and connect with one another. He also organized a fundraiser to keep the program going.

Quirarte's family attended the luncheon. In the award video, his sister recalled that he asked for his headstone to describe him as "a family man and a patriot."

Watch the video honoring Joe Quirarte Jr.

Patriot of the Year - Janice Key
Janice Key was recognized as Patriot of the Year for her volunteer service and long-standing support of veterans and military families.

Key gives more than 400 volunteer hours each year to veterans' causes. She serves with the American Auxiliary at the local and district levels and supports its Girls State program and the Blue Star Moms. Military service spans several generations in her family, including her father and three of her children and stepchildren. In her award video, Key urged residents to reach out to older veterans, listen to them and help them stay connected to their community.

Watch Janice Key's award video.

Enterprise of the Year - Warrior Canine Connection
Warrior Canine Connection was named Enterprise of the Year for its work raising and training service dogs to support veterans with disabilities, including mobility-related needs and post-traumatic stress disorder.

The local program's 15 volunteers help raise and train about 10 dogs each year. In an award video, a U.S. Coast Guard veteran described how a service dog has helped with daily activities, medical appointments, returning to school and applying for a new job.

Watch Warrior Canine Connection's award video.

At the Nov. 9 event, Stan Maupin, chair of the Veterans Commission, served as master of ceremonies. The San Mateo County Sheriff's Office Honor Guard presented the colors. Brandon Pasion, pastor of worship and missions at Central Peninsula Church, led the national anthem and invocation. Human Services Agency Director Claire Cunningham spoke about the community's responsibility to support veterans and their families before introducing Gauthier, who represents the County's 4th District. Retired U.S. Marine Corps Col. Christopher Starling delivered the keynote address.

Veterans and their families can contact the County of San Mateo Veterans Service Office for help accessing benefits and connecting with local resources.

Paul Laustsen, 650-465-9977, [email protected]