St. Bernard’s High & HSU alum serves on Gov’s Interagency Council on Veterans
Assemblymember Wesley Chesbro presents a resolution to Lorraine Plass of Healdsburg, honoring her as the Veteran of the Year for 2012 in the 1st Assembly District.
SACRAMENTO – Assemblymember Wesley Chesbro (D-North Coast) has honored Lorraine Plass of Healdsburg as the First Assembly District’s 2012 Veteran of the Year.
“Lorraine has given so much of herself in the service of veterans, ensuring that those who served have their needs met after their military careers are over,” Chesbro said. “She is highly respected by both sides of the aisle here at the state Capitol for her tireless advocacy on behalf of veterans.”
Ms. Plass, who attended St. Bernard’s High School in Eureka, served on active duty in the U.S. Army from 1974-78, then served in the Army Reserves and in the 579th Engr Bn, CA Army National Guard.
Ms. Plass also attended Santa Rosa Junior College and Humboldt State University, earning a B.S. in radiology imaging. In the service she completed programs in personnel administration and hospital administration. After her military service she worked in the field of medical imaging for 26 years. Currently Ms. Plass and her husband own small businesses in Healdsburg.
“After her military service, Ms. Plass worked her way up through the ranks of the American Legion, becoming the first female commander in the 78-year history of Sotoyome Post 111 in Healdsburg,” Chesbro said. “Currently she serves as the post’s staff judge advocate.”
Ms. Plass is also a member of the Vietnam Veterans of America and serves as judge advocate of AMVETS Post 40 in Santa Rosa. She has also volunteered over three decades for community improvement projects and organizations. These include The Women of Ground Zero, the Healdsburg Skate Park, Healdsburg’s Plaza Gazebo Project and the American Cancer Society’s Relay for Life.
“In 2009 she joined California AMVETS Legislative Committee, helping to create its first Veterans Legislative Platform,” Chesbro said. “In 2010 she was appointed California AMVETS legislative chair, where she remains today creating and supporting legislation to resolve issues for veterans and their families in California.”
Ms. Plass also serves on the California Interagency Council on Veterans, which Gov. Jerry Brown created last year to improve how veterans services are coordinated across local, state and federal government.
Contact: Andrew Bird, Chesbro Communications Director, (916) 319-2001
