(Sacramento) – Assemblymember Alyson Huber has joined with the California Legislature to honor Sargent Ryan Dinkel, United States Marine Corps (retired) as this year's Veteran of the Year, representing the 10th Assembly District.

Ryan Dinkel, is a graduate of Tokay High School who served in the Marine Corps from 1999 to 2008. During his military career he served overseas in several countries, including Southeast Asia and was deployed to Iraq where he served two tours.

Since his discharge, Ryan is continuing his education at San Joaquin Delta College where he serves as the Student Vice President of the Veteran Student Alliance. He is active and committed to improving the lives of local veterans through his work with veteran's organizations throughout the county.

Presently he is the Commander of VFW Post 9009, in Lockeford, serves as 1st Vice Commander of American Legion Post 22, in Lodi and is a member of the Marine Corps Club of Stockton.

Ryan spends his free time developing programs to bring veterans together – disabled and able bodied – to work through personal issues related to their service and to give assistance as they re-enter civilian life. In coordination with the Veteran's Administration, Ryan has set up gold panning expeditions and is working to teach fly fishing to veterans.

For his commitment to his country and his dedication to improving the lives of his fellow veterans, Ryan Dinkel has earned the honor as Veteran of the Year for the 10th Assembly District.

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Photo: Assemblymember Alyson Huber (left) presents the Veteran of the Year Award to Ryan Dinkel of Lodi, shown with his mother Carol Dinkel on the floor of the California State Assembly in Sacramento.

Contact: Tim Reardon @ (916) 319-2010