Assemblymember Marty Block (AD-78) announced that he has selected retired U.S. Navy Captain Robert D. White as Veteran of the Year for the 78th Assembly District. Captain White served in the U.S. Navy from 1960-1995 as a commissioned officer flying in the P3 Orion antisubmarine Navy aircraft.
“I am honored to recognize U.S. Navy Captain Robert D. White as Veteran of the Year for the 78th Assembly District. Captain White has distinguished himself not only through his military service to our country, but also through his commitment to improving the quality of life for local veterans,” said Assemblymember Block. “His dedication to veterans in the San Diego community is an inspiration to us all and it gives me great pleasure to applaud his contributions to California.”
Since retirement, Captain White has chaired the Veterans Commission as well as the Safety Commission for eight years in the City of Chula Vista. He has served as the President of the Chula Vista Veterans Home Support Foundation, and led an effort to recognize 89 local veterans with city streets named in their honor and actively participated in the “Walk of Honor” brick program in Veterans Park.
Recently, Captain White led the effort to generate nearly $500,000 in support equipment, physical rehabilitation, and quality of life programs for the 290 residents at the Chula Vista Veterans Home. He is also a VITA/TCE volunteer for the IRS for filing Federal and State taxes for veterans, and is a life member in the Military Officers Association, VFW, AMVETS, Disabled American Veterans, and the American Legion.
He is actively involved with the annual County of San Diego Veteran of the Year luncheon and is the current Commander of American Legion Post 867 at the Veterans Home. Five years ago, the Foundation was selected as the Veterans Organization of the year. Captain White has been selected twice as the City of Chula Vista Veteran of the Year and was the County of San Diego Veteran of the Year for 2006-2007.
He received Masters degrees in Computer Systems Management and Strategic Studies, and was a Commanding Officer of an operational aircraft squadron in Hawaii and a Navy Base in Japan.
Contact: Mike Naple (916) 202-0003
