Omar Avila Honored with Military Banner

Colton resident Omar Avila was honored with a military banner installation ceremony on Tuesday, June 2. Many of his friends, family, and loved ones gathered on Valley Boulevard in Colton to watch his banner be officially installed. Avila was born in San Bernardino on Nov. 1, 1945. He attended high school in San Bernardino's neighboring city, at Colton High School. The former yellowjacket graduated in 1963 and not long after joined the Air Force just the following year in August of 1964. According to his wife Maria, he was stationed in Vietnam at Da Nang and Cam Rahn. Avila proudly served for four years, returning in August 1968. After returning from the war, Avila then went to attend San Bernardino Valley College but did not receive his degree. However, he went to work for Southern California Edison and retired after 32 years. Maria and he have two sons Zachary and Kory Avila, he also has three stepchildren: Avelina Fierro, Randy and Steve Chavez, 15 grandchildren and 3 great-granddaughters. Avila has made an impact without his community in Colton. He has coached Little League in the Colton District for many years, due to his strong interest in golf he is also a member of Mexican American Golf Association (MAGA) and once belonged to the former “Gents Golf Buddies”. According to Maria, he also loves to travel and has visited many different countries in Europe, Japan, and throughout different areas in the United States and Mexico. Avila’s wife Maria had the idea of getting him a military banner after her brother had his banner officially installed. “He never showed any interest of getting his own banner though,” she explained. “But once he saw his banner, I could tell he was thrilled...he was pretty emotional.” Maria shared that together they have a very large family but most members on his side were able to go. “I’m so grateful for everyone that came and supported him…we’re so proud,” she added. After the ceremony, everyone went back to their house and Maria made them all breakfast. "We all went to a restaurant after my brother's ceremony and it just didn't work out. This way we all just hung out at the house after we ate," she explained.