91-Year-Old Coltonite Honored for Service by Kayla Sheldon - City News Group, Inc.

Community Calendar

◄ MARCH ►
S M T W T F S
01 02 03 04 05 06 07
08 09 10 11 12 13 14
15 16 17 18 19 20 21
22 23 24 25 26 27 28
29 30 31 01 02 03 04
View Events
Submit Events
directory

91-Year-Old Coltonite Honored for Service

By Kayla Sheldon, Staff Writer
April 7, 2015 at 11:54am. Views: 46

91-year-old Coltonite Albert Gonzales was honored with a military banner installation ceremony this year, in which over 30 of his friends, family and loved ones gathered to celebrate by his side. Although born next door in Riverside, Gonzales was raised in Colton his entire life. According to Gonzales’s grandson Frank, he is rooted in Colton as he is Comanche Native American. “Our family goes far back into Colton’s history,” Frank shared. At age 18, Gonzales was a senior at Colton High School; however, before he was able to graduate, he was drafted into the US Army in 1943. Gonzales served for four years in the military, during which he was a part of four major battles, including the Battle of Normandy. Frank shared proudly that Gonzales is an Omaha Beach survivor, 29th recon. Gonzales served in combat as a 50 Caliber Machine Gunner on a tank. Gonzales shared that without the Canadians taking out the Cement Boxes with gunners inside of them, they wouldn't have been able to surpass the mission. The Omaha Scene in the 1998 war drama "Saving Private Ryan" is depicted very accurately, according to Gonzales. “ I lived the war just like the movie,” he said. Before he was drafted in the Army, Gonzales married his high school sweetheart Anita Gonzales, and they are still going strong. “This is the happiest marriage of my life,” he said while explaining their 71 years of being together. Although a large portion of family and friends were able to attend the installation ceremony of Gonzales’s banner, his grandson Frank was unable to attend since he lives in Sonoma County. After explaining the strong relationship between his family and Colton, Frank mentioned while chuckling, “I’m the only one who doesn’t live in Colton.” Although some were unable to attend, Gonzales was filled with pride as his military banner was installed. He added regarding his service, “I was making it safe for my country.”

Related Articles

Casting Director, Shani Hamilton Thillet, Books Talent for Dameron Communications  
Photo Courtesy of: Shani Hamilton Thillet

By Greg Zerovnik, Contributing Writer

March 24, 2026 at 05:57pm. Views: 535

“I am excited to leverage my extensive network of Inland Empire actors, dancers, and models to bring exceptional talent to advertising projects at Dameron Communications,” said Shani Hamilton Thillet

Moreno Valley Unified School District wins multiple communications awards, receiving special recognition for its Dual Language I
Photo Courtesy of: Moreno Valley Unified School District

By Anahi Velasco, Contributing Writer

March 24, 2026 at 05:57pm. Views: 606

Left to Right: The Moreno Valley Unified School District team earned 3 CalSPRA Awards of Excellence and a President's Award. School Board Vice President Sammie Luna, Digital Media Specialist Isaiah Garcia, Director of Communications and Community Engagement Anahi Velasco, Digital Video Specialist Naival Cartagena, and School Board Member Justin Jackson.

Valley View High School honored as California Distinguished School
Photo Courtesy of: Moreno Valley Unified School District

By Anahi Velasco, Contributing Writer

March 24, 2026 at 05:57pm. Views: 656

Valley View High School earns California Distinguished School Award

Upmost Barbershop Celebrates Grand Opening with Community Turnout
Photo Courtesy of: City of Loma Linda - Government

By Eric Montgomery , Community Writer

March 24, 2026 at 05:57pm. Views: 759

We’re excited to welcome the newest member of the Loma Linda Chamber of Commerce — Upmost Barber Shop!

Step Into the Old West: Why Travelers Are Falling for Pioneertown
Photo Courtesy of: Thomas Jackson of Redlands, CA.

By Eric Montgomery, Community Writer

March 24, 2026 at 05:57pm. Views: 892

Pioneertown, established in 1946, is known as a prime filming location and tourist destination, offering an 1880s-themed experience with its Old West style buildings.

Rattlesnake Season Returns to Redlands Trails
Photo Courtesy of: Redlands Conservancy

By Eric Montgomery, Community Writer

March 24, 2026 at 05:57pm. Views: 1038

As spring warms the hills and trails around Redlands, another familiar sign of the season is making its return: rattlesnakes.

Seasonal Cleanup Events Return to Moreno Valley This Spring
Photo Courtesy of: City of Moreno Valley

By Ruby Stephenson, Community Writer

March 24, 2026 at 05:57pm. Views: 665

A person wearing yellow cleaning gloves wipes a glass window with a cloth, removing soap and water during routine household cleaning.
Mayor Ulises Cabrera is encouraging residents to embrace the season as an opportunity for a fresh start while taking advantage of City resources designed to make spring cleaning easier, safer, and more convenient.

Rattlesnake Season Returns to San Bernardino County Trails as Spring Warms the Region
Photo Courtesy of: Redlands Conservancy

By Eric Montgomery, Community Writer

March 24, 2026 at 05:57pm. Views: 762

As spring warms the hills and trails around Redlands, another familiar sign of the season is making its return: rattlesnakes.

Annual Springtastic Festival and Egg Hunt
Photo Courtesy of: The City of Moreno Valley Government

By Eric Montgomery, Community Writer

March 24, 2026 at 05:57pm. Views: 713

Get ready to hop to MoVal’s annual Springtastic Festival and Egg Hunt!

Annual Blue Mountain Festival
Photo Courtesy of: City of Grand Terrace

By Judith J. Garcia, Community Writer

March 24, 2026 at 05:57pm. Views: 722

The City of Grand Terrace is hosting their Annual Blue Mountain Festival event on Saturday, May 16, 2026.

Children Suffering from Brain Injury Find Pathways to Recovery at Totally Kids Rehabilitation Hospital
Photo Courtesy of: Totally Kids Rehabilitation Hospital

By Ross Goldberg, Community Writer

March 24, 2026 at 05:57pm. Views: 656

Children suffering from brain injury find pathways to recovery thanks to the highly-trained professional team providing care at Totally Kids Rehabilitation Hospital’ s acute and subacute rehabilitation units.

No School, No Boredom: Teens Invited to Hang Out at Teen Hub This Spring Break
Photo Courtesy of: City of Colton Community Services Department

By Eric Montgomery, Community Writer

March 24, 2026 at 05:57pm. Views: 588

No school? No problem! Skip the boredom and pull up to the Teen Hub. We’ve got you covered all break long.

--> -->