Michael Favela Honored with Military Banner

Local Navy Veteran Michael R. Favela was honored by his family, friends, and city of Colton with his very own military banner installation ceremony this past June. Joining in 1953, his four-year tour ended on Aug. 5, 1957 as he was honorably discharged. Favela’s official rank was 3rd Class Petty Officer as he served as a Radar Man. According to Favela’s daughter Maryann Herrarte, “his duties as a radar man were to use the radar by monitoring all the other ships and activity on and around the ship he was assigned to. “Before diving right into his field, he spent time training at Treasure Island, in San Francisco, for Radar School." She shared that her father is proud to have served his country for four years and overall enjoyed his time. She added, “He has also mentioned how he was able to meet so many people from so many other cultures. Being able to go overseas and living on a ship was a bonus and life experience he will never forget.” Born May 9, 1936, Favela was the oldest of 12 children. Although he didn’t grow up in Colton, he was raised right next door in San Bernardino, graduating from San Bernardino High School. According to Herrarte, he enjoyed Folklorico dancing, playing football, and was even a part of the band in middle and high school. He moved to Colton in 1968 and still currently resides here. After marrying his high school sweetheart Josephine (Gamboa) Favela, their three kids and even 6 of his grandchildren all graduated as Yellowjackets from Colton High School. “That is one of the main reasons we chose to hang the banner in front of Colton High. Past and future family members that attend there can be proud to say that’s my Grandpa,” said Herrarte. After returning from his service, Favela started working at the Norton Air Force Base as a Hazardous Cargo Inspector; he worked there for 36 years until his retirement in 1992. As opposed to their three children, Debra Chavez, Maryann Herrarte, and Michael Favela, they also now have 10 grandchildren and 17 great grandchildren. The idea to get Favela a military banner came from his youngest daughter Herrarte when she saw a someone else’s banner being installed earlier in the year. “We all [family] agreed it was a great idea and that our dad deserved to be honored,” she explained. His wife, children, and even grandchildren then all contributed to help pay for the banner. She shared that the day of his banner installation ceremony is one the whole family will never forget. “It was such an honor being there with our dad and seeing the look on his face was priceless; having close family and friends there made it really special,” she added. There were about 50 people that attended that all shared one common goal: to honor and support Favela. Herrarte also made arrangements to surprise her dad by inviting a few active Navy personnel including: Dalton Kotz NCI (SCW), Randy Tinoco ATZ (AW), and Cannon Okiharagaines. “When my dad saw them arrive he had the biggest smile on his face, I think that made it even more special,” she explained. Herrarte will like to give special thanks to her friend Luis Ortiz, whom is currently a Navy/Navy Seal reserve, for helping her get in contact with those gentlemen. “We were honored to have you there,” she added. One of Favela’s special, long-time friends Juan Caldera also attended to show his support. According to Herrarte, they have been friends since 1955 and have a unique story behind their friendship. They both enlisted at the same time and were assigned to the same ship for two years. They didn’t realize that they grew up in the same are in San Bernardino until after they became good friends. Caldera and his wife Clara are also Godparents to Favela’s daughter Debra. “They are still friends today but even more so like family,” Herrarte said. “I’m sure he was just as honored to be there as my dad was honored to have him there.” “Being a Veteran means a lot to my dad, especially when he’s wearing one of his Navy veteran hats or shirts, people always thank him for his service, which is very rewarding for him,” Herrarte shared. “It was such an awesome day and without all of you this day wouldn’t have been possible.” Here are a list of people that attended the ceremony to honor Favela: Micheal Favela (Honoree), Josie Favela, Debra Chavez, Michael Favela 3rd, Maryann Herrarte, Gerber Herrarte, Willie Bermudez, Nicole Bermudez, James Chavez, Desiree Chavez, Isabelle Chavez,Tricia Favela, Michael Anthony Favela, Larena Tucker, Leeana Tucker, Larry Tucker Jr., Kimberly Espino, Brenda Figueroa, Joseph Tucker, Athena Perez, Frank and Rosa Perez, Jesse (Fally) Favela, Minnie Serrano, Lela Arrieta and her grandson, Velia Favela, Jeannette Nava, Lizzie Delgado and JJ, Rudy Favela, Jay Mota, Richard and Lety Romero, Art Gamboa, Steve Gamboa, Yolanda Lopez, Norma Nash, Sam Pagdilao, David Garcia, Joe Ybarra, Juan Caldera, Clara Caldera, and Pauline Roque. Daughter Maryann Herrarte shares a heartfelt quote she found: "Behind every strong Sailor there is an even a stronger family who stands by them, supports them, and loves them with all their heart."