MCAS Tustin Young Marines honor WWII Navajo code talkers
Sixteen MCAS Tustin Young Marines and adult volunteers from Santa Ana joined 76 fellow Young Marines youth members and adult volunteers from across the country in Window Rock, Arizona, recently to honor and learn from the World War II Navajo code talkers and their families.
The Navajo code talkers, selected by the U.S. Marine Corps, took part in every assault the Marines conducted in the Pacific from 1942 to 1945. They transmitted messages by telephone and radio in their native language, a code that the Japanese never broke.
Every year, the Navajo Nation celebrates this elite group of World War II veterans. To date, only two of the original 29 veterans remain.
The Young Marines have traveled to Arizona each year since 2006 (except during the pandemic) to celebrate the Navajo code talkers and to meet the few remaining survivors in person and to listen to their stories.
The MCAS Tustin Young Marines escorted these special veterans to various events. They planned and participated in a community service cleanup at Veterans Park and the Navajo Nation Zoo. The group also hiked Window Rock to the Navajo Code Talkers Monument and spent time at the Navajo Nation Museum, learning about the Navajo Nation and their contributions to the country’s history.
Another major activity during the three days of service was to hold a memorial service for the code talkers to commemorate their lives and the important work they did during the war.
The 16 Young Marines and adult volunteers from the MCAS Tustin are: Aaron Shrestha, Joshua Soria, AC McCabe, Andrew Vuong, Sandra Hurn, Jeremiah Hurn, Acelin Thomas, Brandon Montoya, Armani Montoya, Versace Montoya, Arav Lomash, Ayan Lomash, Connor Hurn, Kristina Thomas, Tracey Clark and Jean Yi.
The Young Marines is a national nonprofit youth leadership and development program for boys and girls age 8 through high school.
– Submitted by Young Marines
Mission Viejo native serves with U.S. Navy Patrol Squadron
Petty Officer 2nd Class Jake Preciado, a native of Mission Viejo, serves the U.S. Navy assigned to Patrol Squadron (VP) 16. Preciado graduated from Dana Hills High School in 2016.
“I lived near Camp Pendleton and participated in the Devil Pups, a month-and-a-half-long, military-style boot camp, during sophomore year,” Preciado said. “It changed my perspective on the military.”
Preciado joined the Navy eight years ago. Today, he serves as a naval aircrewman (operator).
“I originally joined the Navy to have years in service for a future local government office position,” Preciado said. “Now, I have grown to love what I do and want to continue serving until retirement.”
Members of VP-16 fly and maintain the Navy’s P-8A Poseidon multi-mission maritime aircraft. Designed to secure the Navy’s future in long-range maritime patrol capability, the P-8A has transformed how the Navy’s maritime patrol and reconnaissance force will train, operate and deploy, according to Navy officials. P-8A aircraft deploy around the globe to monitor the world’s oceans wherever they are needed.
“Serving means resilience, and I have learned to grow as an individual,” Preciado said. “I used to quit, but the Navy does not allow that mentality, especially as an aircrewman. If you quit, you fall behind in your qualifications and risk being dropped from the training pipeline.”
Preciado plans to continue his education while serving in the Navy.
“I am pursuing a law degree and completing the certification to start my master’s,” he said.
– Submitted by Chief Yeoman Vicki Sonnenberg, Navy Office of Community Outreach
Acaciawood Prep students recognized for documentary
The Lowell Milken Center for Unsung Heroes recognized Poiema Bernier and Lucas Menendez, students at Acaciawood Preparatory Academy in Anaheim, for receiving the $2,000 Outstanding Middle School Project Award in the 2025 international Discovery Award competition.
Guided by teacher Carolin Menendez, the two students created the documentary “Mi Casa Es Mi Casa: Alex Bernal’s Fight for Housing Desegregation,” which sheds light on the courageous efforts of Bernal, a Mexican American veteran who challenged discriminatory housing practices and advanced fair housing rights in 1940s Orange County.
Through their project, Poiema and Lucas share how Bernal’s determination to stand against housing segregation not only impacted his Fullerton community, but also helped pave the way for greater equity and justice nationwide.
“Poiema and Lucas’ documentary reminds us of the power of one person to fight injustice and create lasting change,” said Lowell Milken Center CEO Norm Conard. “By uncovering Alex Bernal’s story, they’ve ensured that his legacy of fairness and equality continues to inspire future generations.”
The Discovery Award invites students worldwide in grades 4 through 12 to research and share the stories of unsung heroes through performances, documentaries and websites.
– Submitted by Milken Family Foundation
Laguna Niguel resident battling ALS benefits from national campaign
A Laguna Niguel man battling ALS received a new heating and cooling system from local providers. Triton Air & Plumbing joined forces with Lennox HVAC company through Lennox’s nationwide “Feel The Love” campaign.
Recipients Darin and Denise Nakakihara were selected for their resilience and inspiring story. Darin was diagnosed with ALS in late 2023 and has been open about his journey on social media, sharing both the daily challenges of his diagnosis and the unwavering love and support of his wife, Denise.
“The ‘Feel The Love’ program gives us an opportunity to make a meaningful difference in local families’ lives, and we are grateful to be part of it once again,” said Ben Baker, director of operations at Triton Air & Plumbing.
“Feel The Love” partners with local HVAC companies to provide deserving families with new heating and cooling systems, free of charge. For this installation, Lennox donated the equipment while Triton Air & Plumbing contributed its expert installation services at no cost.
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