12/23/2025
December 19, 2025, WWII Veteran, John "Bud" Mathias celebrated his 100th birthday at Vista Rosa Assisted Living Facility, surrounded by his family and neighbors. Bud served in the Navy as a gunner on a landing craft at the Normandy invasion. Later, he was a salvage diver with the Coast Guard. Patriots of Welcome Home Military Heroes, Patriot Guard Riders, SLO Veteran Center, Vietnam Veterans of America, and American Legion were present to sing Happy Birthday, and present Certificates of Appreciation, Challenge Coins, Mail, and a hearty "Welcome Home!" There were two more WWII veterans, Bill Harlan, who was part of the presentation. Another resident of the facility is also a WWII veteran.
