State Assemblyman, Katcho Achadjian, (R-San Luis Obispo) recently honored an Atascadero man as the 35th Assembly District’s “2015 Veteran of the Year” during the Assemblyman’s 5th Annual Armed Forces Day Celebration.
Col. William Hatch of Atascadero was given the honor on May 16. “Colonel William Hatch has spent much of his life dedicated to protecting our great nation,” Achadjian said. “He is a highly respected and decorated war veteran whose courage and selfless action from his time in the military has proven helpful in serving the people of our community.”
An U.S. Army officer for over 28 years plus an additional 14 years as a senior officer and commander in the California National Guard, Col. Hatch’s service includes Operation Desert Storm and command of both Camp San Luis Obispo and Camp Roberts. Beyond his roles in the Armed Forces, Col. Hatch is an active community leader, having served as treasurer for the San Luis Obispo Chapter of the American Red Cross, president of the Kiwanis Club of Atascadero and president and founding leader of the Atascadero Veterans Memorial Foundation.
“The Armed Forces Day Celebration is a great opportunity to honor and thank the heroes who live in our own community,” said Achadjian. “Every veteran deserves our recognition and thanks for their duty and sacrifice to our country and to the Central Coast.”
Each year as part of his annual Veteran of the Year and Armed Forces Day Celebration, Achadjian selects one outstanding veteran to honor as the 35th Assembly District Veteran of the Year. In addition to being honored at a local ceremony, Col. Hatch will join Achadjian in Sacramento on June 24, where he and veterans from across the state will be honored during a special ceremony.