Iraq Veteran Honored For Service To Community

With his long-term military tour of duty in southern California coming to a close, a Seal Beach resident and Lieutenant Colonel in the U.S. Army was honored recently for his service to the country and the local community. With hugs of appreciation and prayers for their safety, members of Cypress Church said goodbye to Steve and Laura Matayoshi who are moving on to their next assignment in Carlisle Barracks, Pennsylvania, where Steve will be attending the Army War College.

For the last six years, the Matayoshi family, including daughters Cassie and Kara, have called the Seal Beach Naval Weapons Station home. During that time Steve has had varied assignments in the local area and he just returned in June from a year long deployment to Iraq. He served there as the S4 Supply Officer with the 244th Aviation Brigade, Det.15.

Laura, who was formerly on active duty in the Army, served the community through teaching dance at the church and sharing her love of duty, God and country through weekly devotional emails. In addition both Steve and Laura served as the leaders of the Community Life Group home Bible study ministry at Cypress Church.

Their daughter Cassie is an active member of the U.S. Air Force and is currently serving in Germany as an Airman First Class in the computer and communications security field. Kara, who graduated in June from Los Alamitos High School, will be studying at the Art Institute in Chicago, Illinois in the Fall.

"Cypress Church will really miss the entire Matayoshi family," said Outreach Director Bob Koehler. "They have been very active by opening their home for Bible studies and fellowship groups. Steve and Laura did an excellent job as leaders of our 40 Days of Community campaign in 2008 and Kara organized our Valentine Dinner Dance just a few months ago. They are true servant leaders and we have always been able to count on them to reach out to others in the name of Jesus."

The Cypress Church campus is located at 6143 Ball Road just east of Valley View. The public is welcome at Sunday services and Bible studies that are held at 8:45 and 10:30 a.m. as well as many other activities throughout each week. Information about the church is available at (714) 952-3001 or online at http://www.cypresschurch.net. The public may also interact with the Cypress Church community on Facebook, Twitter and Livestream.

Photo Caption: L to R: Lt. Col. Steve Matayoshi, his daughter Kara and wife Laura at the June 10 “farewell” dinner Cypress Church held in their honor.

Cypress Church - 6143 Ball Rd. - Cypress, CA 90630 - Phone: (714) 952-3001 - www.cypresschurch.net

Veterans Honored at Cypress Senior Center

The Cypress Senior Center held their annual Veterans Day Tribute on Tuesday, November 10th. Veterans from all five major branches of the United States Armed Forces were honored by the staff and volunteers at the Center.

The ceremonies began with a flag folding ceremony presented by members of the local chapter of the 82nd Airborne Association. The uniformed Honor Guard marched in precision formation and then conducted their unique flag-folding ceremony. The men of the 82nd stated that the first fold they make represents life and the second fold is symbolic of their belief in eternal life. When the flag is completely folded, only stars are showing and that reminds them of our national motto: “In God We Trust.” The flag folding ceremony closed with the bugle sounding “Taps” in honor of our fallen veterans.

Next was the flag salute followed by the singing of “God Bless America” led by Bella Tan and Irene Elser. Recreation Coordinator Teena Tomlinson thanked the event sponsors. These included: Vitas Hospice Care, Robin Ramirez from Forest Lawn, Linda Cook from MD Care, Harry Hedrick, Carol Fukuroku, the Queen Mary, In-N-Out Burgers, the Sunshine Club and Sam’s Club. There was a “Wall of Honor” photo display with pictures of local veterans.

About 150 Cypress area residents participated in the event. Jeff Draper from the Cypress Senior Center staff presented a video tribute to all of the veterans who attend activities at the Senior Center. Entertainment was provided by tap dancers Jessica and Shayna Vasquez who danced to “Boogie Woogie Bugle Boy” and “Zoot Suit.” Pianist Irene Elser played patriotic music for the crowd. Veterans from each branch of the military stood when they heard their theme song played.

The Veterans Tribute was organized by Teena Tomlinson, Jeff Draper and Adrianna Hyta from Cypress Recreation and Community Services. They were assisted by a number of local volunteers including a team from Cypress Church located near Ball and Valley View.

The kitchen crew and volunteers prepared and served a delicious meal that included meat, mashed potatoes, vegetables, roll and beverages. The delicious dessert cake was donated by Emeritus at Valley View Senior Living. The Cypress Senior Center is located at 9031 Grindlay just south of Lincoln. The Center provides a wide range of services for local residents. Information is available at (714) 229-2005.

Click HERE to view slideshow of Veterans event.

For information about Cypress Church community service team volunteers you may call: (714) 952-3001