#VeteranOfTheDay is Air Force Veteran Manuel Bacilio Olivarez

Today’s #VeteranOfTheDay is Air Force Veteran Manuel Bacilio Olivarez.

Manuel was born in Los Angeles, California. In 1968, he enlisted in the United States Air Force. From 1970 to 1974, he was stationed in Hawaii where he was assigned to Airframe Repair and worked on jet aircraft with two or more engines. His duties included maintenance repairs on nose gear and main landing gear, rigging for tail rudder, wing flaps and engines. He was also certified to perform engine runs after repairs were complete.

While stationed in Hawaii, Manuel was deployed to Thailand, New Zealand, Australia and Pago Pago in America Samoa during the Vietnam War. When he returned to the U.S., he was stationed at Norton Air Force Base until 1989. Upon leaving active duty, Manuel served in the reserves for 11 years during which he supported troops in the Gulf War and during Operation Desert Storm.

As a civil servant, Manuel worked for 13 years in as an inspector for the Department of the Air Force. He was an also employee for the San Bernardino Unified School District for five years.

Manuel is a member of the Disabled American Veterans and the American Legion of Highland, California. He is also a member of the Veterans group of Norton Air Force Base Museum.

Manuel also participated in a writing and poetry group at VA Loma Linda Health Care System. Through their writing, each Veteran member of the group shares their experiences. Their stories were compiled together and published into a book.

Thank you for your service, Manuel!

Nominate a Veteran for #VeteranOfTheDay

Do you want to light up the face of a special Veteran? Have you been wondering how to tell your Veteran they are special to you? You’re in luck! VA’s #VeteranOfTheDay social media feature is an opportunity to highlight your Veteran and his/her service.

It’s easy to nominate a Veteran. All it takes is an email to newmedia@va.gov with as much of the information as you can put together with some good photos. Visit our blog post about nominating for how to create the best submission.

Graphic By Kierra Willis: Kierra Willis is a Graphic Communication Major at the University of Maryland University College. She currently has an AAS in Graphic Design and Visual Communications.