91-Year-Old Coltonite Honored for Service by Kayla Sheldon - City News Group, Inc.

Community Calendar

◄ JUNE ►
S M T W T F S
31 01 02 03 04 05 06
07 08 09 10 11 12 13
14 15 16 17 18 19 20
21 22 23 24 25 26 27
28 29 30 01 02 03 04
View Events
Submit Events

91-Year-Old Coltonite Honored for Service

By Kayla Sheldon, Staff Writer
April 7, 2015 at 11:54am. Views: 68

91-year-old Coltonite Albert Gonzales was honored with a military banner installation ceremony this year, in which over 30 of his friends, family and loved ones gathered to celebrate by his side. Although born next door in Riverside, Gonzales was raised in Colton his entire life. According to Gonzales’s grandson Frank, he is rooted in Colton as he is Comanche Native American. “Our family goes far back into Colton’s history,” Frank shared. At age 18, Gonzales was a senior at Colton High School; however, before he was able to graduate, he was drafted into the US Army in 1943. Gonzales served for four years in the military, during which he was a part of four major battles, including the Battle of Normandy. Frank shared proudly that Gonzales is an Omaha Beach survivor, 29th recon. Gonzales served in combat as a 50 Caliber Machine Gunner on a tank. Gonzales shared that without the Canadians taking out the Cement Boxes with gunners inside of them, they wouldn't have been able to surpass the mission. The Omaha Scene in the 1998 war drama "Saving Private Ryan" is depicted very accurately, according to Gonzales. “ I lived the war just like the movie,” he said. Before he was drafted in the Army, Gonzales married his high school sweetheart Anita Gonzales, and they are still going strong. “This is the happiest marriage of my life,” he said while explaining their 71 years of being together. Although a large portion of family and friends were able to attend the installation ceremony of Gonzales’s banner, his grandson Frank was unable to attend since he lives in Sonoma County. After explaining the strong relationship between his family and Colton, Frank mentioned while chuckling, “I’m the only one who doesn’t live in Colton.” Although some were unable to attend, Gonzales was filled with pride as his military banner was installed. He added regarding his service, “I was making it safe for my country.”

Related Articles

Free Summer Meals Program for Children
Photo Courtesy of: City News Group Ai Generated Image

By Ruby Stephenson, Community Writer

June 10, 2026 at 03:10pm. Views: 389

Children and families can access free summer lunches at multiple locations throughout San Bernardino as part of the San Bernardino City Unified School District's Summer Meals 2026 program.

Lutheran Social Services Announces Opening of San Bernardino Community Wellness Center
Photo Courtesy of: Lutheran Social Services of Southern Calif.

By Barbara Kimler , Contributing Writer

June 3, 2026 at 12:04pm. Views: 746

The new $34.9 million Community Wellness Center in San Bernardino.

A Night of Freedom, Community, and Music
Photo Courtesy of: City of Moreno Valley

By Stella Pierce, Community Writer

June 10, 2026 at 03:10pm. Views: 353

Join us at the Civic Center Amphitheater on Friday, June 19, from 6:00 to 10:00 p.m. for a free celebration featuring delicious food, great musical acts, fun, and games for the entire family!

The Teen S.P.O.T.: Your Innovation Station
Photo Courtesy of: City of Moreno Valley

By William Cortez, Community Writer

June 10, 2026 at 03:10pm. Views: 257

Teen STEAM Camp held in partnership with Kids That Code! This program provides campers with an overview of essential technology subjects through hands-on project building.

Freedom is Even Better with Free Microchips
Photo Courtesy of: City of Moreno Valley

By Stella Pierce, Community Writer

June 10, 2026 at 03:10pm. Views: 332

Moreno Valley residents can get their pets microchipped for FREE at the Moreno Valley Animal Shelter — helping lost pets reunite with their families faster and at little to no cost.

Pet of the Week: Justin
Photo Courtesy of: City of Moreno Valley

By William Cortez, Community Writer

June 10, 2026 at 03:10pm. Views: 292

Justin. A one-year-old, male Siberian Husky-Akita mix.

SBCUSD HONORS LOCAL CAR CLUBS

Photo Courtesy of: San Bernardino County Unified School District

By William Cortez, Community Writer

June 10, 2026 at 03:10pm. Views: 368

San Bernardino City Unified School District Superintendent Mauricio Arellano rides in a classic Chevy Impala during the 2026 Black History Parade. The Impala was provided and driven by a member of the Them Foolz car club.

Athlete of the Week: Kobee Finniki
Photo Courtesy of: TME Photography by Titan Mom Elvira

By Titan Mom Elvira, Community Writer

June 10, 2026 at 03:10pm. Views: 483

Kobee Finnikin, a recent Corona High School graduate and California Baptist University baseball commit, has earned Athlete of the Week honors after an outstanding high school career highlighted by academic success, athletic excellence, and numerous accolades on the baseball field.

Dignity Health Highlights Water Safety as Summer Approaches
Photo Courtesy of: City News Group AI generated Image

By Ruby Stephenson, Community Writer

June 10, 2026 at 03:10pm. Views: 279

Families enjoy a day at the water while following important safety guidelines such as adult supervision, swimming near lifeguards, and using approved flotation devices.

Colton City Council Recognizes 16 Outstanding Teachers
Photo Courtesy of: Dr.G (Dr. Luis S. González)

By Dr.G (Dr. Luis S. González), Community Writer

June 10, 2026 at 03:10pm. Views: 325

Sixteen outstanding local teachers who were recognized by Colton City Council June 2, 2026

Inland Empire High School Students Are Eligible for CalKIDS Scholarships

Photo Courtesy of: CalKIDS

By Justus Baker-Postell, Community Writer

June 10, 2026 at 03:10pm. Views: 410

Students learn more about CalKIDS Scholarships at Cal Expo & State Fair

Jonathan Beauregard Honored with Black Rose Award
Photo Courtesy of: Jonathan Beauregard

By Carl M. Dameron, Contributing Writer

June 10, 2026 at 03:11pm. Views: 393

PHOTO CAPTION: “When I learned I had been selected, I felt deeply honored to be part of such a meaningful and lasting legacy. To be recognized as a Black Rose Award recipient is an honor I will carry with me for a lifetime,” said Black Rose Award winner Jonathan Beauregard.

--> -->