2013 Veteran’s Recognition Ceremony
Assemblymember Holden honors Nathan Kemnitz an Iraqi War Veteran at the State Capitol Veteran’s Recognition Ceremony on June 26, 2013
Sacramento – “Throughout the history of the United States, ordinary men and women have been inspired to do extraordinary things for this country. Nathan Kemnitz is one of those ordinary men whose heroic deeds we honor today,” said Assemblymember Chris Holden (D-Pasadena).
In a ceremony at the State Capitol, Assemblymember Holden introduced Nathan Kemnitz, the 41st Assembly District’s Veteran of the Year, who has a compelling personal story.
Nathan Kemnitz represents what is best in America. He served this country proudly as a Marine in the Iraq War during Operation Enduring Freedom. In 2004, Nathan was severely injured by an explosive device which left him blind in one eye and with traumatic damage to his right arm and shoulder. He came home to Texas with a Purple Heart and a hero’s welcome.
Nathan overcame many challenges undergoing over 25 surgeries and spending 3 years in and out of the hospital. He moved to Pasadena for a fresh start and a second chance and it changed everything for him. He attended Pasadena City College and had the strength and smarts to ask for a helping hand from the Veterans’ Resource Center. Then he began helping others as President of the Veteran’s Club and a member of Sierra Madre’s VFW Post 3208.
Having overcome many obstacles and been given a second chance, he graduated from Pasadena City College with a 4.0 GPA and has been accepted to the University of Southern California for the fall.