Irvine, CA – In honor of Veterans Day, Assemblywoman Cottie Petrie-Norris hosted the eighth annual Veterans of the Year Ceremony at Irvine Valley College, where three distinguished veterans were recognized for their exemplary military service and enduring contributions to fellow veterans and the Orange County community.
“It is a privilege to recognize Lance Corporal Kenneth Jackson, Petty Officer Rose Adon, and Sergeant Garrison De Vine for their service to our country, local veterans and business community,” said Assemblymember Cottie Petrie-Norris (D-Irvine). “Their dedication and sacrifice reflect the values that make our veteran community such an important part of Orange County. Today, we honor not only their military service, but also the commitment and character they represent. We owe our veterans a debt of gratitude, and it is important that we continue to recognize their contributions and ensure they receive the support and respect they deserve.”
Supporting our veterans means ensuring they have access to the housing, services, and resources they need to thrive. Assemblywoman Petrie-Norris secured $2.9 million in state funding for Orange County United Way’s WelcomeHomeOC program, which has helped 242 veteran households experiencing homelessness move into housing. She also helped advance efforts to establish an Orange County Veterans Cemetery and coauthored legislation supporting the project. In addition, she authored AB 558, signed into law in 2019, to expand access to pro bono legal assistance for active-duty service members and their families. Through these efforts, she continues to advocate for the well-being and recognition of those who have served our nation.
This year’s ceremony was hosted at Irvine Valley College and attended by dignitaries and community leaders from the cities of Costa Mesa, Irvine, and Tustin, as well as representatives from the South Orange County Community College District, Tustin Unified School District Board of Trustees, Irvine Valley College, veteran service organizations, and local nonprofit organizations.
2026 Veterans of the Year Honorees
Kenneth Jackson, Lance Corporal, U.S. Marine Corps Reserve
Kenneth “Kenny” Jackson answered the call to serve in the Marine Corps Reserve, rising to the rank of Lance Corporal. An Orange County native and proud Cal State Fullerton graduate, Kenny carried the discipline and values he learned in uniform into a remarkable 27-year career at Toyota and Lexus, building a reputation for dedication and excellence. He later followed his heart to Triangle Square, where he opened LJ’s Lounge on the upper level and named it in honor of his mother, Linda Jean. Today, it stands as one of the region’s few Black- and veteran-owned culinary ventures, where neighbors gather for soulful, Southern-inspired dishes, weekend brunch, and live music.
Rose Adon, Petty Officer 2nd Class, U.S. Navy
Rose Adon served in the U.S. Navy as an E-5 Aircrew Survival Equipmentman, or Parachute Rigger, completing multiple deployments aboard ships and on the ground. Today, she serves as Senior Veterans Specialist at Irvine Valley College, where she helps veterans and military-connected students access education benefits, student services, and career resources. With more than a decade of experience in veteran services, Rose draws on her own experience as a post-9/11 veteran to support others navigating the transition to civilian life. She is also a lead facilitator for Operation Harmony, a women veterans peer support group, and works with the California Department of Veterans Affairs to advocate for women veterans and expand awareness of available resources. Fluent in English, Spanish, and Arabic, Rose is dedicated to helping veterans and their families achieve their educational and career goals.
Garrison De Vine, Sergeant, U.S. Marine Corps
Garrison De Vine is a U.S. Marine Corps veteran of the Iraq War who served at the rank of Sergeant and has dedicated more than a decade to serving the Tustin community. As Recreation Supervisor in the City’s Human Services Division, he oversees the Tustin Area Senior Center, Tustin Family and Youth Center, and Senior Transportation Program, connecting older adults, youth, and families with resources and opportunities to stay active and engaged. Garrison also brings the community together through local events, including as chair of the Tustin Street Fair and Chili Cook-Off, and supports the city’s Memorial Day and Veterans Day observances. His community service includes helping residents displaced by the 2020 Chatham Village apartment fire, assisting with the response to the 2023 Tustin North Hangar fire, and coordinating food assistance for seniors during the COVID-19 pandemic.
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Assemblywoman Cottie Petrie-Norris represents California’s 73rd District including Irvine, Costa Mesa, and Tustin. She is the Chair of the Utilities and Energy Committee. She is also a member of the Budget Committee; Economic Development, Growth, and Household Impact Committee; Insurance Committee; and Privacy and Consumer Protection Committee. After working her way through Yale University, where she double majored in Economics and English, Cottie had a successful 20-year career in finance and technology. She helped to build businesses and led teams at Fortune 500 corporations, small companies and start-ups. Follow the Assemblywoman on Instagram (@asmcottie), and Facebook (AssemblywomanCPN).