Senator Dahle and I attended a Veterans Day event in Shasta County honoring former Senator Maurice Johannessen for his service to our country and the North State. Senator Johannessen joined the army during the Korean War after emigrating to the U.S. from Oslo, Norway. His understanding of veterans and what they experience drove him to fight for better services and facilities in the North State and throughout all of California. Senator Johannessen was instrumental in the funding and creation of the California Veterans Home in Redding as well as the Northern California Veterans Cemetery in Igo. During his time as Secretary of the California Department of Veterans Affairs, he refocused the department’s efforts to building Veterans Homes and improving California’s overall support to veterans.
In addition to his work with veterans, Senator Johannessen and his wife, Marianne, have contributed to many community based projects in and around Shasta County including: restoration of the Cascade Theatre, Redding Trail System expansion, contributions to local law enforcement’s K-9 programs, and much more.
We were joined at the event by local leaders, elected officials, law enforcement, and many organizations that provide support to veterans. Thank you to Carl and Linda Bott of Redding’s KCNR Radio for organizing this special Veterans Day event. Special thanks to Kim Chamberlain for decades of work on veterans’ causes in Shasta County, such as organizing an annual event honoring Korean War veterans like Senator Johannessen. It was a pleasure to be part of this celebration.
The recognition of Senator Johannessen and the stories shared by those whose lives he has impacted was truly special. I hope you had a pleasant Veterans Day celebrating those who have sacrificed so much for our country.
