La Sierra University chapel service to salute campus, community veterans

“Veterans Day holds a deep and sacred meaning in my heart,” Bravo said. “[It] reminds me of the faith, strength, and unity that carried us through the challenges of service. It’s a day to honor every man and woman who stood ready to protect others, and to remember that our calling doesn’t end when we take off the uniform—it continues in how we live, lead, and love others every day. I thank God for allowing me to serve my country and for using that chapter of my life to draw me closer to Him.”

To honor the U.S. military veterans among its campus members and community as well as those around the nation, La Sierra University on Tuesday, November 11, Veterans Day, will hold a special chapel service featuring military veteran speakers, a vegetarian barbecue lunch and patriotic music. The event is free and open to the public. 

The service will begin at 11 a.m. at the La Sierra University Church and will feature veteran tributes and a keynote feature with music by Department of Music students and faculty. The university invites campus and community members who are veterans to attend in Class A or B dress uniform. Participating veterans will be offered special seating and all veterans will be recognized. 

Veterans in uniform wishing to sit in choir loft special seating need to arrive at the church by 10:45 a.m. 

The barbecue lunch will be held following chapel on La Sierra’s Founders’ Green with music provided by the university’s Wind Ensemble. 

The celebration of Veterans Day dates to Nov. 11, 1918 when World War I hostilities ceased, noting the end of the “war to end all wars.” The day has since been recognized on November 11 to honor America’s veterans for their patriotism and willingness to serve and to sacrifice.

La Sierra University is a participant in the Yellow Ribbon Program through the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA). In partnership with the VA, the university helps cover gaps of up to 50% between tuition costs and the amount of tuition paid for by the Post-9/11 GI Bill® for eligible military members. The school’s contribution is matched by the VA. (GI Bill® is a registered trademark of the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA)

“Our university is proud to honor our U.S. veterans, many of whom have sacrificed their wellbeing and many others their lives for our country,” said La Sierra University President Christon Arthur. “We are especially pleased to offer the Yellow Ribbon Program to members of our military community and stand ready to support and nurture them along their educational journey. Our university is rooted in the call for liberty and justice, for equity and equality. Our table welcomes all, in particular our service community members.”

The chapel program will feature an interview with Senior Master Sergeant Vincent G. Daino (U.S. Air Force, Retired), a Riverside resident, former university employee and husband of Julie Daino, budget and financial analyst in La Sierra University’s Financial Administration office. On Nov. 12, SMSgt Daino will also be among those honored by the city of Riverside in an inaugural recognition program.

SMSgt Daino served his nation for 32 years in the U.S. Army and U.S. Air Force. His service transpired across five continents and in four operational specialties: combat medic, cavalry scout, flight medic, and air/space operator. 

SMSgt Daino began his career as a paratrooper and combat medic with the Army stationed at Fort Lewis, Washington. During this time, he deployed as a peacekeeper to Sinai, Egypt in 1988 as part of the Multinational Force and Observers mission. Following active-duty Army, he continued his commitment to duty in the California Army National Guard. 

In 1995, SMSgt Daino transitioned to the U.S. Air Force Reserve at March Air Force Base, California, where he served as a flight medic with the 452nd Aeromedical Evacuation Squadron. He later transferred to McChord Air Force Base (now Joint Base Lewis-McChord) and joined the 446th Aeromedical Evacuation Squadron. 

In early 2001, he joined the Washington Air National Guard and became an Aerospace Operator assigned to the Western Air Defense Sector. In the immediate aftermath of 9/11, SMSgt Daino and his unit, alongside their sister sectors SEADS and NEADS, played a critical role in the national airspace shutdown. 

After two years, he received his final assignment at March Air Reserve Base as an aerospace operator where he trained and deployed to Osan Air Base, South Korea, while also supporting NATO operations at Poggio Renatico, Italy. He honorably retired from the United States Air Force on June 1, 2019, concluding a distinguished 32-year military career. 

Bravo and other veteran campus members will also participate in the Veterans Day program on November 11. Bravo served as a SPC- Specialist based out of Fort Leonard Wood in Missouri and in Irvine, California. She is the only member in her family to join the service. “One of the many benefits I have gained was learning discipline, structure, and a great sense of leadership,” she said. “I am a role model to my nieces and nephew who I hope one day, see how far I've come in life thanks to serving in the military.

“My parents made the ultimate sacrifice by coming to the United States so that my brothers and I can have a better life. I enlisted because I wanted to serve my country and give back.”

Dora Clarke-Pine, associate professor in the School of Education holds a Ph.D. in counseling psychology from Andrews University. She is also the university’s Faculty Senate Chair. 

Clarke-Pine joined the military in 1989 as one of only four selected for an American Psychological Association-approved paid internship, which she needed to complete her doctoral degree. She served until 1995 and achieved the rank of captain.

During her internship she functioned as a psychology associate and after internship completion was listed as a clinical psychologist. Her internship took place at General Dwight D. Eisenhower Army Medical Center in Ft. Gordan, Georgia.

She also served as an army psychologist, Chief of Psychology Services, and Command Duty Officer at Ft. Leonard Wood Army Community Hospital in Ft. Leonard Wood, Missouri. She was also director of the biofeedback center.

Clarke-Pine helped individuals in psychological distress with the core of her work dealing with dependents and retirees and their dependents. When on call, she served active-duty personnel.

“If I had known what I was getting into I likely would not have joined the military, but I am glad I did not because I learned so many things,” Clarke-Pine said. “[But] I had experiences that I never would have had and served in leadership positions I never would have been eligible for at the age I was.

“The military allowed me to have a vast number of clinical experiences that really taught me a lot about what works and does not work in the counseling field,” she said.

World Languages Department Chair Carlos Parra, who holds a Ph.D. in Romance Studies from Duke University, served two terms in the U.S. Air Force with honorable discharges. He was 26 years old when he joined. He served as a sergeant (NCO). 

Parra was based at Hill Air Force Based in Utah and was also temporary stationed in Panama as a paramedic-linguist. 

He joined initially in search of a career and discovered many unanticipated benefits including education and family. “I learned the power of listening, teamwork, and discipline, as much as of the reality of sacrifice, and of service at many levels and in many contexts,” he said. 

“[Veterans Day] means many things to me,” Parra said. “This is an opportunity not only to remember but also to witness and highlight the real notion of service and sacrifice for the benefit of the collective.”

For further information about the La Sierra University Veterans Day chapel service, please contact 951-785-2016 or [email protected]. La Sierra University Church is located at 4937 Sierra Vista Ave., Riverside.