Irvine, CA – In honor of Veterans Day, Assemblywoman Cottie Petrie-Norris hosted the seventh 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.
“Today, we honor veterans who embody the very best of service, both in uniform and beyond,” said Assemblymember Cottie Petrie-Norris (D-Irvine). “Specialist Charles Wolfe, Petty Officer Harwood Garland II, and Captain Elizabeth Buckley exemplify the extraordinary commitment of those who continue to lead and serve long after their military service. Each of them has made lasting contributions to our community — from mentoring veterans and supporting local organizations to uplifting and inspiring others through their example. Their courage, compassion, and leadership enrich Orange County and 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, UC Irvine, Irvine Valley College, veteran service organizations, and local nonprofit organizations.
2025 Veterans of the Year Honorees:
Charles Wolfe, Specialist, U.S. Army
A Vietnam Veteran and longtime Costa Mesa resident, Charles Wolfe has dedicated his life to service—both to his country and his community. He enlisted in the U.S. Army in 1966, serving along the Korean Demilitarized Zone and later in Vietnam with the 101st Airborne Division. As part of the Forward Logistics Element for the 3rd Brigade, he supported frontline operations and was wounded in action—an enduring mark of his courage and commitment. After returning home, Charles worked at the Naval Weapons Station Seal Beach and the U.S. Postal Service in Huntington Beach. Since purchasing his Costa Mesa home in 1976, he’s remained active through the Costa Mesa Police and Fire Citizens’ Academies and the American Legion Newport Harbor Post 291. Charles exemplifies integrity, service, and community.
Harwood Garland II, Petty Officer 2nd Class, U.S. Navy
Petty Officer Harwood Garland II served in the U.S. Navy as an infantry medic with the 3rd Marine Regiment and a shipboard medic aboard the USS Kearsarge. His service earned him the Navy Achievement Award, Good Conduct Medal, Iraq Campaign Medal, and multiple warfare specialist insignias. After his service, Garland earned degrees from UC Irvine in Cultural Anthropology, Biomedical and Translational Science, and Medicine, Science & Technology Studies. He is now pursuing a Ph.D. in Population Health & Disease Prevention with a focus on veteran suicide prevention. At UCI, he became an inaugural instructor in California’s first Veterans Studies Certificate Program and helped launch The Weight We Carry memorial in Aldrich Park, honoring fallen service members. A first-generation college graduate, Garland bridges research, mentorship, and service to elevate veterans’ voices in academia and beyond.
Elizabeth “Libby” Buckley, Captain, U.S. Air Force
Captain Elizabeth “Libby” Buckley served in the U.S. Air Force, excelling in the medical laboratory field where she upheld rigorous standards and supported Air Force healthcare operations with skill and care. Her service shaped the leadership, integrity, and discipline she continues to exemplify today. After settling in Tustin, Libby dedicated herself to community service—mentoring youth at the Boys & Girls Club, supporting seniors, preserving local history, and volunteering with the Tustin Area Council for Fine Arts and the Tustin Community Foundation. Her decades of involvement earned her recognition as a “Superhero of Tustin” and Grand Marshal of the Tustin Tiller Days Parade. Through her volunteerism and leadership, Libby continues to inspire her neighbors and strengthen the Tustin community she proudly calls home.