Honoring Lake County Veterans Killed in Action
Lake County Board of Supervisors and Key Veterans Host Historic Veterans Mission Presentation
Community members, key veteran figures and organizations and County leaders came together to honor 30 service members from Lake County who gave their lives in combat, with heartfelt tributes, plaques, and a military honors ceremony.
On May 20, 2025, the Lake County Board of Supervisors hosted a Veterans Mission Presentation, by Rick Mayo, Vice President of We Serve Veterans, Inc.
During the Board meeting, the Board of Supervisors was presented with a Veterans Appreciation plaque and an additional plaque listing 30 Lake County veterans killed in action since World War I. Board Chair and District 3 Supervisor Eddie Crandell read the names of the 30 fallen veterans. From Lake County, the first veteran killed in action was Joy Madeiros, who was killed in France in 1918, after whom the Veterans Museum in Lakeport was named.
Representatives of organizations delivering services to Lake County’s veterans provided a brief overview of the support and services they offer:
Dave Waldschmitt, United Veterans Council
Cindy Sobel, Joy Maderios Veteran Museum
Rooster, Konocti American Legion Post 437
Irl Moorehouse, Clearlake Veterans of Foreign Wars (V.F.W.) Post 2337
Mike Marshall, Kelseyville American Legion Post 194
Dean Gotham, Vietnam Veterans of America Post 951
Ken Shaw, Vet Connect of Lake County
Mike Dean, Avenue of Flags, Lake County
Ginny Craven, Operation Tango Mike
Dennis Alexander, Moose Lodge Post 2284
Patrick Prather, Patriot Guard Riders; Dave Waldschmitt spoke on his behalf
Stephen Boone, Military Funeral Honors Team of Lake County
Each Board Supervisor expressed their heartfelt gratitude and deep respect for our veterans in Lake County and across the country. After the special indoor presentation, participants who were able then walked to the front steps of the Courthouse, where the Lake County Military Funeral Honors Team conducted a Department of Defense-authorized Military Funeral Ceremony. The tribute honored local veterans killed in action and featured rifle volleys, ceremonial gunshots fired in rapid succession. To close the ceremony, the team played “Taps” through a 360-watt stereo system built by Rick Mayo into a 50-caliber ammunition box.
Many thanks to Rick Mayo, Dave Waldschmitt (President, We Serve Veterans, Inc., and Chairman, Joy Madeiros Veterans Museum), Stephen Boone (Featured Speaker) and Wally Hammond (Interim Commander, Lake County Military Funeral Honors Team) for their considerable work and coordination, and to Dale Stoebe, Chief of Police and the Lakeport City Council for making accommodations to provide for this historic presentation.
To watch the special presentation, click here.
This moving tribute served as a solemn reminder of the sacrifices made by Lake County’s fallen heroes. The County extends its deep gratitude to all who helped make the commemoration possible.