Local Man Named that of Distinction

Community members gathered to honor and recognize 8 men in the Inland Empire who have demonstrated their commitment and dedication to the people of their communities. Randall Ceniceros, Alan Dyer, Richard Loder, Ratibu Jaycocks, Danny Marquez, Kermit Moss, Carlos Teran, and Matthew Slowik were honored for the work they have done. On Friday, June 20th 2014, the second annual, “Men of Distinction” recognition program was held at the Grand Terrace Community Center. California State Assemblymember Cheryl R. Brown of the 47th Assembly District presented the eight men with gift baskets and certificates and introduced them to their friends and families. Brown shared that each man who received the distinction is, “self-sacrificing by nature and purely motivated to serve others. Each honoree shares the common values which are considered most admirable. These Men of Distinction are problem solvers and navigators.” Brown would like to host this event every year and, “believes men should be recognized for the good things they do for the community.” The program started off with an invocation by Pastor Andy McRae of Azure Hills Seventh Day Adventist Church in Grand Terrace. Azure Hills helped make the afternoon event possible through donations and support. Before the event began, a group of young girls from The Rec Center in Grand Terrace led everyone in the Pledge of Allegiance and performed an excerpt from The Star Spangled Banner. Cheryl R. Brown presented the honorees and recognized some people important to her and the fruition of the event such as Jon Gaede whom she spoke to in front of the audience saying, “You are a true champion, you did everything I wanted and I’m very happy,” and Darren W. Parker whom she shared he is, ”Someone who is here for me and I really appreciate what he does.” Brown also acknowledged former Assemblymember Wilmer Amina Carter and said, “I wouldn’t be here today without her.” Brown shared at the beginning of the program there are three components that these men share: “Character, service, and leadership. They forge ahead not by polls, but by knowing what’s right. Their engine runs on constant desire to serve others and they have a sense of leadership and purpose." Richard Loder is a lifelong resident of Grand Terrace and is a devoted supporter and volunteer of numerous youth sports organizations designed to develop and mentor the youth of the community. Richard is an active volunteer with the Grand Terrace Cub Scouts, serving as assistant cub master, Den Leader and Committee Chair. He has also served as the Vice President of Grand Terrace Soccer. Youth Sports Activities and the beautification and preservation of the common areas of Grand Terrace are very important to Richard Loder. He loves his city and would do anything to improve the local environment for the community. His parents, Ron and Jan Martin, wife Trudi, and daughter Taylor came to support him and Taylor said, “I think he’s an awesome dad, I’m so proud of him and he does a lot for me and the community.” After receiving his certificate Loder said, “I was so bad as a kid, but check it out” and held out his certificate for his mom to see, which brought laughter from the audience. Some of the men spoke and acknowledged their family after receiving their awards. Ratibu Jacocks shared. “You have made me feel special and I mean that with all my heart. In order to get his, you need to be an insider and it make me feel included, you can’t call me an outsider.” Jacocks stated, “I am a problem solver, idea giver and a catalyst for positive action.” Danny Marquez served in the United States Army from 1976-1979 and is a 33-year veteran of the United States Postal Service. He shared, “I would like to personally thank the assemblywoman for this honor. Before he sat down, Marquez said, “All of us need to work together to bring resources to the community and acknowledged his “lovely wife Diana.” At the end of event amidst the picture taking and the proud friends and family present, Brown ended the event by saying, “God bless and God keep you and I pray you have a wonderful rest of the day.”