June 2015 - Sacramento – Senator Tom Berryhill (R-Twain Harte) announces John “ Top” Schuler has been named the 8th Senate District’s Veteran of the Year. Schuler and other veterans were honored at the eighth annual Veterans’ Recognition Luncheon at Sacramento’s Convention Center.
Mr. Schuler, a veteran of Desert Storm and Vietnam, served in the United States Army for 25 years and was awarded the Purple Heart. Like so many veterans, John’s dedication and service to our country did not stop upon leaving the Army. For the last 26 years, he has tirelessly worked on national and state veteran’s causes. This year alone, he estimates he has completed over 2,100 volunteer hours.
“John is a true force of nature for our veterans,” Berryhill said. “He goes the extra mile, doing whatever it takes, to ensure the men and women who have so honorably served our country are not forgotten. His passion and dedication to the veterans of Central California are unparalled.”
John’s reputation as the "go-to person" for veterans’ support issues and, in particular, his expertise in the development and organization of local Stand Downs, extends well beyond the Central Valley to areas throughout California. The Central Valley Veterans’ Stand Down is the only one in California that has expanded to a four-day event, with veterans from all over the state traveling to attend. This success can be directly attributed to John’s efforts. In addition, he assists with the Modesto, Auberry/Coarsegold, and Ridgecrest Stand Downs.
Along with his Stand Down success, John is a charter member and vice president of Central Valley Veterans. He travels up and down the Valley picking up donations and delivering them to needy veterans and their families. Central Valley Veterans is well known as an organization that stands ready to fill the gaps in serving our local veterans, which includes providing emergency housing, furniture, car repairs, food, utility payments, education supplies, and holiday gifts - another success that can be attributed directly to John’s involvement.
In partnership with U.S. Army Corp of Engineers, John has established an annual “Wounded Warrior” fishing derby on Pine Flat called “Warriors on the Lake.” He has also served as both Chair and Co-Chair of the Fresno County Veterans Employment Committee and is a member of the Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 8900 and the American Legion Post 509.
“It is an honor to recognize John “Top” Schuler as my 2015 Veteran of the Year,” said Berryhill. “He is truly an example to us all and a credit to our country.”
He and his wife, Cheri, have been married for 17 years, have three children, and three grandchildren.
