Pearl Harbor Survivor has Long Record of Service to his Community
SACRAMENTO
– Assemblymember Marty Block (AD-78) has recognized retired Naval Chief Warrant Officer Richard Peña as Veteran of the Year for the 78th Assembly District. Block honored Officer Peña at the Fourth Annual Veterans Recognition Luncheon held yesterday in Sacramento. Block highlighted Officer Peña’s service during the attack on Pearl Harbor and his ongoing commitment to his family and improving the lives of others in his San Diego community.
“Chief Warrant Officer Richard Peña has a long and distinguished naval career and I am proud to recognize him as Veteran of the Year in the 78th Assembly District,” said Assemblymember Block. “A Pearl Harbor survivor who demonstrated great commitment to our country in time of war, Officer Peña also served as an educator and school principal, and played a key role in founding the Bonita Museum and Historical Society. His continued service to his community is inspirational to us all and the district is a better place because of his contributions. Officer Peña is indeed, a poster child for the Greatest Generation.”
Officer Peña, originally from San Antonio, Texas, enlisted in the Navy in 1937 when he was 17. During World War II, he spent most of his time in the Pacific aboard the USS Detroit. He was stationed at Pearl Harbor on December 7, 1941 when the Empire of Japan attacked Pearl Harbor killing 2,402 servicemen and wounding 1,282 others.
Peña also served in the Korean War. Sixteen out of his 20 years in the Navy were spent at sea on various vessels in theaters of war in the Asiatic and Pacific regions.
After his retirement on October 1, 1957, as a Chief Warrant Officer, he obtained his teaching credential and master’s degree at San Diego State. He spent 20 years as a classroom teacher and school principal primarily in southeast San Diego.
“As a long-time resident of the 78th Assembly District, I am deeply honored by this recognition,” said Officer Peña. “San Diego has an extremely active veterans population and we remain dedicated to improving our communities. I am glad to see Assemblymember Block focused on issues that affect us and I thank him for this award.”
Since his retirement from San Diego City Schools in 1978, Peña has written a weekly column for the Chula Vista Star News. He and his wife of 65 years reside in Bonita where they raised three children, in the 78th Assembly District. They have contributed greatly to the community. They were both instrumental in founding the Bonita Museum and Historical Society.
Officer Peña spends his spare time playing his ukulele with a local music group and taking care of his wife who has Alzheimer’s.