A Fallen Veteran, A Dedicated Volunteer And A Canine Program Honored In SMC

SAN MATEO COUNTY, CA — Three people and organizations were recognized for their contributions to veterans and military families at San Mateo County's 11th Annual Veterans Recognition Luncheon on Monday.

The event, hosted by the County of San Mateo Veterans Commission and Supervisor Lisa Gauthier, brought together veterans, military families, caregivers, elected officials and community partners at San Mateo Elks Lodge No. 1112.

“We must declare loudly that we have not forgotten our veterans from any conflict or era, that we value their service, and we care about them and their families,” Gauthier said.

Joe Quirarte Jr. was named Veteran of the Year posthumously. He served 20 years in the military, including two combat tours in Afghanistan and one in Iraq, before retiring in 2024.

After leaving the military, Quirarte volunteered at the Pacifica Resource Center's food bank and helped connect the American Legion in Pacifica with the Veterans Resource Center at City College of San Francisco. The partnership gave student veterans a place to share meals and connect, and Quirarte organized a fundraiser to help sustain the program.

His family attended the luncheon. In his award video, Quirarte's sister recalled that he wanted his headstone to describe him as “a family man and a patriot.”

Janice Key received the Patriot of the Year award for her volunteer work supporting veterans and military families. She contributes more than 400 hours annually to veterans' causes, serves with the American Legion Auxiliary at local and district levels, supports the Girls State program and works with Blue Star Moms.

Key's family has a long history of military service, including her father and three of her children and stepchildren. She encouraged people to reach out to older veterans, listen to their stories and help them stay connected to their communities.

Warrior Canine Connection received the Enterprise of the Year award for raising and training service dogs for veterans with disabilities, including mobility-related needs and post-traumatic stress disorder.

The local program's 15 volunteers help raise and train about 10 dogs each year. In its award video, a U.S. Coast Guard veteran described how a service dog has helped with everyday activities, medical appointments, returning to school and applying for a new job.

Veterans and their families can contact the county's Veterans Service Office for help accessing benefits and local resources.