A Rancho Cordova Police Department motorcycle brigade opened the ceremonies on Jan. 29th as a full and enthusiastic crowd watched, then piled into the community meeting room to hear from library officials, community leaders, and service providers.

Rancho Cordova is the third Veterans Resource Station in the Sacramento Public Library System, joining Southgate Library and the downtown Central Library. Library Director Rivkah Sass said that the two previously opened stations have set the standard. When the State Library suggested a third, Sass didn’t hesitate. “I called Jill,” Sass said.

“I knew Jill Stockinger (supervisor) and the staff at the Rancho Cordova Library, as well as city officials from the City of Rancho Cordova, and the whole community, would do exactly what you’re doing here this morning,” Sass said. “You’re here, supporting our work to support people who’ve done so much to keep us safe, to protect us, and to make our country stronger.”

Mayor David Sander said the purpose of the incorporation of Rancho Cordova was to raise standards, create more opportunities, improve our quality of life, raise our property values, and that pursing these things has improved the energy and climate of cooperation in our community. “This sort of [program] came to be because someone recognized the energy here in Rancho Cordova,” Sander said.

Besides the library’s Rivkah Sass and Jill Stockinger, local public figures and service providers speaking at the event included County Supervisor Don Nottoli, Rancho Cordova Mayor David Sander, city council members Robert McGarvey and Linda Budge, California State Assemblyman Ken Cooley, Congressman Ami Bera’s field representative Matthew Ceccato, LINC/CalVet coordinator Bobbi Park, Volunteers of America veterans services representative Blanche Scroggins, and librarian/author James Scott.

The theme that ran through the whole event was thanks to the veterans. Ceccato presented a proclamation from Ami Bera supporting the library, the veterans, and the opening of the Veterans Resource Station. “I get to stand with leadership and government of the City of Rancho Cordova, I get to stand with the Sacramento Public Library system and we together salute our veterans,” Ceccato said.

The camaraderie among the veterans attending the event was evident, as was the good will surrounding everything that occurred. “It’s good to exchange stories and be amongst veterans who know how it’s been to be in the trenches, that have been in war, and have gone through the bad times and the good times in the military,” said veteran Omar Hernandez. Hernandez served in the Navy, VAQ 117 Night Hawks, attached to the USS Enterprise. He found his present living quarters through the Volunteers of America.

Besides those important supportive aids to housing, employment, education, and health services, veterans can also find out more about fun things such as the Writing Workshop for Veterans coming up in March, April, and May, and a yoga class that is available without cost at the Sacramento VA Medical Center for veterans and family members.

Albert P. Rogel, veteran of World War II who served in Europe, turned 90 last December. He was glad to see the resource station open. “I’m very enthusiastic about it,” Rogel said. “I’m hoping that it works out well so that I can use it, too.”

The Rancho Cordova Library at 9845 Folsom Blvd., Sacramento, is open Tuesday through Saturday with hours depending on the day. For more information about the Veterans Resource Station, visit the library or e-mail [email protected].