On Oct. 1, U.S. Rep. Ami Bera alongside Rancho Cordova city staff and residents recognized the longtime community leader, Robert J. “Bob” McGarvey, as the inaugural Veteran of the Month.

RANCHO CORDOVA, CA (MPG) - For Robert J. “Bob” McGarvey, service to Rancho Cordova did not end when his time in uniform did.

On Oct. 1 U.S. Rep. Ami Bera recognized the longtime community leader as the inaugural Veteran of the Month through his office’s new community recognition program, honoring McGarvey for decades of military, civic and veteran’s advocacy.

McGarvey served in the U.S. Air Force from 1961 to 1967, including his final 2 1/2 years of active duty at Mather Air Force Base. He and his wife, Terri, made Rancho Cordova their home in 1967.

“You’ve never forgotten about all the other men and women who serve our country,” Bera said. “You’ve always been tenacious in fighting to make sure they get the same dignity and respect not only when they are serving, but really after their service as well.”

Bera presented McGarvey with a certificate of congressional recognition and a flag which was flown over the U.S. Capitol as part of the honor.

U.S. Rep. Ami Bera presented Robert J. “Bob” McGarvey with a certificate of congressional recognition and a flag which was flown over the U.S. Capitol as part of the honor.

McGarvey’s service in Rancho Cordova has extended well beyond veterans’ issues. He was among five community leaders elected to the city’s first City Council when voters approved incorporation in 2002. He later served multiple terms as mayor and helped advocate for development of Mather Veterans Village, a supportive housing community for homeless and disabled veterans.

Vice Mayor Linda Budge highlighted how McGarvey also founded Rancho Cordova’s annual Memorial Day and Veterans Day ceremonies at the Sacramento VA Medical Center.

Rancho Cordova Mayor Garrett Gatewood said McGarvey helped make support for veterans’ part of the city’s identity.

“Military service and taking care of veterans has never been a question in the City of Rancho Cordova, but it’s part of our DNA,” Gatewood said. “Bob taught me that."

Robert J. “Bob” McGarvey turned attention away from himself while accepting the recognition, thanking the people who have worked alongside him through the years.

Gatewood also credited McGarvey’s broader role in the city’s development and community life.

“Bob makes me proud to be a Rancho Cordovan,” Gatewood said.

McGarvey turned attention away from himself while accepting the recognition, thanking the people who have worked alongside him through the years.

“It’s been wonderful being able to meet all the wonderful people in Rancho Cordova,” McGarvey said. “We’ve been so fortunate to have everyone here.”

For McGarvey, the honor was one he said he never expected.

“This is something I have never thought of, that’s for sure,” he said. “It’s been wonderful.”

Bera’s Community Recognition program invites Sacramento County residents to nominate veterans, educators and local businesses that have demonstrated service, leadership and commitment to the region. To do so visit https://bera.house.gov/community-recognition.