In honor of his accomplishments, the San Mateo County Veterans Commission has selected Bob Hoover as the 2024 Veteran of the Year. At over 90 years old, he will be recognized as a U.S. Air Force veteran, passionate civil rights activist and key figure in the creation of East Palo Alto.
Hoover has influenced many people through decades of activism and leadership, from arriving on the Peninsula with $20 in his pocket in the late 1950s to mentoring generations of young people and future community leaders.
In light of this, the county invites the community to pay tribute to the 92-year-old East Palo Alto resident at the 9th Annual Luncheon Veterans Appreciation Day, which will be held on Friday, November 8, at the Westin San Francisco Airport hotel in Millbrae.
“Bob Hoover is a shining example of a leader in every sense of the word,” said Donna Vaillancourt, president of the Veterans Commission. “Born and raised in the Jim Crow South, he served his country as a gunner and staff sergeant and became a respected leader with a vision for his adopted community of East Palo Alto. We are honored to honor him.”
The commission will also recognize Congresswoman Anna Eshoo, who has represented San Mateo County in Congress for 32 years and as a county supervisor for 10 years prior to her election to Congress, as Patriot of the Year.
Additionally, San Mateo County Supervisor Warren Slocum will be honored with a lifetime achievement award, and the San Mateo Elks Lodge #1112 will be recognized as Business of the Year.
The inaugural address will be delivered by U.S. Navy Vice Admiral Ann E. Rondeau, retired, president of the Naval Postgraduate School.
The Veterans Appreciation Luncheon brings together past award winners, veterans, current members of the military and many others to recognize outstanding contributions to the San Mateo County community.
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