Video Gallery

22 Pushups: Day 20

Tuesday, July 12, 2016

On Day 20 of my 22 Day, 22 Pushup Challenge, I spent time with Michael Blecker, Vietnam Veteran and Executive Director of Swords to Plowshares at one of their permanent supportive housing sites, Veterans Commons.  Founded by veterans over 40 years ago, Swords to Plowshares provides a full range of wrap-around services, including housing, employment and training, and legal and health care assistance to roughly 3,000 veterans in the SF Bay Area each year.

22 Pushups: Day 19

Monday, July 11, 2016

In this Day 19 video of my 22-day, 22 pushup challenge to raise awareness for Veterans’ suicide, I was at the San Ramon Memorial Park. It is a lovely location with memorial plaques dedicated to veterans who lost their lives in the line of duty.  I was joined by Peggy Conklin and members of the Blue Star Moms, a service organization devoted to supporting each other as their sons and daughters serve in the Armed Forces of the United States. It is said that when a soldier deploys the entire family deploys. Also joining me at the push up challenge was San Ramon council member, Harry Sachs.

22 Pushups: Day 18

Sunday, July 10, 2016

It is Day 18 of my 22 day, 22 pushup challenge. In this video at the Pittsburg Veterans Memorial, I was joined by City leaders and veterans from the American Legion, United Veterans Council, and Disabled American Veterans. Pittsburg’s police officers, many of whom continue to serve their communities after serving in the armed forces, participated in the push up challenge. Thank you to those who serve and continue to serve our country and to organizations and individuals who support veterans as they adjust to post-service life.

22 Pushups: Day 17

Saturday, July 09, 2016

On this day 17 video of my 22 day, 22 pushup challenge, I was joined by Pleasanton City Council Members Kathy Narum and Jerry Pentin, SFC Eric Richardson and Doug Miller at Pioneer Cemetery, the future site of the Pleasanton Veterans Memorial. The community support for the Memorial has been tremendous but they are about $50,000 short. I shared with Doug Miller, the Memorial's biggest booster that I will contribute or raise $12,000 toward meeting that shortfall. Many communities honor their veterans in this way and we need to make sure Pleasanton can do the same.

22 Pushups: Day 16

Friday, July 08, 2016

On day 16 of my 22 day, 22 pushup challenge, I was joined by Contra Costa County District Attorney Mark Peterson at the Vietnam War Memorial in Concord, California. The memorial grove of 32 oak trees represents the 32 Contra Costa County citizens who died in that war. Prior to our pushups, Mark and I discussed the tragic events that have occurred in Louisiana, Minnesota, and Dallas. This is a place of scenic beauty and for quiet reflection.

22 Pushups: Day 15

Thursday, July 07, 2016

Day 15 video of my 22 Day, 22 Pushup Challenge with Alameda County Sheriff Greg Ahern, his officers, and members of the 156th Academy class. I want to offer my special thanks to the 7 veterans in the group for their service in the armed forces and their continued service in the reserves. We owe our deepest gratitude and support to all Veterans.

22 Pushups: Day 14

Wednesday, July 06, 2016

On Day 14 of my 22 day, 22 pushup challenge to raise awareness of the tragedy of Veterans’ suicide, we traveled to the soon-to-be-opened Diablo Valley College Student Veteran Resource Center. The Student Veteran Resource Center provides a place where Veterans, guardsmen, and reservists can find assistance in receiving their military benefits, their transition into academic life and support for their ongoing academic success. Vice President of Student Services Dr.

22 Pushups: Day 13

Tuesday, July 05, 2016

The 13th day of my 22 day, 22 pushup challenge was held at the Concord Veterans Center, an extraordinary resource for counseling and mental health services for active soldiers and retired veterans. We hear from Executive Director Jeffery Jewell about how his professional staff handles thoughts of suicide with care and support.  Retired Major General and current Concord City Councilmember Dan Helix led the push-up count 'military style'. We had a great group of veterans join in with the encouragement of Concord City Councilmember Tim Grayson.

22 Pushups: Day 12

Monday, July 04, 2016

On Day 12 of our 22 days, 22 pushups a day challenge, I was at the World Famous Danville 4thof July Parade, where I was joined by Chief Paige Meyer and the brave men and women of the San Ramon Valley Fire Protection District. Fire fighters, friends and future firefighters did 22 push-ups to raise awareness of the 22 veterans who commit suicide each day.This weekend as we gather together with our families to celebrate the 240th anniversary of our country’s independence, I invite you to recall the great service of our Veterans and those who need our help.

22 Pushups: Day 11

Sunday, July 03, 2016

Today, at the halfway point of my 22 days, 22 pushups a day challenge to raise awareness for Veteran’s suicide, I visited Dublin’s Mape Memorial Park, named after United States Navy Commander John “Jack” Clement Mape, a 40-year old father of seven, who was Dublin’s first casualty in the Vietnam War. I was joined on Day 11 by Dublin residents Kevin Dielissen and Stephen Wright, whose son Dylan, is a member of the Army Reserves following 8 years of active duty service in the U.S. Army’s 82nd Airborne Division. All Veterans deserve our support as they return home.