Press Releases

 U.S. Representative Jeff Denham (R-Turlock) today released a new Thank-a-Vet Thursday (#TVT) video featuring Manteca resident Sergeant Gerardo Zuniga, a Marine Corps combat veteran who served in Iraq and Afghanistan.

Shared on Rep. Denham’s Facebook, Twitter and YouTube pages, this #TVT video is an excerpt from a longer interview for the Library of Congress’ Veterans History Project where Gerardo recounts his struggle with PTSD and depression during his readjustment to civilian life and his work with Tactical Patients, a veterans organization that aims to combat the high veteran suicide rate.

Gerardo enlisted in the Marine Corps in 2005 and served a total of eight years including tours of duty in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom and Operation Enduring Freedom in Afghanistan as an anti-tank missileman. For his service, Gerardo was awarded the Navy and Marine Corps Achievement Medal, Combat Action Ribbons with one Star, Presidential Unit Citation – Navy, Navy Unit Commendation with one Star, Navy Meritorious Unit Commendation, Marine Corps Good Conduct Medal with one Star, National Defense Service Medal, Afghanistan Campaign Medal with one Star, Iraq Campaign Medal with two Stars, Global  War on Terrorism Service Medal, Sea Service Deployment Ribbon with three Stars, NATO Medal ISAF Afghanistan and NATO Medal ISAF Iraq.

Gerardo’s story is shared as part of Rep. Denham’s #TVT social media initiative to thank veterans for their service. Rep. Denham invites and encourages social media users to post photos and videos using #TVT to recognize America’s military veterans. All #TVT videos can be found on Rep. Denham’s YouTube channel and official Facebook page.