Behind the Badge
Irvine Valley College student and Student United Way member Austin Coccia – deployed in 2011 with the U.S. Air Force as part of the Odyssey Dawn operation in Libya – well understands the importance of preparation.
Coccia recalled having less than 24 hours to prepare for deployment. He spoke at a brief ceremony organized by Orange County United Way commemorating the National Day of Service and honoring victims and survivors of the attacks on September 11, 2001.
Volunteers make their way along an assembly line as they work to put together emergency preparedness kits that will be donated to O.C. families in need during a National Day of Service volunteer event organized by the Orange County United Way at Irvine Valley College on Thursday, September 8, 2022. Photo by Jeff Antenore, Contributing Photographer
The September 8 event with Orange County United Way and Irvine Valley College emphasized the importance of preparation by students and citizens for disasters such as earthquakes, fires, and floods. After being welcomed by elected officials, college leaders, and other dignitaries, student volunteers were organized in assembly line-fashion to create 700 emergency kits.
Orange County United Way President and CEO Sue Parks thanked the student volunteers for their assistance and noted that the organization helped 300 low-income families with tax preparation at another annual event held at Irvine Valley College at tax time.
“You are supporting our community where we need it most,” Parks said. “At Orange County United Way, we do things to help the community… In fact, our motto is, ‘Caring for the Community is the Orange County Way.’”
Volunteers put together emergency preparedness kits, complete with flashlights, masks, whistles, water bottles and other essentials, that will be donated to O.C. families in need, during a National Day of Service volunteer event organized by the Orange County United Way at Irvine Valley College. Photo by Jeff Antenore, Contributing Photographer
Immediately following the event, explained Doug McKay, Orange County United Way Director of Engagement Strategy, the organization distributed the kits to local families, veterans, and individuals in need.
“Emergencies happen,” Coccia warned. “Preparation is vital. It pays to put thought into preparedness because you never know when you will need it.”
Dr. John Hernandez, President of Irvine Valley College, welcomes guests to a National Day of Service event, organized by the Orange County United Way, where volunteers put together emergency preparedness kits for O.C. families in need, at Irvine Valley College. Photo by Jeff Antenore, Contributing Photographer
In kicking off the volunteer event, Irvine Valley College President John Hernandez acknowledged that today’s college students weren’t yet born when the terrorist attacks of 9/11 occurred. The National Day of Service brings the attacks to their attention.
“We honor the first responders who put their lives on the line for all of us,” Hernandez declared. “We’re pleased to have the opportunity to put our remembrance into action.”
Orange County United Way volunteers pose for a group photo with U.S. Representative Katie Porter, and other dignitaries, during a National Day of Service event at Irvine Valley College. Photo by Jeff Antenore, Contributing Photographer
Chancellor Juliana Barnes of the South Orange County Community College District remembers exactly where she was and what she was doing when the September 11, 2001, attacks occurred, killing a total of 2,977 people.
“Americans realized that day that we are vulnerable, but not fragile,” Barnes recalled. “We have a core strength that we never imagined.”
She added that one way to find meaning in tragedy is to remain dedicated to fundamental American values, including emergency preparation.
Katie Porter, U.S. Representative from the 45th Congressional District, speaks during a National Day of Service event where volunteers put together emergency preparedness kits for O.C. families in need. Photo by Jeff Antenore, Contributing Photographer
Irvine Valley College student and Student United Way President Harin Lee says she knows firsthand the help that underserved families require to survive, as well as the assistance they must have to prepare for emergencies. Lee is a second-year student studying psychology and heading to UCLA with the goal of becoming an occupational therapist.
“I want to help individuals and families in need of services and supplies,” says Lee, a frequent volunteer during her both high school and college years. “As a low-income student originally from Korea I know how much these things are appreciated.”
Caroline Inmon, left, a South Orange County Community College District Board Member, and Dr. Julianna Barnes, a SOCCCD Chancellor, participate in a National Day of Service volunteer event, organized by the Orange County United Way, putting together emergency preparedness kits for O.C. families in need on Thursday, September 8, 2022 at Irvine Valley College. Photo by Jeff Antenore, Contributing Photographer
U.S. Rep. Katie Porter, who represents the 45th district in Congress, notes that she has a soft spot for students following her 21-year career as a law professor prior to serving as an elected official.
“The best way we can honor those who lost their lives in 9/11 is to come together and work toward a better future,” Porter told the crowd gathered under the shade of several bright blue tents.
As an advocate for veteran’s health care and equal pay, Porter recently pushed for The PACT Act, a new law that expands Veterans Administration health care and benefits for veterans exposed to burn pits and other toxic substances.
“When we do a better job of preparing ourselves for emergencies, first responders can do a better job of saving lives,” Porter said.
Orange County Fire Authority Firefighter Eli Mondragon, along with other crew members from Station 36, helps put together emergency preparedness kits, complete with flashlights, masks, whistles, water bottles and other essentials, that will be donated to O.C. families in need, during a National Day of Service volunteer event organized by the Orange County United Way at Irvine Valley College on Thursday, September 8, 2022. Photo by Jeff Antenore, Contributing Photographer
Orange County Fire Authority Battalion Chief Jason Sultzer, who brought the crew from Engine 36, joined other speakers who emphasized the critical need for disaster preparedness. Sultzer noted that the morning’s event took place at the same time crews were battling fires in both Hemet and Big Bear.
The items prepared in plastic bags by the National Day of Service volunteers are meant as preparedness starter kits. They include several first aid items, personal hygiene items, and cards listing the most important items to have in a disaster preparedness kit, such as copies of financial records, that are most needed in an emergency.
“This event is a great way for us to recognize our privilege in being able to study at this institution,” said second-year Irvine Valley College student Noor Dalati, who serves in student government as well as volunteering with Student United Way. “It’s the perfect opportunity to give back to our veterans, families, and kids.”
Volunteers make their way along an assembly line as they work to put together emergency preparedness kits that will be donated to O.C. families in need during a National Day of Service volunteer event. Photo by Jeff Antenore, Contributing Photographer
Katie Porter, U.S. Representative from the 45th Congressional District, demonstrates how to put together an emergency preparedness starter kit, which will be donated to O.C. families in need, during a National Day of Service volunteer event organized by the Orange County United Way at Irvine Valley College on Thursday, September 8, 2022.
Photo by Jeff Antenore, Contributing Photographer
Volunteers put together emergency preparedness kits, complete with flashlights, masks, whistles, water bottles and other essentials, that will be donated to O.C. families in need. Photo by Jeff Antenore, Contributing Photographer
Volunteers put together emergency preparedness kits, complete with flashlights, masks, whistles, water bottles and other essentials, that will be donated to O.C. families in need. Photo by Jeff Antenore, Contributing Photographer
Volunteers make their way along an assembly line as they work to put together emergency preparedness kits that will be donated to O.C. families in need. Photo by Jeff Antenore, Contributing Photographer
Jason Sultzer, Battalion Chief for Orange County Fire Authority, speaks during a National Day of Service event. Photo by Jeff Antenore, Contributing Photographer
Volunteers put together emergency preparedness kits, complete with flashlights, masks, whistles, water bottles and other essentials, that will be donated to O.C. families in need, during a National Day of Service volunteer event organized by the Orange County United Way at Irvine Valley College on Thursday, September 8, 2022. Photo by Jeff Antenore, Contributing Photographer
Austin Coccia, a student at Irvine Valley College and a military veteran, speaks during a National Day of Service event at Irvine Valley College. Photo by Jeff Antenore, Contributing Photographer
Volunteers put together emergency preparedness kits, complete with flashlights, masks, whistles, water bottles and other essentials, that will be donated to O.C. families in need, during a National Day of Service volunteer event organized by the Orange County United Way. Photo by Jeff Antenore, Contributing Photographer
Volunteers make their way along an assembly line as they work to put together emergency preparedness kits that will be donated to O.C. families in need during a National Day of Service volunteer event organized by the Orange County United Way at Irvine Valley College. Photo by Jeff Antenore, Contributing Photographer
Harin Lee, Student United Way President, speaks during a National Day of Service event organized by the Orange County United Way. Photo by Jeff Antenore, Contributing Photographer
Volunteers put together emergency preparedness kits, complete with flashlights, masks, whistles, water bottles and other essentials, that will be donated to O.C. families in need. Photo by Jeff Antenore, Contributing Photographer
Firefighters from Orange County Fire Authority’s Station 36 help put together emergency preparedness kits, complete with flashlights, masks, whistles, water bottles and other essentials, that will be donated to O.C. families in need, during a National Day of Service volunteer event organized by the Orange County United Way at Irvine Valley College on Thursday, September 8, 2022. Photo by Jeff Antenore, Contributing Photographer
Katie Porter, U.S. Representative from the 45th Congressional District, speaks during a National Day of Service event at Irvine Valley College on Thursday, September 8, 2022. Photo by Jeff Antenore, Contributing Photographer
Victoria Hosseini, a Senior Administrative Assistant in the Technology Department at Irvine Valley College, participates in a National Day of Service volunteer event. Photo by Jeff Antenore, Contributing Photographer
Volunteers put together emergency preparedness kits, complete with flashlights, masks, whistles, water bottles and other essentials, that will be donated to O.C. families in need, during a National Day of Service volunteer event organized by the Orange County United Way at Irvine Valley College on Thursday, September 8, 2022. Photo by Jeff Antenore, Contributing Photographer
