In every generation, there are men and women who answer the call to serve, putting country and community before themselves. Here in our neighborhood, veterans are our friends, neighbors, and family members; each carrying stories of sacrifice, courage, and fortitude. This article is dedicated to honoring those local heroes, sharing their photos and personal bios so we may better understand the journeys they’ve walked and the freedoms they’ve helped preserve. By highlighting their service, we celebrate not only their past contributions but also the strength and values they continue to bring to our community today.

Mike and Kimberly are two children of Riverside, California.  Mike was a 1985 graduate of Ramona High School.  Kimberly was a 1985 graduate of North High School.  Dating throughout Mike’s time at West Point, they were married at Magnolia Church in Riverside on June 3, 1989.  Mike received his commission in the Air Defense Artillery, where he posted to Fort Lewis, WA, with an assignment as an Airborne Reconnaissance Team Leader.  During Mike’s frequent deployments, Kimberly served as leader of the Officers’ Wives Club, ensuring the soldiers' families were cared for while the soldiers were deployed.

Throughout their time at Fort Lewis, Mike served as Platoon Leader, Battery Executive Officer, Battery Commander, Battalion Adjutant, and Brigade Adjutant.  He was awarded the Honorable Order of Saint Barbara for lifetime excellence and contributions to Air Defense Artillery, the Order of the Spur, the Joint Service Commendation Medal, and various other awards.

Following the service, Mike worked as an executive for Johnson & Johnson for nearly 30 years, contributing to the fields of laparoscopy, neurosurgery, and orthopedics.  In 2008, Mike earned his MBA from California Baptist University. Following graduation, he served on the CBU Business School's Graduate Board of Advisors.

Now retired, Mike spends his time serving as a Trustee at Magnolia Church in Riverside and as national Chairman of the Regional Leaders of Trail Life USA (a Christian outdoor adventure organization).  Mike enjoys teaching leadership to the adult leaders of Trail Life USA and bible study at Magnolia Church.  Over the years, you may have seen Mike coaching baseball at Magnolia Center Little League, volunteering on the deck at Riverside Aquatics Association, or serving as the Vice President of the West Point Association of the Inland Empire and Palm Springs.

At 19, Tracy Hutchinson made a bold decision that would shape the rest of her life: she enlisted in the United States Marine Corps. Initially chosen as a poster Marine and featured in recruitment campaigns, Tracy quickly transitioned into the reality of military service. After completing journalism training at the Defense Information School, she reported to Camp Pendleton, where she became a writer for The Pendleton Scout, the base newspaper.

Two years later, Tracy transferred to the supply battalion near the airfield, where she managed a $2 million-a-month operation supplying dining facilities across the base. During a temporary assignment as Corporal of the Guard, she played a key role in capturing a violent criminal who had evaded military police for nearly two years. For her bravery, she received a Meritorious Mast and was promoted to Corporal. Tracy completed her service honorably, receiving a Good Conduct Medal upon discharge.

Today, Tracy continues to serve her fellow veterans through her role with Semper Fi #1, an all-Marine memorial honor detail at Riverside National Cemetery. As part of the Unclaimed team, she helps deliver military honors to veterans who pass away without family present—ensuring that no service member leaves this world without recognition. For Tracy, standing in as family at these ceremonies is among the most meaningful roles she has ever held.

Her journey from Marine to Honor Guard reflects a lifelong commitment to duty, service, and honoring those who wore the uniform.

Gary Enochs enlisted in the United States Marine Corps in January 1976, two years after graduating from Whittier High School. His journey began at MCRD San Diego, where medical challenges extended his boot camp to 187 days—more than twice the usual length. From there, he trained as a field radio operator at 29 Palms before deploying to Okinawa with the 3rd Reconnaissance Battalion.

In Okinawa, Gary became a MARS (Military Affiliate Radio System) operator, helping Marines and sailors connect with loved ones back home. His skill in communications carried him through assignments at Camp Lejeune, NAS Millington, MCAS Tustin, Hawaii, and eventually MCAS Camp Pendleton. Along the way, he reenlisted multiple times, rose to the rank of Staff Sergeant, and completed leadership training at the El Toro Staff NCO Academy. His career spanned air traffic control communications, radar technology, and supply operations, with tours in Japan, Hawaii, and the U.S., before he retired in January 1996 after 20 years of honorable service.

Retirement didn’t end Gary’s commitment to his fellow Marines. Since 2007, he has volunteered with Semper Fi #1, the Marine Honor Detail at Riverside National Cemetery. As a webmaster, board treasurer, and long-time squad member, Gary continues to serve by rendering military funeral honors—ensuring that veterans, including those without family present, receive the respect and farewell they deserve.

Now in his 18th year with Semper Fi #1, Gary remains dedicated to honoring service members, often participating in up to 25 funerals in a single day. For him, the mission continues: “Once a Marine, always a Marine.”