Honoring Local Veterans
Stroll Lido Isle Celebrates Local Veteran-Owned Small Businesses
Oceanfront Electric Veterans (left to right): Jacob Underwood, John Hedtke (owner), and Kent Wien
As we honor military veterans of the United States Armed Forces on Veterans Day this month, we would like to thank all veterans for their service and the many sacrifices and contributions they have made for our country. We are proud to partner with several veteran-owned local businesses:
BLACKMAN LTD. JEWELERS
David Blackman (US Navy, Lieutenant): Active 1986-1993; Reserves 1996-1997. David attended the US Naval Academy where he earned his BS in Naval Architecture and served as a Navy SEAL for several years.
About Blackman Ltd. Jewelers: Since 1957, the Blackman family has owned and operated Blackman Ltd. Jewelers, a local treasure well known for its exceptional staff, high-quality fine jewelry, world-class watchmaker, and unique, one-of-a-kind gifts. In 2014, David Blackman (son of founder Bruce Blackman) assumed ownership of the business and continues to run Blackman Ltd. today. Located at 3388 Via Lido STE 101B, Newport Beach; Phone: 949-673-9334; Website: blackmanltd.com
OCEANFRONT ELECTRIC
Oceanfront Electric is fortunate to have veteran employees representing three branches of service — Army, Navy, Marines.
- John Hedtke (Army, Private E-2): 2 years of service. Primary job was Mechanized Artillery Unit. Served in Iraq for 6 months. Top skills include life-saving tactics, warfare and resiliency training and protecting his unit in the field.
- Jake Underwood (Navy, Specialist E-4): 4 years of service. Primary job was Anti-Submarine Warfare Operator and served as a Rescue Swimmer and Naval Aircrewman. Special skills he learned were how to operate sonar, strike rescue, land survival and life-saving tactics, as well as how to mop properly on Field Day. Jake is most proud of the experiences he had, the friends he made, and of his family today.
- Kent Wien (Marine Corp, Corporal E-4): 4 years of service. Primary job was Infantry where he learned urban combat, defensive operations, and demolitions and explosives skills. Kent is proud of being able to have traveled to many places around the United States and around the world, notably Australia, Japan, and South Korea.
About Oceanfront Electric: Oceanfront Electric, a local electrical contracting company serving Orange County and surrounding areas, was established in 2017 by John Hedtke, a veteran who was born and raised in Southern California. John created Oceanfront Electric out of a passion to elevate the customer service and quality of work in the industry. HIs family-owned and operated business is well known and recognized for their high professional standards, passion for problem-solving, exceptional safety requirements, and commitment to doing excellent work. Phone: 714-580-4598; Website: oceanfrontelectric.com
If you’re looking to support former service members or simply looking to shop local, please consider these veteran-owned businesses.