Join Assemblymember Frazier in Honoring Our Nation’s Heroes

Assemblymember Jim Frazier will observe Veterans Day on Monday by introducing his Assembly District 11 Veteran of the Year and participating in a trio of Solano County tributes.

Assemblymember Frazier, D-Solano, will attend Fairfield’s Ceremony of Remembrance and Veterans Day Concert in the morning; will ride in the Solano County Veteran’s Day Parade at noon, and, in the evening, will attend the Veterans Day Dinner in Vacaville, where he will introduce his Veteran of the Year: retired U.S. Marine Corp Major Ed Rapisarda.

“As always, I am humbled and grateful for the opportunity to thank our veterans and their families for their sacrifices and their commitment and dedication to our country,” said Assemblymember Frazier. “I encourage everyone to join me in paying tribute to those who have served and who continue to serve our country.”

For many veterans, that commitment to service continues long after they have taken off the uniform, as exemplified by the AD 11 Veteran of the Year.

“I stand in awe of veterans like Ed Rapisarda,” said Frazier. “The leadership that he and so many of our nation’s veterans have exhibited continues to shape America into the incredible place it is today.”

A Vacaville resident and real estate broker, Rapisarda is a Life Member of the Veterans of Foreign Wars Post #7244, a member of the Vacaville Rotary Club, a director of both the Vacaville Chamber of Commerce and the Downtown Business Improvement District, and past president of the Vacaville Boys & Girls Club board.

Rapisarda served in the U.S. Marine Corps. He was commissioned as a Second Lieutenant in 1995, after graduating from California State University, Sacramento. He started out as an Infantry Officer and went on to hold numerous command and staff positions. In 2004 and 2005, Captain Rapisarda served as Commanding Officer of Fox Company, Second Battalion Fifth Marines in support of combat operations in Ar Ramadi, Iraq. In 2006, Major Rapisarda served as lead planner for training and humanitarian operations in support of Operation Shared Accord in Niger. In June 2008, Major Rapisarda was Honorably Discharged and accepted a reserve commission until he resigned in 2015.

His personal awards include the Navy and Marine Corps Commendation Medal with Bronze “V” and Gold Star in lieu of second award, the Navy and Marine Corps Achievement Medal, and the Combat Action Ribbon.

Rapisarda and his wife, Cara Fox, own Realty ONE Group Fox and together have five children: Riley (20), Tyler (20, Kaitlyn (19), Parker (17), and Carlie (15).

“I am looking forward to recognizing Ed on Monday – and all of the veterans who give so much to the nation and their communities,” Frazier said.

Frazier will attend the following Veterans Day events, which are open to the public:

Fairfield Ceremony of Remembrance & Concert

10 a.m.-noon

Downtown Theatre, 1035 Texas St., Fairfield

Solano County Veteran’s Day Parade

“Celebrating the American Legion’s 100th Anniversary”

Noon-1:30 p.m.

Downtown Fairfield

For additional information about both events, please visit: www.fairfieldmainstreet.com

Vacaville Veteran’s Day Dinner

Hosted by VFW Auxiliary Post 7244. Tickets available at the door

6-7:30 p.m.

Vacaville Veteran’s Hall, 549 Merchant Street, Vacaville

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Assemblymember Frazier represents the 11th Assembly District, which includes the communities of Antioch, Bethel Island, Birds Landing, Brentwood, Byron, Collinsville, Discovery Bay, Fairfield, Isleton, Knightsen, Locke, Oakley, Pittsburg (partial), Rio Vista, Suisun City, Travis AFB, Vacaville and Walnut Grove.