2024 Program Details
Monday, November 11, 2024
Musical Prelude: 10:30 am / Formal Program: 11:00 am
Musical performances by Golden State Brass, Davis Local Vocals, and The Davis Madrigals.
Opening and Closing prayers by Rev. Alex Haider Winnett
Rev. Alex Haider-Winnett is a Unitarian Universalist minister and serves at University Retirement Community. He lives in Davis with his family. He’s an Odd Fellow, a gardener and enjoys spending time at the library.
Keynote Speaker: Sterling Koliba
Sterling was born and raised in Carolton, Texas, leaving at age 18 to join the United States Marine Corps, where he proudly served 10 years as a Marine. Looking to spend more time with his family, Sterling then switched to the United States Air Force Reserve where he served another ten years. In 2024, he began his journey with the California Army National Guard, looking to complete his last ten years of service. In addition to his continued service to his country, Sterling is also very active in serving his local community. He is involved in many veteran organizations: he is the Jr. Vice Commander of the Dixon VFW post, a member of the Dixon American Legion post, and a founding member of the Veterans Beer Club chapter for Yolo and Solano County. Sterling also participates in the Toastmasters and Davis Sunset Rotary. When he’s not volunteering his time, he serves his community as a Financial Advisor with Edward Jones and is the co-owner of Little Reata Stables horse boarding facility.
Sterling was deployed once in support of OIF and once to Iraq.
Military Rankings:
Sergeant Marines
Technical Sergeant Air Force
Staff Sergeant Army
–historical event details–
2023 Program Details
Saturday, November 11, 2023
Musical Prelude: 10:30 am / Formal Program: 11:00 am
Musical performances by Golden State Brass, Adrienne Fortini, Davis Local Vocals, The Davis Madrigals, and Jazz Choir.
Keynote Speaker: Jim Walker
Sergeant Jim Walker was born in Huntsville, Alabama in 1946. He completed his BS from the University of Alabama and the PMD program at The Harvard Business School. Jim served in the US Army from January 1969 through 1970 with a one year deployment to Vietnam with the First Cavalry Division. He is the recipient of the Purple Heart and the Bronze and Army Commendation medals with V. He retired as a senior executive in the transportation industry and has served on numerous boards in the logistics arena. Jim is a member of Davis Odd Fellows and served as Chaplain in 2022. 