2025 Program Details
Tuesday, November 11, 2025
Musical Prelude: 10:30 am / Formal Program: 11:00 am
Musical performances by Golden State Brass and the Davis Local Vocals.
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: Technical Sergeant Dave Nelson
Dave was born and raised on a farm in Oneonta, New York. He graduated from high school in 1950 and worked for the railroad for a year before enlisting in the Air Force.
Dave became a boom operator, flying in KB-29, KC-97, and KC-135 aircraft. He was later involved in an automobile accident that ended his flying career. Following the accident, he transitioned to the personal equipment field, where he served for a total of 21 years in the Air Force.
During his last six years of service, Dave was assigned to the CIA, working with the U-2 and SR-71 programs. After retiring from the Air Force, he joined Lockheed, where he worked until his retirement in 1987.
Previous Years Programs
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