HER STORY
"She is clothed with strength and dignity, and she laughs without fear of the future."
Proverbs 31: 25
After the tragic death of my brother, I knew at a young age that nursing would be my calling.
After my first year of college, I realized that funds were low. Yet, I was determined to make my dream a reality , so I enlisted as a Private First Class in the Army Reserve’s healthcare field. Returning back to college the following year, I joined the Army ROTC program. Throughout college, I worked at my hometown hospital — assisting the same physician who delivered me at birth — while also serving as an operating room technician and a nursing assistant. I began my military journey balancing dual roles with both Army ROTC and the U.S. Army Reserves.
Upon graduation,I spent six years on active duty as an Army Nurse Corps Officer, then transferred to the Reserve Component. During the next 25 years with the Army Reserves,I held several clinical and leadership assignments, ultimately achieving the rank of Colonel before joining the Retired Reserves in January 2022.
I supported three mobilization missions, including Operation Enduring Freedom, and completed two tours with the Wounded Warrior Command. During my final assignment with the 338th Medical Brigade, I played a key role in preparing troops for COVID-19 response missions in New York and New Jersey.
Alongside my Reserve career, I devoted more than 29 years of Civil Service to the Defense Health Agency and the Department of Veterans Affairs. My extensive civil service career included roles in Medical/Surgical Acute and Intensive Care. Ambulatory Care, Pediatrics, and, for the last decade, Quality and Patient Safety.
Each of you has shared a special part of my more than 30-year journey. So today, as I bid farewell to both my Military and Civil Service careers, we celebrate not an ending — but the beginning of a new chapter…
#Retire * ish
Event Page
Event 1, Retirement Ceremony
Event 2, Retirement Celebration
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ITINERARY
We are seeking to offer you the best experience during your time with us.
Please register by 31 January 2026, so that we can plan accordingly.
General Information
✅ Your Planning Checklist
Ready – Set – Go! Are you ready for a great time in the California Bay Area? Lock in your plans early for the best rates.
Check out your checklist below.
☐ Register now to RSVP your plans
☐ Secure your airline flight
☐ Book your hotel lodging
Once registration closes on 01 February 2026, we’ll be sharing more exciting details right here—
so be sure to check back often!
Thursday, 23 April 2026
Early Arrival
Once you’ve settled into our first host site in San Jose and the South Bay Area, you’ll be perfectly positioned for memorable day trips throughout the Bay Areas.
If you’re arriving early, you may choose to explore the iconic sights of the San Francisco Bay Area, including nearby cities such as Oakland and Sausalito.
For a more laid-back experience closer to Palo Alto and the Silicon Valley consider visiting Mountain View or enjoying additional attractions in San Jose.
👉 Please visit the “Things to Do” tabs for more details and recommendations.
Friday, 24 April 2026
11:00 AM PST (firm)
🎊 Retirement Ceremony
Palo Alto VA Medical Center
See Virtual Option:
Login: (Pending)
In Person Attire:
Military on program: Dress Uniform
Civilian: Business Casual
Donna McCartney Auditorium,
Bldg. 105
3801 Miranda Ave.
Palo Alto, CA 94304
Driving Instructions:
Once on campus:
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Turn left at the stop sign onto Loop Road.
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Continue on Loop Road and turn right into Parking Structure 1.
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Secure your parking space on the top deck.
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Take the elevator to the 2nd floor Pedestrian Bridge and follow the signs to the event site.
📍 Campus Map & Parking Locations: See the link for a detailed campus map and the parking garage.
More Free Time
2:00 PM PST - Until
After the ceremony, you have the option to stay an additional night in the South Bay area or begin your fun in the West Bay and Napa area. Check out the "Things to Do" tab for more of the sites and nite life that the cities has to offer!
Saturday, 25 April 2026
🕓 Early Rise To Napa 🕓
08:00 AM ~ 10;00 AM PST
Don’t sleep in — as we will begin our travels to the Napa Valley area and arrive just in time for your fun and adventure.
So, if you are seeking a shared-cost travel to the Napa Valley area. Well, sit back, relax, and enjoy the 90-minutes scenic journey from San Jose to Napa Valley with our group travel experience.
More details coming soon!
Please see the QR code and additional links for shared-cost purchase information.
Note: The coach transportation will be based on the number of interested guest. Please wait for more details to follow!
🕓 Free Time 🕓
08:00 AM ~ 5:00 PM PST
Enjoy the many wonders of the area, whether it’s sightseeing, shopping, wine tasting or blending, hot air balloon rides, gondola tours, river cruises, or a relaxing spa day. And you can not forget about the wonders of the Napa Wine Train and the casual ride through the valley. There’s something for everyone to enjoy in Napa Valley and beyond.
Please see the “Things to Do” tab for potential discount offers and recommendations.
✨Retirement Celebration ✨
6:00 ~ 11:00 PM PST
Culinary Institute of America (CIA) at Copia.
Mezzanine Area
500 1st Street
Napa, CA 94559
Dress: Formal Attire
Dress to Impress!
Show up in style wearing your favorite formal attire—whether it’s your best suit, an elegant jumpsuit, or a cocktail dress.
Feeling festive? Join me in our theme colors!
💜 Ladies: Dazzle us in your favorite shade ranging from purple to burgundy. (See the underlined area for a link to color options.)
💙 Gentlemen: Make a statement in a complementary suit that matches our theme colors or any shade of blue.
🍸 Social Hour 🍸
6:00 ~ 7:00 PM PST
Let the Party Begin!
Just a short walk from the Westin Verasa Hotel awaits the stunning gardens of the Culinary Institute of America at Copia.
During the cocktail hour, sip one of the host’s signature drinks, capture memories at the photo booth, and leave a special “out-of-office” message for our host. Then, make your way to the second-floor Mezzanine to find your seat and get ready for an evening filled with celebration.
✨ Evening of Elegance ✨
7:00 ~ 11:00 PM (Firm)
Make It a Night to Remember!
Let’s raise a glass to our host and celebrate this incredible milestone with an evening overflowing with festivities, dancing, laughter, and unforgettable memories.
Get ready for a night filled with joy, gratitude, and great company — the perfect way to close one chapter and toast to the next!
#Retire * ish
Sunday, 26 April 2026
11:00 AM PST (Check-out)
🛫 Departure or Free Time 🛫
Start your day with a delicious breakfast or brunch at the hotel or any of the local restaurants. Or you may choose to venture out to explore one more of the nearby attractions.
If you have some free time before your safe travels home, make the most of it by enjoying the many wonders of the area — whether it’s sightseeing, shopping, wine tasting or blending, hot air balloon rides, gondola tours, river cruises, or a rejuvenating spa day. There’s something special waiting for you in Napa Valley and beyond.
Please see the “Things to Do” tab for more ideas and recommendations.
However, if you have a flight to catch, you’ll have another opportunity to sit back and relax during the comfortable cost-shared coach ride back to San Jose or San Francisco International Airport.
More details coming soon!
(Please see the QR code and additional links for shared-cost purchase information.)
Note: The coach transportation will be based on the number of interested guest. Please wait for more details to follow!
Things to Do
(Please click the underline areas for more links)
Hotels in the South of Market (SoMa) district
Recommended Hotels:
Links to other sites
Nite Spot: Yoshi
Sites in Sonoma
Monterey &
ACCOMMODATIONS
🚗 Transportation:
✈️ Airlines:
As you plan your travels to Northern California, you’ll find several airline and airport options available. I recommend choosing an airport that is conveniently located near our first event site in Palo Alto and my home in San Jose.
San José Mineta International Airport (SJC) and San Francisco International Airport (SFO) are both excellent choices and my top recommendations. Each offers easy access to Palo Alto and provides ample flexibility for onward travel to Napa Valley activities.
Travel Tip: Once you complete your event registration, continue checking your preferred airline or travel website for the best available flight rates.
🚙 Ground Transportation
There are several great options for getting around during your stay in the Bay Area:
🚗 Rental Cars
If you plan to do additional exploring on your own, a rental car may be the best option — nothing beats the flexibility of having your own set of wheels. Be sure to check parking rates at your accommodations if applicable.
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Uber or Lyft: The most convenient and cost-effective means for short rides around the bay areas, allowing easy access to attractions across the cities.
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Once in Napa Valley, our hotel’s central location makes everything easily accessible — with food, shopping, and entertainment just steps away.
🚌 Group Travel Options
There’s no better way to connect with fellow guests than to sit back, relax, and enjoy the ride together!
Based on the number of interest, we are seeking to offer group (cost-shared) transportation at a cost-efficient rate.
More details will be provided soon regarding departure times and reservations. Please see Itinerary tab for QR code to purchase.
🏨 Hotels & Lodging
Rest & Relax!
We want to ensure you enjoy a comfortable and relaxing stay throughout your journey with us. As Event 1 and Event 2 are located on opposite sides of the Bay Area, lodging has been thoughtfully organized around two primary locations: San Jose and Napa.
🌆 San Jose (for 23-24 April 2026)
This vibrant neighborhood and the host location for the 2026 Super Bowl offers comfort, and competitive rates with great access to both San Jose and Palo Alto area attractions. It also places you in a perfect location for attending the Retirement Ceremony at the Palo Alto VA Healthcare Facility.
The Hyatt Regency Santa Clara offers stunning amenities and overlooks Levi’s Stadium, home of the San Francisco 49ers. (Click the underlined for the hyperlink to more information). Hint- just ask for the even number rooms for the best view of the site.
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Room Type: Double & King
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Suites: Contact Mari Tomi
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Group Rate: $239.00 per night
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Booking Deadline: April 02, 2026
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Reservation Link: (Click on the underline area for access to the group room block).
Hyatt Regency Santa Clara
🍇 Napa Valley Stay (for 25 April 2026)
On the night of the celebration, we’ll be staying in the heart of Napa, just steps away from the Napa Wine Train and Saturday's venue, CIA at Copia, is the Westin Verasa Napa, which offers beautiful accommodations and excellent amenities. (Click the underlined for the hyperlink to more information).
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Room Type: King Bed Only
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Suites: Contact Lorraine Hernandez
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Group Rate: $389.00 + $25 Amenity Fee per night
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Booking Deadline: March 22, 2026
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Reservation Link: (Click on the underline area for access to the group hotel room block). The link is also available during the dates of 19 - 26 April, if desired.
Please reserve your stay as soon as possible after completing your event registration to take advantage of the group rate.
🏡 Alternative Lodging Options
You may also explore nearby hotels in the Fairfield, Sonoma or Yountville areas, which offer a variety of charming accommodations.
For group stays or shared experiences, consider Airbnb or Vrbo options — a wonderful way to connect, unwind, and build lasting memories with fellow travelers.
✨ Travel Tip: April is a peak season in the Napa Area. For the best rates and availability, please book your hotel or lodging after you RSVP for the event at "Register Now" links.