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Military & Veteran Support

Adopted Marine Units

Marine Heavy Helicopter Squadron • HMH - 462 - Adopted in June 2003

This unit supports the MAGTF commander by providing assault support transport of combat troops, supplies, and equipment, day or night, under all weather conditions during expeditionary, joint, or combined operations.

Marine Heavy Helicopter Squadron 462 traces its lineage back 15 April 1944, when VMF-462 was established in El Centro, California. In October 1944, VMF-462 was assigned to Marines Base Defense Aircraft Group 46 at MCAS El Toro, California.

2nd Battalion, 1st Marines • "The Professionals" - Adopted in May 2004

On order, 2nd Battalion, 1st Marines locates, closes with, and destroys the enemy by fire and maneuver or repels the enemy's assault by fire and close combat. The Battalion conducts combat readiness focused training and education across all warfighting functions in preparation for deployment as a ground combat element in support of operational requirements.

2nd Battalion 1st Marines was activated on 1 August 1922 at Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic, designated the 2nd Battalion, 1st Regiment and assigned to the 2nd Brigade.

Veterans Support

Santee Hometown Heroes Banner Program

Would you like a chance to help the City of Santee honor a family member or lost loved one who served in the U.S. military?

The City of Santee’s Hometown Heroes Banner Program recognizes and honors City-approved Santee affiliates, residents, or their family members who have served, or have given their lives in service in the United States Armed Forces. The Hometown Heroes Banner Program is governed by the Hometown Heroes Banner Program Policy which contains all eligibility and application requirements.

Banners featuring the names and faces of Santee’s approved military Hometown Heroes will be displayed on light pole banners along the Veterans Memorial Bridge (Mast Boulevard Bridge: Between Pebble Beach Drive & Fanita Parkway) for four months and then displayed between West Hills Parkway and Carlton Hills Boulevard.

Learn more and apply

Veterans East County Alliance

The Veterans East County Alliance in partnership with the San Diego Regional East County Chamber of Commerce, seeks to honor and support all Veteran-owned & Veteran-friendly businesses in East County and to help transition new veterans into our community’s dynamic workforce. VECA is dedicated to providing targeted resources in support of this effort to benefit veterans and their families.

Veterans Memorial Monument and Bridge

Design Significance

Veterans Memorial Monument

The structure is 11 ft x 11 ft x 11 ft in recognition of the origins of Veterans Day and the ending of WWI fighting on the 11th hour of the 11th day of the 11th month. The structure and interior monument sit on angle at the site and to the intersection for two reasons. First, to create an experience that does not have a definitive front or back and gives equal recognition to each branch of the military. The wrap-around lettering of "Land of the free because of the brave" reinforces this concept. Second, the structure is positioned to maximize the natural lighting from the setting sun during the month of November. The wreath, used as a symbol of honor, is inspired by the native California Black Oak found in the mountains of San Diego county. There are six randomly placed concrete seating cylinders. One for each branch of the military with a seal on the interior monument. Materials and colors are selected to compliment the natural surrounding environment. Subdued tones are purposefully chosen to create a calming and reflective experience.

The Monument and Bridge were officially dedicated on November 11th, 2021. The tailor-made monument and dedication of the Mast Boulevard bridge as the official Veterans Memorial Bridge memorializes the significant sacrifices our Veterans gave to protect our Country and allow us to pay tribute to the men and women who helped preserve our freedom as we preserve their memory and educate the next generation.

Every phase of this project was geared towards honoring our Veterans and recognizing their significance:

The public was invited to sign the names of their Veteran friends and family members on the wooden beams that support the structure. This gave everyone an opportunity to have a special part in the memorial and for their friends and family to be eternalized with the assembly of the structure.

As the project progressed, the public left mementos of their loved ones. These mementos were capsulized in center pillar of the memorial.

As the project expanded the Santee Hometown Heroes Banner Program was launched. This programs allows the City of Santee to honor and recognize qualifying veterans connected to Santee who have served, are currently serving, or have given their lives in service in the United States Armed Forces. Banners are displayed across the Veterans Memorial bridge and then expand onto Mast Blvd from Carlton Hills Blvd to Weston Rd.

Learn more about the Santee Hometown Heroes Banner Program

Every Memorial and Veterans Day we encourage everyone to take a self guided tour of the Memorial Monument and Bridge to honor, remember and recognize those who have served and those who are currently serving.

In addition, we place a floral arrangement at the memorial and change out the American flag on Memorial and Veterans Day every year.

Veterans come from all walks of life, but they all share several qualities: courage, pride, determination, selflessness, dedication to duty and integrity. One needs these qualities in order to serve a cause greater than one’s self. This memorial and bridge are for them.

As each and every one of you drive past this memorial or the bridge sign take a minute to remember those close to your heart who are Veterans. Let this memorial be the reminder of their sacrifice and let’s education the future generations of its importance.

A Special Thanks to the visionaries behind this project TDT Construction and Michael Ranson. Along with the many donors who made this project possible for all of East County to enjoy.

Download a Veterans Memorial Pop Up Activity