Justin Bond is not one to bathe in sunshine or honors for his military experiences, even after being recognized this month as 2008 Veteran of the Year for the 30th Assembly District. "Getting awards don't mean anything to me, really," the Hanford native said. "There are other soldiers more deserving than me. Some soldiers have been away for two to three years."

"I was just at a bad place at a bad time," Bond said. "It's just they got my story ... so I get the award."

Army Sgt. Bond was shot through the center of both knees during an insurgent attack on his convoy in Fallujah, Iraq, on April 9, 2004.

He was wounded during the first 30 seconds of the attack, which lasted 45 minutes. His job was to man the squad automatic weapon (SAW) that usually sits atop a military vehicle.

"Justin Bond has been a leader in Kings County and a true champion of Veterans throughout the 30th Assembly District. He has been relentless in his commitment to his country, his community, and his fellow service members," said Assemblywoman Nicole Parra, D-Hanford. "Justin has overcome many personal obstacles to make the world a better place for our brave men and women fighting overseas and fighting for a better life once they come home."

The Veteran of the Year event is given to commemorate extraordinary Veterans in California actively working toward making a difference in their respective communities.

Bond was presented with the award on May 7 in Sacramento at a special ceremony held by the Assembly Veterans Affairs Committee.

Bond, now in his senior year studying aviation at Utah Valley State College, counts his blessings.

"I will never complain because I'm alive," Bond said. "I should not be alive, but I am."

In fact, Bond has dedicated his life to making sure that soldiers are not forgotten.

Six months ago, he started the Wounded Soldiers and Family Relief Fund.

"I'm working to help families fly to see their soldiers that are in the hospital," said Bond.

In an effort to help fund Wounded Soldiers and Family Relief Fund, Bond is planning a cross-country bicycle trip from California to New York.

"I'm going to ride a bicycle from here to New York," said Bond, who said he plans to follow much of the old Route 66 trail, beginning in Santa Monica and ending in New York City.

Committed sponsors to date are two professional sports teams, the Los Angeles Lakers and Los Angeles Dodgers.

"Oprah Winfrey said she might sponsor if we do anything big like this," Bond added.

Bond hopes to have fundraisers set up across the different states.

"When I enter that city, I plan for it to have its own fundraiser going," Bond said. He also plans to have a national board set up to assist with fundraising.

Bond opens up about his motivation for creating the Wounded Soldiers and Family Relief Fund.

"When I was in the hospital," Bond said. "I would see the soldiers self-medicating with alcohol ... I know what's it's like to be in the hospital. The best medicine is family."

The reporter can be reached at 583-2423.

(May 16, 2008)