Centenarian Edward Trautt Selected as Veteran of the Year
SACRAMENTO, CA - Retired Air Force Colonel Edward Trautt, a Yolo County resident, was honored Wednesday in the state Capitol as the 2015 Veteran of the Year for the 4th Assembly District. Each year, the state Assembly honors one veteran from each of the state's Assembly Districts who has significantly contributed to their local communities, and served their country with honor and distinction.
"I am humbled to receive this honor, and I'd like to thank Assemblymember Dodd for selecting me as his Veteran of the year." said Trautt. "It was a privilege to be recognized along with my fellow veterans from across California. This was a truly special day for all of us."
Edward Trautt began his military career in 1940, enlisting as a Private in the Wisconsin National Guard, shortly after graduating from the University of Wisconsin. He re-enlisted a year later in the U.S. Army Air Corps, more commonly known today at the United States Air Force. After graduating from Officer Candidate School, Trautt was mobilized to the European battlefield and was stationed in Paris in the summer of 1946. It was in Paris where he met and married his wife Ludmila; they will celebrate their 69th wedding anniversary this winter.
"I'm proud to recognize the life and service of Retired Colonel Edward Trautt as my districts Veteran of the Year." said Assemblymember Bill Dodd. "As we look ahead toward our Independence Day it's important to honor men like Edward Trautt who have protected this nation, and to support those who defend our freedoms today."
With a military career that spanned 26 years, Edward Trautt served with honor and distinction around the world in military campaigns that include WWII and the Korean War. His duty stations include India, China, Burma, France, Korea, Germany and the United States. Over the course of his 26 years of service, Col. Trautt was awarded 12 medals, 3 ribbons, and 2 Commendatory Achievement Awards.
Ret. Col. Trautt is a lifelong member of The American Legion (Post 77, Woodland). In 2009, at the age of 94 he was the oldest active post commander in California. He is also a member of The Veterans of Foreign Wars (Post 6949, Davis). In 2012 he self-published his private memoirs "Proud to Serve", and celebrated his 100th birthday this year. He spends his time with his wife and his 10 children, 31 grandchildren and 20 great grandchildren.
The 4th Assembly District includes all or portions of Yolo, Solano, Napa, Sonoma, Lake, and Colusa Counties. .
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Photo Attached. Caption: Edward Trautt (right) was honored by Assemblymember Bill Dodd this week during the California Assembly's Veteran of the Year Ceremony at the state Capitol.