Deborah Bruner (left) is recognized on stage for her decades of dedication to veteran medical care during the Yuba-Sutter Stand Down opening ceremony on Friday, Aug. 15. From left to right: Bruner, Kristine Osburn, Colleen Hannah, Daisy Shock, and Dr. Tuppo.

YUBA CITY, CA (MPG) - Hundreds of veterans, families, and community members gathered at the Yuba-Sutter Fairgrounds Aug. 14 to 16 for the annual Stand Down event, which marked its 25th year of providing free services to local veterans. While the weekend was filled with resources, camaraderie and support, the spotlight shone brightest on one woman: retired Air Force nurse Deborah Bruner.

Bruner, who has spent decades caring for veterans both in uniform and through the Veterans Administration, was honored during the opening ceremony for her unwavering commitment to the community. She served as a reserve nurse with the U.S. Air Force before continuing her career as a nurse manager at the Chico Veterans Administration Outpatient Clinic.

Deborah Bruner, nurse manager at the Chico Veterans Administration Outpatient Clinic, holds a bouquet of flowers after being honored during the opening ceremony of the Yuba-Sutter Stand Down on Friday, Aug. 15, at the Yuba-Sutter Fairgrounds.

“For the past 12 years Deborah has been an integral part of bringing medical services to our Stand Down,” said Shane Griego, Stand Down liaison for Beale Air Force Base. “At the end of this month she will be turning the page to a new chapter as she enters retirement.”

Bruner joined her fellow VA medical staff on stage, where they praised her dedication.

“You brought me into the VA, you’ve given me guidance, but most of all you’ve shown me the compassion you have for veterans,” said Kristine Osburn, assistant nurse manager at the Yuba City VA Clinic. “You live and breathe that compassion every day, and we want to thank you for dedicating your life to this work.”

Colleen Hannah, site manager at the Yuba City VA Clinic, added, “You’re always welcome to come back and serve with us.”

Though shy about the attention, Bruner expressed gratitude for her colleagues’ words.

“This was news to me, quite a surprise,” Bruner said. “I am passionate about the Stand Downs and I go to every one of them.”

Her impact was evident beyond the ceremony.

“She’s a hero, she’s helped save my life more than once,” said one attendee who called herself a “fan of Deborah.”

The color guard exits the stage during the Yuba-Sutter Stand Down opening ceremony at the Yuba-Sutter Fairgrounds on Friday, Aug. 15.

Over the years, Bruner has supported Stand Downs in Yuba-Sutter, Chico and Redding, in addition to volunteering internationally with “Operation Smile,” a nonprofit that provides life-saving surgeries for children with cleft lips and palates.

As she looks ahead to retirement, Bruner hopes to channel her skills into veterinary surgery to help pet owners afford both routine and life-saving procedures.

“I always wanted to do that, but never did,” Bruner said with a laugh. “I think it's a big need. Every time I go to my vet, they tell me they’re short on help for surgeries, so I thought, why not try?”

This year’s Stand Down also saw an expansion of pet resources, with booths offering resources on low-cost veterinary care, vaccinations, and information on obtaining service or therapy dogs. The event’s dental facility, another popular stop, offered care for veterans and their families.

Shane Griego (left) introduces organizer Mike Nichols for a special recognition during the Yuba-Sutter Stand Down opening ceremony on Friday, Aug. 15.

“Last year I got eyeglasses and this year my husband is here for dental,” said military spouse Maria Mondragon. “It just helps with things we need, especially when money is tight. It takes some of the burden off.”

The opening ceremony also featured reflections on the event’s 25-year history. Congressman Kevin Kiley’s office presented a certificate of recognition to organizer Mike Nichols, who in turn thanked longtime supporter Mike Ziegenmeyer, a Sutter County Supervisor, for his help in raising funds to keep the event free. Lt. Col. Dale Ellis of Beale’s 9th Reconnaissance Wing shared his experiences serving at multiple bases around the country, saying he had never felt a community’s support quite like Yuba-Sutter’s.

Mark A. Carlson of American Legion Post 705 plays “Taps” during the opening ceremony of the Yuba-Sutter Stand Down on Friday, Aug. 15. No guns were fired so as to not trigger any attendees with PTSD.

“Being stationed here, you can feel it, it’s palpable,” Ellis said. “The Yuba-Sutter area loves us and cares for us. I’ve never felt anything like it before.”

As the weekend closed, the focus returned to what makes the Stand Down special: the people. For veterans, families and supporters alike, Deborah Bruner’s recognition was a reminder that service doesn’t end with retirement, it continues through compassion, community and care.