Five Local African-American Men Awarded ‘Man of the Year’ by Senator

By Matanah Simmons, IVN Guest Writer

Pomona, CA– Senator Gloria Negrete McLeod awarded 11 public servants with the “2012 Man of the Year” Award recently in the city of Pomona. Each year, Senator McLeod acknowledges the outstanding work contributed to the 32nd Senate District by men residing within the district. “Each man honored here today has added to his individual community in significant ways and has been chosen based on his community service.” The Senator continued, “It is with a sense of respect and celebration that we recognize these amazing men.” Five of the 11 men awarded were African-American Men in the district.

The Award Luncheon was held at the Pomona Valley Masonic Temple, where Mayor Elliott Rothman welcomed the Senator, her staff, award-recipients and guests to the City of Pomona. Farrell J. Chiles of the Tuskegee Airmen Scholarship Foundation, 38-year retired Army Veteran, 23-year resident of Pomona, and recent recipient of the Inland Valley News’ 15th Annual Celebration of Excellence Award, was named “Pomona Man of the Year.”

“I am extremely honored to receive this award. An acknowledgement of one’s service and leadership in his or her community is gratifying. This is an award that I’m very proud to receive,” Chiles said.

Other notable award recipients included: Retired LAPD Officer and 26-year resident of Rialto, Artist Gilbert – 32nd District Man of the Year; Mentor and Volunteer Coach for the Montclair Youth Basketball program and 25-year resident of Montclair, Keith Robinson – Montclair Man of the Year; 15-year youth football coach and recipient of Loma Linda University Medical Center’s “Hall of Heroes,” the courageous and inspirational Eric Arrington – Rialto Man of the Year; and Founder & President of Young Visionaries Youth Leadership Academy and Board Member of the San Bernardino County Gangs and Drugs Task Force, Terrance L. Stone – San Bernardino Man of the Year.

For more information on the 2012 Man of the Year Awards recipients, visit Senator McLeod’s website at: http://dist32.casen.govoffice.com