For more than five decades, retired U.S. Air Force Capt. Michael Stadnick Jr. has devoted his life to serving his country and community, first in uniform, then through tireless work honoring those who served before and after him.

Now 83, Stadnick continues to serve as commander of the Santa Maria Valley Veterans Honor Guard, a volunteer group that provides free military memorial services for veterans and their families across the Central Coast. He is also a past commander of both the Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW) and American Legion in Santa Maria.

On Veterans Day Tuesday, Stadnick and his honor guard will take part in the city’s annual ceremony at the Freedom Monument Veterans Memorial, Veterans Plaza in Santa Maria, 600 S. McClelland St., at 10 a.m. The event is coordinated by the San

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