Congressman Dr. Raul Ruiz honors Riverside County veterans

INDIO, Calif. (KESQ) - Congressman Dr. Raul Ruiz (CA-25) honored and thanked veterans for their service on Monday by presenting to two Riverside County distinguished veterans.

Local veteran Juan Carlos Lopez-Mendoza of Indio was presented with numerous medals, including an Army Commendation, Good Conduct, and Southwest Asia Service Medal & Bronze Star. Lopez-Mendoza served three years in the U.S. Army, with nine months deployed to Iraq during the first Gulf War. His unit worked bravely to protect Kurdish and Iraqi civilians following Saddam Hussein's chemical attacks in northern Iraq.

Lopez-Mendoza, who has battled a rare form of leukemia for more than two decades, is a strong advocate for fellow veterans after being able to access benefits he earned through the PACT Act in 2022. He helps other veterans navigate the system to get the care and benefits they deserve.

Glenn J. King of Hemet, a U.S. Navy veteran, was also honored and presented with medals, including a National Defense Service Ribbon and a Vietnam Service Medal. He served aboard the USS Currituck (AV-7) off the coast of South Vietnam, where he was exposed to harmful chemical agents, including Agent Orange, which later led to the loss of his eyesight.