SACRAMENTO - Assembly Member Mike Morrell, R-Rancho Cucamonga, today honored Christopher "Mac" McDonald as the 2012 Veteran of the Year for the 63rd Assembly District during a special luncheon at the State Capitol.  Assemblyman Morrell was pleased to honor a veteran as dynamic as Mac.

"You know you have a good man," said Assemblyman Morrell "when he has a smile on his face with a joke to tell. You know you have a great man, when he tells you that he's not accepting the recognition of Veteran of the Year for himself, but rather he's accepting it to motivate and inspire those around him."

Mac distinguished himself during his tours of duty, earning numerous medals for his commitment to our Nation, but never lost his focus on fighting for America's freedom. Assemblyman Morrell was honored to recognize such a decorated yet humble man.

Assemblyman Morrell and Mac were joined by other veterans and elected officials from throughout the state for the fifth annual Veteran of the Year Recognition Luncheon.  At the event, the Legislature thanked veterans for the sacrifices they made to serve. Assemblyman Jeff Gorell, who returned home this year from a yearlong deployment in Afghanistan, spoke at today's event.

Earlier this year, Republicans recognized veterans by introducing legislation that would vastly improve their access to benefits and services, streamline military training credits with California colleges and provide tax breaks on certain service-related pay.

Lawmakers praised the veterans for serving our nation.

Veteran McDonald stated very simply, "I'm a soldier, it's what we do."