SACRAMENTO – Assemblyman Josh Hoover (R-Folsom) announced he has named Marine Sergeant Tyler Vargas-Andrews as the 2023 Veteran of the Year for the 7th Assembly District at the Warfighter Overwatch Patriots Gala. Sergeant Andrews grew up in Folsom and will forever be remembered as a hero in our community.
While engaged in a security detail during the civilian evacuation of Afghanistan in 2021, Sergeant Andrews was struck by a suicide bombing attack at Hamid Karzai International Airport that killed 13 U.S. service members and injured 17 more.
Sergeant Andrews went through an extensive recovery period and has worked diligently to help others through his own recovery and rehabilitation, becoming a staunch advocate for veterans and openly sharing his experience. He also worked to hold our leaders in Washington accountable by testifying in front of Congress on March 8, 2023 regarding the events of the suicide bombing attack.
Said Hoover, “This recognition is but a small token of my appreciation for Sergeant Andrews’ service to our nation and sacrifice in defense of our freedoms.”
Josh Hoover represents Assembly District 7, which includes the cities of Citrus Heights, Folsom, and Rancho Cordova and the unincorporated communities of Carmichael, Fair Oaks, Foothill Farms, Gold River, Mather, McClellan Park, North Highlands, Orangevale, and Rosemont.