After 14 years of service to Kern County veterans, Chuck Bikakis is retiring. And, on Monday he got a special going away salute from fellow veterans.
More than 20 bikers showed up on Bikakis's last day at the Kern County Veterans Service Department. And, all they wanted to do was say 'thank you' for all the hard work he has done on behalf of Kern County veterans.
The former Marine and Vietnam veteran doesn’t like the limelight, but he fights tooth and nail to make sure our veterans have somewhere to go and are never forgotten.
"Chuck is a 20-year marine, and he’s an Annapolis graduate. That's something to be honored, and then when he got out of the service he went to work helping the veterans of Kern County, and continued to do that for so many years as he has. This is our opportunity to thank him," said Ben Patten.
They are thanking him for his accomplishments in providing services for our veterans.
"Chuck is the one responsible for the Stand Down. Chuck brought the wall, the traveling wall two years ago. Those are healing things that help people and what an example of a man," continued Patten.
Chuck Bikakis wants the focus to be on our veterans and he told us the surprise was overwhelming.
"All the things I have done, I have never done them for me, I’ve done it for them. I’ve done it for our veterans. To have them come and give me this kind of attention is overwhelming." said Bikakis.
He says his proudest moments from his tenure with the department include getting a home for vets built, getting the vet center established in Bakersfield, along with the Stand Down for homeless veterans.
Bikakis's next step is hip surgery, which is scheduled for Tuesday morning, then some much needed rest.
