On Saturday, November 17, 2012, St. John Armenian Church of San Francisco held its annual Veterans Dinner in honor of United States Marine Corps Captain Matthew Patrick Manoukian, 29, who was killed in August in Sangin District, Afghanistan by a rogue Afghan policeman.  33 veterans attended the dinner as guests of the Parish and 200 guests  showed their respect and appreciation for all our brave veterans.

Fr. Mesrop Ash offered the opening prayer and called for God's blessings over the evening's proceedings. John Dahlberg emceed the event and invited several veterans and parishioners to share their experiences of war.

Greg Ovanessian shared the biographies of three highly decorated Armenian Americans who served in World War II; Rebecca Boghossian presented about her grandfather Paul Manoogian's experience at Midway during World War II; Nshan Kesecker spoke about the contributive role of Soviet Armenia during World War II; Adrineh Gouloomian spoke about her service as a helicopter pilot in Iraq; Vicky Palangian reflected on her experience in the liberation of Paris; Chuck Paskarian spoke about his service in the Korean War, Charlie Tateosian was introduced by grandson Harrison, and shared his reflections on his service in World War II.

Superior Court Judge Socrates “Pete” Manoukian and California Court of Appeal Associate Justice Patricia Bamattre-Manoukian described the heroic life of their beloved son Captain Matthew Patrick Manoukian, who was killed in combat in Afghanistan on 10 August 2012. Matthew was an amazing and dedicated Marine, an outstanding leader, and a dearly beloved son and brother. Matthew touched the lives of so many in Los Altos, Los Altos Hills, California, the United States, Iraq, and Afghanistan. Matthew was dedicated to service of his country and his Marines.

In tribute to Captain Manoukian, the dinner raised $5,700.00 for the MARSOC Foundation, which assists Special Operations Command Marines and their families.