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| THE COLONY NEWS | JANUARY 2024 | 13 HONORING VETERANS By Linda Santana, 661-492-1799 Tech Sgt Roy Lantz: "It's My Honor To Serve" When the calendar turned to 1973, tumultuous uncertain times continued to dominate the news. e Vietnam War raged, protesters burned American flags and Hippies were all about "peace and love." Global confusion and uncertainty were like frameworks for a wide-eyed, long-haired patriotic 24-year-old Roy Lantz who "wanted something more." Tech Sgt Roy Lantz joined the Air Force to pursue his dream job as an Air Traffic Controller. He pursued, realized his dream and excelled. Young and ambitious Tech Sgt Lantz knew how to "suck it up" whenever duty called. When his M.O. changed to Military Hospital Patient Administration, he answered the call. Again, he excelled. One could say his M.O. was going above and beyond. And he did. Tech Sgt Lantz strived to see the need and meet the need. During this stint of his military career, he created the "blueprint" to promote smoother hospital operations. e "blueprint," known as the Military Hospital Medical Readiness plan, became known for its positive impact involving the innermost workings of military hospitals. In the 20 years since "retiring" from the Air Force, Tech Sgt Lantz has continued to "offer more — and do more" in service to his country. For Tech Sgt Lantz, serving others is like breathing. "I have no war stories… " he says. True. Tech Sgt Lantz just showed up. Tech Sgt Lantz is clearly more than a uniform where patriotism runs deep. An immense heart runs deeper. His devotion, dedication and steadfast commitment to serve holds true. Tech Sgt Lantz is, and always will be, committed to serving his country. Every Monday, Tech Sgt Lantz dons his uniform and reads classic children's books to students at Evans Ranch Elementary School in Menifee. ey call me "Mr. Roy," he says. "It's an honor to read to them." He also volunteers at the VA, logging more than 2,000 hours of service for the Veterans Administration. Tech Sgt Lantz is a familiar presence at the annual Murrieta Veterans Day Parade. Ultimately, Tech Sgt Lantz says his greatest honor is serving with the Military Honor Detail at the Riverside National Cemetery. is prestigious unit is charged with covering military funerals: 21 Gun Salute, Taps, folding the American Flag for a fallen soldier and placing the flag in the hands of a loved one. Tech Sgt Lantz says, "It is an honor to give the fallen and their families the respect they so rightly deserve." "I am honored to serve whenever and wherever I can," says Tech Sgt Lantz. "is is the best country in the world." Serving in or out of the military Tech Sgt Lantz says, "It's a good life. I love to play soball, ride my bike and dance with my lady, Terry Wilson." Terry admires Tech Sgt Lantz for being kind, generous and caring. "He's a good spirit," says Terry. Summing it all up, Tech Sgt Roy Lantz says: "Life is the best it's ever been!" He will be the orator for the "Missing Man Table" ceremony at the Veterans Day Ball "Honoring All Who Served" to be held at e Colony on Veterans Day, Nov. 11, 2024. For more information, please contact Linda Santana at 661- 492-1799 or Gloria Brosky at 714-292-8507.