Sonza (center left) travelled to the State Capitol with his wife Deanna and son Daniel (left), his father Redd (center right), and Ben Yang (right), Veteran Services Coordinator at San Francisco State University.
"John has lived an inspiring life of service to his country and his roots in the Philippines," said Ting. "He has a beautiful family and very bright future ahead. I know John will make us even more proud to claim him as a member of our community."
"It is an honor to serve my community, city, and country," said Sonza. "This country has given my family many opportunities and I am glad to return the favor through service."
In recognition of Sonza's service and accomplishments, Ting presented Sonza with a State Assembly resolution.
Formerly a Staff Sargent in the US Army, Sonza served one combat tour in Afghanistan and two tours in the Philippines. He was admitted to San Francisco State in 2005 but put his education on hold to serve his country. After active duty as a returning student, Sonza has maintained a 4.0 grade point average and will graduate later this summer with a Bachelor's Degree in International Relations. In August, Sonza will be commissioned as a Second Lieutenant in the US Army to continue his career of military service as an infantry officer.
As a student, John served in the National Guard and joined the ROTC program at the University of San Francisco. He was also President of VETS@SFSU or Veterans Education Transition & Support, a resource for veterans and their families. Sonza helped establish VETS Corner, a dedicated location on campus for veterans to socialize and study with computer workstations. SF State celebrated the opening of VETS Corner in 2012 with Congresswoman Jackie Speier, for whom Sonza once interned, and a representative from House Democratic Leader Nancy Pelosi's office.
Last summer, Sonza volunteered with his wife Deanna, a nurse, to help victims of Typhoon Haiyan in the Philippines.