A new ‘Thank-a-Vet Thursday’ (#TVT) video released through the office of U.S. Representative Jeff Denham features Riverbank Mayor Richard O’Brien, a U.S. Navy veteran who served for 28 years through five different conflicts.

The video was released on Thursday, April 5.

Shared on Rep. Denham’s Facebook, Twitter and YouTube pages, this #TVT video is an excerpt from a longer interview for the Library of Congress’ Veterans History Project, where Mayor O’Brien recounts transitioning from an enlisted service member to an officer and working to “earn his gold.”

Mayor O’Brien enlisted in the Navy in 1972 and went on to serve in the Vietnam War and Operations Frequent Wind, Eagle Pull, Desert Shield, and Desert Storm, before retiring from service in 2000. During his time in service, he served in the Commander of Amphibious Squadron 5 Staff, the USS Mount Vernon, USS Ranger, USS Lang, USS Horne, USS Germantown, and Amphibious Forces 7th Fleet. For his service, O’Brien was awarded two Meritorious Service Medals, four Navy Commendation Medals, two Navy Achievement Medals, six Sea Service Medals and three Humanitarian Service Medals.

Mayor O’Brien’s story is shared as part of Rep. Denham’s #TVT social media initiative to thank veterans for their service. Rep. Denham invites and encourages social media users to post photos and videos using #TVT to recognize America’s military veterans. All #TVT videos can be found on Rep. Denham’s YouTube channel and official Facebook page.