A Coltonite of Over 90 Years Honored With Military Banner

Long-time Colton resident Luis Contreras was honored for his service in the US Air Force with a military banner installation ceremony. Contreras was drafted into the Air Force in 1943, where he was immediately sent out to Denver, Colo. to start basic training. After undergoing the basics, Contreras traveled to Arizona, where he began training for his primary duty in the Air Force: where he was in charge of firing machine guns. It wasn’t until he completed his training when he was stationed overseas in Germany. “I guess you can say I got to travel a lot,” he said. Contreras served in combat as a gunner on the B-17, right in the middle of the action. According to Contreras, his crew was supposed to go on a few more missions. However, they got shot down on their 21st mission, and that prevented them from proceeding. He left the military in 1946, serving about two and a hlaf years. “Although I got drafted and had no choice, I made the best out of my service,” he said. Contreras was born and raised in Colton, a true Coltonite. “I’ve been here for 91 years,” he said, smiling. “I sure love Colton.” He even attended Colton High School, but was drafted before he could graduate. Contreras, today at 91 years old, still enjoys his life here in the town he knows and loves, he shared. After seeing the many military banners hung up around his town, he looked into the program. His family showed support and became Contreras's sponsors, dedicating a military banner to Contreras. Contreras was met by friends and family on a cloudy December day to celebrate the installation. His banner was hung on the northeast corner of L Street and La Cadena Drive. Contreras said, “The banner was beautiful; the whole ceremony just went beautifully.”