Veteran Bruce Cripe Expands Communication Outlets in Area

As residents of the Menifee Valley and surrounding areas prepare to enjoy a holiday on Friday, many in the crowd work hard to make sure the true meaning of Veterans Day is recognized.

One such person is Bruce Cripe, a military veteran who gives back to the community in order to serve and honor those whose sacrifices are officially recognized on Nov. 11 each year.

Cripe, who retired as a Major from the U.S. Marine Corps Reserves in 1995, knows personally of the sacrifices made by those who are honored on this day. He is a veteran of the Vietnam and Gulf Wars who served his country for 26 years.

This week, he is a busy man. Cripe attended a mixer for the Menifee Valley Chamber of Commerce, participated in a Temecula Rotary Club luncheon honoring area veterans, and served as master of ceremonies at a Chamber of Commerce program in Murrieta, which will host a Veterans Day parade on Saturday.

"Veterans and their families make a lot of sacrifices, whether you serve three years or 26 years," Cripe said. "I like to see it when non-veterans show their appreciation of the fact we served. Just saying 'thank you' means a lot."

There is no doubt about the commitment of Cripe and his entire family to the U.S. military effort. One of his sons, Michael, served eight years in the Marine Corps. Another son, John, has served 13 years in the U.S. Coast Guard. Bruce is involved with the Temecula Veterans Center and supports veterans through his many projects with the Rotary Club and area Chambers of Commerce.

His latest project serves and supports businesses and seniors in southwest Riverside County, including Menifee, Sun City, Murrieta, Temecula, Lake Elsinore, Wildomar and Canyon Lake.

Cripe is vice president of operations for Business Scene Magazine, which is delivered bi-monthly to individuals via subscription and distributed free of charge at several businesses and Chambers of Commerce in the area. His latest venture, through parent company Modal Logic, Inc. and its president and CEO, Jann Gentry, is Vintage Scene, a magazine designed to serve senior citizens in the surrounding communities.

Vintage Scene will be published bi-monthly, alternating months with Business Scene, beginning in February.

"This will be a magazine about seniors and for seniors," said Cripe, who turns 65 in January. "There are over 200,000 seniors in this part of the county. Our message is, 'We may be seniors, but we're not over the hill. We're still proud members of the community.' "

Cripe and his colleagues have put considerable research into the development of Vintage Scene. Recently, 20 residents were invited to a focus group designed to solicit input from potential readers. Eighteen of those invited showed up to share their thoughts.

"That's pretty much unheard of, a turnout like that," Cripe said. "We've received a tremendous amount of input and are preparing to have another focus group."

Among the topics of interest to be addressed in Vintage Scene are health care concerns, housing issues and recreational opportunities for seniors. The magazine also will address military issues, including health care available for veterans.

Business Scene Magazine is designed to highlight business and social issues to residents of all age groups, including the many young families who have moved to the area in recent years. Vintage Scene will cater more to retirees and the interest of seniors, who are such a vibrant part of the community.

"They are two magazines for two different groups," Cripe said.

As he always did during his days in the military, Cripe has all his bases covered.

Bruce Cripe poses for a photo before heading overseas to serve in the Gulf War with the 14th Marine Artillery Regiment reserve unit out of Dallas in 1990.