Mattocks Receives Patriot Award from Community Group

Menifee Mayor Scott Mann joins board members of the Menifee Action Group in honoring longtime resident Lynn Mattocks. (Menifee 24/7 photos: Kristen Spoon)

Vietnam veteran and longtime Menifee resident and community volunteer Lynn Mattocks was honored Thursday night by members of the Menifee Action Group.

Mattocks served three tours in Vietnam. In 1964, he was the first U.S. Marine sent into Vietnam with a specific mission to gain intelligence in the mounting war effort. For years also a professional rodeo rider, Mattocks was active in the initial efforts to help Menifee become a city. A local resident since his retirement from the military in 1986, Mattocks has served as a member of the Riverside County Trails Committee, working with the Bureau of Land Management regarding land use and the proper designation of trails for public use.

Mattocks also served with Mayor Scott Mann and former city council member Darcy Kuenzi (left) on the committee responsible for the creation of the Menifee Veterans Memorial in Wheatfield Park.

Mann and Kuenzi took part in the presentation of the Patriot Award, created to honor a local resident for "years of loyal dedication to the betterment of the community."

"For me, it's a high honor to present this award," Mann said during the event, held at Menifee Lakes Country Club. "I can't think of a more fitting person to receive this first Patriot Award."

Menifee Action Group was originally created in 2005 by a group of residents hoping to see Menifee incorporated as a city. Since incorporation in 2008, the group has continued as a non-profit organization to support the development of the city and local businesses and to honor civic leaders and volunteers.

"After Menifee became a city, we decided we wanted to stay together and continue to foster the community," Kuenzi said.

Thursday's MAG event was attended by several dignitaries, including State Senator Mike Morrell and Riverside County Supervisor Marion Ashley (left). Members of the Menifee Union School District board, the Menifee Valley Chamber of Commerce, Arts Council Menifee and other groups also attended, in addition to other local business professionals who have been involved with the community development of Menifee.

The group also recognized Matt Liesemeyer (right), the most recently elected member of the Menifee City Council. Liesemeyer, one of the city's original Planning Commissioners, took office on the council last December.

"When we first started talking about Menifee becoming a city, Matt was attending the cityhood meetings," Kuenzi said about Liesemeyer, a general contractor. "He even volunteered to draw the city's legal boundaries. That didn't happen, but as soon as the Planning Commission was established, Matt applied. We're happy to recognize him today as a city council member."