Thursday, August 6 | Volume 40 No.21

GREAT LAKES (NNS) - Fire- man Andrew Cisneros graduated as the top Sailor from Recruit Training Command (RTC) Great Lakes, earning the Military Ex- cellence Award (MEA) July 30, 2026.

Cisneros, 24, of Fullerton, Cali- fornia, said he never pictured him- self earning the award, and that the surprise reshaped how he thinks about what it takes to be the best. "I learned what the MEA was in my first week at RTC, but I never pictured myself earning it," Cisne- ros said. "I got good scores on my tests and assessments, but I was never perfect, and I made a lot of mistakes along the way. What I realized is that you don't have to be perfect. You just have to learn from your mistakes and show up and give your best every day. To earn this, you don't have to be bet- ter than everyone else. You just have to be better than who you were yesterday."

The Military Excellence Award is presented to the recruit who best demonstrates enthusiasm, devo-

WESTSIDESTORY NEWSPAPER

Cisneros Earns Military

Excellence Award at Recruit Training Command tion to duty, military bearing and teamwork throughout training. As part of the recognition, recipients receive a flag letter of commenda- tion.

The path that brought Cisneros to that realization started from a standstill. After Fullerton Union High School, where he completed the full International Baccalaure- ate program, he tried college at Norco but never settled on a major or found the motivation to finish. He was waiting tables and tending bar at a restaurant, aware that time was passing and a career wasn't taking shape.

The idea arrived on vacation.

"I was on a family vacation in Hawaii, and I started thinking about enlisting, since there's a na- val base on the island," Cisneros said. "Serving tables isn't what I wanted to be doing, and I figured I could do more by serving my country."

To read more, visit westsidestorynewspaper.com.

THURSDAY, AUGUST 6, 2026

Continued from the front page

A Night of Faith while remaining rooted in mes- Today, Jones continues to record, sages of faith and hope. perform, and minister throughout the United States while maintain- ing strong ties to Southern Cali- fornia. His commitment to using music as a vehicle for hope has made him one of gospel music's most respected ambassadors.

Throughout his distinguished career, Jones has earned multiple Stellar Award nominations and Grammy Award recognition, be- coming known for inspirational hits that encourage listeners to persevere through life's chal- lenges. Whether leading a choir or performing before thousands, he brings a contagious energy that transforms every concert into an unforgettable worship experience. Jones is widely respected for his creative process, which begins with prayer, reflection, and a de- sire to share authentic stories of God's love. Rather than simply entertaining audiences, he crafts music that speaks to the heart, in- spires healing, and reminds people that no circumstance is beyond redemption. His performances are known for combining pow- erful vocals, heartfelt testimony, and joyful celebration, creating an atmosphere where audiences feel encouraged and spiritually re- newed.

His appearance at the House of Hope Men's Home fundraiser carries special significance. Or- ganizations dedicated to support- ing Black men often focus on rebuilding lives through mentor- ship, faith, education, account- ability, and community support. Jones' message of perseverance and redemption aligns naturally with that mission. His songs re- mind listeners that every setback can become a testimony and that hope remains possible regardless of one's past.

The concert will take place at Loveland Church, located at 17977 Merrill Avenue in Fontana, beginning at 4:00 p.m. General admission tickets are $50, while

See "A Night of..." page 8

A NIGHT OF FAITH. A PURPOSE THAT Changes Lives

• LIVE IN CONCERT
• BRENT JONES
• GOSPEL MUSIC. REAL HOPE. ETERNAL IMPACT
• "Comedian Lester Barrie, Hóst"
• A FUNDRAISER FOR HOUSE
• TICKETS
• OF HOPE
• MEN'S HOME

HELPING MEN FIND HOPE. RESTORING LIVES. BUILDING FUTURES.

• SATURDAY AUGUST 8TH, 2026 4:00 PM
• LOVELAND CHURCH
• 17977 MERRILL FONTANA, CA 92335
• VIP
• GENERAL ADMISSION
• VIP INCLUDES: PRIORITY SEATING
• • MEET & GREET EXCLUSIVE GIFT
• Hope Lives Here

LET'S COME TOGETHER FOR A NIGHT OF WORSHIP

AND MAKE A DIFFERENCE!

TICKETS & INFORMATION [email protected] 951-662-6415