In a heartfelt celebration of service and community, Liberty Military Housing proudly partnered with the San Diego Football Club (SDFC) for the club’s first annual Stars & Stripes Night, a special evening dedicated to honoring the courage and sacrifice of our nation’s Armed Forces.  

This year’s inaugural event carried deep significance and served as a moment of gratitude and recognition for the incredible individuals and organizations that responded swiftly to offer their support in the wake of the tragic plane crash that impacted military families in Liberty’s Murphy Canyon neighborhood on May 22. Thanks to their immediate action, over 100 military families were able to begin the path toward recovery with access to food, emergency services, and emotional support.

Heroes of the Match 

Two Liberty residents were named Heroes of the Match for their incredible bravery in the face of extreme danger: 

• Damage Control Chief Petty Officer, Gilbert Gonzales, US Navy 

• Aviation Boatswain’s Mate Airman, Benjamin Manzanares, US Navy 

These service members were the very first on the scene following the crash. Their quick and selfless actions helped ensure the safety of their neighbors and prevented further harm. Their courage is a powerful reminder of the heroism that lives within our military communities. 

Community Members of the Match 

Also recognized were three individuals whose leadership and determination played a vital role in protecting and supporting the Murphy Canyon Community: 

• Fire Captain Roy Bauch, who was first on the scene with the San Diego Fire Department and immediately began suppressing the fire to prevent its spread.  

• Fire Rescue Battalion Chief Erik Windsor, who served as Incident Commander and led a complex, multi-agency firefighting effort that successfully contained multiple structure fires.  

• Heidi Smith, Liberty’s Regional Property Manager for the affected neighborhood, worked around the clock to meet the needs of displaced and impacted families, coordinating temporary housing, resources, and ongoing support.  

These Community Members of the Match exemplify the spirit of service that makes Liberty neighborhoods strong, resilient, and united.  

Non-Profit Partners 

During halftime at the SDFC match on July 5th, five community-based nonprofit organizations were honored on the field for their extraordinary service in the aftermath of the accident: 

• San Diego Military Advisory Council (SDMAC), represented by Rear Admiral David Boone, US Navy (Ret.)  

• Armed Services YMCA, represented by Jamie Inarda 

• Zero8Hundred, represented by Ashley Camac 

• Support of the Enlisted Project (STEP), represented by Tony Terevainen 

• Feeding San Diego, represented by Rear Admiral Bob Kamensky, US Navy (Ret.) 

Whether it was delivering meals, providing temporary housing, offering counseling, or simply showing up with open arms, each organization played a vital role in restoring hope and stability when it was needed most.  

At Liberty, we are honored to stand alongside our residents, first responders, community leaders, and the nonprofit partners that help serve those who serve our country. Events like Stars & Stripes Night remind us that the strength of our communities lies not only in those who wear the uniform but also in those who answer the call to support them in times of crisis.