Tino Adame was only expecting a street to be named after him this week in front of the Veterans Affairs clinic he’d spent years advocating for. But in front of the large crowd of friends and family gathered the former Marine was surprised with a second honor representing his hometown.
Stockton-area native Adame was selected as the 71st Stocktonian by the the Central Valley Association of Realtors and the Greater Stockton Chamber of Commerce. . He was bestowed the honor Monday at the Richard A. Pittman Veterans Affairs Clinic in French Camp.
“I’m honored, I’m honored, really honored,” Adame said as he was leaving the event. “I don’t like being the center. I work for all the people, but when it hits me I get nervous.”
At age 19, Adame volunteered to serve in the Vietnam War, where he was injured in the line of duty during an ambush, according to the U.S. Army Corp of Engineers. His injury resulted in him being discharged from the military.
Adame later became the 25-year post commander for the Karl Ross Post 16 American Legion in Stockton, which supports veterans and their families, including prisoners of war and military personnel missing in action.
After graduating from Franklin High School and studying for two years at San Joaquin Delta College, Adame joined the U.S. Marines. He earned a Purple Heart, the Vietnam Service Medal, the Vietnam Campaign Medal, the National Defense Service Medal, the Rifle Marksman Badge, and the Good Conduct Medal.
Timm Quinn, Greater Stockton Chamber of Commerce CEO, presented Adame with the certificate just before the veteran’s street sign was unveiled.
After his service in the military, sponsors of the event said Adame became an advocate for the establishment of a new VA facility in San Joaquin County so local veterans in the area could have access to to local medical care.
Adame secured the resources necessary aided by the helping hand of many other people, event sponsors said. His relationships with elected officials and community leaders also allowed him to rally the support and services necessary to ensure that no veteran is left behind or forgotten.
The VA facility, which opened in 2024, now provides essential medical care for local veterans, reducing travel time for those seeking medical care in the area, event sponsors said.
Adame’s vision for veteran support also extended to the advocacy of more veteran housing and resources, event sponsors said He was also credited with contributing to the public discussions surrounding veteran’s issues, including spreading awareness of the sacrifices veterans make,in attempts to inspire others to strike change around them.
Alongside these achievements, event sponsors say Adame also provides direct mentoring and support for individual veterans as they work through their transition into civilian life, connecting veterans with resources and services.
“You know, it’s just so much, so fast and he had some inclination that this would be a great moment, but the magnitude of everything that’s been done, it’s just overwhelming (for him),” Adame’s brother, Henry Adame, who is also a former Marine..
As Stocktonians drive along Tino Adame Road, they will remember Adame’s legacy of military excellence and undying effort to make a transformative difference in Stockton.
“Both (Adame and his brother) are marines, both were born here in French camp, and both will have their legacies live on,” Nora Lynn Dwinell, VA Associate Director, East Bay Division, said in a statement.