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Veterans
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LAKEPORT – Army Pvt. Jacob A. Franckiewicz has deployed to the Iraqi theater of operations to support the mission of Operation Iraqi Freedom.
The soldier is a member of the 1st Battalion, 28th Infantry, the "Black Lions", 4th Infantry Combat Brigade, 1st Infantry Division based at Fort Riley, Junction City, Kan.
The Black Lions, activated in 2006, are one of the Army's newest modular infantry brigade combat teams.
In preparation toward the Black Lions' deployment to a combat environment, the battalion soldiers completed a demanding four-week collective training density at Fort Irwin.
Operation Iraqi Freedom is the official name given to military operations involving members of the U.S. armed forces and coalition forces participating in efforts to free and secure Iraq.
Mission objectives focus on force protection, peacekeeping, stabilization, security and counter-insurgency operations as the Iraqi transitional governing bodies assume full sovereign powers to govern the peoples of Iraq.
Members from all branches of the U.S. military and multinational forces are also assisting in rebuilding Iraq's economic and governmental infrastructure, and training and preparing Iraqi military and security forces to assume full authority and responsibility in defending and preserving Iraq's sovereignty and independence as a democracy.
Franckiewicz is an infantryman with one year of military service.
He is the son of Karen M. Foster and stepson of Jerry Puett of Lakeport.
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KELSEYVILLE – Army Pvt. Ariadna Moreno has graduated from basic combat training at Fort Jackson, Columbia, S.C.
During the nine weeks of training, the soldier studied the Army mission, history, tradition and core values, physical fitness, and received instruction and practice in basic combat skills, military weapons, chemical warfare and bayonet training, drill and ceremony, marching, rifle marksmanship, armed and unarmed combat, map reading, field tactics, military courtesy, military justice system, basic first aid, foot marches, and field training exercises.
Moreno is a 2001 graduate of Aspire High School, Lakeport.
She is the stepdaughter of Leonard Partida of Louis Lane, Kelseyville.
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- Written by: Elizabeth Larson
CLEARLAKE – Army Staff Sgt. Anthony W. Patrick has received an associate degree in general studies from Columbia College, Mo.
While on active duty, military members are encouraged to further their education through off-duty programs to improve their opportunities for advancement, promotion and position during their military career.
Many educational programs for service members are subsidized through tuition assistance or veterans benefits.
The sergeant is a watch officer assigned to the 160th Signal Brigade, Camp Arifjan, Kuwait.
Patrick graduated in 1992 from Lower Lake High School.
He is the son of Al and stepson of Penny Patrick of Clearlake. His mother, Kathy Patrick, resides in Cambria.
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NICE – Air Force Airman Sean P. Gatton graduated earlier this year from basic military training at Lackland Air Force Base, San Antonio, Texas.
During the six weeks of training, the airman studied the Air Force mission, organization, and military customs and courtesies; performed drill and ceremony marches, and received physical training, rifle marksmanship, field training exercises, and special training in human relations.
In addition, airmen who complete basic training earn credits toward an associate degree through the Community College of the Air Force.
Gatton is a 2005 graduate of Upper Lake High School.
He is the son of Don Gatton of Nice.
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MIDDLETOWN – Air Force Airman Bradley C. Morris has arrived for duty at Hurlburt Field, Fort Walton Beach, Fla., earlier this year.
Morris is assigned to the 16th Aircraft Maintenance Squadron.
He is the son of Suzanne M. Hunter of Middletown.
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- Written by: Lake County News Reports
That's Private Zachary Goot, the contact person for his unit, telling the tale in his own emailed words. The 50 boxes of goodies that Operation Tango Mike mailed on Feb. 28 have already landed in Iraq. Lake County's generosity has gone to good use. Indeed, the donor list is almost overwhelming.
Members of Chapter 951 of Vietnam Veterans of America, with the aid of interested citizens, packed everything and committed necessary paperwork in two hours. There was no shortage of help, with 15 sets of hands backing up Ginny Craven.
Ron Quick, Warren Canfield, Dean Gotham, Skip Hulet, Phyllis Hoffman, Dave Collins, Dan Davi, Patti Collins, Mike Hennig, Frank Parker, Harry Graves, Steve Sayers, Ellen Hennig, this author, and Dustin Angle pitched in. The latter is one of the chapter's most active members, and so hardworking, mature, and responsible that it's difficult to believe he's only 14.
Some volunteers settled in for box building, addressing and filling customs forms. Others packed hygiene items in separate boxes, or packed food, paperbacks, magazines, board games and puzzles. A couple of penmen settled to write personal notes to slip into the boxes.
Special thanks go to the third grade classes of Ms. Kies, Mrs. Brown, Mr. McClaren and Mrs. Ayers of Kelseyville Elementary School for their colored drawings and notes; these little personal touches are always welcome to homesick troopers. Every box contained notes from Lake County.
By the time we cleaned up the parish hall at Saint Mary Immaculate and turned off the music, Operation Tango Mike was cleaned out except for a few paperbacks. In other words, we're back to soliciting donations for the next round. Think a backpacker's Easter, with a March 20 deadline.
We now have goods collection points at the Veterans of Foreign Wars and the American Legion halls in Clearlake, as well as at Mackey Tire and Spa in Lakeport. Mendo Mill has donated 10 scarlet collection bins, which we are posting about the county. They have a Tango Mike logo on the back rim, and a donation suggestion list on the front lip. Look for them in all three Hardester's Markets, in Cobb, Hidden Valley, and Middletown. Country Carpet in Upper Lake is hosting one of them. Other locations are being arranged.
Checks can still be sent to Tango Mike care of VVA Chapter 951, PO BOX 1313, Lakeport, CA 95453. VVA can provide tax receipts upon request. Cash or checks can also be given to Ginny Craven. She may be reached at 349-2838 or at
E-mail George Dorner at
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- Written by: Lake County News Reports
LAKEPORT – The inimitable Ginny Craven has done it again, with more than a little help from her friends.
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LAKE COUNTY – Ginny Craven is passionate about serving her community. She worked in law enforcement until she was compelled to retire on disability from an injury suffered on duty. She still misses the work.
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- Written by: Elizabeth Larson