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Veterans
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SAN ANTONIO – Air Force Airman Kelley E. McKinley graduated from basic military training at Lackland Air Force Base, San Antonio, Texas.
The airman completed an intensive, eight-week program that included training in military discipline and studies, Air Force core values, physical fitness, and basic warfare principles and skills.
Airmen who complete basic training earn four credits toward an associate in applied science degree through the Community College of the Air Force.
He is the son of Corinne McKinley of Middletown.
The airman is a 2007 graduate of Middletown High School.
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The course is designed to provide training for Air Force and Navy student navigators.
CSO training combines portions of navigator and electronic warfare training to produce an aviator skilled in advanced navigation systems, electronic warfare, weapons employment, and use of advanced communications systems.
The new training gives aviators a cross-flow capability between the two positions on combat aircraft. The curriculum provides officership, academic, simulator, flight training and a wider range of topics with an increased emphasis on warfighting to help students develop leadership, decision-making and mission management skill.
Rhinehart is a combat systems operator with the 562nd Flying Training Squadron at Randolph Air Force Base, Universal City, Texas. He has served in the military for four years.
He is the son of Roy Rhinehart of Lucerne and Kyana N. Rhinehart-Brown of Shreveport, La.
The captain graduated in 2000 from Captain Shreve High School, Shreveport, and earned a bachelor's degree in 2004 from Louisiana Tech University, Ruston.
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Frank Parker, Ron Quick and Ginny Craven worked last week to restore the honor and dignity appropriate to the 1966 Lester D. Grigsby, Post 764, American Legion flagpole at Upper Lake Cemetery.
May is National Military Appreciation Month and Veterans Appreciation Month. Memorial Day also will be commemorated later this month.
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The Golden Age Games are open to all U.S. military Veterans age 55 or older who receive care at a Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) medical facility.
The games give participants the opportunity to compete in ambulatory, visually-impaired and wheelchair divisions, according to their ages. Events include swimming, bicycling, bowling, croquet, air rifle, golf, shuffleboard, horseshoes, discus and shot put.
The 23rd National Veterans Golden Age Games are co-sponsored by VA, Help Hospitalized Veterans (HHV) and the Veterans Canteen Service (VCS). This year's event is hosted by the VA medical center in Birmingham.
The games are designed to improve the quality of life for all older veterans, including those with a wide range of abilities and disabilities. Through a partnership with the National Senior Games Association, a member of the U.S. Olympic Committee, the games serve as a qualifier for the National Senior Games held every other year.
"HHV is extremely pleased to continue its support of this wonderful therapeutic program," said Mike Lynch, executive director of HHV. "The games continue to demonstrate VA's commitment to offer programs that help veteran patients in their health recovery and to send the message that Americans support their service to our country."
"The Golden Age Games continue to grow every year, and the athletes who participate are testimony that the spirit of competition, camaraderie and commitment to an actively invigorating lifestyle. This spirit not only helps to prevent illness, it strengthens the hearts and rejuvenates the soul," said Marilyn Iverson, director of the Veterans Canteen Service.
The majority of the competitive events for the Golden Age Games, including opening and closing ceremonies, will be held at the Birmingham Jefferson Convention Center.
The opening ceremony will take place at 7 p.m. on Monday, June 1. The competition begins with golf on Tuesday, June 2, at 8 a.m., at Highland Golf Course. Closing ceremonies will be held at 7 p.m. on Friday, June 5, at the convention center.
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DeLuna, an aircraft structural maintenance apprentice, is assigned to the 27th Special Operations Equipment Maintenance Squadron. He has served in the military for less than one year.
He is the son of Abel and Patricia Santiago of Kelseyville.
The airman is a 2008 graduate of Donaldson High School, Kelseyville.
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"There is no better investment than education," said Tammy Duckworth, VA's assistant secretary for public and intergovernmental affairs. "The Post-9/11 GI Bill will provide new opportunities that are essential to our veterans, our workforce and our economy."
Veterans, service members, reservists and National Guard members with active duty since Sept. 10, 2001, may be eligible for this benefit.
Veterans will remain eligible for benefits for 15 years from the date of last discharge or release from a period of active duty of at least 90 continuous days.
Eligible applicants must have served for an aggregate period of at least 90 days since Sept. 10, 2001, or served at least 30 continuous days on active duty since Sept. 10, 2001, and received a discharge for
disability.
Benefit payment rates range from 40 percent of the maximum benefit for an person with at least 90 days, but less than six months of aggregate service and up to 100 percent of the benefit for people with at least 36 months of aggregate service or 30 continuous days and a discharge due to a service connected disability.
Prospective beneficiaries may apply online through the GI Bill Web site at www.GIBILL.VA.gov.
Qualified Veterans will receive a "Certification of Eligibility" as well as additional information regarding benefits they may qualify for under the Post-9/11 GI Bill, which will become effective on Aug. 1, 2009.
The Post-9/11 GI Bill, passed by Congress last year, is the most extensive educational assistance program authorized since the original GI Bill was signed into law in 1944. It provides eligible applicants with tuition payments to assist them in getting a college education.
For many participants, it also provides a housing allowance and a stipend for books and supplies.
Information about the new program and VA's other educational benefits
can be obtained through www.GIBILL.VA.gov or by calling 1-888-GIBILL1 (1-888-442-4551).
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WASHINGTON – On May 5 Department of Veterans Affairs Assistant Secretary for Public and Intergovernmental Affairs L. Tammy Duckworth, was honored by Running Start at their annual Women to Watch Awards in Washington, DC.
She spoke to a crowd of 300 young women at a ceremony at the National Press Club.
"We make our nation stronger by supporting the 200,000 women currently serving in the armed forces and the approximately 1.7 million women veterans in our country that need our help," Assistant Secretary L. Tammy Duckworth said. "It's time to stop being surprised that America's daughters are fully capable of doing their jobs and fighting for our freedoms. I recognize that I am here today because I stand on the shoulders of the men and women who opened the doors for women to serve."
Running Start is a nonprofit organization dedicated to inspiring young women to run for political office. It offers high school and college women the unique opportunity to hear from today's leaders.
By educating young women about the importance of politics and giving them the skills they need to become leaders, they give them the running start they need to reach their aspirations.
Assistant Secretary Duckworth was introduced by State Representative Linda Chapa LaVia from the state of Illinois.
She was recognized as a "Woman to Watch" by Running Start along with Erin Issabelle Burnett, CNBC television anchor; Betsy Fischer, executive producer of Meet the Press; Julie Gilbert, founder and chief executive officer of Wolf Means Business; and Mona Sutphen, deputy chief of staff for the Obama administration.
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The gathering will be held at Saint Mary Immaculate Parish Hall, 801 N. Main St., Lakeport.
The potluck begins at 6 p.m., with the meeting to follow at 7 p.m.
Veterans of all eras, their families and friends, and the general public are cordially welcome to attend.
For more information about the group visit its Web site, www.vva951.org.
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Johnson's retirement becomes effective May 13.
“I want to thank Tom for all of his hard work to tackle the important issues facing California’s veterans and ensure the state of California honors those who have fought for our protection and security,” Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger said Wednesday. “Over the course of his career, he has served the people of this state tirelessly and has been a great asset to my administration. As Tom moves into retirement, my office will search for someone to fill this position and carry on his commitment and dedication to serving California’s veterans and their families.”
For information about the California Department of Veterans Affairs, visit www.cdva.ca.gov.