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Veterans
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- Written by: Editor
SAN ANTONIO – Air Force Airman Matthew J. Smith has graduated 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.
Smith is the grandson of Mickey and Joyce Pierson of Nice, and a 2004 graduate of Upper Lake High School.
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LAKE COUNTY – The Military Funeral Honors Team is looking to add members to its roster.
The team serves Lake County by providing proper military honors at the funerals of Lake County veterans.
Those veterans interested in participating with the team should call Rich Feiro, 279-2299.
The team prefers people who are retired or working part-time.
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- Written by: Ginny Craven
LAKEPORT – Saturday brought clear skies and sunshine to Lake County. On that day, Operation Tango Mike volunteers assembled early for their Suds-4-Soldiers car wash. Patrons arrived by the droves, lining up two abreast and six deep for most of the day.
At the end of the five-hour event, volunteers were happily exhausted. Their only regret was not thinking to count the number of vehicles washed in the time span of the fundraiser. Despite a few patches of sunburn, sore feet and tired muscles, everyone had a feeling of tremendous satisfaction.
The car wash netted $1,500 in proceeds that will be used to purchase supplies and pay shipping fees for care packages to our troops. Upon learning of the event and its cause, a loyal Umpqua Bank customer donated an additional $1,000. The donor requested no credit, simply stating, “It’s the least we can do.”
Many members of the Operation Tango Mike family of volunteers are doing double duty by participating in Relay for Life. Their team, the Quick Steppers, boasts five cancer survivors on the roster. Among them is Ron Quick, still battling cancer. The team has been named in his honor.
That team hosted a bake sale at the car wash, offering patrons the opportunity to purchase a snack while waiting for their vehicle to be detailed. That was also very successful, netting nearly $300 in the fight against cancer.
The next Operation Tango Mike “packing party” will be Thursday evening at 6 p.m. at Umpqua Bank, 11th Street, Lakeport. Everyone is welcome.
If you would like more information please contact Ginny Craven at 349-2838 or
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The group meets every other month and membership is open to all commissioned officers, active duty, retirees or those who served.
Membership includes a number of support programs for former officers as well as social and community service opportunities.
For further information, contact Capt. Dan Christensen at 263-3297, Col. Dave Hulme or Lt. Col. Linda Morrison.
Zino's Restaurant is located at 6330 Soda Bay Road, Kelseyville.
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- Written by: Editor
LAKE COUNTY – The Military Funeral Honors Team of Lake County is recruiting.
The team was established in 2001, and has provided military honors for more than 460 Lake County veterans.
Volunteers must be an honorably discharged veteran of the Armed Forces of the United States and be retired or working part-time.
Those interested in participating should attend a meeting at the McDonald's conference room in Lakeport, 10:30 a.m., Thursday, April 17.
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- Details
- Written by: Ginny Craven
LAKEPORT – The most recent packing party saw Operation Tango Mike volunteers assemble 86 care packages for our troops.
The boxes contained many special treats from home, including Girl Scout cookies, purchased and donated by Lake County citizens. The folks from People Services created handmade laundry bags and small drawstring pouches for the troops. The pouches are very functional, serving to protect eyewear, such as goggles and sunglasses.
Sue Wallace of Kelsey Creek Coffee Co. has generously been donating fine quality coffee for the care packages. She has even taken the care and time to roast the beans just before the shipping!
The 86 care packages were filled and the supply bins emptied at the end of the packing. As the temperatures are quickly soaring in Iraq, care package contents are moving away from chocolate and other items that will melt easily. Snacks such as nuts, dried fruit and jerky are very popular with the troops, travel well and are lightweight enough to be carried by soldiers on the move.
As costs are a constant challenge in shipping 80 to 90 care packages each month, Operation Tango Mike volunteers are planning fundraising events. On Saturday, May 12, there will be a car wash from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. at Umpqua Bank on 11th Street in Lakeport.
On Sunday, April 27, there will be a fashion show and catered tea at the Middletown Adventist School at 21640 Highway 29 South in Middletown at 3 p.m. The affair will be catered by the Yuba College Culinary Arts Program. The event is the Senior Project of Amanda Rawlings, a member of the Class of 2008 from Middletown High School. Advance tickets are $15 and tickets at the door will be $18. You may purchase tickets by calling Ginny at 349-2838.
Operation Tango Mike often receives thank you notes and e-mail messages from troops receiving care packages. Six days after shipping the last batch, two such messages were received. The first was from James Rayburn, who wrote, “Hello my name is SGT Rayburn, James. I just received two boxes from you guys and I wanted to take the time to sit down and send you a thank you note. I am from Middletown so it was nice to get these boxes from so close to home. Well thank you for all that you do or our troops. God bless. Once again thank you so very much for the packages. SGT Rayburn.”
The second was from Lucerne’s Eli Christopher who wrote, “Thank you very much for doing what you do. I received two packages from you guys the other day and almost everything in it was just what we all needed. It always nice to know that people we know care about us. Thank you again. BU3 Elijah Christopher.”
Though no thank you is ever expected, it is a special treat for the Operation Tango Mike family of volunteers, who loves to hear from our troops.
If you would like to become part of the family, wish to donate or desire more information; please contact Ginny at
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Dean Gotham, president of the local Chapter 951, presented Thompson with a certificate of appreciation.
“I have the honor and privilege to present Congressman Mike Thompson with a Certificate of Appreciation for his accomplishments in helping all veterans,” said Gotham during the presentation. “Since March 30 is ‘Welcome Home Vietnam Veterans Day,’ the Officers and Board of Directors of Chapter 951 decided that this was a perfect time to acknowledge our fellow veteran, Congressman Mike Thompson.”
“I am as honored to receive this certificate from my fellow veterans as I am to work on their behalf every day in Washington,” said Thompson. “These true American heroes deserve the best we can give them, and I’ll continue to fight for better veteran services and health care.”
Since coming to Congress, Thompson has led and supported many efforts to better serve the men and women who have fought for our country. Most recently, he supported the largest increase in funding for the Veterans Administration in U.S. history.
He also continues his work to help Project 112 and Project SHAD veterans who were unknowingly used in chemical and biological agent tests.
In addition, his staff in four offices throughout our Congressional District work daily to help local veterans get the benefits they deserve.
Thompson is also a vocal advocate for our troops, and has worked tirelessly to bring our troops home from Iraq as quickly and safely as possible.
Thompson was the first Vietnam veteran elected to the California State Senate. He served in combat with the U.S. Army as a staff sergeant/platoon leader with the 173rd Airborne Brigade where he was wounded and received a Purple Heart. He was also an instructor at the Army's Airborne School.
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This fundraiser, in memory of Agent Orange victims, is planned in conjunction with ”Welcome Home Vietnam Veterans Day, March 30” proclaimed by U.S. Congress recently.
The tragic, damaging effects of Agent Orange rage on over 35 years since 22 million plus gallons of dioxin were sprayed by the armed forces in Vietnam. This herbicidal warfare exposure has been linked to veterans dying at an early age from over 43 types of cancers and sicknesses including Diabetes Type 2.
According to the National Birth Defect Registry, the damaging effects have spread to another generation. Of the 2.8 million Americans who served in Vietnam, 3 to 6 percent of the children were born with birth defects including spina bifida, cleft lip or palate, acute myeloid leukemia and adrenal gland cancer. Miscarriages and defects of the circulatory system and heart have been caused by the lethal chemical.
The quest to find POW/MIA soldiers continues. Men and women who served the U.S. with pride, honor and dignity finally will receive long overdue acknowledgment on March 30.
In Lakeport, Vietnam Vets Chapter President Dean Gotham explained that the fundraiser is needed because the group supports the Veterans Outreach Program, which provide rides when needed for medical appointments, financial or loan assistance, advice regarding benefits, rehabilitation programs, assistance with housing, shelter and more.
Gotham said the chapter’s outreach extends to community participation, i.e. “Seniors Not Forgotten” for nursing residents, Lake County Christmas Fund, memorial scholarships and sponsoring Little League teams.
Gotham said that local merchants have shown their generosity and cooperation. Businesses allowing vets to present these clovers are K-Mart, Bruno’s Market, Sentry Market and Safeway.
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LAKE COUNTY – Col. Pete Peterka, president of Redwood Empire Chapter, was the guest speaker for the Lake County sub-chapter of the Military Officers Association of America's meeting held February 21 at Zino's Restaurant.
Col. Peterka met with chapter members and the new officers: Navy Capt. Dan Christensen, commander; Air Force Lieutenant Col. Linda Morrison, adjutant; and Army Col. Dave Hulme, vice commander.
Military Officers Association of America meets every other month and membership is open to all commissioned officers, active duty, retirees or those who served. Membership includes a number of support programs for former officers as well as social and community service opportunities.
For further information, contact Capt. Christensen at 263-3297, Col. Hulme or Lt. Col. Morrison.
The next meeting is scheduled for April 17 at noon at Zino's Restaurant, 6330 Soda Bay Road, Kelseyville.
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