Veterans
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- Written by: Genevieve Snow
LAKEPORT – Four local women veterans felt extremely special when honored at the December potluck/meeting of Vietnam Veterans of America Chapter 951.
The occasion was the chapter’s third annual Christmas dinner at St. Mary Immaculate Parish Hall, Lakeport.
Brad Onorato, district representative for Congressman Mike Thompson, presented each woman with a certificate and flag flown on Nov. 11, 2007, over the U.S. Capitol in Washington, D.C.
The women are Margaret (Peg) McCown and Genevieve Snow, U.S. Navy Waves and Jean Blethen- Rigod and Victoria Shipley, U.S. Marines.
Ginny Craven, founder of Operation Tango Mike, which sends comfort packages including snacks and toiletries to troops overseas, also was honored with flag and certificate.
The women also received certificates from the chapter.
Everyone was treated to a scrumptious holiday meal including turkey and trimmings, ham, prime rib and an array of side dishes and dessert.
The chapter will meet at 6 p.m. Tuesday, Jan. 8 in St. Mary’s Parish Hall, Lakeport.
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The was enacted through Senate Bill 14, authored by Senator Gloria Negrete-McLeod, vice chair of the Senate Committee on Veterans Affairs.
North Coast Senator Patricia Wiggins (D-Santa Rosa), likewise a member of the Committee on Veterans Affairs, was a strong supporter of the bill, which her office reported which gives part-time members of the California National Guard the option of joining the CalPERS retirement plan as a “National Guard member.”
These voluntary members generally receive the same basic benefits as state “miscellaneous” members of CalPERS, including retirement, disability and death benefits.
California National Guard members would receive service credit for their actual compensated service, usually paid on a per-day basis such as their one weekend per month of training, their annual two-week training period, and for any state and federal active duty.
The new law requires National Guard members electing to participate in CalPERS to pay both the employer and the employee contributions for this service, so there is no cost to the taxpayers.
“Members of the California National Guard have been called to serve in Afghanistan and Iraq, often for extended tours of duty as well as at great sacrifice to themselves and their families,” Wiggins said. “This is one more way for us to recognize and thank them for what they have done on behalf of our entire nation.”
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During the nine weeks of training, the soldier received training in drill and ceremonies, weapons, map reading, tactics, military courtesy, military justice, physical fitness, first aid, and Army history, core values and traditions.
Additional training included development of basic combat skills and battlefield operations and tactics, and experiencing use of various weapons and weapons defenses available to the infantry crewman.
Boke is a 2007 graduate of Upper Lake Union High School. He is the son of Shelly Duvall of Kelseyville.
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- Written by: Genevieve Snow
Potluck is at 6 p.m. with the meeting at 7 p.m.
The group will meet at its usual location at Saint Mary Immaculate Parish Hall, 801 N. Main St., Lakeport.
Among the meeting's topics will be future fundraising projects.
All Vietnam era veterans, veterans of all eras, their families and friends, and members of the general public are cordially welcomed.
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The two-week Phase III training is the final phase of a three-phased, 14-month training period. The national guard officer candidate received "basic soldiering" instruction in leadership, professional ethics, soldier team development, combined arms tactics, weapons defense, squad drill, intelligence, land navigation, maintenance, communications, staff and general military subjects, field training exercises, and physical training and conditioning.
Officer candidates are tested and evaluated in leadership skills and team work abilities required of a commissioned officer.
Students utilize acquired skills to function in "leader and follower" positions in squad and platoon-sized elements in a stressful and demanding field environment involving various tactical situations.
OCS students are selected and considered from colleges, active-duty enlisted ranks, and direct commissions.
Smith was formerly assigned to the 223rd Infantry Regiment, California Army National Guard, San Luis Obispo. He has served in the military for six years.
He is the son of Les F. and Lorry J. Smith of Venus Village, Clearlake Oaks.
The lieutenant graduated in 2001 from Lower Lake High School and received an associate degree in 2007 from Santa Rosa Junior College.
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The training consists of Basic Infantry Training and Advanced Individual Training.
During the nine weeks of basic combat training, the soldier received training in drill and ceremonies, weapons employment, map reading, tactics, military courtesy, military justice, physical fitness, first aid skills, and Army history, core values and traditions.
Additional training included development of basic combat skills and battlefield operations and tactics, and experienced use of various weapons and weapons defenses available to the infantry crewman.
The Advanced Individual Training course is designed to train infantry soldiers to perform reconnaissance operations; employ, fire and recover anti-personnel and anti-tank mines; locate and neutralize land mines and operate target and sight equipment; operate and maintain communications equipment and radio networks; construct field firing aids for infantry weapons; and perform infantry combat exercises and dismounted battle drills, which includes survival procedures in a nuclear, biological or chemical contaminated area.
He is the son of Donnell Clark of Kelseyville.
Calderon graduated in 2007 from a high school program at Morgan Hill Adult Community School.
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LAKEPORT – Lake County's first participation in the Wreaths Across America ceremony took place this past Saturday.
The ceremony to honor local veterans began precisely at 9 a.m.
Local veterans reported that it brought tears to the eyes of both participants and spectators.
In the years ahead the Patriot Guard Riders and the United Veterans Council Military Funeral Honors Team of Lake County plan to join up to host the Wreaths Across America at Veterans Circle in Hartley Cemetery.
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KELSEYVILLE – Operation Tango Mike participated in Kelseyville's Christmas in the Country Friday.
The group's entry was really something from the heart, said Operation Tango Mike founder Ginny Craven.
The Sea Scouts proudly led the way with the group's banner, followed by Craven's 1959 Willys Jeep, with Santa and care packages.
Then came a big red truck with Pooh, Tigger and two of American heroes. It all culminated with the group's salute to the troops and its themed float, "Sending a little bit of home for the holidays."
The float (house) was decked out with care packages for the troops and photos of them too. Craven said the group also proudly flew the branch flags with the MIA/POW flag.
"Santa Clause is Coming to Iraq" played on the stereo and the group was loud and proud about supporting our troops.
Craven said the group's entry was dedicated in memory of SPC Peter Schmidt, who was killed in action Nov. 13. Signs denoting the dedication were posted on both sides at the front corner.
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- Written by: Genevieve Snow
The following Marines were saluted and received certificates of appreciation: Skip Hulet, Larry Mick, Gene Tone, Ron Nagy, Warren Fox and Dean Gotham.
Gotham, the chapter's president, awarded certificates to Navy Corpsman Mike Hennig and Navy Seabee Craig Barnett while Marcie Taylor accepted the award for her late husband, Marine vet Billy Taylor. Louis Rigod accepted the certificate for his wife, former Marine, Jean Blethen-Rigod. Several Marine vets were unable to attend the function.
Another highlight for the event was Ginny Craven’s presentation for the chapter. Craven spearheaded the Operation Tango Mike project, shipping comfort packages to the troops in Iraq and Afghanistan. Craven gave the chapter a plaque from Capt. Allen, one of the Tango Mike recipients. She also presented a flag that was flown Aug. 29, in Iraq honoring VVA 951, Lakeport. It flew over the Second Marine Aircraft Wing (Fwd), Headquarters Marine Air Base, Al Asad, Iraq.
The chapter anticipates another social and brief meeting on Tuesday, Dec. 11, the third annual Christmas Dinner, starting at 6 p.m.
Again, the VVA chapter will meet at St. Mary’s Catholic Church Hall in Lakeport. The invitation is extended to veterans of all eras, their families and friends and the general public.
Genevieve Snow is a member of Vietnam Veterans of America Chapter 951.
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