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Veterans
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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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During the nine weeks of training, the soldier studied the Army mission and received instruction and training exercises in drill and ceremonies, Army history, core values and traditions, military courtesy, military justice, physical fitness, first aid, rifle marksmanship, weapons use, map reading and land navigation, foot marches, armed and unarmed combat, and field maneuvers and tactics.
Bentley, a 2005 graduate of Upper Lake High School, is the son of Melissa Bentley of Upper Lake.
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- Written by: Ginny Craven
LAKEPORT – The volunteers of Operation Tango Mike, a local effort saying “thanks much” to our troops, achieved a milestone on Nov. 27. The goal had been set to assemble and ship 100 Christmas care packages for the troops in Iraq and Afghanistan. That lofty goal was met, with the help of many.
A group of nearly 40 gathered at Umpqua Bank on Tuesday, packing boxes with talking bears, which read letters of support to the troops. Boxes also contained big red Christmas stockings loaded with candy and treats, donated by the Sacramento chapter of Rebels with a Cause; an organization usually assisting families of deployed troops.
They decided to also assist Operation Tango Mike after meeting Ginny Craven at the Operation Homefront Gala in May and learning of the group’s efforts on behalf of deployed troops. The care packages were also filled with Girl Scout goodies donated by Brownies from Troop 10304, items donated by Girl Scouts from Troop 588, treats donated by Lake County citizens and loads of correspondence and Christmas cards.
Other donations included the Brownies giving their proceeds from recent nut and candy sales, the Lakeport Lions hosting a donation can at their booth at the Dickens Faire and the employees of the Lucerne Foster’s Freeze contributing their tips.
The packages were shipped on Nov. 28 and are making their way to the troops in time for Christmas. While at the post office, Operation Tango Mike volunteers have been fortunate to have other citizens offer assistance. Passers by, seeing the parcels, have helped to unload, carry and stack the boxes. Thus proving there are many ways to contribute.
The recent fundraiser, Tips for Troops, at Riviera Hills Restaurant and Lounge was very successful. That money has been well-spent, with the Christmas care packages costing $895 in shipping costs, excluding supplies and contents.
Also on Nov. 28, President Ilene Dumont of the Rotary Club of Lakeport presented a check in the amount of $1,530 to Craven for Operation Tango Mike. After a Nov. 14 presentation about Operation Tango Mike by Craven, individual Rotarians contributed $765, which was then matched by the Rotary’s Community Fund.
Donations of goods and funds are always welcome and needed. Operation Tango Mike packs and ships care packages monthly. Expenses are ongoing and all assistance is helpful in ensuring the effort is sustained.
Those interested in participating in Operation Tango Mike can contact Ginny Craven at 707-349-2838 or by e-mail at
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In keeping with the holiday spirit, Chapter 951, Vietnam Veterans of America, will share turkey and trimmings plus an assortment of delicacies when the potluck commences at 6 p.m. Tuesday, Dec. 11.
A brief meeting at 7 p.m. will follow VVA 951’s third annual Christmas dinner.
The chapter meets at Saint Mary Immaculate Parish Hall, 801 N. Main St., Lakeport.
Women who served in the armed forces will be saluted at the gathering. Dean Gotham, president, promises a few surprises for the event.
All Vietnam era veterans, veterans of all eras, their families and friends, and members of the general public are all cordially welcome to this social.
For more information contact Genevieve Snow at 263-3740 or email
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SAN ANTONIO – Air Force Airman Jerry A. Clark 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.
He is the son of Jerry Clark of Nice, and brother of Micheal Decroix of Cottonwood, Ariz.
Clark is a 2007 graduate of Upper Lake High School.
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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.
A 2007 graduate of Upper Lake High School, he is the son of Al Christian of Upper Lake.
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The packing party will take place from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. Tuesday, Nov. 27, at Umpqua Bank, 805 11th St., Lakeport.
Organizer Ginny Craven said at this year's Veterans Day ceremony that she expects to send out more than 100 care packages for Christmas.
The group sends packages to local troops on an almost monthly basis. They sent more than 70 care packages for Thanksgiving.
Operation Tango Mike also seeks donations of money and certain items to support the effort.
For more information call Craven, 707-349-2838.
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Tips for Troops will be held from 5 to 9 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 10.
Delicious, complete pasta dinners served family style will cost only $10, tax included.
All tips benefit Operation Tango Mike, a group founded by Kelseyville resident Ginny Craven to send care packages to troops overseas.
Enjoy an evening of dining out while supporting our troops.
Riviera Hills Restaurant and Lounge is located at 10200 Fairway Drive, Kelseyville. Call 707-277-7575 for more information.
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