Veterans
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SAN ANTONIO – Air Force Airman 1st Class David A. Christianson graduated from basic military training at Joint Base San Antonio-Lackland, 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.
Christianson is the son of Helga T. Christianson of Nice, Calif. He is also the brother of Jon J. Karlsson.
The airman graduated in 2012 from Upper Lake Union High School, Upper Lake, Calif.
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COLUMBIA, SC – Army Pvt. Katy R. Huggins 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.
Huggins is the daughter of Annette and Tim Huggins of Middletown, Calif.
She is a 2014 graduate of Middletown High School.
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NORTHERN CALIFORNIA – U.S. Rep. Mike Thompson (CA-05) today announced three service academy appointees from our Fifth Congressional District.
Every year, members of Congress nominate candidates to attend our four service academies: Air Force Academy, United States Merchant Marine Academy, United States Military Academy at West Point, and the United States Naval Academy.
The fifth service academy, the Coast Guard Academy, does not require a nomination.
“One of the highest honors I have as a Representative in Congress is getting to annually nominate exceptional candidates from our community to the service academies,” said Thompson. “These three young men will receive both a world class education and the skills they need to become tomorrow’s military leaders. Congratulations to each of them on their remarkable achievement.”
Thompson recognized and honored the appointees at a reception Tuesday night in Rutherford. Jamie Gates is currently serving in the U.S. Army and was unable to attend the reception.
The appointees are as follows.
U.S. Naval Academy
Connor Hudak, Napa: Recognized as a National Merit Scholar Qualifier for Vintage High School. AP Scholar with Distinction, Principal’s honor roll, 2011-2014. Coaches’ award for Wrestling 2013. California Boys State Delegate 2014. Graduate of the Naval Academy summer seminar 2014. National Honor society 2013-2015. He is actively involved in his church group, in addition at school he tutors, plays water polo, track & field wrestles, and volunteers for environmental cleanup.
Rashad Brown, Vallejo: Brown is a graduate of the Naval Academy Prep School. Naval Academy Preps School Varsity cross country 2014-2015. At NAPS he was the recipient of the ROAIN award. While in high school, he was on the honor roll 2010-2014. All league wrestling, Scholar Athlete 2014. Varsity football, 2012-2014, captain 2013-2014. Varsity Wrestling 2010-2014, captain all leave MVBP 2013-2014. JV football 2010-212, captain 2011-2012. Varsity football, 2012-2014, captain 2013-2014.
United States Military Academy at West Point
Jamie Gates, Cotati: Currently enlisted as a ranger in U.S. Army. EMS qualified 2011, Army airborne qualified, 2014, army expert infantry badge, 2014. Teen Eagle political action group 2008-2009. Boys scouts 2008. Awana youth leader 2008-2010. Varsity football team captain 2009 & 2010. Team MVP 2009, 2010, all league 2009-2010, Varsity letters 2008, 2009, 2010.
Congressman Mike Thompson represents California’s Fifth Congressional District, which includes all or part of Contra Costa, Lake, Napa, Solano and Sonoma counties.
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Veterans Affairs Secretary Robert A. McDonald has issued the following message in commemoration of Memorial Day 2015.
“Many have heard the saying, 'Poor is the Nation that has no heroes, but beggared is the Nation that has and forgets them.'
“On this Memorial Day, let us pause to remember those who gave the last full measure of devotion for our Nation.
“Let us remember the special nobility and grace of those who donned the uniforms of our country and sacrificed their lives during times of conflict.
“Let us remember – as we renew our commitment to honor those we have lost – that, every day, dedicated men and women put their lives on the line to protect all of us. We owe them all our deepest gratitude.
“Over 70 years ago, on June 6, 1944, 175,000 American, Canadian and British troops spearheaded the Allies’ assault against the forces of tyranny threatening millions of people across Europe.
“Exposed to devastating fire on the beaches of Normandy, those brave souls established a beachhead, began the Allied march across Europe, and sent a message of hope across the continent.
“That message, writ large by the hands of heroes, signaled Freedom’s triumph over evil and the preface to peace for a world too long at war.
“From the opening rounds of the American Revolution, through the devastation of the Civil War, through World War I, World War II, and Korea, through Vietnam and Desert Storm, to those who have fought – and fight still today – so hard and valiantly in Afghanistan and Iraq, more than a million American Servicemembers have paid the ultimate price to secure the blessings of liberty for our Nation and our allies around the world.
“As many of our National Cemetery Administration employees prepare our cemeteries, our national shrines, and work on Memorial Day activities to welcome our guests, I encourage all of us to show our support for veterans and honor those who have passed by attending or participating in an event at a national cemetery near you. For a complete listing, please visit: http://www.cem.va.gov/CEM/cems/2015_Memorial_Day_Ceremonies.asp .
“At VA, we honor those lost in the way we care for those who returned home – and for their families and survivors. Thank you for all that you do for Veterans. It is a privilege to serve with each one of you in fulfilling our sacred mission.
“On this Memorial Day, may God bless our Veterans, their families, all of our VA employees and your families, and our great Nation.”
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WASHINGTON, DC – On Monday, the House of Representatives passed the Coast Guard Authorization Act of 2015 (H.R. 1987) by a unanimous voice vote.
Congressman John Garamendi (D-Fairfield, CA), ranking member of the House Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure’s Subcommittee on the Coast Guard and Maritime Transportation, co-authored this bipartisan legislation and welcomed its passage.
The bill supports and strengthens the Coast Guard in its critical missions to save lives, safeguard our shores, and protect marine resources.
“America’s Coast Guard and Merchant Marine play an indispensible role in our national security and economic prosperity. This bipartisan legislation supports their work and I applaud its passage,” said Garamendi.
“H.R. 1987 would provide crucial budget stability for our Coast Guard, strengthening its ability to recapitalize its offshore fleets of ships and aircraft,” he said. “The funding level, while far from ideal, will support this recapitalization and help the Coast Guard meet more of its mission goals. The bill also helps us find and implement best practices for meeting personnel needs, measuring performance, and using new technology.”
Garamendi continued, “The bill also would direct the Secretary of Transportation to develop guidelines to promote the use of U.S. flag ships and U.S. mariners in the imminent export of Liquefied Natural Gas. I urge members to support this provision, which will create maritime jobs here at home.”
Statement of Congressman John Garamendi
H.R. 1987, The Coast Guard Authorization Act of 2015
Floor Consideration under Suspension of the rules
May 18, 2015
Thank you, Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume.
I first want to echo Chairman Hunter in stating my strong support for H.R. 1987, the Coast Guard Authorization Act of 2015, legislation that will tend to the needs of our Nation’s fifth military service, the United States Coast Guard.
I also want to express my sincere appreciation to Chairman Hunter for his genuine bipartisan collaboration throughout the development of this important legislation. Not only will this bill improve our oversight of the Coast Guard, it also will enhance the capabilities and performance of this indispensable, multi-mission maritime agency.
I also want to thank the Chairman of the Transportation Committee, Bill Shuster, and the Ranking Democrat Member, Peter DeFazio, and acknowledge them for their thoughtful contributions.
I am particularly pleased that this legislation will provide stability in budget authority for the Coast Guard. Erratic budgets and perpetual continuing resolutions have had a deleterious impact on the Coast Guard. Perhaps most notable, unpredictable and insufficient funding has hampered the Coast Guard’s ability to keep pace with its long-term program to recapitalize its offshore fleets of surface and air assets.
Some of the Coast Guard’s legacy cutters are fifty years old. These vessels are well beyond their estimated service life and have become increasingly unreliable and much more expensive to maintain and repair. We can, and we should, do better by our Coast Guard.
The authorized funding levels for the Acquisitions, Construction and Improvement Account in this legislation will allow the Coast Guard to keep this recapitalization initiative on track. I am optimistic that these authorizations will send a strong signal to our colleagues on the Appropriations Committee.
I also support provisions in the bill that will require the Coast Guard to initiate long-term capital planning, to require better assessments of mission performance metrics and personnel needs, and to assess and test new communication and vessel management technologies.
The bill also contains provisions important to our merchant marine. Provisions that would harmonize the renewal of different mariner credentials and allow mariners greater flexibility in acquiring their medical certifications should improve convenience without sacrificing compliance with fitness and training standards.
The bill also further advances my strong interest in using the imminent U.S. LNG export trade as a new economic opportunity for our shipyards and the U.S. flag in our foreign trade.
This legislation would direct the Secretary of Transportation to develop guidelines to promote the use of U.S. flag vessels and U.S. seafarers in the transport of LNG. I urge members to support this provision that will create maritime jobs here at home.
In closing, Mr. Chairman, this legislation is not perfect, but rarely is that the case. This legislation is, however, a balanced, responsible and forward thinking product that will support our Coast Guard and address important issues raised by maritime stakeholders.
I am proud to be an original cosponsor, and I urge members on both sides to support this legislation. Thank you and I reserve the balance of our time.
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WASHINGTON – May is Mental Health Awareness Month.
To commemorate the month, the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) is encouraging veterans, along with their families and friends, to visit and view recovery journey stories on the Web site, www.MakeTheConnection.net .
Make the Connection is a national awareness program operated by VA aimed at reducing the negative perceptions and stigma associated with seeking mental health care.
Through the Web site, veterans and their loved ones hear from hundreds of other veterans who may be experiencing similar challenges, learn strategies for support and recovery, along with local resources available through a resource locator.
Since the launch of the Make the Connection campaign in November 2011, there have been more than seven million visits to the Web site, and more than 2.8 million people have joined the Facebook community or subscribed to the YouTube channel.
The resource locator on the site, with information on VA and community-based treatment services around the country, has been used more than 220,000 times.
“We all have the ability to influence a friend or loved one in a positive way – that’s why Make the Connection was created,” said VA Secretary Robert A. McDonald. “We want veterans to tell their personal stories of mental health treatment and recovery to as many of their peers as possible. Those stories can be great sources of strength for veterans in need of hope.”
In addition to the Make the Connection Web site and Facebook page, information also can be found on YouTube at www.youtube.com/VeteransMTC and Google+ at http://plus.google.com/+VeteransMTC .
Information about all VA mental health efforts may be found at www.mentalhealth.va.gov .
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U.S. Reps. Mike Thompson (D-CA-5) and Don Young (R-AK-AL) on Wednesday announced the bipartisan Veterans Congressional Fellowship Caucus is now accepting applications for 2015 fellows.
The mission of the caucus is to increase the number of veterans working on Capitol Hill.
To do this, veterans Thompson (U.S. Army, 1967-1973) and Young (U.S. Army, 1955-1957) last year launched the caucus fellowship program.
“Every office on Capitol Hill would be lucky have a fellow from this program,” said Thompson. “Our veterans are some the most skilled workers our country has to offer. As a veteran, I understand we have a responsibility to help those who’ve served our nation find a job when they return home. This fellowship program helps us to fulfill that responsibility by increasing the number of veterans working on Capitol Hill and providing our heroes with new skills to help them excel in the civilian workforce.”
“As a veteran myself, I am always looking for opportunities to support our veterans,” said Young. “The Veteran Fellowship Caucus is a powerful resource for both Members of Congress and our veterans. Congress significantly benefits from the knowledge and expertise of these battle tested individuals, while our veterans learn the skills necessary to excel on Capitol Hill. I have personally benefitted from hiring veterans and would encourage all my colleagues to do the same. My goal is to change the attitudes of Congress, which has in recent years forgotten about the commitment our nation made to our veterans.”
According to a 2014 survey by HillVets, an organization for veterans in politics and government, the latest confirmed count of veterans working on Capitol Hill is 98 veterans out of approximately 6,060 Capitol Hill employees.
Fifty-five percent of Congressional offices responded to HillVets’ recent survey. By extrapolating a similar proportion of veteran hires to the nonresponsive offices HillVets projects that no more than 178 veterans are working in personal offices on Capitol Hill.
To increase the number of veterans working on Capitol Hill, the bipartisan Veterans Congressional Fellowship Caucus has created a fellowship program that will provide them with the resources and skills necessary to bridge the gap between military service and legislative work.
Veterans who are interested in applying for the fellowship program can apply here at http://mikethompson.house.gov/constituent-services/veterans-fellowship-program .
Veteran fellows will be placed in participating offices. They will take part in an educational curriculum where they will learn the legislative process and how to assist constituents dealing with federal agencies.
The fellows will be provided a certificate at the end of their fellowship highlighting their completion of the program.
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CLEARLAKE, Calif. – The Clearlake VA Clinic is looking for volunteers who want to support Veterans and be part of a committed and dedicated team.
Located at 15145 Lakeshore Drive, the Clearlake VA Clinic is looking for volunteer concierges to assist patients with computerized kiosk check-ins, volunteers to register new members for the “MyHealtheVet” online personnel health record, volunteers to operate the coffee cart, and people who are interested in doing light clerical work.
For more information contact Administrative Assistant Delia de Los Santos at 707-995-7200, option 1.
“We have some dedicated volunteers who really enjoying giving back to Veterans,” said Clearlake VA Clinic Administrative Officer Wendy Carter. “We’re looking for more volunteers to join our team.”
The Clearlake VA Clinic is open Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
Volunteers may work as available during open hours.
For more information about volunteer opportunities within the San Francisco VA Health Care System, go to www.sanfrancisco.va.gov/giving/index.asp or contact Voluntary Service at 415-740-2144.
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CLEARLAKE, Calif. – The Clearlake VA Clinic has a new, full-time member services representative who is available to assist veterans with their veteran benefits.
The member services representative is available Monday to Friday, 8 a.m. to 12 p.m. and from 1 to 4:30 p.m.
She can register new VA patients, make new Veterans Health ID Cards, complete co-pay tests and annual means tests, assist with travel benefits, and assist in resolving billing issues.
Call 707-995-7239 to schedule an appointment to meet with the member services representative.
The Clearlake VA Clinic is located at 15145 Lakeshore Drive and is open Monday to Friday, 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., serving enrolled veterans of Lake County.
The clinic offers a wide array of services from primary medical care, outpatient mental health, podiatry, women’s care and basic dermatology, to social work, nutritional counseling, marriage and family therapy, and much more.
For an appointment call 707-995-7200.
To learn more, please visit: www.sanfrancisco.va.gov/locations/clearlake.asp .
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