Veterans
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LAKEPORT – As the seasons change our thoughts turn to the upcoming holidays, falling leaves, the colors of autumn and football.
Oh, yes, football. It’s everywhere from the backyard games and youth leagues, to Friday night high school clashes and the National Football League.
The Oakland Raiders of the National Football League are offering a very special opportunity for folks to enjoy professional football, salute our troops, honor our veterans and assist a dedicated troop support program. Offers like this are few and far between.
The Oakland Raiders organization is partnering to help Operation Tango Mike raise much needed funds. Operation Tango Mike (“Operation Thanks Much” in military jargon) sends monthly care packages to deployed troops. Sending 80 to 100 care packages per month, funds are always needed and the Oakland Raiders have joined the team to keep the support strong.
The Oakland Raiders and Operation Tango Mike invite you to join in support of our active and veteran military personnel at the Raiders Military Salute Game on Sunday, Nov. 9 at the Oakland Coliseum when the Oakland Raiders take on the Carolina Panthers.
Enjoy hard-hitting, fast-paced football action and special events and pay tribute to those who have served and are serving this great nation.
Your contribution of $100 will entitle you to reserved seating, a limited edition Oakland Raiders camouflage hat and a food voucher. The first 50 purchasers will also receive round-trip bus transportation departing from Lakeport!
This offer is available to anyone wishing to support Operation Tango Mike. Individuals who do not reside in the Lake County area may purchase by calling Ginny Craven. Those wishing to do so may receive ticket packages at the will call office of the Oakland Coliseum.
Ticket packages may be purchased at Umpqua Bank, 805 11th St., Lakeport or by contacting Ginny Craven at
The purchase deadline is Oct. 31, so don’t delay.
Are you ready for some football?
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Young, 56, a decorated Vietnam War veteran, offered his idea to Assemblywoman Berg’s office, supported the bill as it moved through the legislative process, and wrote a letter to Schwarzenegger urging the governor to sign the bill.
Having earned the governor’s signature, the bill will become law Jan. 1, 2009. When it does, a long-lasting bureaucratic mess will be untangled once and for all.
The new law will make clear that all honorably discharged veterans have the right to open a business without having to pay a local business license fee.
For decades, cities and counties have wavered back and forth over whether all veterans or only disabled veterans should receive this gesture of goodwill and gratitude. There were two World War II-era laws, and each gave the impression that the other was wrong. Counties, it seemed, could to it one way, and cities another.
“Our state made a promise to its veterans over 60 years ago,” said Young. “To date, that promise hasn't been kept by many cities.”
On New Year’s Day, thanks to the idea Carl Young shared with Patty Berg, all of that will change.
“When the state makes a promise, that promise should be kept,” said Berg. “That’s the simple message of this law.”
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The Governor also announced he has signed six additional bills that will benefit California veterans, military personnel and their families.
“I know I speak for all Californians when I say the state has tremendous respect for its veterans and the sacrifices they have made for our freedom – and the bills I have signed demonstrate California’s commitment to our veterans, active duty personnel and the families who support them,” said Schwarzenegger.
“These measures recognize that current veterans returning from a combat zone should be screened for post traumatic stress and traumatic brain injuries as soon as they get home, and that they should have access to timely and appropriate mental health services whether through the VA or the county mental health system,” the governor added.
SB 1401 by Sen. Joe Simitian (D- Palo Alto) requires the Department of Veterans Affairs and the Military Department to develop plans to reach out to National Guard members or veterans returning to California from combat and assist them in obtaining a screening for post traumatic stress disorder and traumatic brain injury.
AB 3083 by the Assembly Committee on Veterans Affairs requires the Department of Health Care Services, in conjunction with the Department of Mental Health, to seek all available federal funding for mental health services for veterans.
The bill also extends mental health services provided by the Adult and Older Adult Mental Health System of Care Act to include veterans, and requires counties to provide mental health services to veterans to the extent such services are available to other adults.
The bill defines a serious mental disorder or illness to include bipolar disorder and post-traumatic stress disorder, and requires the Department of Mental Health to include services for veterans within target population service standards.
Gov. Schwarzenegger also signed the following veterans-related legislation:
SB 1353 by Sen. Gloria Negrete McLeod (D-Montclair) authorizes a state employee who is a member of the National Guard or Reserves to receive specified compensation benefits for four additional years, if ordered to serve on and after Sept. 11, 2001, as a result of the War on Terrorism.
SB 1534 by Sen. Jim Battin (R-La Quinta) authorizes uniformed public safety personnel in California to wear decorations or medals authorized by the Military and Veterans Code, the U.S. Armed Forces, the National Guard or the Military Reserve or Naval Militia on and around Veterans Day and Memorial Day.
AB 190 by Assembly Speaker Karen Bass (D-Los Angeles) authorizes, after local approval, veterans whose vehicles display one number of military special-recognition license plates to park in metered parking spaces without charge.
AB 2049 by Assemblymember Lori Saldaña (D-San Diego) requires the Superintendent of Public Instruction to convene a task force to review and make recommendations regarding the Interstate Compact on Educational Opportunity for Military Children and to report to the Legislature by January 1, 2009.
AB 3065 by the Committee on Veterans Affairs enables veterans who have retired from active military service, were honorably discharged from active duty with a service-connected disability or honorably discharged from active duty to apply for state civil service promotional examinations.
SB 1495 by Sen. Christine Kehoe (D-San Diego) allows a taxpayer to retain the disabled veteran’s property tax exemption in the case of a partial loss of the taxpayer's home due to a misfortune or calamity, and a full or partial loss due to a major disaster for which the governor has declared a state of emergency.
On Sept. 29 Schwarzenegger signed AB 2171 by Assemblymember Paul Cook (R-Yucca Valley) which begins the process towards the construction of the Purple Heart Memorial in State Capitol Park in Sacramento.
Late last month the governor announced the signing of SB 1455 by Sen. Dave Cogdill (R-Modesto), which authorizes the creation of the Gold Star Family License Plate and allows a family member of a member of the U.S. Armed Forces killed on active duty to apply for the plate containing a gold star and the words “Gold Star Family.” As a token of the state's appreciation for their sacrifice, the bill provides a special waiver of some fees for Gold Star Families.
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COLUMBIA, S.C. – Army Spec. Kevin N. Lange 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.
He is the son of Donald and Jaye Lange of Lakeport.
Lange graduated in 1984 from Clear Lake High School, Lakeport, and received a degree in 1988 from Heald Business College in Rancho Cordova.
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LAKE COUNTY – Autumn is not yet upon us but it is already time to purchase Halloween goodies and treats. No, it’s not to speed up the buying and selling of commercial goods or stimulate the economy. It’s time to pack Halloween care packages for our troops!
The next Operation Tango Mike packing party will be Sept. 25 at 6 p.m. at Umpqua Bank, 11th St., Lakeport. Knowing that we must allow lead time for delivery of care packages to combat zones, it is time to include Halloween and harvest season treats in the care packages.
Many of the deployed troops that are receiving care packages have sent along their sincere thanks. They are thankful not just for the items they receive, but for the support and love they feel, knowing someone cares.
Below are a few of the recently received messages from care package recipients.
Sgt. James Rayburn wrote, “I am sorry that I have not written sooner, but I have been real busy here since I got back from leave. All is good here (Just really really HOT!!!). The average temp has been 125 F. I am writing to say thank you again. I did get the boxes that you sent a while back and have been wanting to write and let you know that I did get them. I will no longer be able to get mail after Oct 2008. I only have about ** days left in country. Once again thank you and everyone for all the support that you show the troops. God bless you and everyone that has help with Operation Tango Mike.
SGT Rayburn, James”
Sgt. Shandell McClain shipped an American flag, accompanied by a beautiful full-color certificate, to her friends and supporters in Lake County. SGT McClain is a door gunner assigned to a Blackhawk helicopter. The certificate verified that the flag had been flown on the aircraft during a combat mission. Shandell has been very appreciative of all the supplies and support sent from Operation Tango Mike and sent the flag as an expression of her sincere gratitude.
SPC Nick Peterson wrote, “Hi, My name is Nick I just wanted to tell you how much I appreciate the time and effort you and the people there put into sending care packages over here. Me and the guys in my unit always enjoy getting them in the mail and we are always grateful that people are thinking of us. All the stuff that is sent to us is put to good use or eaten very quickly. Thank you again very much for keeping us in your thoughts and prayers.”
BU2 Eli Christopher wrote, “Hey there, well I got two packages today, perfect timing as always. Thank you so much. It was really cool to show all the guys the articles of me and my brother. Made my day. Thanks again.”
Although everyone supporting the efforts of Operation Tango Mike does it simply to support our troops with nothing expected in return, it is heartwarming to hear firsthand how the care packages are helpful and are appreciated.
As always, correspondence is needed as it is included in every care package. If you have a spare moment please use the time to jot down a note of support. You will be the one bringing a smile to the face of a service member far from home and loved ones. Drawings and colorings from the little ones are always appreciated and are found adorning the walls of tents, buildings and shelters throughout military installations.
Everyone is welcome to join in the troop support effort. You may deposit donated goods at any “Drop Zone” barrel location throughout Lake County, or in the lobby at Umpqua Bank. Anyone may participate in the packing parties, but must be warned that the activity is addicting. You will make new friends, have a great time and will feel really good about spending an evening supporting our troops. Children are welcome as we always encourage decorating the care packages to make them extra special.
If you have any questions please call 349-2838 or submit e-mail to
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SAN ANTONIO – Air Force Airman Brett L. Lambert 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 in applied science degree through the Community College of the Air Force.
Lambert is the son of Annitta Lambert of Lower Lake.
In 2007, the airman graduated from Lower Lake High School.
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BU2 (construction builder E-5) Eli Christopher serving with Naval Mobile Construction Battalion 17 out of Port Hueneme recently met up with his brother SW2 (steel worker E-5) Zac Christopher serving with Amphibious Construction Battalion 1 out of Coronado Naval Air Base in Al Anbar Province, Iraq.
They joked about the stencil on the door as a “this is what happens when you send a frogman to the desert.” They were very happy to see each other even though it is for a short time.
The Second Class Petty Officers should be home sometime this fall and are very anxious to get back to Lake County as there is no place like home.
BU2 Christopher will come back to his reserve status duties at the Navy Operational Support Center Battalion 18 in Elk Grove and his job that he loves at Del Lago in Lakeport.
SW2 Christopher will still be active duty and after some down time will return to Coronado.
They also send a “shout out” to the Operation Tango Mike crew for the care packages they have received. They are right, there is no place like home!
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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 2008 graduate of Kelseyville High School, Stites is the son of Michelle Eaton of Kelseyville.
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If approved by voters, the measure would help thousands of veterans of recent conflicts buy a home or farm through the state's CalVet Home Loan program.
The bond act would have no impact on the state's General Fund because veterans repay the bond costs through low-interest mortgages.
"The Veterans Bond Act will help California's veterans achieve the American dream of homeownership," said Schwarzenegger. "I'm asking voters to say yes in November so that veterans who risked their lives in places like Kuwait, Iraq and Afghanistan will be eligible to join the more than 420,000 others who have bought a home with a CalVet loan – at no expense to taxpayers."
The Veterans Bond Act of 2008 asks voters to approve $900 million in Veterans General Obligation Bonds, which will allow the California Department of Veterans Affairs to fund the purchase of homes and farms for veterans under the CalVet Home Loan Program. This money will fund approximately 1,300 low-interest loans for California veterans without expense to the state's General Fund.
The bond act also provides for the provision of CalVet Home Loans to veterans of recent conflicts. Previously, only veterans who served from the end of World War I to the Vietnam era were eligible to apply for CalVet home loans.
The governor noted that the Heroes Earnings Assistance and Relief Tax Act of 2008 (HEART Act), signed into law by President Bush last month, was actively pushed by the Schwarzenegger administration and that the bond act is the next step toward providing low-interest loans to veterans of recent wars.
The federal legislation (HR 6081) makes veterans who entered active military duty after Dec. 31, 1976 eligible to apply for Qualified Veterans Mortgage Bond funded loans under the state's longstanding CalVet Home Loan Program.
Since 1922, the CalVet Home Loan Program has helped more than 420,000 wartime veterans buy a home or farm, at no expense to the state's General Fund. The program currently has more than 13,000 active loans to veterans in this state and the costs of administering the program and servicing the debt on the bonds is covered by the payments veterans make on their loans.
On July 15 the governor also signed SB 1680, a bill authored by Sen. Mark Wyland (R-Carlsbad). This bill allows California Community Colleges and the California State University, and encourages the University of California, to coordinate services for students who are veterans or members of the military by designating Military and Veterans Offices to provide specified services
At the event, the governor noted he looks forward to signing SB 1455 when it reaches his desk.
Authored by Sen. Dave Cogdill (R-Modesto) and Sen. Jeff Denham (R-Merced), SB 1455 would honor those who died while serving our nation by allowing their family members to display a special "Gold Star" license plate on their vehicles.
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