Veterans
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- Written by: Lake County News reports
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- Written by: Editor
MIDDLETOWN – Air Force Reserve Airman 1st Class Steven J. McElheran 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.
McElheran is the son of James McElheran of St. Helena County Road, Middletown.
He is a 2004 graduate of Napa High School.
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Project SHAD, or Project Shipboard Hazard and Defense, was conducted between 1962 and 1974 by the Department of Defense.
During Project SHAD, a number of weapons containing chemical and biological agents such as VX nerve gas, Sarin Nerve Gas and E. Coli were tested on unknowing military personnel.
A Government Accountability Office report (GAO-04-410) issued in May of 2004 concluded that a substantial number of veterans remain unaware that tests were conducted on them.
In a letter to the IOM, Thompson and Rehberg stated that the recent study of Project SHAD health effects was deficient because it failed to include information on key test participants, despite the fact that the names of many such participants were available. In light of this concern, they want the IOM to reexamine the study’s results.
“We can’t understand why a study of Project SHAD’s health effects on veterans wouldn’t include the very veterans that were used in the tests,” said Congressman Thompson. “These veterans deserve to know the truth about what these chemicals have done to their health. As a fellow veteran, I’m determined to make sure this study is done properly.”
“The veterans involved in the SHAD program deserve a thorough review of how these harmful chemicals may have affected them,” said Congressman Rehberg. “However, the work that’s been done so far just doesn’t cut it. Mike and I are sending a clear message that the valuable input these veterans can provide shouldn’t be taken for granted.”
In 2003, Congress directed the IOM to conduct a study of the long-term health effects on veterans exposed during Project SHAD.
The study, which was released in June 2007, failed to link Project SHAD to the health problems experienced by veterans exposed to those tests.
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- Written by: Ginny Craven
LAKEPORT – Love was definitely in the air when Operation Tango Mike assembled the first care packages of 2008.
The boxes were loaded with handmade Valentines from Minnie Canon Elementary School, Terrace School, Lakeport Elementary School as well as Brownies and Girl Scouts. The notes are sure to be a hit as correspondence is the No. 1 request for the care packages.
Troops also will receive Valentine candy and photos along with snacks and hygiene products.
Every recipient is also getting a very special Heart Warmer Pocket, designed to fit in a uniform pocket and carry mementos, notes, letters and pictures. Each Heart Warmer Pocket also contained a handwritten note of support.
The packing party was well attended with nearly 50 volunteers working on behalf of deployed troops. Among them were Brownies, Girl Scouts, Sea Scouts, Lakeport Lions, veterans and civilians.
In less than two hours, 88 boxes were packed with love, support and goodies. When the evening concluded the supply bins were empty but the care packages were full. It was a great start to a new year and a reaffirmation of the local support for our troops.
Those in attendance were also able to read many of the thank you cards and letters on display at Umpqua Bank. Several care package recipients have sent notes, letters and Christmas cards to Operation Tango Mike, thanking everyone for the supplies and support.
There also were some happy hearts as one local family packed the final care package for their son, who will be heading home as his deployment ends soon.
With monthly shipping costs averaging nearly $790, all donations are appreciated and put to use. Langtry Estate and Winery recently provided a $500 donation, which was used in shipping the Valentine care packages.
The list of Lake County troops supported by Operation Tango Mike is growing and volunteers are working hard on their behalf.
To assist in fundraising the Lakeport Lions will host an all-you-can-eat crab feed at Konocti Vista Casino on Feb. 9. Proceeds will benefit Operation Tango Mike, Boy Scouts and Sea Scouts. There will be limited tickets at the door and pre-sale ticket purchases are advised.
The event also will feature the first-ever World Championship of No Peeky Poker. Buy in is $50 pre-sale or $60 at the event, beginning at noon. You may contact Ed Collins at 262-0413, Ginny Craven at 349-2838 or Konocti Vista Casino at 262-1900.
Operation Tango Mike volunteers are welcome and there are many ways to participate. Cards, notes and letters are always needed for the care packages. Correspondence costs nothing but a little time, yet it means a great deal to the troops.
The next care packages will be assembled toward the end of February. Those will be Easter care packages as that holiday falls in March this year. Donations of Easter goodies will be greatly appreciated.
For information regarding Operation Tango Mike please contact Ginny Craven at 349-2838 or
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- Written by: Editor
The course is designed to train students in receipt, storage, issue, shipping, and distribution of petroleum, oil and lubricant products used by the Army.
Training included instruction in petroleum and water accounting, operating equipment associated with fuels and water distribution; and fueling and defueling operations and procedures on vehicles, aircraft and stationary equipment.
The private is a 1992 graduate of Terra Nova High School of Pacifica.
Powers is the son of Roger and Janeen Powers of Clearlake Oaks.
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SAN ANTONIO – Air Force Airman Richard C. Erickson 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 brother of Ephraim and Amber Erickson of Lakeport.
Erickson is a 2006 graduate of Clear 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.
He is the son of Kathy Hearn of Cobb.
Hearn graduated in 2007 from Middletown High School.
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- Written by: Elizabeth Larson
LAKE COUNTY – Local Vietnam veterans shared gifts and holiday spirits with local seniors in December.
Vietnam Veterans of America (VVA) Chapter 951 delivered gifts to seniors at four local long-term care facilities as part of its “Seniors Not Forgotten” campaign.
The group began the program in 2006, distributing fleece blankets to veterans at local facilities, and offering slipper socks to all residents.
In 2007, they decided to broaden the program to offer blankets and slipper socks to all care facility residents, which numbers nearly 300 countywide.
The effort, said VVA President Dean Gotham, was to let seniors know they are remembered and that they matter.
Facilities they visited during December included Evergreen Lakeport Healthcare Center, Edelweiss Assisted Care Facility and Lakeport Skilled Nursing Facility, and Meadowood Nursing Facility in Clearlake.
VVA continues to raise money year-round for its community efforts. If you would like to make a donation to the chapter for its programs, send checks to the VVA Chapter 951, P.O. Box 1313, Lakeport, CA 95453.
E-mail Elizabeth Larson at
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LAKE COUNTY – Soldiers far away from home are benefiting from the generosity of local citizens.
Ginny Craven of Operation Tango Mike, a group that sends care packages to troops overseas, shared the above picture of Captain James Allen and other U.S. Marines, happily displaying some of the correspondence and items they received in Operation Tango Mike Christmas care packages.
Of special note, according to Craven, are the handmade bookmarks from Middletown High School students and the holiday photo cards from Lake County Boy Scouts.
Operation Tango Mike meets monthly to assemble care packages for troops. To take part, contact Craven at 349-2838 or e-mail
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