On Friday, February 20, 2009 at 10:00 a.m. a sizeable, enthusiastic and proud group of family and community leaders gathered in front of the Fillmore Post Office to witness the first five Military Banners installed on the historic street lamp posts of Central Avenue. The five young men honored are; United States Army Sergeant Kevin “Buddy” Edwards, Specialist Michael Edwards, PFC George Poppic, United States Navy Petty Officer Second Class Phillip Diaz and United States Marine Corps Corporal Steven Zanotti. Deputy City Manager Bill Bartels coordinated the installation of the Banners by City Public Works employees; Joe Zuniga, David Brown and Arnold Casteneda.

The parents of Corporal Steven Zanotti, Tom and Cindy Zanotti, stood proudly taking photos, as their son, dressed in his Dress Blue Uniform stood alongside his supervisor, Staff Sergeant Jacob Avila underneath the newly installed banner bearing the name of Corporal Zanotti. Staff Sergeant Avila is a United States Marine Corps Recruiter assigned in Ventura and was the person responsible for recruiting Corporal Zanotti. Corporal Zanotti is currently completing an assignment with the recruiting station after recently returning from Iraq and before he reports for duty at Marine Corps Base Camp Pendleton near Oceanside, California.

Also present for the installation was School Board Member Virginia de la Piedra, School Superintendent Jeff Sweeney and Fillmore Fire Chief Bill Herrera. Contributors and Supporters of the program, the Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 9637 turned out in force; Post Commander Jim Rogers, Past Commander and Treasurer Bill Brunet, Past Commander and Service Officer/Chaplain Al Rosette, Member Bobby Donald and Member Wendell Tilley honored the event with a crisp salute after the first banner was installed.

In an earlier article I had mentioned a “Military Banner Program” to honor the young men and women of our community who are currently serving in the military. The intent of the “Military Banner Program” is to recognize their service and the sacrifices they are now making and will make in the future to keep our Country safe. The “Patriotic Banners” that will be placed on Central Avenue on the light poles will be partially funded by the families of those currently serving and the remainder funded by grants. Each banner will have the name and branch of service of those young men and women from the Fillmore/Piru communities currently serving in the military. When the person named on the banner is no longer serving the banner will be given to the person named on the banner or to a family member.

The “Military Banner Program” is an effort begun by Fillmore School Board Member Virginia de la Piedra, in conjunction with the City of Fillmore, Fillmore Unified School Board, Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 9637 and the Fillmore Sunrise Rotary. It is similar to other programs begun by other cities including the City of Santa Paula.

To participate in this recognition a family member of a currently serving military man or woman should contact:
Virginia A. de la Piedra – School Board Member / Up for Education
(805) 524-4154 TEL
(805) 524-1732 FAX
militarybanners@yahoo.com - EMAIL

You will be required to complete a short form and provide the following information that will be used to administer the program:

1. A “Military Recognition Form” must be completed by either the individual whose name will appear on the banner, or a family member. This form may be picked up at City Hall or you may call or email Virginia at the numbers listed above. The form asks for the name and branch of service of the currently serving military person to be recognized as well as some additional contact information.

2. Banners come at a cost of $180.00. The family will be responsible for $90.00 of this cost with the remainder to be paid by funds raised to support this program. Financial assistance may be available if needed. The costs are for the banner and the brackets used to install them. The City of Fillmore will install them at no cost.

3. The City of Fillmore will then coordinate the installation of the banners on public streets.

4. Please make check out to: Up for Education
Mail to: P. O. Box 220
Fillmore, CA 93016

If you should need additional information in purchasing a banner, or would like to contribute money to assist in the purchase of a banner please do not hesitate to call Virginia at the number listed above and she will be happy to assist you.

Having a son serving in the United States Navy and attending this installation was one of the highlights of my life. I know the pride I felt seeing his name on that Banner, knowing the significance of the Banner and knowing that the Communities of Fillmore/Piru support our troops is something I will never take for granted. This is a great community and I am proud to be a part of it. All of the men and women from the Fillmore/Piru Communities currently serving our Country are truly American Heroes.