|
By Anonymous — Thursday, September 2nd, 2010
 Arnold Schwarzenegger California State Governor Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger today issued the following statement regarding the death of Spc. Andrew J. Castro of Westlake Village, CA: “The death of Specialist Andrew Castro is a sad and sobering reminder of the dangers our men and women in uniform face each day to protect our freedoms. The great courage he displayed in the line of duty is an example of true patriotism. As they mourn the loss of this outstanding soldier, Maria and I extend our thoughts and prayers to Andrew’s family and loved ones.” Castro, 20, died August 28 in Babur, Afghanistan of wounds suffered when insurgents attacked his unit with an improvised explosive device. He was assigned to the 2nd Brigade Special Troops Battalion, 2nd Brigade Combat Team, 101st Airborne Division (Air Assault), Fort Campbell, KY. In honor of Spc. Castro, Capitol flags will be flown at half-staff. |
|
By Anonymous — Wednesday, August 25th, 2010
Written by Mike Brownfield In December 2009, President Barack Obama delivered his long-awaited decision on the way forward in the War in Afghanistan and pledged 30,000 additional troops for the effort under the condition that they would begin to come home in 18 months. While praising the President’s decision to send more troops, conservative lawmakers blasted the President’s announcement of a deadline for withdrawal, arguing that it would undermine our allies and embolden our enemies. Yesterday, the President’s policy met with another high profile critic, retiring U.S. Marine Gen. James Conway, who told reporters that the July 2011 withdrawal date has given a morale boost to Taliban insurgents who now believe they can simply wait out NATO forces. General Conway confirmed what Heritage Foundation analysts have been warning about for the last nine months, that the deadline is “giving our enemy sustenance.” Conway revealed that indeed the U.S. has intercepted communication of Taliban insurgents telling each other that they only needed to hold out for so long. Conway is right. As we... http://blog.heritage.org/2010/08/25/morning-bell-a-war-we-cant-afford-to... |
|
By Anonymous — Wednesday, August 25th, 2010
Arnold Schwarzenegger California State Governor Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger today issued the following statement regarding the death of Sgt. Ronald A. Rodriguez of Falls Church, VA: “Sergeant Ronald Rodriguez was one of our country’s bravest individuals. He faced danger every day to preserve our freedoms and, in the end, he made the ultimate sacrifice in the line of duty. Maria and I, on behalf of all Californians, extend our thoughts and prayers to Ronald’s family, friends and fellow Marines as they mourn this devastating loss.” Rodriguez, 26, died Aug. 23 while supporting combat operations in Helmand province, Afghanistan. He was assigned to the 1st Battalion, 11th Marine Regiment, 1st Marine Division, I Marine Expeditionary Force, U.S. Marine Corps, Camp Pendleton, CA. In honor of Sgt. Rodriguez, Capitol flags will be flown at half-staff. |
|
By Anonymous — Wednesday, August 25th, 2010
Arnold Schwarzenegger California State Governor Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger today issued the following statement regarding the death of Lance Cpl. Robert J. Newton of Creve Coeur, IL: “Risking his life, Lance Corporal Robert Newton served our country with extraordinary courage, and his sacrifice will be remembered forever. As they mourn the loss of this brave Marine, Maria and I express our deepest condolences to Robert’s family and loved ones.” Newton, 21, died Aug. 23 while supporting combat operations in Helmand province, Afghanistan. He was assigned to 3rd Battalion, 7th Marine Regiment, 1st Marine Division, I Marine Expeditionary Force, U.S. Marine Corps, Twentynine Palms, CA. In honor of Lance Cpl. Newton, Capitol flags will be flown at half-staff. |
|
By Anonymous — Tuesday, August 17th, 2010
Arnold Schwarzenegger California State Governor Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger today issued the following statement regarding the death of Staff Sgt. Michael A. Bock, of Leesburg, FL: “Staff Sergeant Michael Bock worked hard in the line of duty, defending our nation with pride and honor. The loss of his life is a terrible loss for our country. Maria and I offer our most sincere condolences to Michael’s family, friends and fellow Marines during their time of mourning.” Bock, 26, died August 13 while supporting combat operations in Helmand province, Afghanistan. He was assigned to the 3rd Combat Engineer Battalion, 1st Marine Division, I Marine Expeditionary Force, U.S. Marine Corps, Twentynine Palms, CA. In honor of Staff Sgt. Bock, Capitol flags will be flown at half-staff. |
|
By Anonymous — Monday, August 16th, 2010
Arnold Schwarzenegger California State Governor Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger today issued the following statement regarding the death of Sgt. Jose L. Saenz III of Pleasanton, TX: “Maria and I were deeply saddened to learn of the death of Sergeant Jose Saenz. With pride and honor, he answered the call of duty to defend our nation’s freedoms, and the sacrifice he made will be remembered forever. During this difficult time, we extend our thoughts and prayers to Jose’s family, friends and fellow Marines.” Saenz, 30, died Aug. 9 while supporting combat operations in Helmand province, Afghanistan. He was assigned to 1st Battalion, 11th Marine Regiment, 1st Marine Division, I Marine Expeditionary Force, U.S. Marine Corps, Camp Pendleton, CA. In honor of Sgt. Saenz, Capitol flags will be flown at half-staff. |
|
By Anonymous — Monday, August 9th, 2010
Arnold Schwarzenegger California State Governor Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger today issued the following statement regarding the death of Cpl. Max W. Donahue of Highlands Ranch, CO: “Corporal Max Donahue was a courageous and strong Marine. The loyalty he displayed in defending our nation’s freedoms is an inspiration to us all, and his service and sacrifice will be remembered forever. Maria and I extend our condolences to Max’s family, friends and fellow Marines during this time of mourning.” Donahue, 23, died Aug. 7 of wounds received Aug. 4 while supporting combat operations in Helmand province, Afghanistan. He was assigned to I Marine Expeditionary Force Headquarters Group, I Marine Expeditionary Force, U.S. Marine Corps, Camp Pendleton, CA. In honor of Cpl. Donahue, Capitol flags will be flown at half-staff. |
|
By Anonymous — Monday, August 2nd, 2010
MYRTLE BEACH, S.C., July 30 -- A Fort Bragg soldier recently returned from Afghanistan received a Harley Davidson Sportster during an Appreciation Ceremony in the Hall of Heroes at the Rawcliffe Center in Myrtle Beach, South Carolina. The donation was made by Lee Rawcliffe, owner of Sands Resorts and Don Allen, CEO of American Veterans Traveling Tribute ("AVTT"). A second soldier will be receiving a Sportster in the fall. The soldiers, randomly selected as the Operation Gratitude milestone 500,000th Care Package recipients last December, are US Army Staff Sgt. William Fullerton, a squad leader from 82nd Division Special Troops Battalion and US Army Sgt. Michael Herne, an infantryman with 82nd Airborne Division. SSG Fullerton on his Harley "Our purpose is to show continuous support for Americans who protect our country," said Lee Rawcliffe. "Our plans include more future recognitions to these courageous Americans." In 2009, Sands Resorts dedicated the Hall of Heroes as a tribute to American Heroes. Since then, there have been ongoing projects to recognize both Wounded Warriors and VFWs. Operation Gratitude sends care packages filled with fifty or more assorted snack, entertainment and personal care items to US Service Members deployed in combat. The volunteer-based non-profit will send its 600,000th care package this December. ABOUT OPERATION GRATITUDE ABOUT SANDS RESORTS ABOUT AVTT |
|
By Anonymous — Wednesday, July 28th, 2010
Arnold Schwarzenegger California State Governor Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger today issued the following statement regarding the deaths of Staff Sgt. Conrad A. Mora of San Diego, CA and Sgt. Daniel Lim of Cypress, CA: “Maria and I join all Californians in mourning the tragic deaths of Staff Sergeant Conrad Mora and Sergeant Daniel Lim. They were incredibly courageous soldiers, and we will forever remember their commitment to our country and willingness to put themselves in danger to protect their fellow citizens. Our thoughts and prayers are with their family, friends and fellow soldiers during this difficult time. ” Mora, 24, and Lim, 23, died July 24 at Qalat, Afghanistan, of injuries sustained when insurgents attacked their military vehicle with an improvised explosive device. They were assigned to 5th Battalion, 3rd Field Artillery Regiment, 17th Fires Brigade, U.S. Army, Joint Base Lewis-McChord, WA. In honor of Staff Sgt. Mora and Sgt. Lim, Capitol flags will be flown at half-staff. |
|
By Anonymous — Thursday, July 22nd, 2010
Ventura – The Veterans Home of California – Ventura, will hold their first COMMUNITY GARAGE SALE on Saturday, August 21 from 8 a.m. until noon at 10900 Telephone Road (at Wells Road), Ventura. There are three ways to participate! Purchase a selling space (one table) for a $20 donation to the Veterans Home of California–Ventura and sell your items! Or donate items to the Veterans Home of California – Ventura to be sold by the Veterans Home to raise money for their activities fund. Or just come on over and pick up a bargain! Clothing, small furniture items, craft supplies, knickknacks and other items will be available! Donations are being accepted from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Monday through Saturday until August 14, 2010 at the Veterans Home of California – Ventura 10900 Telephone Road (at Wells Road), Ventura, 93004. For additional information, please call (805) 659-7506 or (805) 659-7526. Please come out and support the Veterans Home of California—Ventura at the COMMUNITY GARAGE SALE! For information about the Veterans Home of California--Ventura please call 805-659-7502. For information on other Veterans Homes of California, Veterans benefits and services, please log on to the CalVet website at www.calvet.ca.gov. |
|
By Anonymous — Wednesday, July 21st, 2010
US AIR FORCE |
|
By Anonymous — Wednesday, July 21st, 2010
Many people in Fillmore do not know that any veteran’s name can be added to the wall at the Memorial Building. If you are interested in having a deceased family member or friend added, get a permission letter from the family, attach a check for $125 to cover the cost of the name plate, and deliver both to Annette Cardona at the City Hall. Since these name plates are cast in bronze, it takes several months. This is a fitting memorial for anyone who has served in the military. Our WW2 veterans are passing away quickly now and often we forget there is a place for their name to be included on the Memorial wall. |
|
By Anonymous — Wednesday, July 21st, 2010
Arnold Schwarzenegger California State Governor Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger today issued the following statement regarding the death of Gunnery Sgt. Christopher L. Eastman of Moose Pass, AR: “The death of Gunnery Sergeant Christopher Eastman is a devastating loss for our country. He was a brave and selfless Marine who gave his all while serving our great nation in uniform, and we will be forever grateful for his sacrifice. On behalf of all Californians, Maria and I extend our thoughts and prayers to Christopher’s family, friends and fellow Marines.” Eastman, 28, died July 18 while supporting combat operations in Helmand province, Afghanistan. He was assigned to the 7th Engineer Support Battalion, 1st Marine Logistics Group, I Marine Expeditionary Force, U.S. Marine Corps, Camp Pendleton, CA. In honor of Gunnery Sgt. Eastman, Capitol flags will be flown at half-staff. |
|
By Anonymous — Tuesday, July 13th, 2010
The eighteenth annual Ventura County Stand Down will take place July 30, 31 & August 1, 2010, and will be held at the California Army National Guard Armory in Ventura. The purpose of this effort is to assist veterans break out of the cycle of homelessness. Veterans in the Counties of Ventura, Santa Barbara, San Luis Obispo, and Los Angeles will participate this year. Stand Down refers to a grassroots, community-based intervention program designed to help the veterans who are homeless “combat” life on the streets. The hand up philosophy of Stand Down is carried out through the work of hundreds of volunteers and organizations who truly demonstrate the American spirit of volunteerism on behalf of veterans who are homeless. They demonstrate that ordinary people can do extraordinary things in assisting veterans become productive citizens of the community. Honorary Co-Chairmen who have served for 18 consecutive years are: Elton Gallegly, Congressman, 24th District; Jack O’Connell, State Superintendent of Public Instruction. During the three-day, two-night effort, veterans will live on campus in military-style tents erected by the Seabees and have access to shower facilities, toiletries, new and used clean clothing, hot meals, etc. each day. Working in conjunction with dozens of public and private agencies Stand Down 2010 will provide homeless veterans with a myriad of services such as medical treatment, legal services, prescription lenses, employment counseling and referrals, VA benefits, drug and alcohol counseling, general relief information, transitional housing information, along with a range of other government and social services. In addition, a Superior Court will be held on Friday, July 30, where veterans will be given an opportunity to adjudicate their pending legal cases before a volunteer judge who, in lieu of fine or jail time, order veterans to participate in community service at the Stand Down site. One of the many success stories of Stand Down are those veterans who were homeless return year after year as volunteers to assist their fellow veterans. Claire Hope, Founder & Chairperson for 18 consecutive years, is a 16-year resident of Camarillo whose father was a WWII veteran, and her son is a Persian Gulf Veteran. Those veterans who pre-register at various social service agencies facilitate their entrance into the Stand Down event. |
|
By Anonymous — Tuesday, July 13th, 2010
Arnold Schwarzenegger California State Governor Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger today issued the following statement regarding the death of Staff Sgt. Christopher J. Antonik of Crystal Lake, IL: “Maria and I are deeply saddened by the loss of Staff Sergeant Christopher Antonik. He was one of America’s finest, and his death is a sobering reminder of the dangers our men and women in uniform face every day. We extend our deepest condolences to his family and loved ones during this difficult time.” Antonik, 29, died July 11 while supporting combat operations in Helmand province, Afghanistan. He was assigned to 1st Marine Special Operations Battalion, U.S. Marine Corps Forces Special Operations Command, U.S. Marine Corps, Camp Pendleton, CA. In honor of Staff Sgt. Antonik, Capitol flags will be flown at half-staff. |
|
By Anonymous — Monday, July 12th, 2010
Arnold Schwarzenegger California State Governor Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger today issued the following statement regarding the deaths of Staff Sgt. Marc A. Arizmendez of Anaheim, CA and Spc. Roger Lee of Monterey, CA. “Maria and I join all Californians in mourning the tragic deaths of Staff Sergeant Marc Arizmendez and Specialist Roger Lee. They were courageous soldiers who faced danger every day to protect our freedoms. During this difficult time, we extend our deepest sympathies to the families and friends of these honorable men.” Arizmendez, 30, and Lee, 26, died July 6 at Qalat, Afghanistan, of wounds sustained when insurgents attacked their vehicle with an improvised explosive device. They were assigned to the 1st Battalion, 4th Infantry Regiment, U.S. Army, Hohenfels, Germany. In honor of Staff Sgt. Arizmendez and Spc. Lee, Capitol flags will be flown at half-staff. |
|
By Anonymous — Wednesday, June 30th, 2010
Arnold Schwarzenegger California State Governor Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger today issued the following statement regarding the death of Sgt. Joseph D. Caskey of Pittsburgh, PA: “On behalf of all Californians, Maria and I extend our deepest sympathies to Sergeant Joseph Caskey’s family and loved ones as they mourn the loss of this honorable Marine. He and all of the men and women who fight to uphold the liberties of our great nation have earned our utmost respect and deepest gratitude. We will forever remember and appreciate Sergeant Caskey’s service and sacrifice.” Caskey, 24, died June 26 while supporting combat operations in Helmand province, Afghanistan. He was assigned to 3rd Battalion, 1st Marine Regiment, 1st Marine Division, I Marine Expeditionary Force, U.S. Marine Corps, Camp Pendleton, CA. In honor of Sgt. Caskey, Capitol flags will be flown at half-staff. |
|
By Anonymous — Wednesday, June 30th, 2010
Arnold Schwarzenegger California State Governor Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger today issued the following statement regarding the death of Cpl. Daane A. Deboer of Ludington, MI: “The death of Corporal Daane Deboer serves as a sad and sobering reminder of the dangers our men and women in uniform face every day to defend our freedoms. He fought fearlessly for this great nation and deserves our deepest gratitude for making the ultimate sacrifice. Maria and I extend our prayers to his family, loved ones and community as they mourn the loss of this outstanding Marine.” Deboer, 24, died June 25 while supporting combat operations in Helmand province, Afghanistan. He was assigned to 1st Combat Engineer Battalion, 1st Marine Division, I Marine Expeditionary Force, U.S. Marine Corps, Camp Pendleton, CA. In honor of Cpl. Deboer, Capitol flags will be flown at half-staff. |