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By Anonymous — Wednesday, May 6th, 2009
 Arnold Schwarzenegger California State Governor Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger today issued the following statement regarding the death of Sgt. James R. McIlvaine of Olney, MD and Staff Sgt. Mark A. Wojciechowski of Cincinnati, OH: “Maria and I were saddened to learn of the passing of Sergeant James McIlvaine and Staff Sergeant Mark Wojciechowski. Both men served proudly and courageously while dedicating their lives to protecting our country. We join all Californians in remembering their service and send our condolences to their family and friends during this difficult time.” McIlvaine, 26, and Wojciechowski, 25, died April 30 while supporting combat operations in Al Anbar province, Iraq. McIlvaine was assigned to 1st Battalion, 7th Marine Regiment, 1st Marine Division, I Marine Expeditionary Force, U.S. Marine Corps, Twentynine Palms, CA. Wojciechowski was assigned to 7th Engineer Support Battalion, 1st Marine Logistics Group, I Marine Expeditionary Force, U.S. Marine Corps, Camp Pendleton, CA. In honor of Sgt. McIlvaine and Staff Sgt. Wojciechowski Capitol flags will be flown at half-staff. |
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By Anonymous — Wednesday, April 8th, 2009
Story Courtesy The Heritage Foundation Yesterday, Secretary of Defense Robert Gates gave one of the most radical speeches of the Post-Cold War era on American national security. Building off themes established in the 2008 National Defense Strategy written under President Bush, Secretary Gates presented what he described as “a budget crafted to reshape the priorities of America’s defense establishment. … a holistic assessment of capabilities, requirements, risks, and needs for the purpose of shifting this department in a different strategic direction.” The key assumption running through the Gates/Bush 2008 National Defense Strategy, is that “Although U.S. predominance in conventional warfare is not unchallenged, it is sustainable for the medium-term given current trends.” Really? “Medium-term” means the next 10 to 15 years. Considering America’s aging military equipment, projected shortfalls in fighter aircraft, attack submarines, aircraft carriers and the rate at which China is building a military that seeks to offset American power with high-end asymmetric capabilities, Gates supposition that American conventional power will remain an effective deterrent is questionable at best. CONTINUED » |
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By Anonymous — Tuesday, April 7th, 2009
At a wreath-laying ceremony at Arlington National Cemetery, John Finn rose from his wheelchair and stood at the side of his commander in chief while taps was played during National Medal of Honor Day. NBC's Brian Williams reports. |
 Proud military parents of Kevin Vest and William Foster are pictured on March 8th holding some of the banners hung on Central Avenue, honoring military service personnel. Enlarge Photo By Dick Diaz — Wednesday, April 1st, 2009
 (l-r) The family: son Lucas Thompson (2 yrs) held by father Mark Thompson, son Connor Thompson (11 yrs), Mother Sheryl Feldhans and brother David Thompson (21 yrs). Enlarge Photo On Wednesday, March 18, 2009 at 10:00 a.m. eight more banners were installed on Central Avenue as part of the Military Banner Program. An enthusiastic and proud group of family and friends watched as City of Fillmore crews installed the Banners on the historic street lamp posts of Central Avenue. The eight young men and women are Senior Master Sergeant Michelle Hart (USAF), Second Lieutenant Christopher Gurrola (USAF), Airman First Class Ryan Hackney (USAF), Staff Sergeant Kevin Vest (Army), Petty Officer First Class William Foster (Navy), Specialist Mark Thompson (Army) Staff Sergeant Alfredo Hurtado (Army) and Chief Petty Officer Garrett Kendrick (Navy). The eight now proudly stand with the initial five already installed and six more have been ordered and will be installed in the near future. The “Military Banner Program” is 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) 524-1732 FAX (805) 524-4154, or Email - militarybanners@yahoo.com You will be required to complete a short form and provide the following information that will be used to administer the program: 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. CONTINUED » |
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By Anonymous — Wednesday, March 25th, 2009
The Fillmore-Piru Veterans Memorial District Board reviewed the rules for honoring veterans at this last monthly meeting. Any veteran of the United States military service is eligible. For those who wish to have their family’s veterans names added to the wall at the Memorial Building, here is the way to accomplish that: If the veteran was killed in the service to their country, there is no charge for the name plaque. The plaque for other veterans is $125. To order a name plaque for display, the family needs to send a letter making the request with the veteran’s name and attach a check for the cost to the Veterans Memorial District, in care of City Hall. The company that does the casting requires a minimum order of 3 plaques, so it may take several months before the plaque is installed. For additional information, you may call Annette Cardona, 524-3701 ex. 216. After World War II, our community wanted to honor their many veterans. The Wm. Shiells Company donated the land and the citizens raised the money to pay for the buildings. In a very short time, the main building and youth building were completed and opened to service clubs and community organizations for meetings. This is a special district and the boundaries are the same as the Fillmore Unified School District. The Fillmore-Piru Veterans Memorial District levies a $5 per parcel tax to help with the financing. The board is elected every two years. After 50 years, the buildings still serve to honor any veteran of the United States military and we are fortunate |
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By Anonymous — Wednesday, March 25th, 2009
The Second Annual Military, Business and Community Expo (formerly known as the Navy Expo) will be held on 2 April, 2009 at the Ventura County Office of Education Conference Center, 5100 Adolfo Road, Camarillo. For more information, contact event coordinator, Renée Smith at RSVP Events (805) 969-5244. This Military, Business & Community Expo, hosted by TRIAD, VCEDA, RDP-21, and the Santa Barbara & Channel Islands Navy Leagues, will be an all day conference that provides a forum for businesses to increase exposure and learn about government contracting. Employers and educators will also discuss what each can do ensure that Ventura County is capable of supplying a viable future workforce. Exhibit booths on the show floor will feature local businesses, emerging technology and local Navy activities. Our goals are to provide local business, education and community leaders with information about the current and future needs of the local naval base, the largest employer in Ventura County, and increase attendance and sponsorship of the Expo. We aim to address employment skills needed in the navy and community by linking higher education institutions to the event; and by giving small businesses the opportunity to learn how to do business with the government and how to get their products to Navy contractors, sub contractors and the Federal Government. |
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By Anonymous — Wednesday, March 25th, 2009
The Soviet Heavy Bomber K-7 Built in Russia during the 1930s. It flew 11 times before crashing and killing 15 people. The designer, Konstantin Kalinin, wanted to build two more aircraft, but the project was scrapped. Later Stalin had Kalinin executed. Evidently it was not good to fail on an expensive project under Stalin. It has propellers on the back of the wings, too. You can count 12 engines facing front. The size would be equivalent to the Empire State Building on its side, with cannon. And you think the 747 was big... not only a bunch of engines but check out the cannons. In the 1930s the Russian army was obsessed with the idea of creating huge bombers. At that time they were designed to have as many propellers as possible to help carry the huge flying fortresses into the air. Jet propulsion had not been invented. Not many photos were saved from those times, because of the high secrecy levels of such projects and because a lot of time has passed. Still the attached photos show one of these monsters - the heavy bomber K-7. |
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By Anonymous — Tuesday, March 24th, 2009
WASHINGTON — The U.S. intelligence community has disputed an assessment by its Israeli counterpart and the Pentagon regarding Iran's nuclear program. In an assessment that played down warnings by U.S. military chiefs, the American intelligence community determined that Iran has failed to produce highly-enriched uranium, required for the assembly of nuclear weapons. Two leading U.S. intelligence officials said Iran was not known to have begun refining low-enriched uranium into fuel that could be installed into a missile warhead. |
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By Anonymous — Tuesday, March 17th, 2009
WASHINGTON -- The leader of the nation's largest veterans organization says he is "deeply disappointed and concerned" after a meeting with President Obama today to discuss a proposal to force private insurance companies to pay for the treatment of military veterans who have suffered service-connected disabilities and injuries. The Obama administration recently revealed a plan to require private insurance carriers to reimburse the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) in such cases. "It became apparent during our discussion today that the President intends to move forward with this unreasonable plan," said Commander David K. Rehbein of The American Legion. "He says he is looking to generate $540-million by this method, but refused to hear arguments about the moral and government-avowed obligations that would be compromised by it." CONTINUED » |
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By Anonymous — Tuesday, March 3rd, 2009
Thank You for your service!
US AIR FORCE US MARINE CORPS US NAVY US ARMY - RESERVE US ARMY |
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By Anonymous — Wednesday, February 4th, 2009
Arnold Schwarzenegger California State Governor Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger today issued the following statement regarding the death of Private Grant A. Cotting of Corona: “Private Grant Cotting was a courageous soldier who dedicated his life to serving his fellow Americans and protecting our country’s freedom. His sacrifice is an inspiration to us all and his bravery will forever be remembered. Maria and I join all Californians in offering our thoughts and prayers to Grant’s family and friends as they mourn this terrible loss.” Cotting, 19, died January 24 in Kut, Iraq, of injuries sustained from a non-combat related incident. Cotting was assigned to the 515th Sapper Company, 5th Engineer Battalion, 4th Maneuver Enhancement Brigade, U.S. Army, Fort Leonard Wood, MO. In honor of Pvt. Cotting, Capitol flags will be flown at half-staff. |
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By Dick Diaz — Wednesday, January 28th, 2009
Yeoman Petty Officer 2nd Class Claudia Toledo, USN Active Reserves received the Department of the Navy’s “Navy and Marine Corps Achievement Medal” during a ceremony at Port Hueneme! Yeoman Petty Officer 2nd Class (YNPO2) Claudia Toledo received this award on December 7, 2008 for her professional achievement in the superior performance of her duties while serving as a Yeoman Clerk with Navy Cargo Handling Battalion 14 stationed at Port Hueneme. YNPO2 Toledo’s battalion is a component of the Naval Expeditionary Logistics Support Group located in Williamsburg, Virginia where YNPO2 Toledo is now attending an advanced training class. Yeoman Petty Officer 2nd Class Claudia Toledo joined the Navy Reserves in 2003 and she is the daughter of Ignacio and Maria Toledo of Fillmore and the mother of Salma 9yrs. Maria and Salma will be traveling to Virginia soon to visit YNPO2 Toledo while she attends her courses. CONTINUED » |
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By Anonymous — Wednesday, January 7th, 2009
US AIR FORCE US MARINE CORPS US NAVY US ARMY - RESERVE US ARMY |
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By Dick Diaz — Wednesday, January 7th, 2009
 Above, Private First Class Joseph Ponce and United States Army Sergeant Kevin “Buddy” Edwards, are both assigned to the United States Army’s 4th Battalion, 25th Field Artillery Regiment. Two young men from Fillmore are serving together in the United States Army and in the same unit are on their way to Afghanistan! United States Army Sergeant Kevin “Buddy” Edwards and Private First Class (PFC) Joseph Ponce of Fillmore are both assigned to the United States Army’s 4th Battalion, 25th Field Artillery Regiment located at Fort Drum, New York. Both were home for Christmas before their Unit is to be deployed in early January 2009 to the Wardak Province in Afghanistan. The Wardak Province is one of the thirty-four provinces of Afghanistan. Wardak Province is located in the center of the country and its capital is Meydan Shahr. The population, about 70,000, is a mixture of Tajiks, Hazaras, Pashtuns and smaller groups of Aimaks. Sergeant Kevin “Buddy” Edwards, 25 years, is a 2002 FHS Graduate and he is the son of Kevin Edwards (wife Debra) and Donna Villanueva (Smith), (husband Roy Villanueva), of Fillmore. Roy is a retired United States Army Ranger. Sergeant Edward’s Maternal Grandparents are, Ronnie and Chris Smith of Fillmore. His Paternal Grandmother, Sharon Stewart lives in Oregon. His Paternal Grandfather was the late Jim Edwards. Jim’s widow, Rebecca Edwards, lives in Ten Mile, Oregon. Sergeant Edwards siblings are U.S. Army Specialist Michael “Mikey” Edwards, now stationed in Honduras, Anthony Edwards, 16, a Sophomore at Fillmore High School and Brett Edwards, 14, an 8th grader at Fillmore Middle School. Sergeant Kevin Edwards is a Military Intelligence Analyst. In this position he has obtained a “Military Top Secret Clearance.” The intelligence analyst supervises, performs, or coordinates, collection management, analysis, processing, and dissemination of strategic and tactical intelligence. Sergeant Kevin Edwards prepares all source intelligence products to support the combat the commander. Additionally he assists in establishing and maintaining systematic, cross-referenced intelligence records and files and receives and processes incoming reports and messages. Sergeant Kevin Edwards assists in determining significance and reliability of incoming information, in integrating incoming information with current intelligence holdings and prepares and maintains the situation map. He contributes in the analysis and evaluation of intelligence holdings to determine changes in enemy capabilities, vulnerabilities, and probable courses of action. Other duties include the preparation of Order of Battle records using information from all sources and in the preparation of strength estimates of enemy units. Sergeant Kevin Edwards is also responsible for proofreading intelligence reports and assists in consolidating them into military intelligence. He prepares Intelligence Preparation of the Battlefield (IPB) products. Without a doubt for any military combat operation someone in the position of Sergeant Kevin Edwards plays a critical role on the battlefield. Sergeant Kevin Edwards’s first Duty station was in Heidelberg, Germany with V Corps. His unit deployed from Germany to Iraq where Sergeant Edwards was in charge of monitoring/analyzing the volumes of information received in Operation Iraqi freedom during 2006 as a part of the Multi-National Force in Iraq. Sergeant Kevin Edwards actually worked in Saddam's palace every day and was promoted to Specialist at a ceremony there as well. |
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By Anonymous — Wednesday, January 7th, 2009
As Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice and other world leaders try to broker a cease-fire agreement between Israel and Hamas, one former member of the militant Islamic organization said there will never be lasting peace between the two groups. "There is no chance. Is there any chance for fire to co-exist with the water?" said Mosab Hassan Yousef, the son of one of the group's founding members. Yousef added: "It's not about Israel, it's not about Hamas: it's about both ideologies." Yousef, son of Sheikh Hassan Yousef, one of the most influential leaders of the militant group, said the organization betrays the Palestinian cause and tortures its own members. Hamas, formed in the late 1980's as an outgrowth of the Palestinian branch of the radical Muslim Brotherhood, is considered a terror organization by the U.S. government. Hamas seized power in the Gaza strip in 2007 in a violent coup against the more moderate Palestinian Authority led by Mahmoud Abbas. Yousef said he was indoctrinated at an early age to use violence to challenge Israeli control in the region. As a teenager he moved up within the organization and became the leader of the radical Islamic Youth Movement that fought Israeli tanks and troops in the streets, celebrated suicide bombings and recruited young men to the cause. "Islam is not the word of God," said Yousef. "If you want to be offended it's your problem. But you know something? Go study. Think for a second that I might be right. So wake up, look at your path, see where you're going. Are you really going to heaven with 72 virgins after you kill yourself and kill another 20 people?" "The Hamas leadership, including my father, they're responsible; they're responsible for all the violence that happened from the organization. I know they describe it as reaction to Israeli aggression, but still, they are part of it and they had to make decisions in those operations against Israel (for) which there was the killing of many civilians." Yousef talks more about his extraordinary story of faith, courage, violence and betrayal in a FOX News documentary, "Escape From Hamas," hosted by Bill Hemmer. Escape from Hamas airs Sat at 10p, with repeats at 1am and 4a, EST, and Sun at 9pm, with repeats at 12 midnight, 2am, EST. |
 Above a truck was damaged by an IED, a 152 mm artillery shell which blew off the passenger side tire and put a hole in the engine. Enlarge Photo By Dick Diaz — Thursday, January 1st, 2009
I just watched the You Tube, “Do You Remember Me” video by Lizzie Palmer in this weeks online Fillmore Gazette. And, at the same time I received the below communication and photos from United States Army Staff Sergeant Gilbert Zavala who is serving in Afghanistan and soon to rotate home. Both the video and SSgt Gilbert Zavala’s email awakened me to how real it is that we have young men and women from both the communities of Fillmore and Piru serving so far away from home in some very dangerous places. Even though I write about these young men and women often for The Fillmore Gazette I too get lulled into the small town language of how we know them and who their family members are here at home. Their links to us back at home are interesting, but what they are doing away from home is should be much more important to all of us. Not long ago I received another email from SSgt Gilbert Zavala that outlined a terrible firefight his unit had been in where two other soldiers had been killed, others wounded, and only SSgt Gilbert Zavala and one other soldier had survived unscathed. I chose not to write about it at that time because I felt it may be to disturbing. But, I now feel that it may be important for all us to be reminded that these young men and women from our community are in harms way daily while they serve our Country to hopefully protect all of us from the harm others are trying to place before us. We should always try to remember them, appreciate them and thank them and their families every opportunity we can for their service, and sacrifices they make for us. Their service is truly heroic! They are the true American Heroes in our lives and communities; not rap singers, sports, or Hollywood celebrities who seem to get so much more attention. As you have noticed in each weeks Gazette there is a list of all the men and women known to me who are now serving in the military, in all branches of the military. Some I have written about and some I haven’t. If you know them, or a member of their family please take the time to thank them for their service and their sacrifices. I know they will appreciate knowing you care. Also, you will soon be made aware of a program to honor these young men and women by our community: On Central Avenue their will be banners on the light poles with the names of those young men and women from the Fillmore/Piru communities currently serving in the military. This is an effort begun by Virginia de la Piedra, in conjunction with the City of Fillmore, Fillmore Unified School Board, Veterans of Foreign War and the Fillmore Sunrise Rotary as another way to say thank you and to honor those that are currently serving. Here is the email I received from SSgt Gilbert Zavala: Thank you SSgt Gilbert Zavala for your service and sacrifices and thank you the family of SSgt Gilbert Zavala the sacrifices you have made and will continue to make. SSgt Gilbert Zavala is truly an American Hero! |
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By Anonymous — Tuesday, December 23rd, 2008
Twas The Night Before Christmas, He Lived All Alone, In A One Bedroom House Made Of Plaster And Stone. I Had Come Down The Chimney With Presents To Give, And To See Just Who In This Home Did Live. I Looked All About, A Strange Sight I Did See, No Tinsel, No Presents, Not Even A Tree. No Stocking By Mantle, Just Boots Filled With Sand, On The Wall Hung Pictures Of Far Distant Lands. With Medals And Badges, Awards Of All Kinds, A Sober Thought Came Through My Mind. For This House Was Different, It Was Dark And Dreary, I Found The Home Of A Soldier, Once I Could See Clearly. The Soldier Lay Sleeping, Silent, Alone, Curled Up On The Floor In This One Bedroom Home. The Face Was So Gentle, The Room In Such Disorder, Not How I Pictured A United States Soldier. Was This The Hero Of Whom I'd Just Read? Curled Up On A Poncho, The Floor For A Bed? I Realized The Families That I Saw This Night, Owed Their Lives To These Soldiers Who Were Willing To Fight. Soon Round The World, The Children Would Play, And Grownups Would Celebrate A Bright Christmas Day. They All Enjoyed Freedom Each Month Of The Year, Because Of The Soldiers, Like The One Lying Here. I Couldn't Help Wonder How Many Lay Alone, On A Cold Christmas Eve In A Land Far From Home. The Very Thought Brought A Tear To My Eye, I Dropped To My Knees And Started To Cry. The Soldier Awakened And I Heard A Rough Voice, 'Santa Don't Cry, This Life Is My Choice; I Fight For Freedom, I Don't Ask For More, My Life Is My God, My Country, My Corps.' The Soldier Rolled Over And Drifted To Sleep, I Couldn't Control It, I Continued To Weep. I Kept Watch For Hours, So Silent And Still And We Both Shivered From The Cold Night's Chill. I Didn't Want To Leave On That Cold, Dark, Night, This Guardian Of Honor So Willing To Fight. Then The Soldier Rolled Over, With A Voice Soft And Pure, Whispered, 'Carry On Santa, It's Christmas Day; All Is Secure.' One Look At My Watch, And I Knew He Was Right. 'Merry Christmas My Friend, And To All A Good Night.' |
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By Dick Diaz — Wednesday, December 17th, 2008
Life-long Fillmore resident, Kailey Andrews, 19 years, a graduate of Fillmore High School (FHS) Class 2007, was home for the Thanksgiving Holiday with her family after she completed eight weeks of Technical School at Sheppard Air Force Base (AFB) in Wichita Falls, Texas and six weeks at Keesler AFB near Biloxi, Mississippi. At Keesler AFB she trained in the operating room of the base hospital as a surgical apprentice. Kailey attended Los Nogales Elementary and Camarillo Heights Elementary Schools, and Los Altos Middle School in Camarillo before attending FHS. After graduation from FHS Kailey attended Ventura College before enlisting into the United States Air Force. Kailey was an avid softball player since she was 4 yrs. old and played year-round softball through high school at both second base and center field. Kailey enlisted in the United States Air Force in December of 2007. Airman Kailey Andrews left on November 29th for Eglin AFB located about sixty miles from Pensacola, Florida. Eglin will be her new duty station with the Air Forces 96th Medical Group as a Surgical Technician. As a Surgical Technician she assists professional staff in providing patient care for surgical patients before, during, and after surgery. Airman Kailey Andrews will perform scrub and circulating duties in the operating room (OR). Additionally she will assist with post-anesthesia recovery of patients. The 96th Medical Group manages and provides comprehensive, cost-effective health care for 83,000 eligible beneficiaries who include active duty men and women, their dependents and military retirees. It operates a community-based teaching hospital with graduate level programs in family practice, general dentistry and other medical disciplines. It deploys and expands to provide responsive health services in any contingency. CONTINUED » |
