Arnold Schwarzenegger
California State Governor

Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger today issued the following statement regarding the death of Staff Sgt. Aracely Gonzalez O’Malley of Brawley, CA:

“Maria and I, on behalf of all Californians, offer our sincere condolences to the family, friends and fellow soldiers of Staff Sergeant Aracely Gonzalez O’Malley. The loss of this brave soldier’s life is a sad and sobering reminder of the sacrifices made to protect our country. Aracely’s courage and unyielding loyalty while defending our freedoms will be honored by us forever.”

Gonzalez O’Malley, 31, died October 22 at Homburg, Germany, of injuries sustained in a non-combat incident October 12 at Mazar-e Sharif, Afghanistan. She was assigned to the 307th Integrated Theater Signal Battalion, 516th Signal Brigade, 311th Signal Command, Schofield Barracks, Hawaii.

In honor of Staff Sgt. Gonzalez O’Malley, Capitol flags will be flown at half-staff.

Arnold Schwarzenegger
California State Governor

Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger today issued the following statement regarding the death of Spc. Ronnie J. Pallares of Rancho Cucamonga, CA:

“Serving in the armed forces is a noble calling that Specialist Ronnie Pallares bravely answered. He faced danger to defend our freedoms, and we honor his courage and commitment to our country. As they mourn this tragic loss of a young life, Maria and I offer our deepest condolences to Ronnie’s family, friends and fellow soldiers.”

Pallares, 19, died October 23 in Andar district, Ghazni, Afghanistan, of wounds suffered when insurgents attacked his unit using an improvised explosive device. He was assigned to the 27th Engineer Battalion, Fort Bragg, N.C.

In honor of Spc. Pallares, Capitol flags will be flown at half-staff.

Arnold Schwarzenegger
California State Governor

Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger today issued the following statement regarding the death of Staff Sgt. Joshua J. Cullins of Simi Valley, CA:

“Maria and I were deeply saddened to learn of the death of Staff Sergeant Joshua Cullins. His courageous service and selfless sacrifice will forever be remembered and honored. We join all Californians in sending our heartfelt condolences to Joshua’s family, friends and fellow Marines.”

Cullins, 28, died Oct. 19 while conducting combat operations in Helmand province, Afghanistan. He was assigned to the 1st Explosive Ordnance Disposal Company, 1st Marine Logistics Group, I Marine Expeditionary Force, Camp Pendleton, CA.

In honor of Staff Sgt. Cullins, Capitol flags will be flown at half-staff.

Arnold Schwarzenegger
California State Governor

Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger today issued the following statement regarding the death of Cpl. Jorge Villarreal Jr. of San Antonio, TX:

“Maria and I were saddened to learn of the death of Corporal Jorge Villarreal Junior. This brave Marine made the ultimate sacrifice in the name of the U.S., and his service will be remembered forever. On behalf of all Californians, we extend our thoughts and prayers to the loved ones of Jorge during this difficult time.”

Villarreal, 22, died October 17 while conducting combat operations in Helmand province, Afghanistan. He was assigned to 1st Battalion, 11th Marine Regiment, 1st Marine Division, I Marine Expeditionary Force, Camp Pendleton, CA.

In honor of Cpl. Villarreal, Capitol flags will be flown at half-staff.

Arnold Schwarzenegger
California State Governor

Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger today issued the following statement regarding the death of Sgt. Ian M. Tawney of Dallas, OR:

“On behalf of all Californians, I share my admiration for the loyalty and courage shown by Sergeant Ian Tawney in the line of duty. His selflessness and sacrifice remind us all to cherish our freedoms. Maria and I send our condolences to Ian’s family, friends and fellow Marines as they grieve this tragic loss.”

Tawney, 25, died October 16 while conducting combat operations in Helmand province, Afghanistan. He was assigned to the 3rd Battalion, 5th Marine Regiment, 1st Marine Division, I Marine Expeditionary Force, Camp Pendleton, CA.

In honor of Sgt. Tawney, Capitol flags will be flown at half-staff.

Arnold Schwarzenegger
California State Governor

Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger today issued the following statement regarding the death of Lance Cpl. James D. Boelk of Oceanside, CA:

“Lance Corporal James Boelk served our country with bravery and honor, and his selflessness is an inspiration to us all. We will forever be indebted to this courageous Marine for protecting our freedoms. Maria and I offer our most sincere sympathies to James’ family and loved ones during this difficult time.”

Boelk, 24, died October 15 while conducting combat operations in Helmand province, Afghanistan. He was assigned to the 3rd Battalion, 5th Marine Regiment, 1st Marine Division, I Marine Expeditionary Force, Camp Pendleton, CA.

In honor of Lance Cpl. Boelk, Capitol flags will be flown at half-staff.

Arnold Schwarzenegger
California State Governor

Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger today issued the following statement regarding the death of Lance Cpl. Irvin M. Ceniceros of Clarksville, AR:

“The death of Lance Corporal Irvin Ceniceros is a true loss. He gave his life while serving our country and his sacrifice will never be forgotten. Maria and I send our deepest condolences to Irvin’s friends and family as they mourn the loss of this brave Marine.”

Ceniceros, 21, died October 14 while conducting combat operations in Helmand province, Afghanistan. He was assigned to the 3rd Battalion, 5th Marine Regiment, 1st Marine Division, I Marine Expeditionary Force, Camp Pendleton, CA.

In honor of Lance Cpl. Ceniceros, Capitol flags will be flown at half-staff.

Arnold Schwarzenegger
California State Governor

Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger today issued the following statement regarding the death of Lance Cpl. Joseph C. Lopez of Rosamond, CA:

“Maria and I were very saddened to learn of the death of Lance Corporal Joseph Lopez. He was an outstanding Marine and loyal patriot. We join all Californians in honoring his admirable service and the sacrifice he made to defend the freedoms we are fortunate to enjoy every day. May Joseph’s family and loved ones find comfort and peace in his memory.”

Lopez, 26, died October 14 while conducting combat operations in Helmand province, Afghanistan. He was assigned to the 3rd Battalion, 5th Marine Regiment, 1st Marine Division, I Marine Expeditionary Force, Camp Pendleton, CA.

In honor of Lance Cpl. Lopez, Capitol flags will be flown at half-staff.

Arnold Schwarzenegger
California State Governor

Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger today issued the following statement regarding the death of Lance Cpl. Alec E. Catherwood of Byron, IL:

“Lance Corporal Alec Catherwood was an honorable Marine. In the line of duty, he bravely faced unimaginable dangers to defend the ideals of our great nation. With great sorrow, Maria and I extend our thoughts and prayers to Alec’s family and loved ones during their time of mourning.”

Catherwood, 19, died October 14 while conducting combat operations in Helmand province, Afghanistan. He was assigned to the 3rd Battalion, 5th Marine Regiment, 1st Marine Division, I Marine Expeditionary Force, Camp Pendleton, CA.

In honor of Lance Cpl. Catherwood, Capitol flags will be flown at half-staff.

Arnold Schwarzenegger
California State Governor

Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger today issued the following statement regarding the death of Lance Cpl. John T. Sparks of Chicago, IL:

“Maria and I were deeply saddened to learn of the death of Lance Corporal John Sparks, a brave Marine and true patriot who made the ultimate sacrifice in the name of freedom. On behalf of all Californians, we are forever grateful for John’s service and extend our thoughts and prayers to his family and loved ones during their time of mourning.”

Sparks, 23, died October 8 while conducting combat operations in Helmand province, Afghanistan. He was assigned to 3rd Battalion, 5th Marine Regiment, 1st Marine Division, I Marine Expeditionary Force, Camp Pendleton, CA.

In honor of Lance Cpl. Sparks, Capitol flags will be flown at half-staff.

Always bring a list to your doctor’s visit,” the patient

guidebooks recommend. “That way, you won’t forget

important things to discuss with your doctor.” I agree.

Lists are a good idea, but until I saw Charlie’s list I had

never been so saddened by what was written.

Charlie was an 85-year-old World War II veteran. He

had osteoarthritis of the hip that used to plague him until he

had a joint replacement. His hands still ached, and he took

glucosamine that he bought at Walmart.

Charlie had an excellent primary care doctor who took

care of his medical needs. Nevertheless, every year for more

than a decade, Charlie made a trip to my clinic. At these visits

in the spring, we talked, I examined his joints, and I happily

gave him a clean bill of health. Each time I scheduled Charlie’s

next appointment, I worried that I would never see him

again. The Greatest Generation is dwindling away.

Knowing Charlie well, I anticipated an easy visit and,

when I entered the examination room, I saw him sitting quietly

in a chair. He was a thin man, wore a black baseball cap

that said “World War II Veteran” in gold letters, and had

thick glasses that made his eyes look big.

I was happy to see Charlie, knowing that he had survived

another year at a time in his life when survival is precarious.

I shook Charlie’s hand. His fingers were bony.

“How are you?” I asked.

“Okay,” Charlie answered, his voice subdued.

“Arthritis bothering you?”

“Only sometimes.”

“Anything bring the pain on?”

I was expecting that Charlie would say the cold, but instead

he said, “I keep thinking about things.” He looked troubled.

“What things?” I asked tentatively. People whose arthritis

worsens with thought usually have bad things to

think about. A new diagnosis of cancer. A spouse who dies.

A child who turns out rotten.

“The war,” Charlie said, his eyes misting.

“Iraq?” I asked.

“No, my war. I think about my friends. I was in the

Second Infantry Division.”

It was then that Charlie handed me his list. The paper was

yellow and lined, and he wrote in capital letters that slanted to the

right.

“You can have the list,” Charlie said, handing me the

paper as if he wanted to discard it. “I got the information

in books I read.”

I glanced quickly at the list, which described the history

of his division during the war in Europe:

Campaigns: 5

Days in combat: 327

Miles traveled to Pilsen: 1750

This was as far as I got when I turned back to Charlie.

“I was the only 1 of 3 corpsmen who made it after the first

day,” Charlie said with a shaky voice, explaining that he landed

on Omaha Beach on 7 June, right after D-day. “I was only 22,”

he said. “My job was to take care of the casualties. I took fire like

everyone else, and I saw things I can never forget.”

“Did something happen to make you think about

these things now?” I asked.

Charlie shook his head. “It just happens sometimes, but I

think more and more about those days. If I can’t keep busy,

my mind wanders. You can’t believe how many people died

then.” His face looked empty. “I had to go through the bodies,

looking for anyone who needed help. But, you know, I

think that some of those boys shot themselves. You can’t get a

wound in your upper arm from someone else’s gun,” Charlie

said, pointing to his own arm, where the slack flesh drooped

under a red plaid shirt. “I lost so many friends.”

At an age when my daughter cavorts gleefully in the

mall, Charlie trudged through killing fields flooded with

his buddies’ blood.

Charlie then told me about the push through France and

the Battle of the Bulge. He quieted, and his tears flowed.

“I retired early from the factory,” Charlie said, trying to compose

himself. “It’s strange, but I always felt better by myself.”

I felt weary and dispirited as I watched Charlie. Perhaps he

sensed that he would die soon and wanted to unburden himself

before the end. I asked Charlie if he had ever sought help. He said

that he had attended sessions at a posttraumatic stress disorder

clinic. “I mostly listened,” he said. “Everyone else was from Vietnam.

They all thought that their war was bad. What could I say?

Compared to World War II, that war was nothing.”

“Should I make a referral to our mental hygiene

clinic?” I asked.

Charlie nodded yes.

“Good,” I said. “I’ll set it up. See you next year.”

When I left the room, I finished reading Charlie’s list.

As the patient guides say, lists are helpful so that you do

not forget. Here are the other items on Charlie’s list:

Battle casualties: 15,066

Killed in action: 2999

Missing in action: 109

Wounded in action: 10,924

Prisoners of war: 1034

Thank you, Charlie. We will not forget your list.

David S. Pisetsky, MD, PhD

Duke University Medical Center

Durham, NC 27705

Arnold Schwarzenegger
California State Governor

Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger today issued the following statement regarding the death of Sgt. Brian J. Pedro of Rosamond:

“Sergeant Brian Pedro was a brave soldier who gave his life in the line of duty. Maria and I are grateful for his service and deeply saddened by his death. Our thoughts and prayers go out to all of Brian’s friends, family and fellow service members as they remember and mourn the passing of this courageous soldier.”

Pedro, 27, died October 2 in Pol-e-Khumri, Afghanistan, of wounds suffered when insurgents attacked his unit with small arms fire and rocket-propelled grenades. He was assigned to the 2nd Engineer Battalion, White Sands Missile Range, N.M.

In honor of Sgt. Pedro, Capitol flags will be flown at half-staff.

Arnold Schwarzenegger
California State Governor

Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger today issued the following statement regarding the death of Lance Cpl. Ralph J. Fabbri of Gallitzin, PA:

“Maria and I were deeply saddened to learn of the loss of Lance Corporal Ralph Fabbri, who gave his life in the defense of freedom. He fought with courage, honor and steadfast loyalty to this country and his fellow Marines. We join all Californians in paying tribute to Ralph’s sacrifice and offering our sincere condolences to his family and friends during this time.”

Fabbri, 20, died September 28 while conducting combat operations in Helmand province, Afghanistan. He was assigned to the Headquarters Battalion, 1st Marine Division, I Marine Expeditionary Force, Camp Pendleton, CA.

In honor of Lance Cpl. Fabbri, Capitol flags will be flown at half-staff.

Each year the Fillmore Post 9637 selects a member of the community to Honor for their commitment to help and or recognize our fellow citizens that are serving our country in uniform. This year we honor a man that went into the Marine Corp in January, 1966 and served till October 1969, Dick Diaz.

Not wanting to get his boots dirty he got assigned to a Marine Aerial Refueler Transport Squadron, (kind of like a flying gas station) where he logged more than 1500 hours. These transports also moved troops in and out of Vietnam.

By keeping his nose clean and doing a good job he came out of the service as a sergeant E-5, not bad for 3 years, he also was awarded the Vietnam Service and Campaign Metals as well as the Good Conduct Medal.

With an Honorable Discharge in hand he began a 36 and 1/2 year career in law enforcement. In the 1980's he was chief of Police in Fillmore, went to Ventura County Sheriffs Department as a Lieutenant, and retired as a Captain. His father-in-law is a Korean war vet; his son is in the Navy.

His articles in the Fillmore Gazette highlights service members and lists the local people serving in all branches of the military.

It is our honor to recognize Mr. Dick Diaz

This family event, including barbecue and entertainment, will benefit Veterans!

Ventura – On Saturday, October 2 from noon to 3 p.m. the first ever Veterans Appreciation Fundraiser, Barbecue and Concert will be held at the Veterans Home of California—Ventura, 10900 Telephone Road, Ventura (at Wells Road). Tickets are only $10 each and can be purchased by calling 805-659-7506 or 805-659-7526.

Voted Ventura County’s most dynamic and captivating classic country band, the Sweet County Band will perform at the benefit to support Veterans at the Veterans Home. The band is comprised of some of Ventura County’s finest, seasoned musicians. The excellent quality of their music and beautiful vocal harmonies will make this an unforgettable day!

“This special event will honor the brave men and women Veterans who reside at this new Veterans Home who have served our country so bravely,” said Brenda Manke, Administrator, Veterans Home of California—Ventura. “And we are so fortunate that the wonderful Sweet Country Band has volunteered their time and talents for this great event!” All proceeds will go toward the Veterans Morale and Welfare Fund, which will be used to purchase items such as recreation equipment, arts and crafts supplies, tickets to theaters or other outings, special sports channels and more.

Currently, 29 men and women Veterans are residing at the Veterans Home. In order to be eligible for admission, a Veteran must be 62 or older, or younger if disabled, a California resident and have served honorably in the military. The California Department of Veterans Affairs’ (CalVet’s) mission is to promote and deliver the benefits provided by the grateful State of California to its deserving Veterans and their families—with a vision for California’s Veterans to live the highest quality of life with dignity and honor. It is the Department’s goal to provide the best long-term care and enhanced quality of life for all California Veterans Home Members. The Veterans Homes of California provide California’s Veterans with a living environment that protects their dignity and contributes to their feeling of self-reliance and self-worth. The Homes’ amenities are intended to provide residents excellent care in a homelike environment and foster a sense of community. For additional information, please call 805-659-7502. “On behalf of CalVet and my staff members, we encourage everyone to come out for a great time, a great barbecue and a chance to support our deserving Veterans,” added Manke.

Arnold Schwarzenegger
California State Governor

Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger today issued the following statement regarding the death of Sgt. Jesse M. Balthaser of Columbus, OH:

"Maria and I were deeply saddened to learn of the loss of Sergeant Jesse Balthaser, who defended our freedoms with extraordinary courage. He fought with honor and loyalty for this country and his fellow Marines. We join all Californians in paying tribute to Jesse’s sacrifice and offering our sincere condolences to his family and friends during this time of mourning."

Balthaser, 23, died September 4 while conducting combat operations in Helmand province, Afghanistan. He was assigned to the 3rd Combat Engineer Battalion, 3rd Marine Division, III Marine Expeditionary Force, based at Marine Corps Air Ground Combat Center Twentynine Palms, CA.

In honor of Sgt. Balthaser, Capitol flags will be flown at half-staff.

Want proof that old Jeeps — the original military-spec off-roader — were a work of engineering genius? Watch six soldiers drive up, hop out, tear one apart, put it back together and drive away in four minutes.

http://thefunniesetc.wordpress.com/2010/08/20/world-war-ii-posters/

For a complete record of all WWI posters, see http://digital.library.northwestern.edu/otcgi/digilib/llscgi60.exe?QUERY...