Arnold Schwarzenegger
California State Governor

Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger today issued the following statement regarding the death of Cpl. Claudio Patino IV, of Yorba Linda:

“Maria and I were deeply saddened to learn of the death of Corporal Claudio Patino. He was a courageous Marine who selflessly fought to defend the everyday freedoms Americans are fortunate to have. On behalf of all Californians, we extend our thoughts and prayers to Claudio’s family, friends and fellow Marines as they mourn this loss.”

Patino, 22, died June 22 while supporting combat operations in Helmand province, Afghanistan. He was assigned to 3rd Battalion, 7th Marine Regiment, 1st Marine Division, I Marine Expeditionary Force, Marine Corps Air Ground Combat Center, U.S. Marine Corps, Twentynine Palms, CA.

In honor of Cpl. Patino, 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 California Highway Patrol (CHP) Officer Philip Ortiz of Valencia, CA:

“On behalf of all Californians, Maria and I extend our deepest sympathies to Philip’s family and loved ones as they mourn the tragic loss of this outstanding officer. He committed 28 years of his life to protecting the safety of Californians, and his selflessness in the line of duty will be remembered forever.”

Officer Ortiz, 49, died June 22, after succumbing to major injuries sustained June 9 in a collision. He is survived by his wife, parents, sister and a large extended family.

In honor of Officer Ortiz, 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. Michael C. Bailey, of Park Hills, Missouri:

“On behalf of all Californians, Maria and I extend our thoughts and prayers to the loved ones of Lance Corporal Michael Bailey, who made the ultimate sacrifice while honorably defending our nation’s freedoms. He was a brave and courageous Marine, and we will forever remember and appreciate his service.”

Bailey, 29, died June 16 while supporting combat operations in Helmand province, Afghanistan. He was assigned to 3rd Battalion, 7th Marine Regiment, 1st Marine Division, I Marine Expeditionary Force, Marine Corps Air Ground Combat Center, U.S. Marine Corps, Twentynine Palms, CA.

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

Naval Base Ventura County, CA. Naval Base Ventura County recently launched two new Facebook pages, one for the base and a special one for the Naval Base Ventura County Air Show at Point Mugu. The air show pages feature information on the acts performing at the show, FAQs and an opportunity for fans to comment and leave questions. The Naval Base Ventura County Air Show at Point Mugu will be held Saturday, Aug. 7 and Sunday, Aug. 8 featuring the Air Force Demonstration Squadron, The Thunderbirds.

Naval Base Ventura County page is titled “NBVC Point Mugu, Port Hueneme and San Nicolas Island.” It features the latest news, photos and video from the base and allows for public feedback.

For more information call Vance Vasquez, Naval Base Ventura County Public Affairs Office at (805) 989-8095 or Teri Reid, Naval Base Ventura County Public Affairs Officer at (805) 989-9234.

Written by Robert A. Hall

I'm 63. Except for one semester in college when jobs were scarce and a six-month period when I was between jobs, but job-hunting every day, I've worked, hard, since I was 18. Despite some health challenges, I still put in 50-hour weeks, and haven't called in sick in seven or eight years. I make a good salary, but I didn't inherit my job or my income, and I worked to get where I am. Given the economy, there's no retirement in sight, and I'm tired. Very tired.

I'm tired of being told that I have to "spread the wealth" to people who don't have my work ethic. I'm tired of being told the government will take the money I earned, by force if necessary, and give it to people too lazy to earn it.

I'm tired of being told that I have to pay more taxes to "keep people in their homes." Sure, if they lost their jobs or got sick, I'm willing to help. But if they bought McMansions at three times the price of our paid-off, $250,000 condo, on one-third of my salary, then let the left-wing Congress-critters who passed Fannie and Freddie and the Community Reinvestment Act that created the bubble help them with their own money.

I'm tired of being told how CONTINUED »

Arnold Schwarzenegger
California State Governor

Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger today issued the following statement regarding the death of Lance Cpl. Michael G. Plank, of Cameron Mills, N.Y.:

“Maria and I were deeply saddened to learn of the death of Lance Corporal Michael Plank. Michael was a brave and selfless Marine, and his courageous service will never be forgotten. Our thoughts and prayers go out to Michael’s family, friends and fellow Marines in this time of mourning.”

Plank, 25, died June 9 while supporting combat operations in Helmand province, Afghanistan. He 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 Lance Cpl. Plank, Capitol flags will be flown at half-staff.

Arnold Schwarzenegger
California State Governor

Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger today issued the following statement regarding the deaths of Sgt. Brandon C. Bury, of Kingwood, TX; Lance Cpl. Derek Hernandez, of Edinburg, TX; and Cpl. Donald M. Marler, of St. Louis, MO:

“On behalf of all Californians, Maria and I extend our thoughts and prayers to the loved ones of Sergeant Brandon Bury, Lance Corporal Derek Hernandez and Corporal Donald Marler during this difficult time. These three brave and dedicated Marines selflessly fought to defend our nation’s freedoms, and their sacrifice will not be forgotten.”

Bury, 26, Hernandez, 20, and Marler, 22, died June 6 while supporting combat operations in Helmand province, Afghanistan. They were 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. Bury, Lance Cpl. Hernandez and Cpl. Marler, 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 Pfc. Jake W. Suter of Los Angeles, CA:

“Maria and I were deeply saddened to learn of the death of Private First Class Jake Suter. His sacrifice and commitment to our country is a true demonstration of heroism, and will not be forgotten. We join all Californians in sending our condolences to his loved ones during this difficult time.”

Suter, 18, died May 29 while supporting combat operations in Helmand province, Afghanistan. He was assigned to 3rd Battalion, 3rd Marine Regiment, 3rd Marine Division, III Marine Expeditionary Force, U.S. Marine Corps, Kaneohe Bay, Hawaii.

In honor of Pfc. Suter, Capitol flags will be flown at half-staff.

Written by Scott Stewart

One of the things we like to do in our Global Security and Intelligence Report from time to time is examine the convergence of a number of separate and unrelated developments and then analyze that convergence and craft a forecast. In recent months we have seen such a convergence occur.

The most recent development is the interview with the American-born Yemeni cleric Anwar al-Awlaki that was released to jihadist Internet chat rooms May 23 by al-Malahim Media, the public relations arm of al Qaeda in the Arabian Peninsula (AQAP). In the interview, al-Awlaki encouraged strikes against American civilians. He also has been tied to Maj. Nidal Hasan, who was charged in the November 2009 Fort Hood shooting, and Umar Farouk Abdulmutallab, the perpetrator of the failed Christmas Day 2009 airline bombing. And al-Awlaki reportedly helped inspire Faisal Shahzad, who was arrested in connection with the attempted Times Square attack in May.

The second link in our chain is the... http://www.rightsidenews.com/2010052710346/homeland-security/from-failed...

The story is about Channing Moss, who was impaled by a live RPG during a Taliban ambush while on patrol. Army protocol says that medivac choppers are never to carry anyone with a live round in him. Even though they feared it could explode, the flight crew said damn the protocol and flew him to the nearest aid station. Again, protocol said that in such a case the patient is to be put in a sandbagged area away from the surgical unit, given a shot of morphine and left to wait (and die) until others are treated. Again, the medical team ignored the protocol. Here's a short video put together by the Military Times, which includes actual footage of the surgery where Dr. John Oh, a Korean immigrant who became a naturalized citizen and went to West Point, removed the live round with the help of volunteers and a member of the EOD (explosive ordinance disposal) team. Moss has undergone six operations but is doing well at home in Gainesville, GA. I think you'll find the video absolutely remarkable.

http://www.militarytimes.com/multimedia/video/rpg_surgery/

Arnold Schwarzenegger
California State Governor

Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger today issued the following statement regarding the deaths of Cpl. Jeffery W. Johnson of Tomball, TX, and Sgt. Kenneth B. May, Jr., of Kilgore, TX:

"Maria and I were deeply saddened to learn of the deaths of Corporal Jeffery Johnson and Sergeant Kenneth May. Both men served proudly and courageously while dedicating their lives to protecting our nation's freedoms. We will forever be grateful for their selfless service, and we send our thoughts and prayers to their families, friends and fellow Marines during this difficult time."

Johnson, 21, and May, 26, died May 11 while supporting combat operations in Helmand province, Afghanistan. Both were assigned to 3rd Battalion, 1st Marine Regiment, 1st Marine Division, I Marine Expeditionary Force, U.S. Marine Corps, Camp Pendleton, CA.

In honor of Cpl. Johnson and Sgt. May, Capitol flags will be flown at half-staff.

Ventura – On Saturday, April 24 at 12 p.m. (noon), the first “American Flag Retirement Ceremony” will be held at the new Veterans Home of California in Ventura, located at 10900 Telephone Road, Ventura (at Wells Road) to properly dispose of worn and tattered American Flags – those that have served well and are deemed no longer serviceable. The American Flag is the most displayed and recognized banner in the world.

The United States Flag Code states: "The flag, when it is in such condition that it is no longer a fitting emblem for display, should be destroyed in a dignified way…” And this historical event, sponsored by American Veterans Flagpoles and Flag Company, is for the whole family to observe and see how the country’s Symbol of Freedom is correctly retired.

This event is free of charge and is open to the public. Members of the Boy Scouts of America will also be on hand to assist with the ceremony.

“I encourage everyone -- Veterans and their family members, Veteran Service Organizations and the entire community -- to join us at this memorable and moving event,” said Brenda Manke, Administrator of the Veterans Home. Although this is the first event of its kind at the new Home, these ceremonies will be held regularly in the future.

To have your flag picked up and replaced for the American Flag Retirement Ceremony, please call the American Veterans Flagpoles and Flag Company at 805-647-3524 or email paul@AmericanVetFlagpoles.com.

For more information, please call 805-659-7501.

Arnold Schwarzenegger
California State Governor

Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger today issued the following statement regarding the death of Jaime Escalante:

"Jaime Escalante shared in my belief that anything is possible in California. He put everything he had into becoming an inspirational teacher whose passion, commitment and belief that all students can achieve excellence set an example for us all. His talent, hard work and dedication in the classroom changed the lives of countless students and I am fortunate to have known him. On behalf of all Californians, Maria and I send our thoughts and prayers to Jaime's family and friends as they reflect back on his extraordinary life."

Ordnance Rule #1: Don't wiggle the thing too much. The attached video of thermal footage was recorded from an AC-130 gunship from a mile or more away. No rounds were fired by the aircraft. The problem solved itself with no American intervention.

Arnold Schwarzenegger
California State Governor

Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger today issued the following statement regarding the death of Lance Cpl. Nigel K. Olsen, 21 of Orem, UT:

"Lance Corporal Nigel Olsen was a heroic Marine who put his life on the line, willingly facing danger to defend the freedoms we are lucky enough to enjoy every day. His death is a terrible loss for our country and our armed forces. Maria and I send our most sincere condolences and prayers to his family, friends and fellow Marines during this very difficult time."

Olsen, 21, died March 4 while supporting combat operations in Helmand province, Afghanistan. He was assigned to the 4th Light Armored Reconnaissance Battalion, 4th Marine Division, Marine Forces Reserve, based out of Camp Pendleton, CA.

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

Two Stories BOTH TRUE - and worth reading!!!!

STORY NUMBER ONE

Many years ago, Al Capone virtually owned Chicago . Capone wasn't famous for anything heroic. He was notorious for enmeshing the windy city in everything from bootlegged booze and prostitution to murder.

Capone had a lawyer nicknamed "Easy Eddie." He was Capone's lawyer for a good reason. Eddie was very good! In fact, Eddie's skill at legal maneuvering kept Big Al out of jail for a long time.

To show his appreciation, Capone paid him very well. Not only was the money big, but Eddie got special dividends, as well. For instance, he and his family occupied a fenced-in mansion with live-in help and all of the conveniences of the day. The estate was so large that it filled an entire Chicago City block.

Eddie lived the high life of the Chicago mob and gave little consideration to the atrocity that went on around him.

Eddie did have one soft spot, however. He had a son that he loved dearly. Eddie saw to it that his young son had clothes, cars, and a good education. Nothing was withheld. Price was no object.

And, despite his involvement with organized crime, Eddie even tried to teach him right from wrong. Eddie wanted his son to be a better man than he was.

Yet, with all his wealth and influence, there were two things he couldn't give his son; he couldn't pass on a good name or a good example.

One day, Easy Eddie reached a difficult decision. Easy Eddie wanted to rectify wrongs he had done.

He decided he would go to the authorities and tell the truth about Al "Scarface" Capone, clean up his tarnished name, and offer his son some semblance of integrity. To do this, he would have to testify against The Mob, and he knew that the cost would be great. So, he testified.

Within the year, Easy Eddie's life ended in a blaze of gunfire on a lonely Chicago Street . But in his eyes, he had given his son the greatest gift he had to offer, at the greatest price he could ever pay. Police removed from his pockets a rosary, a crucifix, a religious medallion, and a poem clipped from a magazine.

The poem read:

"The clock of life is wound but once, and no man has the power to tell just when the hands will stop, at late or early hour. Now is the only time you own. Live, love, toil with a will. Place no faith in time. For the clock may soon be still."

STORY NUMBER TWO

World War II produced many heroes. One such man was Lieutenant Commander Butch O'Hare.

He was a fighter pilot assigned to the aircraft carrier Lexington in the South Pacific.

One day his entire squadron was sent on a mission. After he was airborne, he looked at his fuel gauge and realized that someone had forgotten to top off his fuel tank.

He would not have enough fuel to complete his mission and get back to his ship.

His flight leader told him to return to the carrier. Reluctantly, he dropped out of formation and headed back to the fleet.

As he was returning to the mother ship, he saw something that turned his blood cold; a squadron of Japanese aircraft was speeding its way toward the American fleet.

The American fighters were gone on a sortie, and the fleet was all but defenseless. He couldn't reach his squadron and bring them back in time to save the fleet. Nor could he warn the fleet of the approaching danger. There was only one thing to do. He must somehow divert them from the fleet.

Laying aside all thoughts of personal safety, he dove into the formation of Japanese planes. Wing-mounted 50 caliber's blazed as he charged in, attacking one surprised enemy plane and then another. Butch wove in and out of the now broken formation and fired at as many planes as possible until all his ammunition was finally spent.

Undaunted, he continued the assault. He dove at the planes, trying to clip a wing or tail in hopes of damaging as many enemy planes as possible, rendering them unfit to fly.

Finally, the exasperated Japanese squadron took off in another direction.

Deeply relieved, Butch O'Hare and his tattered fighter limped back to the carrier.

Upon arrival, he reported in and related the event surrounding his return. The film from the gun-camera mounted on his plane told the tale. It showed the extent of Butch's daring attempt to protect his fleet. He had, in fact, destroyed five enemy aircraft
This took place on February 20, 1942 , and for that action Butch became the Navy's first Ace of W.W.II, and the first Naval Aviator to win the Medal of Honor.

A year later Butch was killed in aerial combat at the age of 29.. His home town would not allow the memory of this WW II hero to fade, and today, O'Hare Airport in Chicago is named in tribute to the courage of this great man.

So, the next time you find yourself at O'Hare International, give some thought to visiting Butch's memorial displaying his statue and his Medal of Honor. It's located between Terminals 1 and 2.

SO WHAT DO THESE TWO STORIES HAVE TO DO WITH EACH OTHER?

Butch O'Hare was "Easy Eddie's" son.

(Pretty cool, eh!)