Senator George Runner
Serving the 17th District which incorporates portions of the Los Angeles, San Bernardino, Ventura and Kern counties.

Saturday is Armed Forces Day. The occasion, first celebrated in 1950, was created to honor the brave men and women serving in all military branches.

Today, courageous members of the Army, Navy, Air Force, Marine Corps and Coast Guard are stationed across the globe. Our service members are guarding the nation against the threat of terror, helping developing countries gain democracy, and assisting in natural disaster recovery efforts both at home and abroad. While their missions vary, all who serve make sacrifices.

They answer the call to duty without consideration for their personal concerns. Military personnel serve overseas, selflessly spending weeks, months and sometimes years away from their families. Armed forces members risk their lives each day at work, but humbly consider it a part of the job.

With the current war’s front-line action taking place so far away, it’s easy to forget about our service men and women. However, Americans must continue to support our troops. Simple acts of kindness make a world of difference. Numerous support groups are organizing letter-writing campaigns, donating calling cards and frequent flier miles, and providing assistance to military families here at home.

Every time I see our stars and stripes wave brightly, I can’t help but think of the true American heroes – military service members who protect our freedom each day.

Job Front: PG&E to offer military veterans job training

Pacific Gas and Electric will provide free energy-sector job training this summer for military veterans who recently separated from the armed services.

The free "Bridge to Utility Equipment Mechanic" course is open to veterans and others with at least four years of journey-level mechanic experience. Mechanics in the course will learn to service and repair hybrid and electric vehicles.

For more information and to apply to the program, visit:
www.pge.com/powerpathway

Grand Opening of the Granada Hills Veterans Park

When: Memorial Day, Monday, May 31
Time: 5 p.m.
Where: Corner Zelzah Ave. and Chatsworth St., Granada Hills

This project by the Granada Hills Rotary Foundation has transformed a dilapidated traffic median at the corner of Zelzah Ave. and Chatsworth St. into a beautiful tribute to the military men and women who have served our country. The improvements include a new pergola, new landscaping, brick and cement work, flagpoles, a monument and a statue.

For information about donating, contact John Weitkamp at (818) 363-3144 or jweitkamp@aol.com.