Calderon graduates from advanced military training
Written by Editor
Thursday, 20 December 2007
COLUMBUS, Ga. – Army Pvt. Daniel R. Calderon has graduated from the Infantryman One Station Unit Training at Fort Benning, Columbus, Ga.
The training consists of Basic Infantry Training and Advanced Individual Training.
During the nine weeks of basic combat training, the soldier received training in drill and ceremonies, weapons employment, map reading, tactics, military courtesy, military justice, physical fitness, first aid skills, and Army history, core values and traditions.
Additional training included development of basic combat skills and battlefield operations and tactics, and experienced use of various weapons and weapons defenses available to the infantry crewman.
The Advanced Individual Training course is designed to train infantry soldiers to perform reconnaissance operations; employ, fire and recover anti-personnel and anti-tank mines; locate and neutralize land mines and operate target and sight equipment; operate and maintain communications equipment and radio networks; construct field firing aids for infantry weapons; and perform infantry combat exercises and dismounted battle drills, which includes survival procedures in a nuclear, biological or chemical contaminated area.
He is the son of Donnell Clark of Kelseyville.
Calderon graduated in 2007 from a high school program at Morgan Hill Adult Community School.
The Saturday wreath-laying ceremony at Hartley Cemetery. Photo courtesy of the United Veterans Council Military Funeral Honors Team.
LAKEPORT – Lake County's first participation in the Wreaths Across America ceremony took place this past Saturday.
The ceremony to honor local veterans began precisely at 9 a.m.
Local veterans reported that it brought tears to the eyes of both participants and spectators.
In the years ahead the Patriot Guard Riders and the United Veterans Council Military Funeral Honors Team of Lake County plan to join up to host the Wreaths Across America at Veterans Circle in Hartley Cemetery.
Operation Tango Mike participates in Kelseyville Christmas
Written by Editor
Saturday, 08 December 2007
The Operation Tango Mike float at Friday's Kelseyville Christmas in the Country. Photo by Tammy Myers.
KELSEYVILLE – Operation Tango Mike participated in Kelseyville's Christmas in the Country Friday.
The group's entry was really something from the heart, said Operation Tango Mike founder Ginny Craven.
The Sea Scouts proudly led the way with the group's banner, followed by Craven's 1959 Willys Jeep, with Santa and care packages.
Then came a big red truck with Pooh, Tigger and two of American heroes. It all culminated with the group's salute to the troops and its themed float, "Sending a little bit of home for the holidays."
The float (house) was decked out with care packages for the troops and photos of them too. Craven said the group also proudly flew the branch flags with the MIA/POW flag.
"Santa Clause is Coming to Iraq" played on the stereo and the group was loud and proud about supporting our troops.
Craven said the group's entry was dedicated in memory of SPC Peter Schmidt, who was killed in action Nov. 13. Signs denoting the dedication were posted on both sides at the front corner.
Craven's 1959 Willys Jeep commplete with care packages. Photo by Tammy Myers.
Santa and the care packages in the back of the Jeep. Photo by Tammy Myers.
LAKEPORT – “Semper Fi” (always faithful). That Marine Corps motto prevailed at the Nov. 13 potluck/meeting of Vietnam Veterans of America, Chapter 951. The group gathered at its usual location, St. Mary’s Immaculate Parish Hall, Lakeport.
The following Marines were saluted and received certificates of appreciation: Skip Hulet, Larry Mick, Gene Tone, Ron Nagy, Warren Fox and Dean Gotham.
Gotham, the chapter's president, awarded certificates to Navy Corpsman Mike Hennig and Navy Seabee Craig Barnett while Marcie Taylor accepted the award for her late husband, Marine vet Billy Taylor. Louis Rigod accepted the certificate for his wife, former Marine, Jean Blethen-Rigod. Several Marine vets were unable to attend the function.
Another highlight for the event was Ginny Craven’s presentation for the chapter. Craven spearheaded the Operation Tango Mike project, shipping comfort packages to the troops in Iraq and Afghanistan. Craven gave the chapter a plaque from Capt. Allen, one of the Tango Mike recipients. She also presented a flag that was flown Aug. 29, in Iraq honoring VVA 951, Lakeport. It flew over the Second Marine Aircraft Wing (Fwd), Headquarters Marine Air Base, Al Asad, Iraq.
The chapter anticipates another social and brief meeting on Tuesday, Dec. 11, the third annual Christmas Dinner, starting at 6 p.m.
Again, the VVA chapter will meet at St. Mary’s Catholic Church Hall in Lakeport. The invitation is extended to veterans of all eras, their families and friends and the general public.
Genevieve Snow is a member of Vietnam Veterans of America Chapter 951.
FORT SILL, Okla. – Army Pfc. Jeremy S. Bentley has graduated from Basic Combat training at Fort Sill, Lawton, Okla.
During the nine weeks of training, the soldier studied the Army mission and received instruction and training exercises in drill and ceremonies, Army history, core values and traditions, military courtesy, military justice, physical fitness, first aid, rifle marksmanship, weapons use, map reading and land navigation, foot marches, armed and unarmed combat, and field maneuvers and tactics.
Bentley, a 2005 graduate of Upper Lake High School, is the son of Melissa Bentley of Upper Lake.
