During the nine weeks of training, the soldier studied the Army mission, history, tradition and core values, physical fitness, and received instruction and practice in basic combat skills, military weapons, chemical warfare and bayonet training, drill and ceremony, marching, rifle marksmanship, armed and unarmed combat, map reading, field tactics, military courtesy, military justice system, basic first aid, foot marches, and field training exercises.

He is the son of Garry Sparks Sr. of Elverta and Donna Sparks of Kelseyville.

The private is a 1998 graduate of El Camino High School in Rohnert Park.

WASHINGTON, DC – As part of a clean-energy transformation, the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) is targeting nearly one-quarter of its $1.4 billion in funds from the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act to investments in clean energy generation and energy conservation.

"These investments help spur new energy savings and, at the same time, reduce our environmental footprint," Secretary of Veterans Affairs Eric K. Shinseki said. "The president is leading us in a new direction away from our dependence on foreign oil and the destabilizing effects of a changing climate. Since hospitals use such large amounts of energy, we need to step up our efforts to transition to clean-energy technologies."

VA will direct more than $68 million to renewable sources, including solar, wind and geothermal energy and has dedicated nearly $238 million toward retrofitting existing buildings to use energy and water more efficiently.

Those efforts, planned for 16 states and Puerto Rico, include solar-powered electricity and hot water energy systems at VA hospitals in Arizona, Texas and southern California; geothermal energy in Idaho; and wind turbines in several states.

To use energy and water more efficiently, facilities are replacing or upgrading windows and roofs; upgrading lighting to more efficient types; automating lighting controls and energy management systems; installing low-flow faucets and toilets and other water-conserving equipment; installing variable-volume air handling units; and enhancing boiler control systems and tune-ups.

"These measures, identified through regularly scheduled energy audits, facility condition assessments, and ongoing monitoring by energy engineers and other staff, are important steps in 'greening' VA,"

Shinseki added. "In conjunction with the investments in clean energy generation and other green projects that VA is making through its Department-level Green Management Program, these retrofits are key steps in reducing VA's environmental footprint."

Overall, the Administration has targeted more than $60 billion in funds from the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act to clean-energy investments.

The Department of Veterans Affairs health care system operates more than 1,400 sites of care. More than 5.5 million people received care in VA health care facilities in 2008.

From left, Milers member John Sullivan; Erasmo Gonzalez, vice president of the Lake County Milers; Ginny Craven of Operation Tango Mike; and Milers President Jeanine Burnett. Courtesy photo.

LAKE COUNTY – The Lake County Milers recently made a sizable donation to a local group that supports troops overseas.

The group gave a check for $1,100 to Ginny Craven of Operation Tango Mike.

The Milers split the proceeds from their seventh annual Spring Has Sprung event, held on May 30 at Crazy Creek Glider Port, with Operation Tango Mike, a Lake County organization that sends care packages to U.S. troops overseas and that provided 19 volunteers for the Milers’ signature event.

Also present for the donation were Milers President Jeanine Burnett and John Sullivan, Milers member-at-large.

Members of the Anderson Marsh 4-H had a good time at the monthly packing party. Photo courtesy of Ginny Craven.

The June shipment consisted of 148 care packages for troops in Iraq and Afghanistan. The previous record of 108 care packages was shipped in May.

Volunteers happily assembled food and hygiene care packages, sending needed supplies and wanted goodies to local troops.

Youngsters and chaperones from the Anderson Marsh 4-H arrived with donations in hand and a willingness to help.

Besides adding homemade cards to care packages, they decorated boxes with stickers and personal notes of support.

Most Operation Tango Mike care package recipients are from Lake County or are related to a Lake County resident. However, there are those who are referred by fellow soldiers.

Sadly, some troops have no one sending them moral support, let alone care packages. Concern for each other is paramount among deployed military personnel.

Thus, it is not uncommon for a care package recipient to request support for a fellow soldier. Often, they volunteer to be removed from the list so a buddy in need may be placed in their stead.

To date, that has never been necessary. The referring soldier remains on the recipient list and the requested name is added.

At the end of the record setting June packing party, the bins that had once overflowed with supplies were empty.

The amount of goods needed to fill 148 care packages is considerable. Never before has this Lake County volunteer effort packed and shipped so many pounds of supplies and goods at one time.

Though gratifying, it is at the same time frightening. Empty bins are a source of concern for the July packing party.

Given the number of names on the recipient list, Operation Tango Mike is in need of donations. Items such as foot powder, body powder, lip balm and wet wipes are very much needed for the intense heat endured by troops. Items such as nuts, tuna in pouches and jerky to supply protein to troops on the move are also needed.

Other food products, such as dried fruits, granolas bars, cookies, individual drink mix packets and candy are always appreciated. As the summer heat is upon us, items that melt cannot be shipped.

Operation Tango Mike donation barrels can be found at many local retailers, including the Dollar Tree Store in Lakeport. Manager Josh Bernstein is proud to host a barrel in the store, which is the most recently added “drop zone” location.

Temperatures are soaring well into the triple digits and troops must endure very difficult conditions. Along with the intense heat come blowing sand storms.

Recently, some troops told of blowing sand that had managed to put a halt to all mail delivery for a few weeks. Once deliveries resumed, they were very happy to receive their much anticipated care packages.

Monthly shipping costs are now exceeding $1,500. In an effort to maintain the needed monies, Operation Tango Mike will continue to host fundraising events.

Currently, the gorgeous “Liberty Stars” quilt is on display at the Saw Shop Gallery Bistro in Kelseyville. Raffle tickets are $1 each or 6 for $5, and are available at the restaurant. The winner will be drawn July 4, so don’t delay in getting your tickets and chance to own a one of a kind treasure.

Packing parties take place the third Thursday of each month at 6 p.m., Umpqua Bank, 805 1th St., Lakeport. Everyone is welcome.

Donations of goods may be placed in any red Operation Tango Mike barrel throughout the county or in the lobby at Umpqua Bank.

Donations may be sent to 5216 Piner Court, Kelseyville, CA 95451.

For further information you may call 707-349-2838 or e-mail to This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it .

Dollar Tree Store Manager Josh Bernstein hosts a barrel for Operation Tango Mike in his store. Photo courtesy of Ginny Craven.