Frank Parker, left, and Ron Quick at the Upper Lake Cemetery. Courtesy photo.

Frank Parker, Ron Quick and Ginny Craven worked last week to restore the honor and dignity appropriate to the 1966 Lester D. Grigsby, Post 764, American Legion flagpole at Upper Lake Cemetery.

May is National Military Appreciation Month and Veterans Appreciation Month. Memorial Day also will be commemorated later this month.

Ginny Craven patching the flag pole base. Courtesy photo.

Ginny Craven patching the flag pole base. Courtesy photo.

The monument before the work was completed. Courtesy photo.

The repaired and repainted memorial. Courtesy photo.

The Golden Age Games are open to all U.S. military Veterans age 55 or older who receive care at a Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) medical facility.

The games give participants the opportunity to compete in ambulatory, visually-impaired and wheelchair divisions, according to their ages. Events include swimming, bicycling, bowling, croquet, air rifle, golf, shuffleboard, horseshoes, discus and shot put.

The 23rd National Veterans Golden Age Games are co-sponsored by VA, Help Hospitalized Veterans (HHV) and the Veterans Canteen Service (VCS). This year's event is hosted by the VA medical center in Birmingham.

The games are designed to improve the quality of life for all older veterans, including those with a wide range of abilities and disabilities. Through a partnership with the National Senior Games Association, a member of the U.S. Olympic Committee, the games serve as a qualifier for the National Senior Games held every other year.

"HHV is extremely pleased to continue its support of this wonderful therapeutic program," said Mike Lynch, executive director of HHV. "The games continue to demonstrate VA's commitment to offer programs that help veteran patients in their health recovery and to send the message that Americans support their service to our country."

"The Golden Age Games continue to grow every year, and the athletes who participate are testimony that the spirit of competition, camaraderie and commitment to an actively invigorating lifestyle. This spirit not only helps to prevent illness, it strengthens the hearts and rejuvenates the soul," said Marilyn Iverson, director of the Veterans Canteen Service.

The majority of the competitive events for the Golden Age Games, including opening and closing ceremonies, will be held at the Birmingham Jefferson Convention Center.

The opening ceremony will take place at 7 p.m. on Monday, June 1. The competition begins with golf on Tuesday, June 2, at 8 a.m., at Highland Golf Course. Closing ceremonies will be held at 7 p.m. on Friday, June 5, at the convention center.

DeLuna, an aircraft structural maintenance apprentice, is assigned to the 27th Special Operations Equipment Maintenance Squadron. He has served in the military for less than one year.

He is the son of Abel and Patricia Santiago of Kelseyville.

The airman is a 2008 graduate of Donaldson High School, Kelseyville.

"There is no better investment than education," said Tammy Duckworth, VA's assistant secretary for public and intergovernmental affairs. "The Post-9/11 GI Bill will provide new opportunities that are essential to our veterans, our workforce and our economy."

Veterans, service members, reservists and National Guard members with active duty since Sept. 10, 2001, may be eligible for this benefit.

Veterans will remain eligible for benefits for 15 years from the date of last discharge or release from a period of active duty of at least 90 continuous days.

Eligible applicants must have served for an aggregate period of at least 90 days since Sept. 10, 2001, or served at least 30 continuous days on active duty since Sept. 10, 2001, and received a discharge for

disability.

Benefit payment rates range from 40 percent of the maximum benefit for an person with at least 90 days, but less than six months of aggregate service and up to 100 percent of the benefit for people with at least 36 months of aggregate service or 30 continuous days and a discharge due to a service connected disability.

Prospective beneficiaries may apply online through the GI Bill Web site at www.GIBILL.VA.gov.

Qualified Veterans will receive a "Certification of Eligibility" as well as additional information regarding benefits they may qualify for under the Post-9/11 GI Bill, which will become effective on Aug. 1, 2009.

The Post-9/11 GI Bill, passed by Congress last year, is the most extensive educational assistance program authorized since the original GI Bill was signed into law in 1944. It provides eligible applicants with tuition payments to assist them in getting a college education.

For many participants, it also provides a housing allowance and a stipend for books and supplies.

Information about the new program and VA's other educational benefits

can be obtained through www.GIBILL.VA.gov or by calling 1-888-GIBILL1 (1-888-442-4551).