Bardsdale Cemetery, Monday, May 26, 2008 – 11:00 a.m.
Opening Remarks – Monty Winkler
Presentation of Colors – Veterans of Foreign Wars
Pledge of Allegiance – Scout Troop #406 and Cub Scout Troop #3400
Special Music – Heritage Valley Bible Church
Memorial Day Message – Senior Master Sergeant Roy L. Nichols, Retired Air Force Served in WWII, Vietnam and Korean Wars
Placing of Wreath – William Burnet
Memorial Service – Rev. Sherwood Haisty
Special Music – Heritage Valley Bible Church
Reading of the Names of Those Who Died in the Service of our Country – VFW
Commander John E. Pressey
Volly- Honor Guard, VFW
Taps – Bob Thompson
Conclusion of Service

Piru Cemetery, Monday, May 26, 2008 - 9:00 a.m.
Introductory Remarks: Patricia Chavez
Opening Prayer: Minister Chuck Mahry, Methodist Church
Opening Song: Dora Sanchez
Presentation of Colors: Veterans Foreign Wars Lead by: Comdr. John Pressy
Pledge of Allegiance: Roshelle Castillo
Guest Speaker: Jay Woods, Veterans of Foreign Wars
Placing of the Wreath: George Real
Reading of the names: Patricia Chavez
Honor Guard Presentation: Veterans of Foreign Wars
Playing of Taps: Bob Thompson
Closing Prayer: Minister Chuck Mahry, Methodist Church
Closing Song: Dora Sanchez
The Piru Cemetery is located at 3580 Center Street. For more information: Piru Cemetery District P.O. Box 516 Piru, Ca. 93040 805-521-1752.

David M. Warnock-Ortiz, United States Army Warrant Officer One (WO1)

1996 Fillmore High School Graduate and United States Army Warrant Officer One (WO1) David M. Warnock-Ortiz, 30 years, is serving at the Army’s Fort Bliss located in El Paso, Texas. He also attended San Cayetano Elementary School and Fillmore Junior High School. While in the Army David is taking college level courses pursuing a degree in computer science.
(WO1) David M. Warnock-Ortiz is married to Sonja (originally from Mississippi), who he met while stationed in the military in Colorado. Together they have three sons; Isaiah 6 years, Israel 5 years and Zion 1 year. (WO1) David M. Warnock-Ortiz is the son of Julia Ortiz and James Warnock of Fillmore. His Maternal Grandparents are Fred and Virginia Ortiz of Fillmore and his Paternal Grandparents are the late Ronald and Lillian Warnock of Fillmore. He has one sister, Darlene Leighton, 33 years, living in Texas.
(WO1) David M. Warnock-Ortiz comes from a long line of family members who have served in the United States Army; Grandfather Fred Ortiz served during Korea, Grandfather Ronald Warnock also served in the Army as did Uncles Ray Ortiz Sr. and Pete Cervantez and Cousin Ray Ortiz Jr. all of Fillmore.
(WO1) David M. Warnock-Ortiz enlisted in the Army in September 1996 after graduation from Fillmore High School where David played football for two-years. He initially enlisted as a Military Policeman and was stationed at Fort Campbell, Kentucky, where he was assigned to the 101st Airborne Division (Air Assault). While there he completed Air Assault School, and then deployed to Egypt as part of a multinational training exercise. (WO1) David M. Warnock-Ortiz has also been assigned in Korea, where he worked at a Military Intelligence compound protecting classified materials. He then returned to the United States and moved to Fort Carson, Colorado where he was assigned to patrol and direct combat support of the 3rd Armored Cavalry Regiment (ACR).
(WO1) David M. Warnock-Ortiz said that while in Colorado, “I married my wonderful wife Sonja and had our first son Isaiah”. (WO1) David M. Warnock-Ortiz then deployed to Bosnia with the 3rd ACR as part of SFOR 7 (Stabilization Force). When he returned he was assigned to Fort Rucker, Alabama, where he was promoted to sergeant and began working in Military Police Investigations, conducting misdemeanor level investigations. While at Fort Rucker he and Sonja had their second son Israel. At Fort Rucker he submitted an application and was accepted to become a Criminal Investigation Division (CID) Agent. CID Agent's conduct felony level investigations for the Army wherein the Army has an interest. He was accepted in 2003 and attended the Apprentice Special Agent Course, which was a four month course where he learned crime scene processing and photography, interviews and interrogations, advanced self defense and weapons training, computer crimes training, fraud training, and investigative techniques pertaining to child abuse, sexual assault, and death/murder investigations. He also attended a second course, where he was trained in Protective Services.
Upon graduation he transferred to Fort Benning, Georgia, and then deployed to Taji, Iraq. After his deployment he returned to Fort Benning and he and Sonja had their third son, Zion. While at Fort Benning, (WO1) David M. Warnock-Ortiz applied for, and was accepted to, attend the U.S. Army Warrant Officer Candidate School. Upon graduation he was commissioned as a Warrant Officer. The newly appointed Warrant Officer moved to Fort Bliss, El Paso, Texas where he is currently stationed. His current assignment is with the 76th Military Police Detachment (CID) where he conducts felony level investigations on a daily basis involving military personnel.
(WO1) David M. Warnock-Ortiz has earned two Army Achievement Medals, three Army Accommodation Medals, three Good Conduct Medals, Overseas Medal, Iraqi Campaign Medal, Global War on Terrorism Medal, Global War on Terrorism Expeditionary Medal, Army Expeditionary Medal, NATO Medal, National Defense Ribbon, Korean Defense Service Medal, Army Service Ribbon, and Non-Commissioned Officers Developmental Ribbon.
(WO1) David M. Warnock-Ortiz is a career soldier and he is proud to serve his Country protecting all of us here at home. We wish (WO1) David M. Warnock-Ortiz safe travel and thank him and his family for their sacrifices. His service is greatly appreciated.

SupportOurTroops.Org, CFC#31529, has just shipped 36,000 tubes of free sunblock to the men and women in the U. S. Military serving in Iraq. $139,625 worth!

Let's do for those who do for us!

"It's time to show them how much we care" said Support Our Troops Chairman Martin C. Boire.

Every case is labeled with "thank-you" signage from the folks here at home.

"They spend their day in the desert sun. We're glad to send something to help them with it," said Boire.

About SupportOurTroops.Org
Support Our Troops is a patriotic family organization aimed at protecting the well-being of the troops and their families. They Support Us - Let's Support Them!T Civilian-led, SOT enthusiastically welcomes civilians, active-duty families, veterans, and folks from all political parties. Join SupportOurTroops.Org and show support today. We offer simple, easy, everyday methods through which folks can stick up for those who stick up for all of us: official license plates, ribbons, magnets, apparel, and accessories, knowing that it works to benefit the deployed troops (our neighbors) and their families. Support Our Troops is a nation-wide 501(c)(3) non-profit organization with chapters in 37 states to date. Donations at SupportOurTroops.Org help us do wonderful things like this for the troops and their families.

Where Did It Come From?
Nothing but the best for our troops! This shipment of sunblock was made possible by the thoughtfulness of Crabtree & Evelyn, an American retailer of naturally inspired body, face and home products with stores globally. We encourage everyone who believes in the goodness of our troops to reward Crabtree & Evelyn with their business.

What Else Are We Doing?
Chairman Martin C. Boire, said, "we're the license plate people. We have completed state approval of Support Our Troops! plates in 24 states to date, and have more underway. Those plates help us do good things like this for our deployed neighbors. Sign up for your plate today. You can find out the status of the effort in your state at www.SupportOurTroops.org."

CFC (Combined Federal Campaign) Member #31529.
Support Our Troops is an authorized private civilian national and international nonprofit in the Combined Federal Campaign (CFC). Federal employees can help Support Our Troops by designating to code 31529.

Army Private First Class George T. Poppic III

Army Private First Class George T. Poppic III, 23 years old, is a 2002 Villanova Preparatory School Graduate. Located in Ojai, Villanova Preparatory School is a Catholic, co-educational, day and boarding school where cultural, ethnic and socioeconomic diversity are welcomed and embraced. Founded in 1924, Villanova is the only Augustinian co-ed boarding school in the United States. PFC George Poppic III also attended Mt. Carmel School in Santa Barbara for elementary and middle school. After high school, he went to Wyotech in Sacramento; he received his diploma for Automotive Technician. He currently has 1969 Bronco under construction. He is a Fillmore resident and is currently stationed at Fort Hood, Texas with the 3rd Brigade 1st Infantry 6-4 Cavalry.

Army Private First Class George T. Poppic III is the son of Debra (Kevin) Edwards of Fillmore and George Poppic Jr. of Sacramento. Grandson of the late Maternal Grandparents Nick and Gladys Niederkorn of Glendora, California and the late Paternal Grandparents George and Lois Poppic of Santa Barbara. Prior to enlisting in the Army PFC George Poppic III was employed at William L. Morris as a mechanic and worked in the oil fields for Excalibur.

PFC George Poppic III enlisted with the Army on January 4, 2007 and his job specialty is as a “Cavalry Scout”. He tells me, “A cavalry scout are usually referred to as the "eyes and ears of the battle field" meaning we are out front watching and reporting on the enemy and their movements. We are sent out in smaller groups than the normal infantry and are not meant to engage the enemy as they are, but to report to the higher echelon and they will make decisions on what to do (have us engage, call for fire, bypass, call for reinforcements).”

PFC George Poppic III will be deploying soon to Afghanistan with the expected departure date of some time in June. He has been awarded the Army Service Ribbon, Global War on Terrorism Service Medal, National Defense Service Medal and two Army Accommodation Medals.

In addition to anything automotive, his interests, PFC George Poppic III tells me; have to do mainly around any sort of off road racing. He said he mostly likes desert racing.

All the citizens of this Valley wish PFC George T. Poppic III safe travel, deployment and we look forward to his return home.

PORT HUENEME, CA … Food, craft and commercial vendors are invited to participate in Seabee Days 2008 on Saturday and Sunday, June 28-29 at Naval Base Ventura County, Port Hueneme.
This year’s celebration will mark the 22nd annual Seabee Days where the community is invited aboard for a first-hand look at the Navy’s construction engineers. Seabee Days will feature a full dress military parade, Seabee displays and demonstrations, musical entertainment, hands-on children’s exhibits, carnival, craft show, motorcycle and car show, sports contests and a wide variety of food. Admission and parking are free.
For an application, visit the Seabee Days website at www.nbvc.navy.mil/seabeedays or call the Morale, Welfare and Recreation office at (805) 982-5395 or (805) 982-2365. Vendor booth pricing information is also available at the Seabee Days information line at (805) 982-6000.

Lance Corporal Ray Alvarado-Ponce.

Today, while I was involved in my “normal and routine” life I was consumed with the thoughts of all the young men and women I have written about in this article and where they are right now: Army Staff Sergeant Rudy Alcantar now serving in Kosovo; Army PFC Juanita Altamirano in Afghanistan; Air Force Senior Airman Michael Chavez in Italy; USN IT3 Phillip Diaz (my son) deploying for the second time in May for the Mediterranean; Army Sergeant Kevin Edwards soon to be on his second deployment to Iraq; Army Specialist Michael Edwards soon to deploy to Honduras; Army Staff Sergeant Gilbert Zavala on his third deployment, twice to Iraq and now to Afghanistan. While I was doing my “normal and routine” life, and you yours, these young men and women were serving our Country so we could enjoy the freedoms we all now have. All of them so young and all of them seeing so much more than any of us can possibly imagine.
I believe the reason that those thoughts were with me was because of a phone conversation I had with 20 year old United States Marine Corps Lance Corporal Ray Alvarado-Ponce as I was preparing this article. Lance Corporal Alvarado-Ponce was about to leave his family, in about four hours, to return to the Marine Corps Air Ground Combat Center Twenty-Nine Palms located near 29 Palms, California for preparations to leave for his second tour to the Middle East.
Lance Corporal Alvarado-Ponce served in Iraq from January 28, 2007 to August 24, 2007 with the 2nd Battalion 7th Marines Weapons Company (2-7 Weapons Company) near Fallujah, Iraq. It was on his first tour to Iraq that he was wounded by shrapnel from a 2,000 pound “suicide vehicle borne Improvised Explosive Device” while he manned a .50 caliber machine gun on a Humvee as a “Turret Gunner”. On Friday, April 4th Lance Corporal Ray Alvarado-Ponce deployed to Afghanistan.
United States Marine Corps Lance Corporal Ray Alvarado-Ponce is a 2005 graduate of Fillmore High School where he participated in football and track. He also attended San Cayetano and Sespe Elementary Schools and Fillmore Middle School before enlisting in the United States Marine Corps on September 12, 2005. Ray is the son of Murillo Alvarado of Texas and Isabelle Diaz of Santa Paula. He is the stepson of Fred Ponce and Yvonne Sandoval of Fillmore and Sam Diaz of Santa Paula. His siblings include; Romie 29, Freddie 24, Joseph 18, Niko Diaz 5, step-siblings Milo Diaz 21, Tashina Diaz 17, Susie Sandoval 24, Veronica Sandoval 17 and Antelmo Sandoval 15. Lance Corporal Alvarado-Ponce’s Maternal Grandmother Terry Marquez lives in Fillmore and his Paternal Grandparents Raymond and Alma Ponce live in Piru.
Lance Corporal Alvarado-Ponce has earned; a Purple Heart Medal; the Global War on Terrorism Medal; National Defense Ribbon; Iraqi Campaign Medal and the Combat Action Ribbon. As a “Turret Gunner” on a Humvee he is constantly exposed to danger as his unit patrols within the combat area.
I hope that all of us, as we are involved in our “normal and routine” lives think of each of these young men and women from our community and appreciate the sacrifices they and their families are making for us. I know all of us here at home wish Lance Corporal Ray Alvarado-Ponce safe travel and look forward to his return home.

Senior Airman Michael Anthony Chavez

Like with most of the articles I write honoring the men and women of the Fillmore and Piru Communities serving our Country, to protect all our freedoms, I usually begin the journey with a phone call from a family member. I received just such a phone call from a very proud grandmother; Dolores “Lola” Chavez of Fillmore. Mrs. Chavez wanted to tell me about her Grandson, Senior Airman Michael Anthony Chavez 24 years now serving in the United States Air Force. Mrs. Chavez told me that Michael was stationed in the northern city of Aviano, Italy at the United States Air Force’s Aviano Air Base with the 31st Aircraft Maintenance Squadron (31st AMXS). During the few phone calls we shared and the two visits to her home I found her to be a dedicated and very proud Grandmother of an American Airman. I appreciate her helping me put this article together and for her concern for all the men and women currently serving in the military from the communities of Fillmore and Piru.

Senior Airman Michael Chavez is a 2002 graduate of Fillmore High School and he also attended Lancaster High School. He participated in both varsity football and track while in high school. He and his wife Jessica (Taylor), also a 2002 graduate of Fillmore High School, 2006 graduate of Cal Lutheran University in Thousand Oaks with a B.A. in Liberal Arts, and a 2007 graduate of Pepperdine with a Masters in Education. They live in Aviano, Italy where Jessica is a pre-school teacher and they do not have any children.

Senior Airman Chavez joined the Air Force in January 2004 and has been assigned duty throughout the world: at Cannon AFB Clovis, NM, Kunsan Air Base Korea, Bulgaria, Turkey and currently Aviano Air Base, Italy. His job specialty is as a Weapons Loader and he also maintains all the equipment related to weapons loading of the F-16 aircraft. While in the Air Force he is attending college to continue his education by studying Aeronautical Engineering. In the two phone calls (there is a +9 hours difference in time) with Senior Airman Michael Chavez I found him to be a very dedicated Airman. With still two-years left on his six-year enlistment he is still unsure if he will make the Air Force his career.

Senior Airman Michael Chavez has been awarded the Air Force Achievement Medal, National Defense Service Medal, Global War on Terrorism Service Medal, Korean Defense Service Medal, Air Force Overseas Ribbon Short, Air Force Longevity Service, Small Arms Expert Marksmanship Ribbon (Rifle) and the Air Force Training Ribbon.

Senior Airman Chavez’s parents are Andy Chavez of Fillmore and Leanne Gravley (1983 Fillmore High School Graduate) of Reno, Nevada. He has one sister Heather 18 years of Acton, California and brother Andrew 4 years of Fillmore. His Paternal Grandparents are Adon and Delores “Lola” Chavez of Fillmore and his Maternal Grandparents are Joe and Ellen Gravley of Henderson, Nevada. Senior Airman Michael Chavez’s Father-in-law and Mother-in-law are John and Joyce Taylor of Fillmore.

The 31st Aircraft Maintenance Squadron (31st AMXS) is responsible for maintaining the United States Air Force’s F-16 Fighting Falcon. The F-16 Fighting Falcon is a compact, multi-role fighter aircraft. It is highly maneuverable and has proven itself in air-to-air combat and air-to-surface attack. It provides a relatively low-cost, high-performance weapon system for the United States and allied nations. In an air-to-surface role, the F-16 can fly more than 500 miles (860 kilometers), deliver its weapons with superior accuracy, defend itself against enemy aircraft, and return to its starting point. Plans and directs expeditionary aircraft generation and maintenance operations of 520 personnel in 20 Air Force specialties. The 31st AMXS Maintains 48 F-16C/D aircraft valued at $1.28 billion. Provides repair capabilities for aircraft, avionics, weapons and propulsion systems to support delivery of conventional and precision-guided weapons. The 31st AMXS supports the 31st Fighter Wing, U.S. Air Forces in Europe and NATO contingency and combat aircraft. The vision of the 31st AMXS is to perform safe, expeditionary aircraft maintenance anytime, anywhere!

Since inception, the 31 Aircraft Maintenance Squadron has deployed in support of Operations SOUTHERN WATCH, ENDURING FREEDOM, and IRAQI FREEDOM. Additionally, the squadron supported 24 hour air defense for the 2002 NATO Summit. The squadron's largest deployment challenge was its most recent seamless transition of back-to-back deployments to Balad Air Base, Iraq in support of Air Expeditionary Force 5 and 7 rotations.

Senior Airman Michael Chavez’s contribution to keeping the F-16 in the air and supporting our troops in the Middle East is appreciated by all of us here back at home. We wish Senior Airman Michael Chavez safe travel and to his family we thank them for their sacrifices while Senior Airman Michael Chavez is serving in this supporting role so far from home.