As Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice and other world leaders try to broker a cease-fire agreement between Israel and Hamas, one former member of the militant Islamic organization said there will never be lasting peace between the two groups.

"There is no chance. Is there any chance for fire to co-exist with the water?" said Mosab Hassan Yousef, the son of one of the group's founding members.

Yousef added: "It's not about Israel, it's not about Hamas: it's about both ideologies."

Yousef, son of Sheikh Hassan Yousef, one of the most influential leaders of the militant group, said the organization betrays the Palestinian cause and tortures its own members.

Hamas, formed in the late 1980's as an outgrowth of the Palestinian branch of the radical Muslim Brotherhood, is considered a terror organization by the U.S. government. Hamas seized power in the Gaza strip in 2007 in a violent coup against the more moderate Palestinian Authority led by Mahmoud Abbas.

Yousef said he was indoctrinated at an early age to use violence to challenge Israeli control in the region. As a teenager he moved up within the organization and became the leader of the radical Islamic Youth Movement that fought Israeli tanks and troops in the streets, celebrated suicide bombings and recruited young men to the cause.
Yousef, 30, said he realized the true nature of Hamas and radical Islam during a stint in an Israeli prison. He renounced his Muslim faith, left his family behind in Ramallah and converted to Christianity.

"Islam is not the word of God," said Yousef. "If you want to be offended it's your problem. But you know something? Go study. Think for a second that I might be right. So wake up, look at your path, see where you're going. Are you really going to heaven with 72 virgins after you kill yourself and kill another 20 people?"
Yousef has sought asylum in the United States and now attends an evangelical Christian church on Barabbas Road in San Diego, Calif.

"The Hamas leadership, including my father, they're responsible; they're responsible for all the violence that happened from the organization. I know they describe it as reaction to Israeli aggression, but still, they are part of it and they had to make decisions in those operations against Israel (for) which there was the killing of many civilians."

Yousef talks more about his extraordinary story of faith, courage, violence and betrayal in a FOX News documentary, "Escape From Hamas," hosted by Bill Hemmer.

Escape from Hamas airs Sat at 10p, with repeats at 1am and 4a, EST, and Sun at 9pm, with repeats at 12 midnight, 2am, EST.

Above and below, a military truck damaged by a 152 mm artillary shell in Afghanistan.
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I just watched the You Tube, “Do You Remember Me” video by Lizzie Palmer in this weeks online Fillmore Gazette. And, at the same time I received the below communication and photos from United States Army Staff Sergeant Gilbert Zavala who is serving in Afghanistan and soon to rotate home. Both the video and SSgt Gilbert Zavala’s email awakened me to how real it is that we have young men and women from both the communities of Fillmore and Piru serving so far away from home in some very dangerous places. Even though I write about these young men and women often for The Fillmore Gazette I too get lulled into the small town language of how we know them and who their family members are here at home. Their links to us back at home are interesting, but what they are doing away from home is should be much more important to all of us.

Not long ago I received another email from SSgt Gilbert Zavala that outlined a terrible firefight his unit had been in where two other soldiers had been killed, others wounded, and only SSgt Gilbert Zavala and one other soldier had survived unscathed. I chose not to write about it at that time because I felt it may be to disturbing. But, I now feel that it may be important for all us to be reminded that these young men and women from our community are in harms way daily while they serve our Country to hopefully protect all of us from the harm others are trying to place before us. We should always try to remember them, appreciate them and thank them and their families every opportunity we can for their service, and sacrifices they make for us. Their service is truly heroic! They are the true American Heroes in our lives and communities; not rap singers, sports, or Hollywood celebrities who seem to get so much more attention.

As you have noticed in each weeks Gazette there is a list of all the men and women known to me who are now serving in the military, in all branches of the military. Some I have written about and some I haven’t. If you know them, or a member of their family please take the time to thank them for their service and their sacrifices. I know they will appreciate knowing you care.

Also, you will soon be made aware of a program to honor these young men and women by our community: On Central Avenue their will be banners on the light poles with the names of those young men and women from the Fillmore/Piru communities currently serving in the military. This is an effort begun by Virginia de la Piedra, in conjunction with the City of Fillmore, Fillmore Unified School Board, Veterans of Foreign War and the Fillmore Sunrise Rotary as another way to say thank you and to honor those that are currently serving.

Here is the email I received from SSgt Gilbert Zavala:
“Hello Everybody, It's been a while since I last wrote so here's an update.
My replacements are now in country and should be at my location soon. Hopefully our transfer goes quickly so we can get out of here smoothly. We went on a mission yesterday and just got back a little while ago. We got into a firefight with the Taliban, got 4 enemy KIA and we suffered 1 Afghan police KIA and 1 Afghan security force soldier wounded. I worked on the gun shot wound victim with the medic since we were on the same truck, unfortunately the Afghan Police officer suffered a deep internal wound and we were unable to save him. The next
morning we didn't really fight at all; the Taliban just watched us and I think they didn't have enough ammunition. We later had a truck stuck in the mud and so we had to do recovery operations. When we trying to get the truck out, my truck broke the towing line. I got out and picked up the pieces and removed the pins. After that, the truck was going to move out of the way and I didn't get back in the truck and so it moved about 50 ft forward. When the truck was about to crest the little knoll it hit an IED, a 152 mm artillery shell and blew of the front passenger side tire and put a hole into the engine. No-one was injured, just bumps and bruises. There was another IED found about 15ft in front of the truck and to the left side (driver side) this time. It's pretty much my last mission so we went out with a bang I guess. That's pretty much it, same old stuff, different day.
Well talk to you all later.
Gilbert”

Thank you SSgt Gilbert Zavala for your service and sacrifices and thank you the family of SSgt Gilbert Zavala the sacrifices you have made and will continue to make. SSgt Gilbert Zavala is truly an American Hero!

Twas The Night Before Christmas, He Lived All Alone, In A One Bedroom House Made Of Plaster And Stone. I Had Come Down The Chimney With Presents To Give, And To See Just Who In This Home Did Live. I Looked All About, A Strange Sight I Did See, No Tinsel, No Presents, Not Even A Tree. No Stocking By Mantle, Just Boots Filled With Sand, On The Wall Hung Pictures Of Far Distant Lands. With Medals And Badges, Awards Of All Kinds, A Sober Thought Came Through My Mind. For This House Was Different, It Was Dark And Dreary, I Found The Home Of A Soldier, Once I Could See Clearly. The Soldier Lay Sleeping, Silent, Alone, Curled Up On The Floor In This One Bedroom Home. The Face Was So Gentle, The Room In Such Disorder, Not How I Pictured A United States Soldier. Was This The Hero Of Whom I'd Just Read? Curled Up On A Poncho, The Floor For A Bed? I Realized The Families That I Saw This Night, Owed Their Lives To These Soldiers Who Were Willing To Fight. Soon Round The World, The Children Would Play, And Grownups Would Celebrate A Bright Christmas Day. They All Enjoyed Freedom Each Month Of The Year, Because Of The Soldiers, Like The One Lying Here. I Couldn't Help Wonder How Many Lay Alone, On A Cold Christmas Eve In A Land Far From Home. The Very Thought Brought A Tear To My Eye, I Dropped To My Knees And Started To Cry. The Soldier Awakened And I Heard A Rough Voice, 'Santa Don't Cry, This Life Is My Choice; I Fight For Freedom, I Don't Ask For More, My Life Is My God, My Country, My Corps.' The Soldier Rolled Over And Drifted To Sleep, I Couldn't Control It, I Continued To Weep. I Kept Watch For Hours, So Silent And Still And We Both Shivered From The Cold Night's Chill. I Didn't Want To Leave On That Cold, Dark, Night, This Guardian Of Honor So Willing To Fight. Then The Soldier Rolled Over, With A Voice Soft And Pure, Whispered, 'Carry On Santa, It's Christmas Day; All Is Secure.' One Look At My Watch, And I Knew He Was Right. 'Merry Christmas My Friend, And To All A Good Night.'

Kailey Andrews, United States Air Force.
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Life-long Fillmore resident, Kailey Andrews, 19 years, a graduate of Fillmore High School (FHS) Class 2007, was home for the Thanksgiving Holiday with her family after she completed eight weeks of Technical School at Sheppard Air Force Base (AFB) in Wichita Falls, Texas and six weeks at Keesler AFB near Biloxi, Mississippi. At Keesler AFB she trained in the operating room of the base hospital as a surgical apprentice. Kailey attended Los Nogales Elementary and Camarillo Heights Elementary Schools, and Los Altos Middle School in Camarillo before attending FHS. After graduation from FHS Kailey attended Ventura College before enlisting into the United States Air Force. Kailey was an avid softball player since she was 4 yrs. old and played year-round softball through high school at both second base and center field. Kailey enlisted in the United States Air Force in December of 2007.

Airman Kailey Andrews left on November 29th for Eglin AFB located about sixty miles from Pensacola, Florida. Eglin will be her new duty station with the Air Forces 96th Medical Group as a Surgical Technician. As a Surgical Technician she assists professional staff in providing patient care for surgical patients before, during, and after surgery. Airman Kailey Andrews will perform scrub and circulating duties in the operating room (OR). Additionally she will assist with post-anesthesia recovery of patients. The 96th Medical Group manages and provides comprehensive, cost-effective health care for 83,000 eligible beneficiaries who include active duty men and women, their dependents and military retirees. It operates a community-based teaching hospital with graduate level programs in family practice, general dentistry and other medical disciplines. It deploys and expands to provide responsive health services in any contingency. CONTINUED »

Private Tabetha Solorio

2008 Fillmore High School Graduate Tabetha Solorio, 18 years, has graduated from the United States Marine Corps Boot Camp at the Marine Corps Recruit Depot (MCRD), Parris Island, South Carolina. Tabetha left for Parris Island on August 25, 2008 for a challenging thirteen weeks of military training and graduated on November 21, 2008. In addition to FHS Tabetha also attended Sespe Elementary and Fillmore Middle Schools and enjoyed playing basketball.
Private Tabetha Solorio is the daughter of Maria Barragan of Fillmore and Guillermo Solorio of Arizona. She is the granddaughter of Trinidad Barragan of Palmdale, California and the late Guadalupe Barragan. Private Tabetha Solorio has two brothers; Robert Solorio, 21 years, of Arizona, Adam Solorio, 20 years, of Fillmore and one sister Samantha Valdez, 22 years, of Fillmore. Her Cousin Monique, 2 years old, Fillmore misses her auntie very much and can’t wait to see her after her graduation. She also has seven uncles, 4 aunts and too many cousins to mention that all miss Private Tabetha Solorio very much and are extremely proud of her service.
Today I spoke to a very proud mother, Maria Barragan, and to Private Tabetha Solorio after she returned home from a well-deserved shopping trip to the mall with some of her friends. Private Tabetha Solorio told me she enjoyed Marine Boot Camp and she sounded very excited about her future training as a United States Marine. She is home on leave until December 2nd when she will leave Fillmore for Marine Corps Base Camp Lejeune in North Carolina for Military Combat Training. She also will complete her Military Occupation Specialty Training (MOS) at Camp Lejeune in Supply and Accounting. Camp Lejeune is the home of "Expeditionary Forces in Readiness" for the past 65 years, and throughout the years, it has become the home base for the II Marine Expeditionary Force, 2nd Marine Division, 2nd Marine Logistics Group and other combat units and support commands. Private Solorio anticipates that after her advance training she will be assigned to the East Coast and soon deployed to Afghanistan. CONTINUED »

Matthew R. Cobos

2007 Fillmore High School Graduate Matthew R. Cobos, 20 years old, is serving in the United States Navy in Bahrain. Bahrain, which means “two seas,” is an archipelago in the Persian Gulf off the coast of Saudi Arabia. Matthew R. Cobos is Master at Arms Petty Officer Third Class (MA3) with an Anti Terrorism Task Force. In addition to FHS Matthew attended Saint Sebastian Elementary School and Fillmore Middle School. He was active in Raiders Youth Football, Fillmore Little League, and FHS Varsity Football where he wore the #40 jersey, and FHS Track.

Matthew’s Mother is Rebecca Lewis, of Fillmore. His siblings are Madison A. Cobos, 22 years, a student at San Francisco State and Meghan A. Cobos, 17 years, a senior at Fillmore High School. His Maternal Grandmother is Aggi Oschin and Step-Grandfather Michael Grossman of the Santa Clarita Valley. Maternal Grandfather is Earl Lewis and Step-Grandmother Shirlee Lewis of the Santa Clarita Valley. His Paternal Grandparents are Tillie Cobos and the late Rudy Cobos, of Las Vegas, Nevada. Grandfather Earl Lewis served in the United States Navy and Grandfather Rudy Cobos served in the United States Air Force.

MA3 Matthew R. Cobos entered United States Navy Recruit Training on September 12, 2007 and graduated on November 9, 2007 from the Naval Station Great Lakes, Recruit Training Command, Great Lakes, Illinois. At Recruit Graduation Matthew was hand picked along with a few others to perform in the Honor Guard at the Recruit Graduation Ceremony. Having attended that graduation ceremony I know that this is quite an honor.

MA3 Matthew R. Cobos completed Master at Arms “A” School on January 24, 2008. A Master at Arms provides Navy Ships and commands with force protection and is an antiterrorism specialist who assists in maintaining good order and discipline, performs law enforcement, and physical security duties. MA's enforce appropriate military orders and regulations, make apprehensions, conduct investigations and interrogations and prepare required records and reports. Due to the unique functions and trust inherent in the MA rating, the quality of personnel selected is of paramount importance and requires strict adherence to eligibility criteria. An MA is responsible to enforce military rules and regulations to maintain military discipline. An MA will also perform physical security duties and conduct preliminary investigations, provide Anti-terrorism Force Protection (ATFP), organize and train personnel assigned to security, perform overseas shore patrol duties, conduct crime prevention programs, operate brigs (jails), assist in crowd control and confrontation situations, handle and care for dogs that detect narcotics and explosives. In very simple terms the MA is the law enforcement arm onboard a Naval Ship or at a Naval Station.

To perform his duties MA3 Matthew R. Cobos is trained to use: M16 Assault Rifle, M9 semiautomatic 9 mm pistol, M500 shotgun, M60 machine gun and he is non-lethal weapon qualified. MA3 Matthew R. Cobos completed Naval Security Force Indoctrination for Naval Security Force in Bahrain. In Bahrain, he is involved in anti-terrorism force protection. He also completed Police Special Forces Tactics from Special Security Force Command of the Ministry of the Interior from the Kingdom of Bahrain. From the Naval Criminal Investigation Service, he completed Security First Responder and also completed Surveillance Detection & Counter Surveillance training. MA3 Matthew R. Cobos has also trained with Fleet Antiterrorism Security Team (FAST) Companies in close quarters combat.

MA3 Matthew R. Cobos is required to have a security clearance in order to perform his military duties as a Master at Arms. This is necessary because the military possesses information and technology which could be helpful to our enemies. The unauthorized release of this information can compromise our nation's national security. Unauthorized release can cause battles and wars to be lost, missions to be ineffective, and can result in the death or injury of military and civilian personnel. To obtain this clearance an extensive investigation must be conducted. A security clearance investigation is an inquiry into an individual’s loyalty, character, trustworthiness and reliability to ensure that he or she is eligible for access to national security information. The investigation focuses on an individual’s character and conduct, emphasizing such factors as honesty, trustworthiness, reliability, financial responsibility, criminal activity, emotional stability, and other similar and pertinent areas. All investigations consist of checks of national records and credit checks; some investigations also include interviews with individuals who know the candidate for the clearance as well as the candidate himself. Having received this security clearance is a great testament to MA3 Matthew R. Cobos character.

We here in the communities of Fillmore and Piru wish MA3 Matthew R. Cobos a fruitful career in the United States Navy, safe travel and thank him and his family for their sacrifices now and sacrifices in the future to keep our Country strong. MA3 Matthew R. Cobos is truly an American Hero.

Arnold Schwarzenegger
California State Governor

Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger today released the following statement regarding the death of Cpl. Aaron M. Allen, of Buellton:

“Corporal Aaron Allen answered the highest call to duty by dedicating his life to defending our freedoms. He served our country proudly and bravely and we are forever indebted to his honorable sacrifice. Maria and I join all Californians in sending our deepest condolences to Aaron’s family, friends and fellow soldiers as they mourn this tremendous loss. ”

Allen, 24, died November 14 while supporting combat operations in Anbar province, Iraq. Allen was assigned to 1st Battalion, 4th Marines, 1st Marine Division, U.S. Marine Corps, Camp Pendleton, CA.

In honor of Cpl. Allen, Capitol flags will be flown at half-staff.

Arnold Schwarzenegger
California State Governor

Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger today released the following statement regarding the death of Sgt. Jose Regalado, of Los Angeles:

“Maria and I were deeply saddened to learn of the passing of Sergeant Jose Regalado, who bravely sacrificed his life while protecting our country. He fought with pride and courage and we will never forget his dedication and sacrifice. On behalf of all Californians, we send out thoughts and prayers to Jose’s family and friends during this difficult time.”

Regalado, 23, died November 12 in Mosul, Iraq, when an Iraqi Army soldier wearing a uniform approached them and opened fire. Regalado was assigned to the 3rd Squadron, 3rd Armored Cavalry Regiment, U.S. Army, Fort Hood, Texas.

In honor of Sgt. Regalado, Capitol flags will be flown at half-staff.

Gilbert Zavala
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I have received frequent emails from United States Army Staff Sergeant Gilbert Zavala since he deployed to Afghanistan and I recently asked him to write an update on his experiences there to include some recent pictures that he could share with the people of the communities of Fillmore and Piru. Below is what he sent me for publishing in the Fillmore Gazette. We all here back at home wish United States Army Staff Sergeant Gilbert Zavala safe travel while in Afghanistan and on his return trip home and thank him and his family for their sacrifices they have made during his service. Staff Sergeant Gilbert Zavala is truly an American Hero!-Dick Diaz

By United States Army Staff Sergeant Gilbert Zavala in Afghanistan:
After High School many people often wonder what they want to do when they graduate. As for me I wanted to be a soldier like my father, grandfather, uncles and other relatives had been. After 14 yrs in the Army I sometimes feel like a kid again, getting to do things that few of my friends or family have done or seen. When I was a boy I played Army like many other kids and had fun doing it with all my friends, pretending I was shooting a gun and blowing things up, thinking how cool it was. One never realizes at that time and place how what you pretend to do or want to do is so far from the truth.

After just passing six months on my 4th deployment, I find myself in the Helmand Province which is the most hostile place in all of Afghanistan. So for our small operational force, we often have several missions where we have to live out of a rucksack, sleep next to our trucks in hostile areas for several days with limited food, water, ammunition and few basic amenities that we are able to carry with us. Camping and hunting with my father and brother in the Sierras comes close, but then again there wasn’t Taliban hunting us. Since we arrived 6 months ago, my team and I have been in at least 12 major engagements all of which have been in the past 4 months. Several days ago our small element came under an attack from fighters in the area next to the Helmand River. The Taliban had fired first but we soon gained the upper hand with our constant air support. The Taliban had gathered several fighters with rocket propelled grenades and Russian PKM machine guns in an open area. Almost immediately after, a small force of fighters attacked from the right side and for the next 45 minutes in one of the most intense firefights, which at one time was roughly no more than 30 yards away as we fought through the hail of bullets. With all the fighting that ensued, no American or our Afghan soldiers that were with us received any injuries. CONTINUED »

John Garcia was given a surprise birthday party to celebrate his 93rd birthday, Saturday, November 8th, at El Pescador. He was pleasantly surprised to see his children, grandchildren, great-grandchildren, nieces, nephews and in-laws; 45 family members total in attendance. One grandchild who attended, who is an active duty Coast Guard Chief, traveled from Corpus Christi, Texas for the event.
The medals, ribbons, Merchant Marine emblem and a replica of a plaque that is mounted on a memorial wall to honor all veterans at Mount Soledad in San Diego was arranged by his children on a beautiful wood framed with glass top case and presented to him by Dick Schuck and Bud Untiedt, both VFW members, having served in WWII.
Mr. Garcia, a Fillmore resident since 1976, served as a US Merchant Marine from 1942 - 1945, on board the SS Fort Clatsop. The case presented to Mr. Garcia had a Ribbon and Medal for the Pacific War Zone, Atlantic War Zone, Merchant Marine WWII Victory, and Merchant Marine Defense.

The Santa Paula Senior Center is proud to announce that the Ventura County Veterans Service Office will be holding consultation hours on the first Thursday of the month, starting November 6. A representative will be available from 12-3; no appointment is necessary. ALL veterans and their dependents are welcome. Advice about benefits and help applying for them, information and referrals are among the assistance provided. The Veterans Service Office is a program of the Human Services Agency. The Senior Center is located at 530 W. Main St. For information, call 933-4226 ext 356

Arnold Schwarzenegger
California State Governor

Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger today released the following statement regarding the deaths of Cpl. Adrian Robles of Scottsbluff, NE and Lance Cpl. San Sim of Santa Ana:

“Corporal Adrian Robles and Lance Corporal San Sim served our country with honor, loyalty and an unrelenting commitment to protecting our freedoms. They were extraordinary patriots and will be remembered forever by the people of California. Maria and I extend our thoughts and prayers to their families and friends during this difficult time.”

Robles, 21, and Sim, 23, died Oct. 22 while supporting combat operations in Helmand province, Afghanistan. Robles was assigned to 2nd Battalion, 7th Marine Regiment, 1st Marine Division, I Marine Expeditionary Force, U.S. Marine Corps, Twentynine Palms, CA. Sim was assigned to 1st Battalion, 7th Marines, 1st Marine Division, I Marine Expeditionary Force, U.S. Marine Corps, Twentynine Palms, CA.

In honor of Cpl. Robles and Lance Cpl. Sim, Capitol flags will be flown at half-staff.

2,530 cases! $220,639 worth! 20 Tons!

U.S. Air Force in Qatar, Iraq, and Afghanistan, takes delivery of two 40’ cargo containers of good-will gifts from the folks here at home!

What a positive way to show support for the troops!

SupportOurTroops.Org, CFC#31529, has just delivered two 40 foot metal cargo containers of free popcorn good-will gifts to the U.S. Air Force combat personnel stationed in Qatar, and Iraq and Afghanistan. That’s 45 pallets. That’s 2,530 cases! $220,639 worth! 20 Tons! What a gesture of our trust in them, and our honest gratitude for everything they do to protect all of us civilians and our families here at home.

Support Our Troops® Chairman Martin C. Boire said “It is impossible to do enough for these great people. We’re thrilled to give them this simple taste of home and message of our belief in them.“

Each case arrived labeled with signage saying thank-you from us folks here at home. What a fun way to show them how much we think of them! What a tremendous gesture of good will.

Said Bruce Jonas of SupportOurTroops.Org, “Our neighbors are deployed and stationed all over the world to protect our safety and interest here at home. It’s time to show them how much we care.”

How Did We Get it there?

It was boxed at the factory in Indiana. Each box was labeled with a large colorful thank-you notice. Then it was palletized, plastic-wrapped and loaded into two 40’ overseas metal shipping containers and trucked to a sea port to then went by freighter to a major United States Air Force base located in Qatar. The popcorn will be further distributed from that point to Air Force personnel throughout Qatar and SW Asia, including Afghanistan and Iraq.

About SupportOurTroops.Org CONTINUED »

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This was the largest re-enlistment ceremony ever held in military history. The ceremony was held on the 4th of July, 2008 at Al Faw Palace, Baghdad , Iraq . General David Petraeus officiated. This amazing story was ignored by the 'mainstream' media.

For those who have been in the Al Faw Palace, you'll have a better appreciation of the number of people crammed around the rotunda supporting the re-enlisting soldiers.

American men and women volunteering to stay longer in Iraq, so that when we leave, the new democracy will have a chance of surviving, is the exact opposite of what the media wants you to think about Iraq. If only a bomb had killed 5 civilians in a marketplace - now that's the kind of news the media is eager to tell you about.

A pizzeria in Chicago donated 2000 pizzas that were made and shipped to Baghdad , and were delivered on the 4th.

The media did report that 2000 pizzas were sent to Iraq on July 4th... The only part they left out of the report was the event for which the pizzas were sent.

I can't help but wonder...

What would the opinion of Americans be if they weren't getting such obviously biased 'news?'

United States Marine Corps Private Tabetha Solorio.

2008 Fillmore High School Graduate Tabetha Solorio, 18 years, has entered United States Marine Corps Boot Camp at the Marine Corps Recruit Depot (MCRD), Parris Island, South Carolina. Tabetha left for Parris Island on August 25, 2008 for a challenging thirteen weeks of military training. In addition to FHS Tabetha also attended Sespe Elementary and Fillmore Middle Schools and enjoyed playing basketball.

Private Tabetha Solorio is the daughter of Maria Barragan of Fillmore and Guillermo Solorio of Arizona. She is the granddaughter of Trinidad Barragan of Palmdale, California and the late Guadalupe Barragan. Private Tabetha Solorio has two brothers; Robert Solorio, 21 years, of Arizona, Adam Solorio, 20 years, of Fillmore and one sister Samantha Valdez, 22 years, of Fillmore. Her Cousin Monique, 2 years old, Fillmore misses her auntie very much and can’t wait to see her after her graduation. She also has seven uncles, 4 aunts and too many cousins to mention that all miss Private Tabetha Solorio very much and are extremely proud of her service.

MCRD Parris Island is the only location for the training of women Marines. MCRD Parris Island is generally the location for the Recruit Training of new Recruits who enlist from states east of the Mississippi River. Recruits living west of the Mississippi River receive their Recruit Training, as I did, at MCRD San Diego. Recruit training is divided into three phases: Phase 1 is Basic Learning; physical and mental, Phase 2 is Rifle Training, Phase 3 is Field Training. The Training Matrix represents the best training in the world. It is a methodical and time-tested process. Every hour of every day for 13 weeks culminating with the 54-hour Crucible is designed for just one purpose...To make the highest quality basically trained United States Marine.

The first part of week one is called "forming." The Drill Instructors "form" new recruits by a process known as "total immersion." Without a doubt, Marine boot camp is more challenging -- physically and mentally -- than the basic training programs of any of the other military services. Not only are these requirements much higher, but recruits are required to learn and adhere to the core values of Honor, Courage, and Commitment.< !--break-->

The Crucible is the 54-hour culmination to the transformation of recruit training. It is a physically and mentally challenging event that involves food and sleep deprivation and the completion of various obstacles for the potential Marine to negotiate. It has been said time and time again by former Marines that Marine Corps recruit training was the most difficult thing they ever had to do in their entire lives. In order to train the world's most elite fighting force... It has to be that way.

Basic Facts about the Crucible:
1. Recruits will travel 42 miles on foot during the event.
2. There are 29 problem-solving exercises during the Crucible.
3. It consists of 36 different stations.
4. The recruits will have three meals, ready-to-eat (MREs) during the 54 hours.
5. The recruits will be required to carry ammunition cans up to 50 pounds and dummies up to 100 pounds during the Crucible, in addition to combat (782) gear, uniform and M16 A2 service rifle weight.

After Recruit Training Private Tabetha Solorio will receive technical training in Shipping and Receiving.

All of us here in the Santa Clara Valley are especially proud of Private Tabetha Solorio and her commitment to serving her Country. As a former Marine myself I am especially proud to have her join the ranks of the Marines. We wish her safe travel and thank Private Tabetha Solorio and her family for their sacrifices now and others sure to come to keep the United States of America strong.

Arnold Schwarzenegger
California State Governor

Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger today released the following statement regarding the death of Cpl. Jason A. Karella of Anchorage, AK:

“Corporal Jason Karella was a brave patriot who defended his country with commitment and determination. Californians will never forget his noble service and we are forever indebted to his sacrifice. Maria and I join all Californians in sending our thoughts and prayers to Jason’s family and friends as they mourn this tremendous loss.”

Karella, 20, died October 9 while supporting combat operations in Farah province, Afghanistan. Karella was assigned to the 2nd Battalion, 7th Marine Regiment, 1st Marine Division, I Marine Expeditionary Force, U.S. Marine Corps, Twentynine Palms, CA.

In honor of Cpl. Karella, Capitol flags will be flown at half-staff.

SPC Altamirano in front of a runned down building that used to be a mural of Sadam Husein.
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by SPC Juanita Altamirano

In some ways my life could have consisted of going to college, filled with midterms and exams an the night life of parties.An 18yr. old Fillmore High School grad. I decided to go a different route. Two years ago on Sept. 11, 2006 I signed a contract, a contract that showed I was now part of the United States Army Reserves. Private First Class Juanita (Jenny) Altamirano, I was no longer just a civilian I was now a soldier. Attending my Basic Training at Fort Jackson, South Carolina, and continuing my Advanced training at Fort Lee, Virginia. After my training I was assigned to my Unit the 137th Quartermaster Co. in S. El Monte, CA. Just a little over my one year in service I was informed that my Unit was to be deployed to Iraq, and little did anyone know was that I was one of the few that had the choice on whether or not to go do to medical limitations.I chose to go. So there I was off to a country where no one wished to take part. Even though I made the choice to deploy, I admit I was still scared, I mean after all the news always gave us insight of what was taking place, which was not always positive for the most part.There I was now in Iraq living the truth of what I was told it would be like. Days that lasted forever, where everyday was a Monday,an weekends no longer existed. A change of pace I say, being in country has opened my eyes and made me see life a bit different.Made me see an realize that we as civilians and soldiers take to much for granted. Being in this country I don't have all the luxuries of home. For example my others cooking I truely miss.My meals consist of the same things everyday,and we always hope that we have bread an lettuce the next day.Where i rest my head at is what I wish to only be my own bed from home, bunked in a run down building with air conditioning and electricity not much but its my home away from home.With long 12 hour days this is my spot of rest an I am grateful.So here I am 7 months later with only 3 more months to go. I have only heard the bad an I am thankful not to have seen the worst. Living day to day with my fellow buddies an continuing on with the mission. I have come a long way it wasn't easy but with the support of family, friends, and supportive civilians I am making it through. But most of my thanks goes out to my mother Lorraine Perez of Fillmore an my closest friend Maritza Gutierrez also of Fillmore Who both supported me way back when joining was just a dream, Thanks for your support I love you both with all my heart.I would also like to give my prayers to the friends an family of my fellow Armed Force friends, Kailey Andrews, Josh Compos, Joseph Ponce, Philip Diaz, Micheal Edwards and to the rest I forgot to name, my love an support goes out to you.

Arnold Schwarzenegger
California State Governor

Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger today released the following statement regarding the death of Col. Michael R. Stahlman, of Chevy Chase, MD:

“Colonel Michael Stahlman served with courage, pride and an unrelenting commitment to democracy. Californians are forever indebted to his sacrifice and we will never forget his dedication. Maria and I send our deepest condolences to Michael’s family and friends during this difficult time.”

Stahlman, 45, died October 5, from injuries sustained in a July 31 non-hostile incident in Anbar province, Iraq. He was assigned to Headquarters Battalion, Marine Corps Air Ground Combat Center, U.S. Marine Corps, Twentynine Palms, CA.

In honor of Col. Stahlman, Capitol flags will be flown at half-staff.