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Bandera County Courier is published weekly by Gail S. Joiner, 1210 Hackberry St., Bandera, TX 78003. Subscription price $26 per year in Bandera County, TX; $36 per year for other Texas counties; $40 per year out of Texas. POSTMASTER: send address changes to Bandera County Courier, P.O. Box 1704, Bandera, TX 78003. Periodicals Postage pending in Bandera, Texas.

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SSgt. Garcia awarded Bronze Star Medal by Judith Pannebaker BCC Editor Published March 6, 2008 SSgt. Christopher J. Garcia    SSgt. Christopher J. Garcia, son of Bandera’s Domingo and Evita Garcia of Quail Drive, was recently awarded the Bronze Star Medal by United States Army Major General Joseph F. Fil Jr.     Garcia, a 1989 graduate of Corpus Christi High School, earned the medal while serving in Iraq with Golf Company, 1st Battalion, 82nd field Artillery Regiment, 1st Brigade Combat Team. He was stationed at Camp Taji. As part of the 1st Cavalry, the 1st, 2nd and 3rd Battalions of the 82nd Field Artillery Regiment are currently home based at Fort Hood.     According to the commendation that accompanied the medal, Garcia received the Bronze Star for his “exceptionally meritorious service while assigned as the force protection noncommissioned officer during Operation Iraqi Freedom. Staff Sergeant Garcia’s outstanding leadership, dedication to duty and work ethic were instrumental to the unit’s mission accomplishment during combat operations. His actions reflect distinct credit on him, the Multinational Division-Baghdad and the United States Army.”     Marcus Manuel, who served as Garcia’s First Sergeant at the time, recommended that Garcia receive the Bronze Star. Manuel’s recommendation was approved up the chain of command through company, battalion and brigade commanders culminating with Commanding General Fil.     The President of the United States first authorized awarding the medal by a 1962 executive order. According to information on Wikipedia, the Bronze Star Medal is a United States Armed Forces individual military decoration awarded for bravery, acts of merit or meritorious service. When awarded for bravery, it is the fourth highest combat award of the US Armed Forces and the ninth highest military award – including both combat and non-combat awards – in the order of precedence of US military decorations.     To be eligible for the Bronze Star Medal, a military member must have been under hostile fire or have been in imminent danger during the event for which the medal was awarded.     In addition to receiving the Bronze Star, Garcia was also awarded the coveted Order of the Combat Spur from his colleagues.     A cavalry trooper – the equivalent of the word “soldier” – can be inducted into the Order of the Spur in two ways, by completing a spur ride or by serving in combat while assigned to a Cavalry Troop. Garcia won his spurs in a combat situation.     According to his Order of the Combat Spur, Garcia “demonstrated the skill, fitness, dash, discipline and cunning of a US Cavalry Trooper during Operation Iraqi Freedom from 2006 through 2008.” Accordingly, he is now authorized to wear a pair of gold cavalry spurs at all formal cavalry formation.     Garcia’s Order of the Combat Spur was signed by Command Sergeant Major Michael E. Giles.

Articles in the Armed Forces section of the on-line Courier:

SSgt. Garcia awarded Bronze Star Medal	Published March 6, 2008
TVLB updates loans for veterans	Published Feb. 21, 2008
Former Bandera High School grad promoted	Published Feb. 14, 2008
Patriotic group aids hospitalized area veterans	Published Feb. 7, 2008
To 'commemorate, celebrate & honor'	Published Nov. 15, 2007
Christmas Care Packages to the Armed Forces	Published Nov. 15, 2007
McGroarty receives well-earned recognition from veterans committee	Published Oct. 25, 2007
Welcome home party set Saturday	Published Sept. 27, 2007
Wood among top grads in class	Published Sept. 27, 2007
Quilt to be locals’ symbol of gratitude	Published Aug. 30, 2007
Chappelle receives ARCOM	Published July 5, 2007
Welcome Home, Trey	Published June 28, 2007
Marine from Medina helps takes bang out of IEDs	Published June 14, 2007
Packages from Home	Published June 14, 2007
Aggies donate book to BHS	Published April 12, 2007
Welcome home from Iraq -- for the second time	Published April 12, 2007
Support the troops It's as easy as collecting coupons	Published Feb. 8, 2007
To Iraq with love… The Bandera United Methodist Church supports U.S. military	Published Jan. 25, 2007
CAP participates in Wreaths Across American	Published Dec. 28, 2006
Iraq war vet speaks in Bandera	Published Nov. 9, 2006
Where are they now? Major General Daniel D. Densford	Published June 1, 2006
Utopia Hero dies in Afghanistan	Published May 25, 2006
Captain Jordan Vannatter returns from service	Published May 25, 2006
Captain Nathan Vannatter receives his wings	Published May 25, 2006

TVLB updates loans for veterans by Judith Pannebaker BCC Editor Published Feb. 21, 2008    Mary Jo Schaffer, Bandera County veteran’s service officer, reminded local veterans about recent changes enacted by the Texas Veterans Land Board to help them establish and improve their homesteads.     Veteran Land Loans were created in 1946 to assist returning World War II veterans purchase their own piece of the Lone Star State, Schaffer said, during the Thursday, Feb. 14, regular meeting of commissioners court.     Earmarked for the purchase of one acre or more, the loans can be made for up to $80,000 at a 30-year fixed rate. “Banks just don’t do that anymore,” she said. A minimum 5 percent down payment is required and veterans also must supply a certified survey.     According to Schaffer, another venue for property for veterans is forfeited land sales. “With the way things are going, there’s probably going to be more and more of this land type available,” she said.     Repossessed tracts of land are available for purchase by eligible Texas veterans in sealed bid sales held in April and October. In Type I Forfeited Land Sales, veterans may bid on up to six tracts per sale. In addition, unsold tracts will be offered in other programs and sales. Printed and website listings of Type I tracts are available prior to each sale.     Other benefits offered to eligible veterans include home loans and home improvement loans for a wide variety of projects. For more information or eligibility requirements, check out www.texasveterans.com or call 800-252-VETS (8387).

Former Bandera High School grad promoted Published Feb. 14, 2008    Peggy and Jud Ashmore attended the January promotion ceremony of their son Wayne Peck at Camp Mabry in Austin. The active duty Texas National Guardsman was a 1985 graduate of Bandera High School and the first resident of Bandera County to be appointed to the United States Military Academy at West Point, where he graduated in 1985. Witnessing Peck’s promotion to the rank of major was step dad Jud Ashmore, wife Nancy and mom Peggy Ashmore. Not pictured is Peck’s 16 year-old son Brandon.

Patriotic group aids hospitalized area veterans Published Feb. 7, 2008    Members of the Hill Country Chapter of the Sons of the American Revolution recently collected and delivered two large bins of socks, underwear and toilet articles to former service men and women at the Kerrville Veterans Medical Center. Jack Javens, chaplain of the Hill Country chapter and a longtime volunteer at the hospital, and President Joseph Benham, presented the items, valued at more than $400, to Alta M. Hurst, director of volunteer services at the Kerrville facility of the South Texas Division of the Department of Veterans Affairs.     The SAR donation supplements pajamas and other items supplied by the VA to hospitalized veterans from throughout the area. The medical center serves an estimated 18,500 former servicemen and women in the Hill Country.     SAR is the nation's oldest organization dedicated to honoring and preserving the nation's heritage. The 100-member Hill Country Chapter supports veterans, recognizes outstanding community service, promotes teaching American History in the schools and respect for the American flag and affirms the nation's heritage as established by those who served the cause of the American Revolution in 1775-1783.     SAR membership is open to men descended from those who fought in the Continental Army under George Washington or in the American Navy under John Paul Jones or supported the cause of American independence by supplying weapons, food and other necessities to the colonial military.     The Hill Country Chapter meets for lunch and a program at 11:30 am, the second Tuesday of September through November and January through May.     Meetings are held at the Dietert Center, 451 Guadalupe Street in Kerrville, and all members of the SAR and the Daughters of the American Revolution are welcome to attend.     For more information on the organization, visit the websites, http://TXSSAR.org and http://SAR.org.

To 'commemorate, celebrate & honor' by Judith Pannebaker BCC Staff Writer Published Nov. 15, 2007 Attending Bandera's Veterans Day commemoration were Bandera County Judge Richard Evans, Rep. Nathan Macias, Precinct 1 Commissioner Bruce Eliker, Precinct 2 Commissioner Bobby Harris, Precinct 3 Commissioner Richard Keese, Precinct 4 Commissioner Doug King and former Bandera County Veterans Service Officer Bobby Jones. Texas District 73 Rep. Nathan Macias served as keynote speaker at the third annual Bandera Honors Veterans event, Saturday, Nov. 10. See VETS, page 5A BCC Staff Photo    Bandera County citizens gathered on the courthouse lawn to commemorate, celebrate and honor the men and women who once served — and continue to serve — in all branches of the United States Armed Forces.     Under the sponsorship of Bandera Honors Veterans, the emotional ceremony took place Saturday, Nov. 10, under gray and threatening skies that quickly turned a Hill Country Blue. During his welcoming remarks, County Judge Richard Evans quipped, "Fidel promised me it wouldn't rain and he came through on that."     Fidel Ramirez served as chairman for the annual event.     Keynote speaker was District 73 State Rep. Nathan Macias, who retired from the United States Air Force as a lieutenant colonel.     "I loved serving our nation alongside men and women dedicated to the purpose and principle that 'freedom isn't free'," he said. "The men and women were willing to do whatever it took to get the mission accomplished — even it meant giving their lives."     One of Macias' heroes was William Borden.     Although heir to his family's dairy fortune, Borden chose to be a missionary after a tour of the world — a high school graduation present from his parents. As a university student, Borden began an outreach ministry on the Yale campus and streets of New Haven, Connecticut.     Preparing for working with the Muslim Kansu people in China, he studied Arabic in Egypt.     While there, however, the 25-year-old Borden died after contracting spinal meningitis.     "Upon his death, six words were discovered penned in his cherished Bible: 'No Reserves, No Retreats, No Regrets'," said Macias. He added, "Those phrases describes the great majority of the men and women I served with and I'm sure it describes the vast majority of all veterans."     Macias spoke about his three uncles who served during World War II, describing them as "three brothers, who, in 1940, went from San Antonio, Texas, to all parts of the world to fight tyranny and secure our freedoms."     "Uncle Ricky" in the then-Army Air Corps was shot down, but luckily rescued, during the Ploesti Raid of the Romanian oil refineries. "Uncle Mac" was a highly decorated member of the Army tank corps in Central Europe, and as a Navy Seabee, "Uncle Ralph" fought in the Battle of Guadalcanal.     "In my book, they were all heroes, just like all veterans, whose lives and sacrifice we celebrate and honor on this day," Macias said.     He concluded, "We are at a strategic time in history, both as a state and as a nation. As we progress, it is imperative we remember from where we came. The fundamental principles of faith, family and freedom must remain the underpinnings of our society, economy and government.     "As we press forward, let our faith be unshakable, let our pursuit of freedom be relentless — and let it begin in our homes with our families."     At the program's conclusion, the Almost Patsy Cline Trio offered a poignant version of "America the Beautiful," of which, one line summed up the country's feelings on the day originally set aside to celebrate the conclusion of the War to End all Wars.     From sea to shining sea, America gathered to commemorate, celebrate and honor her veterans, "— who more than self their country loved and mercy more than life."

Christmas Care Packages to the Armed Forces Published Nov. 15, 2007    The Prayers, Packages, and Greetings Ministry at Bandera United Methodist Church will be mailing Christmas boxes to military men and women Wednesday, Nov. 28.     This is a three part ministry. One group prays daily for the safety of each recipient. Another group writes cheerful letters to each person. An “army” of volunteers from the church and community bake cookies, make contributions, and pack 60 to 70 boxes for shipment every two to three months.     Recipients need not be from Texas. For more information, or to submit a name for this mail out, visit the church office at 406 11th St., or phone 830-796-3849.

McGroarty receives well-earned recognition from veterans committee Published Oct. 25, 2007 Staff Photo by David Arny    Local entrepreneur James McGroarty was honored by the Bandera Honors Veterans organization Wednesday, Oct. 17, for his generous support of that group's efforts to honor former and present members of the United States Armed Forces. BHV Chairman Fidel Ramirez (left) and Bandera City Councilman Horst Pallaske (right) presented McGroarty with a plaque on the stage of his popular watering hole and music venue, the 11th Street Cowboy Bar.     BHV projects include the annual Veterans Day celebration, special fund-raising activities and the display of the Stars and Stripes on the Bandera County Courthouse lawn during national holidays.     The swinging doors of the 11th St. Cowboy Bar have been open to BHV-sponsored events since its grand opening on Labor Day weekend 2006.

Welcome home party set Saturday Published Sept. 27, 2007 Joshua Brown    Ken and Donna Brown of Wharton's Dock will host a homecoming party for their son, Josh, on Saturday, Sept. 29, at the American Legion Post 157 in Bandera. The event will be held between 5 pm and 8 pm.     Corporal Joshua Brown completed both Army Airborne and Ranger schools at Ft. Benning, Ga., then traveled to Ramstein, Germany, to receive further training as a paratrooper. He served with the US Army's 173rd Airborne Brigade Combat Team at Caserma Ederie in Vicenza, Italy, and was deployed to Afghanistan before a life-threatening illness sidetracked his military career and required him to return stateside for treatment.     Family, friends and the general public are invited to attend. Legion Post 207 is located on 12th St., on the south side of Highway 16 South, facing the Bandera Ice House. For more information, call Post Commander Bert Buckley at 830-796-4490.

Wood among top grads in class Published Sept. 27, 2007    Rhett Word, a 2006 graduate of Bandera High School, recently graduated second in his class from the Naval Aviation Ordinance School in Pensacola, Florida.     Rhett is the son of Terry and Alice Word of Medina, and the grandson of Jimmie and Coy Word, also of Medina.     Rhett, along with his wife, Kym, and daughter Bailey, will be stationed in Lemoore, California, for two years. Kym is a 2005 BHS graduate.

Quilt to be locals’ symbol of gratitude Published Aug. 30, 2007 Tracey Whitus holds up an all-American quilt made by Whitus and her friends, Carolyn Fishner and Elizabeth Stoneking. Staff Photo by David Arny    Comanche Cliffs residents and good friends Tracey Whitus, Carolyn Fishner and Elizabeth Stoneking wanted to do “something special” for US soldiers serving in the Middle East. They wanted to do something that would show the three ladies’ appreciation for the dedication and difficult work which American military personnel perform on their behalf.     “Those guys over there – they are why we are able to live free here in America,” said Whitus. The patriotic pals designed and produced an all-American quilt. Accompanying the quilt will be a king-sized thank you note signed by like-minded friends and neighbors of the thoughtful trio.     With the assistance of local individuals, the quilt is set to be shipped from Bandera to the Middle East, where it will be displayed at a yet-to-be determined American military base.

Chappelle receives ARCOM Published July 5, 2007 Sgt. Michael Chappelle    US Army Sgt. Michael Chappelle, son of Marie Chappelle of Pipe Creek, recently received the Army Commendation Medal for meritorious service. Chappelle currently serves as squad leader for the 1st Platoon, Alpha Company 1st Battalion (Airborne), 509th Infantry, at Fort Polk, Louisiana.     In part, the ARCOM citation reads, “Sgt. Chappelle’s dedication to mission, care of soldiers and selfless service set him apart from his peers and have made a major impact on the soldiers of the Alpha Company. His actions reflect great credit upon himself, the 1st Battalion (Airborne), 509th Infantry, and the United States Army.”     During his present assignment, Chappelle has served as rifle squad leader, team leader, and M240B machine gunner. He successfully completed Air Assault School, Ranger School, and the Warrior Leader’s Course. In addition, Chappelle earned the German Armed Forces Efficiency Badge and won both the battalion soldier and NCO of the Month boards.     As part of his training, Chappelle completed 10 JRTC Mission Readiness Exercises, as well as six airborne operations from a wide variety of aircraft and two live fire exercises.     In his recommendation of Chappelle for the ARCOM, Platoon Sgt. Johnny Thibodeaux, Chappelle’s supervisor, wrote, “In all of these operations (Sgt. Chappelle’s) tireless work ethic and leadership skills were a contributing factor to the unit’s overall success and mission accomplishment.”     Additionally, Chappelle consistently scored 300 on all Army Physical Fitness Tests and exceeded the standard on all 12-mile foot marches and four-mile runs. “His ability to lead by example and train to standard resulted in his squad’s APFT average increasing from an average of 255 to 275 in a three-month period,” Thibodeaux wrote.     “Sgt. Chappelle consistently strives to exceed the standard in every facet of his profession. His devotion to soldier’s training and professional development are unwavering. He has mastered the art of teaching, coaching and mentoring and will make a tremendous impact on his next unit,” Thibodeaux concluded.     The Army Commendation Medal is awarded to any member of the Armed Forces of the United States, other than General Officers, for distinguishing himself by heroism, meritorious achievement or meritorious service.     On Monday, July 9, Chappelle will return to Bandera County for a special homecoming prior to being assigned to his next duty station. After a 30-day leave, the former Pipe Creek resident will teach combat martial arts at Fort Benning, Georgia, according to his mom, Marie.

Welcome Home, Trey Published June 28, 2007 Jack (Trey) Nugent III    Jack (Trey) Nugent III returns to Bandera Friday, June 29, after completing his four-year tour with the US Navy.     A 2003 graduate of Bandera High School, Nugent competed on the state championship football team. His friends and family will welcome him home Saturday, June 30, at the Bandera Bar and Grill, and invite everyone to join in on the fun.

Marine from Medina helps takes bang out of IEDs by David Arny BCC Staff Writer Published June 14, 2007 On the job in western Iraq, Sgt. Mark Smith (left), Corpsman HM2 Ara Garabindian, Sgt. Joseph Seymour and Staff Sgt. Eric Swanson Sgt. Joseph “Joey” Seymour Jr. of the Seventh Engineering Support Battalion, First Explosives Ordinance Division, inside his unit’s mobile bomb disposal vehicle, the ‘Buffalo’    Sgt. Joseph “Joey” Seymour of Medina has a job which requires nerves of steel. The 25-year old and his fellow Marines are responsible for neutralizing unexploded ordinance in Iraq, chiefly the infamous roadside bombs referred to as Improvised Explosive Devices (IEDs).     Seymour has been a United States Marine for seven years, four of them in the Seventh Engineering Support Battalion’s 1st Explosives Ordinance Division. He attended “bomb school” at Eglin Air Force base in Pensacola, Florida, where he learned the finer points of rendering explosives harmless and staying alive while doing so. His father, Joey Sr., also of Medina, credits his son with saving an untold number of lives, those of both US soldiers and innocent Iraqi civilians.     State-of-the-art technology, including radio signal jammers, which intercepts a wireless signal to detonate; remote-controlled robots; and a vehicle known as the Buffalo to aid Seymour in his work.     According to the website of the Buffalo’s manufacturer, Force Protection Inc., of Charleston, South Carolina, “The Buffalo is the most advanced mine-resistant vehicle in the world. It can be configured for multiple missions and is specifically designed to be repaired in the field. Cutting-edge technology, combined with the best American automotive components, give this vehicle the maximum visibility, load carrying capacity, interior space and parts availability of any vehicle in its class.”     A 30-foot retractable arm on the vehicle is equipped with a closed circuit camera enables Seymour to excavate IEDs safely from behind shatterproof 5-inch thick glass. The V-shaped armored hull of the Buffalo deflects blasts outward from the 26-ton, six-wheeled monster truck, and even the tires are immune from explosions. One US Army spokesman referred to the Buffalo as “a Humvee on steroids.”     Semour and his team have been involved in over 118 operations to date, the majority of them in the volatile Anbar province. His home away from home is the sprawling Al Assad Airfield outside Baghdad. Hot meals, showers, a sleeping compartment and shelter from the almost surreal elements of summer in Iraq await him there between assignments in the field.     Recently, Seymour phoned his dad from a position in western Iraq – the exact location, he told Joey Sr., was classified. The Marine reported the temperature to be a staggering 136 degrees and his father was forced to ask him to repeat the figure, due to what he thought was a bad cellphone connection. The “bad connection” turned out to be a sandstorm.     “He told me they were trying to put up plywood wind breaks to shield themselves from that blowing sand,” said the elder Seymour. “At first, I thought it was static from the satellite transmission. I couldn’t believe that roar was from the wind.”     The decorated veteran of three tours of duty in Iraq plans to leave the USMC next year – barring any unforeseen developments – but remain in the bomb business. As an expert in handling explosives, he would like to utilize those skills by working for a police or fire department bomb squad.     Sgt. Seymour’s 23-year-old brother, Aaron, plans to enroll in medical school after completing his studies at Howard Payne University in Brownwood. His sister Abigail, 12, attends sixth grade classes at Medina Elementary School.     The Courier salutes Sgt. Joey Seymour for the selfless and dedicated service to his country he has carried out since shortly after graduating from Medina High School. This fine young American, who proudly wears a Texas flag on his flak jacket while serving in one of the most dangerous places on earth, is a genuine hero and a shining example of the Marine Corps motto, “Semper Fi” – “Always Faithful.”

Packages from Home Published June 14, 2007 Staff Photo by David Arny    Gloria Fletcher (left), Liza Parks and soon-to-be eleventh grader Raven Parks were among 29 volunteers who helped out at the Prayers, Packages and Greetings program’s quarterly box-stuffing session at Bandera United Methodist Church Monday, June 11. The boxes will be sent to 71 soldiers and sailors serving in the US armed forces overseas, hopefully arriving in time for Independence Day. Non-perishable snack foods, health care products, socks and paperback books were donated by area residents and businesses alike, mindful of the daily sacrifices made by those in uniform who serve on our behalf.    For a list of items which may be contributed for the next mail-out, to help with the shipping costs by donating a check, or to find out how a service member can be added to the list of recipients, visit the Bandera United Methodist Church office at 406 11th Street, 9 am until 1 pm, Monday through Friday. For more information, call 830-796-3849.

Aggies donate book to BHS Special to the Courier Published April 12, 2007    When their country calls, Texas Aggies answer – unfailingly and without flinching. To honor the sacrifice of thousands of Aggies who have served in all branches of the military in the past 100 years, Texas A&M University Corps of Cadets and Corps of Cadets Association have donated a copy of Texas Aggies Go to War to every high school library in the State of Texas.     Written by Henry C. Dethloff with John A. Adams Jr., the book celebrates the school's distinctive Corps of Cadets and its military contributions, in addition to honoring the individual sacrifices of its members. A total of 1,800 copies of the book have been donated to high school libraries across the state.     In the foreword, former President George H.W. Bush wrote, "Since the university's founding in 1876, Texas Aggies have provided exemplary leadership and service to their state and their county in peace and in war … Texas Aggies Go to War: In Service of Their Country is a remarkable story, one that makes me value and admire my adopted university all the more."     The book was initiated and sponsored by a group of former students who provided funding through the Texas A&M Foundation with all proceeds from sales benefiting the Corps of Cadets.     Texas Aggies Go to War is available at stores or directly from Texas A&M University Press by calling 800-826-8911 8 am to 5 pm, Monday to Friday or online at www.tamu.edu/upress. Cost is $35.

Welcome home from Iraq -- for the second time Published April 12, 2007    Bandera High School graduate Saralyn Blanchard (Shean) returned from Iraq for the second time Friday, March 30, where she was proudly serving in the United States Air Force Secruity Forces.     Her mom, little sister Kaitlyn, Grandma and Grandpa, and her Great-Nana and Great-Dah in England are all glad she is home again and proud of her. They continue to prayfor all the troops still there and for their safe homecoming.

Support the troops It's as easy as collecting coupons by Stephanie Day BCC Staff Published Feb. 8, 2007 Dan and Maria Goodvin show off some of the coupons they've collected. Staff Photo by Stephanie Day    Dan and Maria Goodvin, Winter Texans who came to Bandera three years ago and have not been able to leave, say that as fulltime RVers, they always give back to the community wherever they park their rig. Because they are limited on money, but not on heart and generous spirits, their giving is often measured by service, not in dollar amounts.     For more than a year, Maria has also been giving to U.S. military troops overseas by collecting coupons and sending them to commissaries around the world. "I always look for places where I can help. We're on a limited income. So I do what I can do. I collect can tabs for the Ronald McDonald House and recycle newspapers." (Paper recycling benefits the Boys and Girls Club in Bandera­the recycle bin is located right across the street from them­and the Lakehills Libray in Lakehills. The Lakehills recycle bin is located at Stein's Automotive.)     Collecting coupons for the military is easy, Goodvin explains. "They can use coupons that are expired by up to six months. I cut out all the coupons that I don't need. I wait until I get a bunch, then slip them into an envelope and mail them to one of the military commissaries overseas. There's a list of them on the internet. Everyone starts at the first one, so I started with the middle for our mailing. They have volunteers at the commissary that will sort the coupons. Military families don't get paid much. This really helps."     Silver Sage Corral is helping, too. Coupons may be dropped off there. Goodvin will pick up the coupons and mail them.     "It takes a lot of time," she says, "but it's something that I can do help that costs more in time than in money."     For more information on this project type in "coupons for the military" on the Internet or call Goodvin at 866-299-5352. Or, just drop off coupons at the Silver Sage Corral.     Goodvin also teaches chocolate candy and fudge making classes at the Silver Sage Corral. She is having a class today, Thursday, Feb. 8, beginning at 2 p.m.

To Iraq with love… The Bandera United Methodist Church supports U.S. military by Stephanie Day BCC Staff Published Jan. 25, 2007 The Bandera United Methodist Church is sending care packages to U.S. military personnel who are deployed. To donate items to the support ministry or to add a name to the list, call 830-796-3849. A total of 16 packages were sent out Monday, Jan. 22, along with extra packages for buddies. Since this is an on-going ministry, donations are always needed.    Care packages, sent with love and prayer, are on the way to Bandera County military personnel thanks to the Bandera United Methodist Church.     Those who know of someone in the military who is deployed should call the church at 830-796-3849.     The new church ministry sent the first group of packages for Christmas. Care packages–food, socks, health care, pens, pencils and note cards, playing cards and games, AT&T phone cards, CDs and DVDs and other welcomed items­will be sent out four to five times a year with a special emphasis on holidays. The Valentine's care packages have been assembled and are being sent now. The next batch will be sent in time for Easter.     The P,P&G team wrote in the Bandera United Methodist Church newsletter for January, "the response of gratitude from recipients of the first mail out has been amazing. This new outreach ministry has touched the hearts of our own members who are away from home and also many who did not even know where Bandera UMC is. They now know that we care, love them and are praying for them."     The Methodist church is sending care packages to those who are deployed military or attending college. Church members urge the community to become involved by adding to the list of recipients, praying for those on the list, donating items for the packages and helping assemble care packages. Even the involvement of children is welcomed: they can write notes or draw pictures.     The church office has a list of suggested items. A few of the items (besides the ones already mentioned) include chewing gum, razors and shaving cream, beef jerky, paperback books and greeting cards.     Organizers say, "contact the church office. There is a place for everyone in this ministry."

CAP participates in Wreaths Across American Contributed Published Dec. 28, 2006 Civil Air Patrol cadets Laura Zinsitz, Melissa Bannon, and Zach Bannon presented six wreaths at the Kerrville National Cemetery Dec. 14 to honor the men and women who gave their lives protecting this country.    Local Civil Air Patrol Cadets participated in the Wreaths Across America National Event Dec. 14 in Kerrville.     Cadet Staff Sergeant Laura Zinsitz from Bandera, Cadet Staff Sergeant Melissa Bannon, and Cadet Airman First Class Zach Bannon, presented the six wreaths at the Kerrville National Cemetery. The cadets and senior members were from the Kerrville Composite Squadron of the Civil Air Patrol.     This year is the 15th anniversary of Maine wreaths being donated to decorate the graves at Arlington National Cemetery in Arlington, Va., and the introduction of a new national campaign dubbed, "Wreaths Across America," that will bring the same remembrance wreaths to more than 200 veterans cemeteries and monuments across the nation.     Civil Air Patrol members and volunteers participated in the Arlington Wreath Project Dec. 14, 2005, at a finished section at Arlington National Cemetery. That helped spring the idea that other CAP squadrons should become involved.     Civil Air Patrol members from the Maine Wing's Machias Valley Composite Squadron became involved five years ago with an invitation from Corey Worcester, one of Morrill Worcester's three sons and a CAP cadet.     Morrill Worcester is the man who first started the project in 1992, his company, Worcester Wreath, faced a 4,000-wreath oversupply as the end of the season neared. Remembering a boyhood trip to the nation's capital, and the striking image of Arlington with its neat, white rows marking the graves of those who made the ultimate sacrifice, Morrill Worcester struck upon an idea.     Each year since 1992, some 5,000 wreaths have been made, decorated and loaded aboard a tractor-trailer for the long ride to Arlington. That effort started with a small handful of volunteers, who helped lay the wreaths at graveside and has now grown both in scope and recognition.     For more information about Wreaths Across America or for more information about how to get involved, go to www.wreathsacrossamerica.org.

Iraq war vet speaks in Bandera by David Arny BCC Staff Published Nov. 9, 2006    "War is an ugly thing, but not the ugliest of things; the decayed and degraded state of moral and patriotic feeling which thinks nothing worth a war, is worse."     -John Stuart Mill     Cpl. Keith Davis represents loyalty, bravery, patriotism, and service to his country. He continues to exemplify those ideals despite losing a leg due to action in Iraq.     The United States Marine addressed the Bandera Republican Women's Club Friday, Nov. 3, at their monthly luncheon held at the Silver Sage Corral. The East Texas native had spoken to a large group on only one other occasion, but the 24-year-old veteran of three tours of duty in Iraq, and recipient of two Purple Heart Medals, held the audience in rapt attention as he gave his personal account of the situation on the ground in that war-torn land. The non-profit organization Operation Comfort (see below), made the arrangements for Davis' visit to Bandera.     He told the group that a Republican electoral victory Nov. 7 was " absolutely essential" for the United States to win the war against insurgents in Iraq.     "These politicians like (Pennsylvania Democratic Congressman John) Murtha and (Massachusets Democratic Senator John) Kerry say that morale is low with the American troops there, but I don't know any of those soldiers," Davis said. He acknowledged that some of the rear- echelon troops may be somewhat less than enthusiastic about serving in Iraq, but attributed their attitudes to boredom and joked that they could be upset that they didn't have the latest video games to pass their time playing.     As for him and his fellow Marines, he said, "We're doing our job; we trained for it, we're being paid for it and we love it."     Davis said that one reason some Americans have the impression that the war has begun to spiral out of control since the fall of Saddam Hussein is because major American news outlets such as CNN often hire reporters from the Arab Al-Jazeera News Service, in his view an "anti-American" media organization, to do their field reports for them, thus focusing on the negative aspects of the war instead of the numerous positive achievements won on behalf of mainstream Iraqi citizens over the last several years.     "The average Iraqi appreciates that we're there. They have autonomy now. They give us information about where the insurgents are all the time," said Davis, noting that, if the United States pulls out of Iraq before order is restored, those Iraqis who have helped American troops "would be slaughtered" by the militias.     A scene which Davis and his Bravo Company (First Battalion, Fifth Regiment) witnessed near Baghdad convinced him of the peril faced by Iraqi civilians living under a tyrannical regime. A mass grave was uncovered by US forces near the neighborhood of Al-Jamaiya. In it were the victims of Saddam's Special Security Services; scores of unarmed civilians had been murdered in cold blood and hastily buried by their killers.     Bravo Company's first target after crossing the Kuwait/Iraq border was the Ramallah oil fields, where trenches were teeming with young Iraqi conscripts. Despite the Arab troops having been ordered by their commanders to fight to the death against the American forces, wave after wave of the Iraqi soldiers greeted them with white flags fluttering in the wind and asking the invaders "what took you so long?" according to Davis.     As his regiment advanced closer to Bagdad, the fighting became fierce at times. He recalled being in battles where it appeared that "the tracer rounds were so thick you could practically walk on them." Davis saw many of his fellow Marines wounded or lose their lives in firefights from Baghdad to Fallujah and, during his third tour of duty, in Ramadiyah.     On July 14, 2004, Davis was on night patrol in Ramadiyah when his Humvee ran over an Improvised Explosive Device (IED). He said that if the IED had detonated a split second sooner, it would have ripped apart the gas tank and more than likely set the vehicle and its occupants ablaze.     As it was, the blast inflicted less-than-critical injuries on three soldiers, including Cpl. Davis, who had initially thought that his left foot had been blown off. It was later determined that he had suffered a large laceration to his foot and three weeks later, or as Cpl. Davis put it "as soon as I could get my boot back on," he returned to active duty, carrying out missions on the mean streets of Ramadiyah.     It wasn't long, however, before a second incident took place that would end Davis' combat duties and result in his return to the United States.     While on yet another mission , he and a fellow Marine came under sniper fire from a neighborhood building. After two near misses, Davis spotted a small puff of dust on a windowsill and prepared to return fire with his M-240 Golf machine gun. At that moment, a rifle round fired from above and behind him tore through his back above the left hip and exited from the front of his leg, shattering his upper femur and severing his femoral artery.     "I knew it was bad when I saw the Corpsman (Navy medic) shaking his head and my buddy crying," Davis told the audience.     Later, he told the Courier " the exit wound was the size of a coffee can. The Corpsman couldn't put a tourniquet on the wound, so he pressed his knee on it to keep me from dying right there from blood loss. He saved my life."     Davis was stabilized in a field hospital then flown to Bethesda Naval Hospital in Maryland, where surgeons amputated his leg, and on to Brooke Army Medical Center in San Antonio where he was fitted with a prosthetic limb and where he is still receiving extensive physical therapy. He credited Operation Comfort with helping him to overcome the challenges which he now faces.     "They got me up out of bed -- they do a lot to sustain morale with the guys," he told the audience. In fact, Davis said that he learned to snow ski courtesy of Operation Comfort on a trip to Sun Valley, Idaho.     Among Davis' future plans is learning more about public speaking so he can "educate people about the real situation in Iraq." The young Marine proudly said that he was still on active duty with the Corps and would go back "without a doubt" if he could be of assistance in some capacity. He added that he was considering a future in public service, which elicited several responses of " you'll have my vote" from audience members.     Operation Comfort is an inclusive organization of psychologists, marriage and family therapists, licensed professional counselors and social workers, all of whom are donating their time and expertise to provide meaning, understanding and comfort. Therapists and family members alike are invited to participate in this collaborative effort to maintain community and connection at this time of uncertainty and heartache.     Janis Roznowski, Director and Founder of Operation Comfort, says that the organization's mission is "to create a network of mental health providers across the nation who are willing to offer their services, free of charge, to family members who have a loved one fighting in the Middle East. Whether you are a mental health care provider or have a loved one serving overseas, we welcome and invite your participation in Operation Comfort."     For more information, please visit: www.operationcomfort.org or e-mail Janis directly at jroz123@austin.rr.com.

Where are they now? Major General Daniel D. Densford by Stephanie Day BCC Staff Published June 1, 2006    Major General Daniel Densford, from Bandera, serves as the Commanding General of the Texas Army National Guard.     Prior to his current assignment, Densford served as the Deputy Assistant Adjutant General of 71st Troop Command, Camp Mabry in Austin.     He began his military career in 1967. After being commissioned as an armor officer, he served a tour with the 101st Airborne Division in Vietnam. He is a graduate of St. Mary’s University and the U.S. Army War College. He has been awarded a Bronze Star, Meritorious Service Medal and numerous other honors. He graduated from Armor Officer Advanced Course on Commandant’s List and Command and General Staff College with honors. He is active in both military and civilian organizations including the American Association of Petroleum Landmen, State Bar of Texas (he holds a law degree from St. Mary’s), National Guard Association of Texas and Lone Star Chapter, U.S. Armor Association.     Major General Densford spoke to departing National Guard members at Fort Sam Houston in March and told them that the U.S. military has contributed to “astounding freedom” in Afghanistan. “When an aircraft flew overhead before, not a light was on,” he said. “Now there are lights everywhere. This means two things: the country has electricity and the people are not afraid to turn the lights on.”     The country’s national vote last October, Densford added, was the country’s first-ever democratic election. “This was the first time since before the Soviet Union’s invasion that women voted. But it wasn’t just the vote; it’s women teaching schools and working in hospitals. Jobs that would have gotten them killed before.”     He is the son of the late Charles and Cora Densford of Pipe Creek and has two grown, married daughters and two grandchildren.     When he is not stationed for National Guard duty, Densford is an attorney for an oil leasing company.

Utopia Hero dies in Afghanistan by Stephanie Day BCC Staff Published May 25, 2006    Jeffery S. Wiekamp, 23, the son of Randy and Kathy Wiekamp of Utopia and a graduate of Utopia High School, died in a helicopter crash during combat operations in Afghanistan on May 5, 2006. Wiekamp leaves behind his bride of one year, Ashley.     Wiekamp was serving in the U.S. Army 3rd Battalion, 10th Aviation Regiment, 10th Mountain Division from Fort Drum as a helicopter mechanic. During a memorial service at St. Mary’s Christian Church, Wiekamp was praised for his professionalism and devotion to duty. The community turned out to support their local hero who was described as quick-witted and bighearted. The Wiekamps have two other sons who followed Jeffery into the military.     Wiekamp was awarded the Bronze Star and Air Medal posthumously. He was buried in the Jones Cemetery in Utopia.

Captain Jordan Vannatter returns from service Submitted by Sandra Vannatter levannatter@hctc.net Published May 25, 2006    USMC Captain Jordan Vannatter has returned to his hometown of Medina, after deployment in Iraq. As a pilot on the CH-46, Vannatter took part in some of the 1,345 sorties of more than 3,000 combat flight hours of the 22nd MEU, described in The Marine News.     He is taking a short leave to attend his brother’s winging and to visit with family and friends.     Vannatter’s unit, the Raging Bulls (261 Marine Medium Helicopter Squadron) served as a part of the 22nd MEU, Marine Expeditionary Unit, Based at Al Asad Airfield, the squadron supported Marine and Iraqi army units in Iraq’s Al Anbar province.     Squadron operations chief, Gunnery Sgt. David P. Eidem was quoted in the Marine news describing the operation. “We delivered a lot of bullets and Band-Aids, and, we also took a lot of Marines into combat on tactical insertion missions and raids. The squadron transported over 184 tons of cargo and 5,380 troops, including both the Commandant and Sergeant Major of the Marine Corps.”     Vannatter’s unit transports their helicopters and all equipment by ship. The navy played host to this large Marine contingent for about six weeks travel each direction. With email, internet service, and satellite TV, those on shipboard are able to connect to family, friends and see the Spurs play. Still, six weeks at sea is a long time, and the Marines renamed the ship USS Boring.     On the trip back, there was a stop in Djibouti, Africa for training. The pilots were able to train on terrain much like West Texas, and in conditions and winds many had not previously experienced. The training served to advance many of the aircrew’s flight leadership qualifications. The Djibouti area, with beautiful clear ocean water, volcanic lava in places, and camels on the ground was a great playground for the pilots.     Back home at the Marine Air Station in New River, North Carolina, the CH-46 will receive a work-over after being in service daily in Iraq. The fight maintenance crews worked on the birds there an average of 14 hours for each hour they were in the air. The maintenance crews while in Al Asad, put in at least 12 hours a day, seven days a week to keep copters operational.     Captain Vannatter flies the Sea Knight medium life assault helicopter (46), commonly known as the “Phrog”. HMM-261 uses them in assault support, cargo, medical evaluation, and reconnaissance roles. The birds are much older than the pilots flying them. Because of its dependability and utility, the Phrog as continued to function well in the extreme summer heat, the blowing sand, and cold winters in Iraq.     Although it set sail from the United States in November with the 22nd MEU (SOC), upon its arrival in Iraq, HMM-261 was detached to serve under its parent command – the 2nd Marine Aircraft Wing. In this capacity, the squadron has supported the MEU and other Marine and Iraqi army units in Iraq’s Al Anbar province. Once the MEU departs Iraq, the squadron will once again fall in with the unit.     In addition to the Raging Bulls, the 22nd MEU (SOC) consists of its Command Element, Battalion Landing Team 1st Bn., 2nd Marines, and MEU Service Support Group 22. The unit is conducting counterinsurgency operations in Al Anbar province Iraq with an Iraqi Army battalion under the tactical control of the 2nd Marine Division.     We have pushed off the shores of Djibouti, transited the Red Sea and passed through the Suez Canal. We are currently in the Mediterranean Sea and will be executing a port call shortly.     The training that we have conducted in Djibouti has advanced many of the aircrew’s flight leadership qualifications as also build our (as also the detachments) instructor base for the next deployment. The terrain in Djibouti is similar to what is out west in the states. There is also volcanic lava that has probably been around for thousands of years. It really is an amazingly country.

Captain Nathan Vannatter receives his wings Submitted by Sandra Vannatter levannatter@hctc.net Published May 25, 2006    Captain Nathan Vannatter received his wings on May 12, 2006, at the Aviation Designation Ceremony in Corpus Christi, Texas, at the Naval Air Station. USAF Brig. Gen. Scott E. Wuesthoff addressed the seven Naval Aviators and the ten Air Force Pilots.     The traditional pinning-on was done by Vannatter’s wife, Dusty, his children, Alyssa and Tristan, and his brother USMC Captain Jordan Vannatter. Most of the graduates had only a few family members present, but Vannatter found it was helpful if he wrote “Hometown Boy” when giving security his list of attendees.     Family and friends attending the ceremonies were Louis and Sandra Vannatter, OK Stokes, Charlie and Deena (Vannatter) Pate, Keith and Bobbie Reed, Ople Boyle, Johnny and Holly Boyle, Milam and John Boyle, Brown and Sheila Stokes, and Rev. Bill Moseley.     Capt. Vannatter completed his initial training at Vance AFB, in Enid, Oklahoma, on the single engine T-6. His class was the first to begin training with the new T- 6 “Texans.”     This second lag of the training in Corpus Christi was on the twin engine T-44; these pilots will each receive the next part of training on the type aircraft they are assigned.     Vannatter will report to Little Rock AFB, Arkansas in the fall to begin training on a C-130 Hercules. His permanent duty station will be at Dyess AFB, Abilene, Texas in the spring of 2007.     The C-130 Hercules operates throughout the U.S. Air Force, fulfilling a wide range of operational missions in both peace and war situations. Basic and specialized versions of the aircraft airframe perform a diverse number of roles, including airlift support, Antarctic ice resupply, aeromedical missions, weather reconnaissance, aerial spray missions, firefighting duties for the U.S. Forest Service and natural disaster relief missions.     Using its aft loading ramp and door, the C-130 can accommodate a wide variety of over-sized cargo, including everything from utility helicopters and six-wheeled armored vehicles to standard palletized cargo and military personnel. In an aerial delivery role, it can airdrop loads up to 42,000 pounds or use its high-flotation landing gear to land and deliver cargo on rough, dirt strips.