A week ago Sgt. Chris Barnes of Fresno sent a shout out on Facebook asking for a few folks to help him meet his fundraising goal as part of the USO Team running the 2010 New York City Marathon two weeks ago ... I suspect some of folks who meant to contribute forgot or maybe procrastinated, like me. So today, I pony'ed up! Perhaps you’d like to join me. If you’re on the fence read a little bit about this guy who continues to wear the uniform while having a great ride along the path he’s chosen. If afterward you think you’d like to pony up, here’s Chris’s link to the 2010 USO Marathon Team website.
He began his military service with the U. S. Army Rangers for four years. When he returned to civilian life Chris joined the Army Reserves. His unit was called to active duty shortly after on 9/11. He’s been serving on active duty ever since.
He’s been Mr. Universe, Conan the Barbarian, and, of course, The Terminator. Now, Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger has a new title, San Joaquin Valley Warrior. That’s how the termed out Governor was celebrated in speeches, a song, and videos last week at a special event at the Convention Center Exhibit Hall in Downtown Fresno. Schwarzenegger was even presented with a parting gift from the event organizers: a Terminator-style leather jacket with the words “San Joaquin Valley Warrior” blazing across the back.
For the first time in sixteen years, George Radanovich says he just sat in front of the TV and watched election coverage on November 2nd… no parties, no balloons, and no speeches. The retiring Congressman from Mariposa was not on the ballot for the first time since 1994. One year ago, he made a decision not to seek re-election and instead, focus on his ailing wife’s health and his young son. Ethie Radanovich lost her courageous battle with ovarian cancer only a few months later. Radanovich endorsed State Senator Jeff Denham in the primary and Denham easily won election to the 19th Congressional district seat on Election Night.
20th Congressional at a standstill: Kings Co has only released vote by mail ballots. It may be another hour before Kings Co Elections releases an update on other ballots counted. In the meantime... Vidak leads by 813 votes and a few more precincts still being counted in other counties.
10:29pm
As suspected... the California Secretary of State's Elections result page/website crashed earlier tonight... delaying the vote tallies for at least one hour after the polls closed. Spokesperson says "heavy traffic" is to blame.
Fresno Co Registrar Victor Salazar projected 54-56% voter turnout. Action News Reporter Corin Hoggard says Salazar now believes it will be much higher in Fresno County and across the state.
Voter turnout in California was projected to be 60%.
Picture yourself thousands of miles from home, in a war zone with the Holiday Season on the horizon. Mail call arrives and your name is shouted out. You have a package from your home town in the Central Valley.
In downtown Fresno, just across the street from the old ‘Water Tower’ is a piece of history not to be missed, The Legion of Valor Museum.
The men and women who to take its financial responsibility as well as the volunteer docent role are for the most part veterans of America’s wars and conflicts. Age accompanies their wisdom but all the will in the world can’t change the years they’ve lived or minimize a moment of their worth to us all.
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