Tehachapi News

Happy Holidays to our active duty troops serving around the world

Al Udeid Air Base, Qatar

Senior Airman Matthew Smith, 22, of the United State’s Air Force, has served two tours in Iraq. His mother, Susan McManus, is elated to have him home for Christmas for the first time in five years.
“I’m so glad you got to come home for Christmas. I love you.”
— Mom [Susan McManus]

Fort Campbell Kentucky

“Holiday Greetings from Fort Campbell Kentucky! Thank you for all the love, prayers and support.”
— Spc. Keith Butterbredt and his wife, Spc., Lupi Butterbredt, of the U.S. Army’s 101st Airborne
The Butterbredts said they are glad to be “home” from Iraq, but they are not scheduled for leave until sometime next summer. In the meantime, Keith’s Grandmother, Roma Tilley and Mother, Gladys Williams send love and prayers back to them in Kentucky.

Luke AFB, Arizona

Senior Airman Vincent Mushrush is stationed at Luke Air Force Base in Arizona.
“We love you Vincent!”
— Dad, Brad, Brandy, Joy, Alex and Mom

Ghazni, Afghanistan

U.S. Army Spc. Matthew McCool was deployed to Afghanistan with the 10th Mountain Division, 4th Brigade, in early November. Parents Brian and Laura Wilcox, along with their daughter Heather, drove to Fort Polk, La. and spent 18 hours with Matthew before he shipped out.
Matthew’s father, Brian Wilcox, said that all his son wants for Christmas is for others to pray for him and the others serving oversees. He would also enjoy receiving letters from friends and family.

Maryland and Florida

After saying goodbye to their son, the Wilcox family then continued on to Aberdeen, Maryland, where their daughter Heather married her high school sweetheart and recent THS graduate Pfc. Fortune Steele, now serving in the U.S. Marines.
The Wilcox’ also have a nephew, Nathaniel Kieffer, of the USMC, who is stationed in Pensacola, Fla.
“Our house is empty this year at Christmas, but our hearts are filled with love and joy for our children and we’re looking forward to seeing them soon.”
— Brian and Laura Wilcox

The Persian Gulf

Seaman Nicholas Manning of the U.S. Navy is serving as a fireman-damage dontrol aboard the USS Comstock in the Persian Gulf.
“We would like to wish our son Nicholas Manning a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year. We pray God will be with him, keep him safe and bring him home soon, as we miss him very much.”
— Jed, Susan, Chad, Kaitlyn and Michael Manning

The Republic of Yemen

Pfc. Eric Morin of the U.S. Army is stationed in Yemen, with Company 513, where he works as a supply runner, bringing much needed items to troops serving in Iraq. Morin will most likely be part of the delivery team for the ten large care packages collected by members of the local VFW and American Legion Auxiliaries, including his grandmother, Maryann Hester, The care packages contain socks, toiletries, baked goodies, stationery and other miscellaneous items that were shipped off to the troops serving in Morin’s unit as well as USMC unit 4116, currently serving on the front lines in Iraq.

Vilseck Germany 

Pfc. Chris Perkins, of the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers and his wife Heather are expecting their first child on Valentine’s Day, 2007. Chris’ unit has not been deployed yet, and will not be coming back to the states for at least another two years, said Chris’ mom, Laurie Perkins, who has arranged for the couple to receive the Tehachapi News in Vilseck, Germany, where Chris is stationed.
The proud grandparents-to-be wanted to wish the couple a very “Merry Christmas.” Or, “Frohe Weihnachten!”
— From the Perkins and Ventura families

Baghdad

Sgt. Alexander Victorino, USMC is serving his second tour somewhere near Baghdad. His mom, Theresa Zalewski worked with volunteers from the local VFW and American Legion Auxiliaries to send care packages to her son’s unit.
“We love you and we are so proud of you and are praying for your safe return home.”
— Love, Mom

San Diego

Chief Warrant Officer George Heath is stationed onboard the Coast Guard Cutter Chase, out of San Diego. He graduated in 1989 from Tehachapi High School, and married his wife, Torey, in 1990. The couple have two children, Brendyn, 12, and Breelyn, 7. His ship just returned on Dec. 8 from a three month patrol.
“We are so very proud of him. We love all of his stories about the places he has been. We are also very glad to have him home just in time for the holidays.”
— Torey Heath

Kuwait

Seaman Christopher Minton is an E5 in the U.S. Navy, currently serving in Kuwait.
“Hey Chris! It's simply not the same around here without you! We need someone to here to raid the fridge, soda, and cookie jar! Can't wait to see you again. We love and miss you and are so very proud of you. Love and prayers,”                                                                      
— Dad, Mom, Mike, Cole, Katie, and Amy

Nuristan, Afghanistan

Staff Sgt. Erik Mathiasen is currently serving in Afghanistan as a medic with the U.S. Army’s Provincial Reconstruction Team (PRT) in Nuristan. His tour will end in April, 2007. Erik has served two tours in Iraq and is hoping his next assignment will take him to England where he also hopes to be reunited with his wife Tina, and children Erika and Katrina. His home station is currently Edwards Air Force Base.
“We miss you and we’re proud of you and our prayers are with you every day.”
— Leif and Lisa Mathiasen, proud parents

29 Palms

Cpl. David F. Lara, USMC is currently based at 29 Palms. David has served two tours in Iraq, where he was injured twice, receiving two Purple Hearts. His mom is happy that he will be home for Christmas.
“To our son David, thank you for your service to our great country. We are thankful to still have you with us, after all you have been through. We love you very much.”
— Mike and Beverly Lara

Okinawa, Japan

Cpl. Jason Sanford, USMC was deployed to Okinawa on July 10, for six months. He was deployed to Iraq in 2005, where he was wounded and honored with the Purple Heart. He will be home the first or second week of January.
“In appreciation for your sacrifice, you are truly our hero and we love you so much. May God continue to watch over you.”
— Proud parents, Mark and Philicia McCormack

Fort Polk, Louisiana

Spc. Jacob M. Frias of the U.S. Army is currently stationed in Fort Polk, La. Jacob just returned to the states in August after serving his second tour of duty in Iraq. He is expected to be home on-leave for the holidays.
“We love you and we are very proud of you.”
— Mom, Dad, Ben, Vanessa, Gabe and his family, Ezekiel and Sarah

Arlington, Washington

Sgt. Ian Willett is stationed in Arlington, Wash. Ian has served two tours in Iraq and his wife Crystal has done a phenomenal job of caring for their two children, Mik, 5, and Baya, 3, during his absences.
“We love you and are so proud of you both. You truly are modern day heroes. We can’t wait to see you in the New Year!”
— Love, Dad, Carin, Michael and Ruby