Remembering Military Spouses
By Ventura Tounsel, Commander
Hello neighbors and friends. Once again, spring is here and now is a great time to help our students learn more about our country and the sacrifices many continue to make today supporting and defending her. May times we hear about our fallen heroes and veterans but there is another group that sometimes gets forgotten about. These are our support systems back home that keep things going while we are away and ensure we have a safe, comforting place for us to return to when we get back. Thy often have to sacrifice their own careers and dreams as we travel across the world serving our nation. This is the military spouse. But in this article, I want to tell you about a group of people within that group.
On April 5, 1945, a group of four widows met in New York City. One week later, President Franklin D. Roosevelt died and shortly after, First Lady Eleanor Roosevelt joined what would be known as the Gold Star Wives of America. Gold Star Wives of America, Inc. was chartered as a non-profit organization in December 1945.
Gold Star Wives Day was first commemorated on December 18, 2010, through a Senate resolution with support from the Gold Star Wives of America, Inc. It is a day to remember and pay respect to the surviving husbands and wives of the fallen of the U.S. Armed Forces and thank them for all they’ve given. Since 2012, the Senate has passed a resolution designating April 5 as Gold Star Wives Day. As we all know, more and more women are serving in harm’s way and this has resulted in a very important change that promotes inclusion. Per recent guidance by the Department of the Army, this day is now observed as Gold Star Spouses Day.
Remember the spouses of the fallen by sending a card, making a phone call or visiting them in person. Treat them to coffee and ask them to share stories about their spouse who gave their life for us and our nation. The Men and Women of McCulloch-Wagner Post 109 would like to honor any Gold Star Spouses in our community during our Annual Memorial Day Service. If you would like to participate, please email me at al109commander@gmail.com.
Saturday May 1st is Wildfire Community Preparedness Day
By Charlotte Herdliska, Fire Marshal, Corona de Tucson Fire Department
As you may already know our Arizona grass fires tend to be very hot and fast burning. I am asking the Vail Voice to re-print this again for those that are new to our area or missed this publication last year.
Time to Spring Clean Your Outdoor Space.
The easiest way to beat these fires, is to create a fire break in front of the fire. A fire break is a clear space where there is little to no fuel: grass (or very short grass) or brush, low hanging tree limbs, wood piles, or other combustibles to burn, this deprives the fire of fuel, reduces flame length and slows the growth of the fire.
I have listed a few things you can do to help save your property and be Firewise:
*Low hanging branches: trim your trees so you have a 4-5 foot clearance from the ground.
*Debris in your rain gutters: clean out. One small ember can ignite leaf litter in your gutters.
*Remove flammable materials: (firewood stacks, propane tanks) within 30 feet of your
home’s foundations and outbuildings, including garages and sheds. If it can catch fire, don’t let it touch your house, deck or porch.
*Keep your roof clean of debris. Flat roofs can have wind-blown debris in the corners.
*Remove combustibles from your porch, deck or patio: chairs, table, rugs, cushions, anything that will burn.
*Have an evacuation plan, review your route out and talk to your neighbors.
Keep your home and property safe but remember, YOUR safety comes first!
Is your home safe from wildfire?
Please contact your local Fire Department for information on Firewise Communities and a FREE Firewise property survey: Corona de Tucson Fire: FM Charlotte Herdliska: 520-762-9370 cherdliska@coronafire.org; Rincon Valley Fire: 520- 647-3760
