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| LIFE IN SOLERA | MAY 2022 | 23 A retired Marine lives just around the corner from my house. Each time I turn the corner, it is a pleasure to see his flags (inset left). He has them well lit so day or night, it is a good sight. They say, "Once a Marine, always a Marine. In 2019, I was supporting some Marines in Afghanistan. Their assignment was the security of one of the two airbases we had in that country. In Afghanistan, there are a lot of rug manufacturing factories, large and small. The Marines decided to have, what they called a "WAR RUG" made, so that each member of the unit would have a souvenir of their Afghan stay. They did their own designing with the map of the country as a central point. They honored me by sending me one of their rugs (see below). As my den is small (the only room that I have a say in decorating) and already filled with books, pictures, and plaques, my wife suggested I put it in the garage. You know, she made the same suggestion years ago when we lived in our prior house when I brought home a deer rack from a hunting trip. That's okay; I spend a lot of time in the garage. On to a more pressing topic. We need some type of fundraiser for postage money. Several people have suggested a Bunco event. That would be something that would not be too labor intensive. Our Recreation Director, Amanda Morgan, said she would be glad to sell tickets at the office. I could visit the various Bunco groups to sell tickets also. But I haven't had anyone, thus far, willing to take it on. If you are an "organizer," and would be interested in this project, or any other, please give me a call. My contact information is (951) 845-9028, cell (951) 892-6635, or email jdd39@verizon.net. Thank you for caring. ~ Jesse Donardt SUPPORT OUR TROOPS There were no occasions in April to raise the flags. The flags will be raised on Fri., May 20 for Armed Forces Day, and Mon., May 30 for Memorial Day. Thank you to those few dedicated resident volunteers who are up "at the crack of dawn" on these special days to put up and take down our flags. To contact the Flag Brigade, email Nick Gercis at nick.gercis@gmail.com. When you see the flags out in the community, take a minute and look at the columns or poles that they are mounted on. There are plaques mounted for each flag. They contain information on service members (some that are family members of Solera residents), service members that donated flags (some flown at military facilities, including overseas), and some plaques that honor those that have passed. We fly the flags to thank and honor all those who have served, are serving, and will serve to protect our freedom. Jesse Donardt is a resident of Solera and someone who cares for our troops overseas. Jesse collects things that our troops need and enhances the morale and well-being of these troops worldwide by shipping care boxes containing items specifically requested by them. Please support Jesse and the SUPPORT OUR TROOPS program. Jesse can be reached at 951-845-9028. To all veterans, THANK YOU FOR YOUR SERVICE! Billy (Mitch) Mitchell is a resident and veteran who has voluntarily worked with individuals and the Veterans Administration (VA) in order to assist veterans in obtaining veteran benefits. If you are a veteran and interested in finding out which benefits you may be eligible to obtain, contact Mitch at (951) 797-0800. FLAG BRIGADE VETERAN ASSISTANCE Billy (Mitch) Mitchell is a resident and veteran who has voluntarily worked with individuals and the Veterans Administration to assist Veterans in obtaining benefits. If you are a Veteran and want to know which benefits you may be eligible to maintain, contact Mitch at (951)-797-0800.

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