Image Up Advertising & Design

| LIFE IN SOLERA | SEPTEMBER 2025 | 39 Over the years, the Support Our Troops care package project has evolved to meet the changing needs of our service members. In 2005, and for several years afterward, many troops were fighting in Iraq and Afghanistan. Most of them were stationed on small Forward Operating Bases, called FOBs. These bases were temporary sites with very little support for the troops. They were extremely grateful for anything we sent, especially food, snacks, and hygiene items. They also requested candy and small toys to give to local children. Additionally, they wanted items to help pass the time. We sent various card games, and for those setting up temporary golf driving ranges, we shipped golf balls and clubs. During that period, we mailed 85 sets of golf clubs. However, golf clubs and balls are no longer needed. On more established bases, troops often requested clothing for children. We sent many boxes of clothing, sometimes weighing 40 to 50 pounds. Throughout this time, the people of Solera donated items and organized events to cover postage costs. About 12 years ago, I began experiencing spine issues. Solera volunteers started taking on more of the workload, and this continued for roughly six years until I required emergency spine surgery on August 1, 2019. Unfortunately, the surgery did not go well. I lost the use of my legs and was transferred to a specialized rehab hospital to relearn how to walk. After a month of physical therapy, seven days a week, I was able to return home in a wheelchair or using a walker. Then, I spent several years in outpatient therapy. Today, I still face walking and balance challenges. Throughout this period, Solera volunteers have stepped up consistently. The Support Our Troops care package project could not operate without you. You are the heart of this project. THANK YOU, SOLERA, for keeping this program alive and sending over 5,600 individual care packages. GOD BLESS YOU ALL. ~ Jesse Donardt SUPPORT OUR TROOPS VETERAN ASSISTANCE FLAG BRIGADE 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 for, contact Mitch at (951) 797-0800. There were no occasions to raise the Flags in August. The Flags will be raised in September for Labor Day on 08/29/25, for Patriots Day on 9/10/25 and for National POW/MIA Day on 9/18/25. 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. Contact for the Flag Brigade is Nick Gercis, nick.gercis@ gmail.com. To all veterans, THANK YOU FOR YOUR SERVICE! Flag schedule for 2025 Labor Day: Mon., Sept. 1 - up 8/29, down 9/2 Patriots Day: Thurs., Sept. 11 - up 9/10, down 9/15 National POW/MIA Day: Fri., Sept. 19 - up 9/18, down 9/22 Veterans Day: Tues., Nov. 11 - up 11/10, down 11/12 Pearl Harbor Day: Sun., Dec. 7 - up 12/5, down 12/8

• Cover