The Front Page
The Risk is Real - Serving our Country
Remembering those that have served and those that are serving our country.
You know sometimes it doesn't hit you until it is personal.
Please remember these Santa Anna folks that are serving our country in military combat, training, or support: Maricela (Marty) Siller, Clay Stewardson, Eddie Dawson, Ike Garza, James Watson, Austin Voss, Randy Casey, Mike Montgomery II, Mark Rutherford, Allen Tucker, James Culpepper, Shane Watson, Brandon Beloat, Glen Donham, and Jeffrey Watson.
1827 American soldiers or sailors have died in Operation Enduring Freedom as reported by the
Department of Defense and the
Iraq Coalition Casualty Count. Pray for our country, its' leaders, and our soldiers and sailors.
Please remember the many serving as volunteers for various groups and those that may be working for the media or one of the many Department of Defense contractors that have employees in support roles in Iraq including Santa Anna's Jason Dane. These folks are serving an important part in the rebuilding of Iraq and the danger is just as great if not more for them as it is for soldiers.
The
Iraq Coalition Casualty Count has also tracked the deaths of 91 American contractors working in Iraq so the risk is real.
Many service men and women return home safely. Operation Tribute to Freedom Homecoming Photographs.
We must never forget the sacrifices of men and women serving our country from all generations. Tex Wright recently sent me this information:
The Coleman County Historical Commission has started work on a new project.
Since this year is the 60th anniversary of the end of WWII, we (Texas Historical Commission statewide) have started a project to honor the ones who served.
We (I) have set up a Web Page to keep people posted on what is being done and to ask for their help in remembering those Men and Women.
The Web Page is:Coleman County Historical Comm.
WW2 Commemorative Activities
Othal Warnock
Othal Warnock, another of my service station customers passed away this week. Cindy called me at work Thursday to tell me. There is a complete obituary at ColemanNews.com.
I remember when Mrs. Warnock first moved to town, I think from May, and she was wanting to find someone to take care of her car. I think she was a little hesitant to move here but her son, O.D. Warnock was living here. She would travel back to May alot at first to visit her friends and she wanted her car to be in good shape. I wish that I could have been around all of that time to make sure it was. She went to our church at First Baptist and quickly made lots of friends. She visited with Cindy often at City Hall.
Please remember the Warnock family as they mourn their loss.
Othal Warnock, gone but not forgotten.
Ira loses player in tragic accident.
One of my old football Coaches sons, Toby Goodwin, who is a coach in Ira lost a player in a tragic swimming accident this past week.
Michael Jared "Sunshine" Bailey, 16, of Ira died Wednesday, Aug. 3, 2005 at Covenant Medical Center in Lubbock. Services will be 11 a.m. Saturday at the Roy H. Sallee Gymnasium in Ira. Bell-Cypert-Seale Funeral Home, Snyder.
Bailey was apparently swimming with a church group at the Colorado City Lake when he broke a vertebra in his neck. Please pray for the Bailey family, Toby, and the other players, coaches, and other folks from Ira.
Back to School
Well it is almost that time... time for school to start soon.
Have you got all your school supplies yet?
I saw a list in the Coleman paper but I haven't seen one online yet.
And what a great weekend to do some "Back to School" shopping as it is "Sales Tax Holiday" for school supplies and other related items. See the State Comptroller's Sales Tax Holiday website for a short list and a link to a complete list of tax free items.
Friday the 5th will be the first volleyball scrimmage versus Hico in Santa Anna.
For a complete schedule of all school activities see the Santa Anna ISD's website.
Someone, Katrina Guerrero I think, has done a great job keeping everything on the school's website up to date and especially the calendars and schedules. So many school web sites are out of date or unusable.
You might be from Santa Anna if..
Cindy came up with this week's "You might be from Santa Anna if.."
You might be from Santa Anna if you have chicken on your front porch and nobody really thinks anything unusual about it!
I wonder whatever happened to..? - Followup
A few weeks ago my "used to be lawyer friend" from Snyder, Mike Hartman, and I were wondering whatever happened to Casey Anderson?
Well I wasn't real sure about where Casey was living or what she was doing these days even though her Dad, Norman, is one of my close by neighbors. Her Brother, Joey now of Meunster Texas, ran across it and gave us a little update:
I ran across your note about Casey, my sister. Casey is doing well. She has a son, Morgan (12), and a daughter Johanna (10)and is enjoying life in Austin. She manages an assisted living facility, but mostly just enjoys raising her family.
She comes to Santa Anna probably once a year to see our dad, who has become Pop over time. I see her occasionally and we enjoy talking about our simple childhood in Santa Anna.
Hmm.. "simple childhood in Santa Anna"?.. I believe Joey may have hit the nail on the head and maybe that is one of the secrets about growing up in Santa Anna. It may be why some of us stay, some of us go, and even why some of come back every once in a while.
Speaking of Mike Hartman, I read in the Coleman newspaper where he was in our town recently for a Hartman family reunion.
Thanks for "wondering" Mike and thanks to Joey for keeping us up to date on an old Santa Annan. Hmm.. I think I may have just coined a new phrase or maybe picked up on an old one... I guess if Austin can have Austinites, Abilene can have Abilenians, and San Angelo can have San Angeloans, Santa Anna can have Santa Annans.
I didn't get around to the whatever happened to the Class of 65 this week but I will work on it a little more next week.
A couple of Milestones Reached
As SantaAnnaNews.com approaches one year old next week there have been a couple of notable milestones reached this past Tuesday.
The first one is one that I don't like to report all that much and that is the American Casualties in Iraq has just gone past 1800. This Yahoo/AP story gives some details about the attack and also says that the death toll for Iraqi's is over 2700 since April 1st.
As I have said before I don't think that it is really worth a single American life but I am supportive of those that are doing there jobs and serving our country. I am also respectful of our President and have faith that he knows a lot more about what is going on than he can tell us. I am sure that there is a bigger picture than just the war in Iraq. The picture is changing in that part of the world. This week saw the passing of the King of Saudi Arabia which is certain to have some affect in the region and around the world.
Along these similar lines the President of Russia, Vladimir Putin, said in a recent CBS interview, "Democracy cannot be exported to some other place. This must be a product of internal domestic development in a society," says Putin. "But if the U.S. were to leave and abandon Iraq without establishing the grounds for a united country, that would definitely be a second mistake."
I believe that he is alluding to the invasion of Iraq being the first mistake.
Now for the good milestone.. also on Tuesday SantaAnnaNews.com went over 20,000 hits on The Front Page. When this all began I never dreamed that it would have gone this far. I will have more next week about where SantaAnnaNews.com and I are headed, but for now I would just like to say, as I try to say to all that e-mail me,
"Thanks for coming by SantaAnnaNews.com and come back soon!"
Off to College
Please send your "Off to College" and other news about Santa Anna folks to news@santaannanews.com.
Office of the Press Secretary
July 31, 2005
President Addresses 2005 National Boy Scout Jamboree
Fort A.P. Hill
Fort A.P. Hill, Virginia
THE PRESIDENT: Daniel, thank you for your introduction. It's such an honor to be here. Laura and I join Americans across our country in extending our sympathy and prayers to the families of the Scout leaders who lost their lives so tragically earlier this week. The men you lost were models of good citizenship, leaders who stepped forward to serve a good and selfless cause. As Scout leaders they devoted themselves to helping young men develop the character and skills they need to realize their dreams. These men will always be remembered for their leadership and kindness. And you Scouts honor them by living up to the ideals of the scouting they served.
Daniel, I want to thank you for your introduction. I appreciate the Scouts picking a fellow Texan to introduce me. (Applause.)
I want to thank Congresswoman Jo Ann Davis for her leadership. I don't know if you realize this, but she sponsored legislation in the House of Representatives to ensure that the Boy Scouts are granted equal access to public lands. (Applause.)
I want to thank the President of the Boy Scouts, John Cushman; Roy Williams, the Chief Scout Executive; Fran Olmstead, the Chairman of this fantastic jamboree. I also want to thank Major General Jay Yingling, who is the Commander of the -- Fort A.P. Hill. General, thank you and all your troops for making sure this jamboree was a great success. (Applause.)
Here at the 16th National Scout Jamboree, you're carrying on a tradition that dates back almost seven decades. President Franklin Roosevelt came to the first jamboree in 1937. I don't think he rode in the same kind of helicopter I did, though. (Laughter.) You know, I was looking forward to coming last week, but the thunderstorms got in the way. So I appreciate the rain check. (Laughter and applause.) It's a fantastic sight to look out on more than 30,000 young men wearing the uniform of the Boy Scouts. (Applause.)
At this base there are Scouts from all 50 states, plus Puerto Rico, Guam, the Virgin Islands, and countries from all around the world. (Applause.) As a former Cub Scout from Midland, Texas, I'm especially glad to be here with the Texas Scouts. (Applause.) Sounds like you brought a big delegation this year. (Applause.)
Coming to this jamboree gives me great confidence in the future of our nation. For nearly a hundred years, Boy Scouts have set a high standard of service and duty to God and country. Millions of Americans have pledged the Scout oath: On my honor, I'll do my best. And through the generations, Scouts have made America a stronger and better nation. (Applause.)
Scouts have excelled in fields from science to business to education to the arts. Scouts have earned Olympic Gold Medals, Nobel Prizes and Academy Awards. Thousands of Scouts have shown the highest form of patriotism, by going on to wear the uniform of the United States military. (Applause.)
The first Scout Jamboree was held in Washington, D.C. The Scouts have felt at home in the Nation's Capital ever since. More than half of the current members of the United States Congress participated in the Scouts. One of the capital's most famous Scouts is President Gerald Ford. (Applause.) He first saw Washington just a few years after he earned his Eagle badge, and eventually became the first Eagle Scout to call the White House his home. (Applause.)
As President, I have the privilege to work with Scouts every day. When I come to the Oval Office in the morning, the first person I see is a Scout -- my Chief of Staff, Andy Card, from the state of Massachusetts. (Applause.) Down the hall is Vice President Dick Cheney, a Boy Scout from Casper, Wyoming. (Applause.) And across the river at the Pentagon sits an Eagle Scout from Illinois who Americans count on to "be prepared" -- Secretary of Defense Donald Rumsfeld. (Applause.)
These Scouts have a lot of things in common, and one of the most important is that they all benefited from the influence of a caring adult early in their lives. Across America, Scoutmasters and volunteers devote long hours to building the knowledge and integrity of our Scouts. It's not always an easy job. When I was a Cub Scout, my mother was our den mother. It's about the time her hair turned white. (Laughter.) I want to thank the Scoutmasters of America and the volunteer Scouters for taking the time to care. I want to thank you for your leadership, and thank you for setting such a good example for a new generation of Scouts. (Applause.)
When you join a Scout troop and put on the Boy Scout uniform you make a statement. Your uniform is a sign that you're a certain kind of citizen -- trustworthy, loyal, helpful, friendly, courteous, kind, obedient, cheerful, thrifty, brave, clean and reverent. (Applause.) These are the values of scouting, and they're important values for America. By working to live up to them, you're bringing great credit to yourselves and to our nation.
Coming to this jamboree is a great way to practice the values of Scout law. And when you get back home there are a few lessons you might keep in mind. The first one is one you've probably heard before, and it's one of the most valuable lessons I've learned -- listen to your mother. (Applause.) I didn't have much choice -- Mom always has a way of speaking her mind. When I paid attention, I benefited. And that's how it still works. Listen, you may not always agree with your mother, but think of it this way: The first voice you heard is always worth listening to.
Second, always remember where you come from and what you believe. At times, you may come across people who say that moral truth is relative, or call a religious faith a comforting allusion. They may question the values you learn in scouting. But remember, lives of purpose are constructed on the conviction there is right and there is wrong, and we can know the difference. (Applause.)
In the years ahead you will find that indifferent or cynical people accomplish little that makes them proud. You'll find that confronting injustice and evil requires a vision of goodness and truth. You'll find that many in your community, especially those younger than you, look to you as an example of conduct and leadership. For your sake, and for the sake of our country, I hope you'll always strive to be men of conviction and character. (Applause.)
Finally, your life will grow in meaning when you serve a cause greater than yourself. There's a wise saying: We make a living by what we get; we make a life by what we give. (Applause.) That truth is expressed well in the Scout slogan: Do a good turn daily. (Applause.) When you help someone in need, you're making America more hopeful, one heart and one soul at a time. And you're answering the call to love a neighbor just like you'd like to be loved yourself. (Applause.)
Every day, every day Scouts are showing that the greatest strength of America lies in the hearts and souls of our citizens. Through your Good Turn for America initiative, Scouts have given more than 1.4 million hours of volunteer service this year alone. (Applause.) In Nebraska, Scouts have made more than 11,000 pocket-size flags to send to troops serving overseas. (Applause.) In California, Boy Scouts donated money they raised for summer camps to help victims of the tsunami in Asia. (Applause.) In Louisiana, Scouts collected five tons of food to donate to a food bank. (Applause.) In Florida, Boy Scouts and Cub Scouts worked together to clean up the roads before the Super Bowl. (Applause.) And right here at the National Jamboree, Scouts are working with Habitat for Humanity to build a home for a Virginia family in need. (Applause.) On behalf of a grateful nation, I thank the Boy Scouts for serving on the front line of America's armies of compassion. (Applause.)
Another organization devoted to service is USA Freedom Corps. I created the USA Freedom Corps in 2002 to match willing volunteers with opportunities in their communities. If you're interested in serving America, if you're listening to my speech today to the Boy Scouts, call up USAFreedomCorps.gov to find out ways that you can join other kind-hearted Americans across our nation to mentor children, to assist the elderly, to clean up the neighborhoods and perform countless acts of generosity. (Applause.) This year, Laura is going to work with organizations like the Boy Scouts to lead an initiative called Helping America's Youth.
The Boy Scouts are recognizing our call to service with a special honor. I was pleased to accept the Good Turn for America award on behalf of the millions of volunteers all across our country who are helping this country be a hopeful place. (Applause.) By making a commitment to service, to integrity, and to good citizenship, all of you are showing your gratitude for the blessings of freedom.
You also understand that freedom must be defended, and I appreciate the Scouts' long tradition of supporting the men and women of the United States military. (Applause.) Your generation is growing up in an historic time, a time when freedom is on the march, and America is proud to lead the armies of liberation. (Applause.) I believe we're laying the foundations of peace for decades to come.
And that's not the only reason I'm optimistic about the decades ahead, because I'm standing in front of America's future leaders. When you follow your conscience, and the ideals you have sworn as a Scout, there is no limit to what you can achieve for our country. (Applause.) Continue to make right choices in life; continue to set high standards; continue to be a leader.
Thanks for hosting me tonight. May God bless you all, and may God continue to bless the United States of America. (Applause.)
Santa Anna Library's 2005 Reading Program
Story and photos submitted by Tex Wright
The Reading Club of the Santa Anna Library held the final meeting of 2005. This was a visit to the country of Peru. Boys and girls learned about the most important animal of that country.
A favorite party game in South America is the piñata. Boys and girls had great fun and worked hard to break our piñata.
Chase McIver takes a swing at the piñata
Mrs. Margaret Schultz brought her spinning wheel and taught club members about the hair (not fleece) of the llama. She made the hair into yarn and showed examples of the cloth made from this yarn.
Mr. & Mrs. Pat McClatchy and granddaughter Cressie introduced Lacy Llama (Midnight Lace). Every child had the opportunity to pet Lacy. She in turn gave light kisses to all.
Pat McClatchy and Lacy Llama
Maybe Lacy is so loving because of her human family.
Cressie McClatchy and Lacy Llama
Dr. Jerry Shultz discussed the way Lacy walks, Works, and how she resembles a camel.
Dr. Jerry Shultz
This year’s program theme was "Going Wild with Animals"
From the study of the North Pole we had two polar bears. Winners of these were Jennifer Castruita and Noah Garza. Thanks to Mrs. Claudell Potter and Mrs. Marie Silvis for the donation of these bears.
The other two animal areas visited were Africa (a jungle of stuffed animals) and Under the Sea. There they met and petted Larry the Live Lobster.
Larry the Lobster
Members who met their goals were in a drawing.
Tickets for the Abilene Zoo were awarded to Jacey Sparks and Trace Garrett. Tickets to Frontier Texas were awarded to Sarah Pelton and Christina Diaz. Tickets to the Grace Museum went to Christian Castruita. All of these tickets were donated by funds from the book sale and friends of the library.
Winner of both the gum drop and the fish guessing games was Sierra Guerrero.
Lucas Diaz and Courtney Lishka were co-winners of the chalk drawing contest.
Sidewalk Chalk Artists
Tickets to Schlitterban were donated by KTXS TV of Abilene. They were won by Makalah Morris.
Every one received a coupon for an ice cream cone from Dairy Queen. Seven were donated by KTXS, the rest were donated by Santa Anna Dairy Queen.
Each boy and girl in the program received a book from the Library. Also each received a poster, pencils, and coloring books from Prevention Resource Center (Rudy Seals) in Abilene.
The Junior High Cheer Leaders were essential helpers at every turn. Thanks to Shasta Bacon, Sarah Herrod, Loren Pritchard, Sierra Guerrero, Laken Herod, and Paige Guerrero.
Other junior leaders were Becca Fellers, Caleb Absher, Sarah Pelton, Jordan Washington, and if we missed any one please let us know.
Adults who were volunteer leaders were Mrs. Delma Blair, Mrs. Billy Wheatly, Mrs. Gretchen Mize, Mrs. Pat Morris, Mrs. Marie Silvis, Mrs. Betty Key, Mrs. Ovella Williams. Tex Wright was photographer for the event.
Volunteers check books in and out
The Club will meet again in the summer of 2006. Come Talk Sports.
Come by the Santa Anna Library anytime for good books.
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