Gov. Jerry Brown has announced the appointment of Coby Petersen, 50, of Wilton, as the deputy secretary of Veterans Homes at the California Department of Veterans Affairs.

Petersen is a retired U.S. Army Colonel. He was the senior army advisor to the U.S. Army Adjutant General of California from 2010 to 2014, chief of future operations in the 3rd U.S. Army, Kuwait from 2009 to 2010 and brigade and battalion commander of the U.S. Army 174th Infantry Brigade from 2006 to 2009.

Petersen was the deputy fire support coordinator for the 3rd Marine Division, U.S. Pacific Command from 2003 to 2006 and served in multiple positions for the 1st Infantry Division, Germany of the U.S. Army from 2000 to 2003, including battalion executive officer and chief of plans officer in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom.

He served as brigade personnel officer in the Theater Support Brigade from 1998 to 2000, battalion fire support officer in the 5-87th infantry battalion from 1996 to 1998, training officer in Fifth Army West from 1994 to 1996 and served in various other positions for the U.S. Army from 1987 to 1994.

"Mr. Petersen is a welcome addition to the Veterans Homes of California,” said CalVet Undersecretary for Veterans Homes Diane Vanderpot. “His experience and management expertise will assist us in continuing our history of service to California’s veterans."

The Department operates eight veterans homes in the state including the veterans home in Yountville that was established in 1884 and the newest homes in Fresno and Redding which were opened in October of last year. The homes are opened to veterans over the age of 55 or disabled.

Information regarding the application process, levels-of-care and other benefits can be found at the CalVet Web site at www.calvet.ca.gov .

Navy Seaman Matthew Azevedo, son of Patrick J. Azevedo of Maxwell, Calif., recently completed U.S. Navy basic training at Recruit Training Command, Great Lakes, Ill.

During the eight-week program, Azevedo completed a variety of training which included classroom study and practical instruction on naval customs, first aid, firefighting, water safety and survival, and shipboard and aircraft safety. An emphasis also was placed on physical fitness.

The capstone event of boot camp is “Battle Stations.” This exercise gives recruits the skills and confidence they need to succeed in the fleet.

“Battle Stations” is designed to galvanize the basic warrior attributes of sacrifice, dedication, teamwork and endurance in each recruit through the practical application of basic Navy skills and the core values of Honor, Courage and Commitment. Its distinctly ''Navy'' flavor was designed to take into account what it means to be a Sailor.

Azevedo is a 2013 graduate of Maxwell High School, Maxwell, Calif.

President Obama on Tuesday awarded long overdue Medals of Honor to five Californians who served our country valiantly during World War II, the Korean War and Vietnam War.

Being recognized posthumously are Specialist Four Leonard L. Alvarado, Specialist Four Jesus S. Duran, Sgt. Eduardo C. Gomez, Pvt. Joe Gandara and Pvt. First Class Salvador J. Lara.

Although these men received the Distinguished Service Cross, the nation’s second highest military award back then, a review of Jewish American and Hispanic American Veterans through the Defense Authorization Act of 2002 found that these men were more than eligible to receive the Medal of Honor.

“These Medals of Honor have been a long time coming and I am most pleased that such a regrettable oversight is finally being addressed,” said Peter J. Gravett, Secretary of the California Department of Veterans Affairs (CalVet). “These men fought for our country and their fellow soldiers with bravery, commitment and patriotism and now their descendants can receive comfort in knowing they descend from authentic American heroes.”

On Tuesday, May 27, CalVet will hold a special ceremony to recognize the bravery and gallantry of these patriotic Hispanic soldiers on the West Steps of the Capitol in Sacramento.

In 2002, Congress, through the Defense Authorization Act, called for a review of Jewish American and Hispanic American veteran war records from World War II, the Korean War and the Vietnam War, to ensure those deserving the Medal of Honor were not denied because of prejudice.

During the review, records of several soldiers of neither Jewish nor Hispanic descent were also found to display criteria worthy of the Medal of Honor.

The 2002 Act was amended to allow these soldiers to be honored with the upgrade – in addition to the Jewish and Hispanic American Soldiers.

Specialist Four Leonard L. Alvarado will receive the Medal of Honor posthumously for his courageous actions while serving as a Rifleman with Company D, 2d Battalion, 12th Cavalry, 1st Cavalry Division (Airmobile) during combat operations against an armed enemy in Phuoc Long Province, Republic of Vietnam, on Aug. 12, 1969.

Specialist Four Jesus S. Duran will receive the Medal of Honor posthumously for his courageous actions while serving as an acting M-60 machine gunner in Company E, 2d Battalion, 5th Cavalry, 1st Cavalry Division (Airmobile) during combat operations against an armed enemy in the Republic of Vietnam, on April 10, 1969.

Sergeant Eduardo C. Gomez will receive the Medal of Honor posthumously for his courageous actions while serving with Company I, 8th Cavalry Regiment, 1st Cavalry Division during combat operations against an armed enemy in Tabu-dong, Korea, on Sept. 3, 1950.

Private Joe Gandara will receive the Medal of Honor posthumously for his courageous actions while serving with Company D, 2d Battalion, 507th Parachute Infantry Regiment, 17th Airborne Division during combat operations against an armed enemy in Amfreville, France, on June 9, 1944.

Private First Class Salvador J. Lara will receive the Medal of Honor posthumously for his courageous actions while serving as the Squad Leader of a rifle squad with 2d Platoon, Company L, 180th Infantry, 45th Infantry Division during combat operations against an armed enemy in Aprilia, Italy, on May 27 and 28, 1944.

The Medal of Honor is awarded to members of the Armed Forces who distinguishes themselves conspicuously by gallantry above and beyond the call of duty while engaged in an action against an enemy of the United States; engaged in military operations involving conflict with an opposing foreign force; or serving with friendly foreign forces engaged in an armed conflict against an opposing armed force in which the United States is not a belligerent party.

ABC's “Shark Tank,” the critically acclaimed, business-themed television show is continuing the search for the best entrepreneurs with the best businesses and products that America has to offer.

The Emmy-nominated show features The Sharks – tough, self-made, millionaire/billionaires who give budding entrepreneurs a chance to make their dreams come true and become successful – and possibly wealthy, business people.

Producers are currently looking for military veterans with a great product or business in need of an investment for a possible special Veterans Day episode.

To apply, send an e-mail to This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. . Be sure to put “VETS CASTING” in the subject line.

SAN ANTONIO – Air Force Airman Gage M. Taylor graduated from basic military training at Joint Base San Antonio-Lackland, San Antonio, Texas.

The airman completed an intensive, eight-week program that included training in military discipline and studies, Air Force core values, physical fitness, and basic warfare principles and skills.

Airmen who complete basic training earn four credits toward an associate in applied science degree through the Community College of the Air Force.

Taylor is the son of Norman Taylor of Lakeport, Calif.

He is a 2013 graduate of Clear Lake High School, Lakeport.

KELSEYVILLE, Calif. – Lake County Veterans Service Officer Bob Penny is retiring after 20 years of service to local veterans.  

A party in his honor will be held from 2 to 4 p.m. Tuesday, April 1, at the American Legion Hall, Second and Gaddy, Kelseyville.  

All are welcome to attend. Refreshments will be served.