Posts Tagged ‘Armed Forces’

Windermere La Quinta Agents Help Honor The Past

Friday, November 18th, 2011

Windermere Southern California has built itself upon a firm foundation of principles, ethics and practices. We know that by being familiar with where we come from, we can better plan where we’re going.

This weekend, agents from our Windermere La Quinta office (47-250 Washington Street) and Old Town office (78-065 Main Street, Suite 100) are helping to bring a little history to Lake Cahuilla Park!  In recognition of the 150th anniversary of the Civil War, the La Quinta Museum is presenting a re-enactment of four Civil War battles.

Windermere Southern California is one of the local sponsors of this exciting event, and admission is FREE. Click here for more information.

Check it out in this bit from the La Quinta Cove newsletter:

“The year 2011 marks the 150th anniversary of the beginning of the Civil War.  To commemorate this, the City of La Quinta, the La Quinta Museum, Historical Society, Riverside County, and several corporate sponsors will sponsor a unique weekend.   Saturday and Sunday will see scores of members of the American Civil War Society come to Lake Cahuilla and literally set up camp and fight some battles. In addition, the encampment will have hospital, chow wagons, and other elements common to the Civil War.
On Saturday (19th) the park opens to the public for FREE at 9:00 a.m. and battles will be “fought” with cannons and muskets at 11:30 and 3:00.  The park will close at 5:00 that day.

On Sunday (20th) the park is open from 9-3:00, with church services at 9:00 and battles at 11:00 and 2:00.  Each battle will be different.  Guests are invited to ask questions of the “soldiers” to learn even more about this critical period in our nation’s history.

Also, vendors will offer food and souvenirs. Don’t miss this truly historic event…bring the kids and the cousins and the neighbors.  Remember, it’s free!

Windermere’s Joan MacPherson Flying High

Wednesday, July 13th, 2011
Artist: Stan Stokes, husband of Joan MacPherson of Windermere Real Estate

Artist: Stan Stokes, husband of Joan MacPherson of Windermere Real Estate

Windermere’s own Joan MacPherson (Indian Wells Luxury Homes and Estates Division at 74-996 Highway 111) and her husband, Stan Stokes, got to experience a once-in-a-lifetime treat. You may have seen Stan’s highly-acclaimed work…his paintings grace the Palm Springs Desert Air Museum on Gene AutryBut more on Stan’s famous paintings later…
Here’s how it went, in Joan’s own words:

President Obama Exiting Air Force One

President Obama Exiting Air Force One

“Last year my husband Stan Stokes did a bit of a favor for the 89th Presidential Airlift Wing (the Air Force One people).  In return, we were invited to join up with them when they brought President Obama to LAX last month. So, at 2:30 PM, we found ourselves amazingly close to the action as Air Force One taxied in and parked. Once things were secured, the stairs were driven up to the 747, the door opened, the President sauntered down the steps, zipped over to Marine One to stop for a quick photo op with a Marine at the door of the helicopter, and then stepped into the helicopter.

President Obama at Marine One, greeted by Marines

President Obama at Marine One, greeted by Marines

Stan Stokes & Joan MacPherson, invited to view and tour Air Force One

Stan Stokes & Joan MacPherson, invited to view and tour Air Force One

“After Marine One and several other helicopters took off, we were cleared to go over to the 747. We were asked to surrender all cell phones, cameras and other electronic devices to the Secret Service Agents (photography is strictly forbidden in the plane). We were then taken up the stairs (not the Presidential grand exit stairs, but the stairs the normal people use) and into the 747 we went!  We were given the grand tour from the tail to the nose and upstairs to the cockpit, where they invited Stan to sit in the pilot’s seat while I sat in the navigator’s seat…which was a kick.  (If we only had our cameras!) We sat at the President’s official ‘Presidential Office’ table -with his jacket still draped across the chair from his exit just minutes earlier. Upon exiting the plane, our cameras and cell phones were returned, where we took all of the photos we wished.”
But wait…there’s MORE!

(left to right) Stan Stokes, President Bush, Joan MacPherson and Mrs Barbara Bush

(left to right) Stan Stokes, President Bush, Joan MacPherson and Mrs Barbara Bush

Joan recalls, “A few years earlier we had the privilege of being invited to unveil one of Stan’s paintings for the George HW Bush Presidential Library in Texas.  President and Mrs. Barbara Bush were wonderful hosts and invited us to spend the afternoon with them in their private living quarters.  We had a lovely lunch on the patio and some great conversation. We found them to be delightfully down to earth.  Amazingly, they had just returned from Prince Rainier’s funeral in Monaco, Pope John Paul 11′s funeral in Rome, and a visit with Prince Abdulah of Saudi Arabia!  When we got back to our car and returned to the real world of Dallas, it dawned on me what an incredible day this had been.  We have learned never to take such wonderful opportunities for granted. When offered the chance to participate in such marvelous things, each event is unique and memorable.”

Windermere Celebrates With The Palm Springs Air Museum

Monday, December 27th, 2010

Windermere Holiday Event at Palm Springs Air Museum

Windermere representatives receive a plaque as a Top Gun Sponsor of the Palm Springs Air Museum. From left to right: Bryan Arnold, Managing Broker of Windermere Palm Springs South; Jerry Rip, PS Air Museum Business Development; David Cantwell, Managing Broker of Windermere Palm Springs Main

 

Windermere agents are known for giving back to their communities, and they welcomed the holiday season with a premier event at the Palm Springs Air Museum at 745 N. Gene Autry Trail in Palm Springs. Home to one of the largest collections of flying World War II vintage airplanes, a rotating display of classic vehicles from the Robert Pond collection, and massive murals by nationally acclaimed local artist Stan Stokes, the famed Palm Springs Air Museum enters its fifteenth year as a world class attraction inspiring respect, memories and awe in visitors of every age.   

Windermere Real Estate is a Corporate Sponsor of the Palm Springs Air Museum. Saturday night’s celebration was a thank you from Windermere management to its agents and administrative support across the Coachella Valley. The event offered the opportunity to enjoy the historic aircraft and other WWII-era museum attractions, while having the chance to greet the holidays with other members of the Windermere family. Guests enjoyed light snacks and danced to live music, some wearing outfits and accessories inspired by World War II-era fashion.   

“Windermere people are the finest, hardest working folks anywhere,” said Bob Deville, co-owner of Windermere Real Estate Coachella Valley. “Not only do they work tirelessly throughout the year to ensure the finest real estate experience for our clients; they contribute huge amounts of time, effort and money to a broad spectrum of community services. This event gave us a perfect opportunity to show our appreciation for their dedication while at the same time supporting the Palm Springs Air Museum.”    

Adding to the evening’s pitch-perfect atmosphere was the classic Palm Springs weather; the Museum’s giant hangar doors were left open and guests strolled in and out amidst the classic planes as music from the live band drifted through the celebration.  “It would be hard to imagine a more ideal setting anywhere in the country for a museum of this caliber,” said Bob Bennion, co-owner of Windermere Real Estate Coachella Valley. “The generation of Americans who built and flew these planes deserves our complete respect and gratitude. Windermere is proud to be a sponsor of the Palm Springs Air Museum, and we all appreciated the opportunity to celebrate the holidays together in such a historic environment.”  Dick Clark, President of the Palm Springs Air Museum noted, “Our corporate sponsors are invaluable in helping the Museum fulfill its mission.”  To learn more about the Palm Springs Air Museum, visit palmspringsairmuseum.org.

Randy Wiemer Receives 2009 Realtor of the Year From PSRAOR

Saturday, December 19th, 2009

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Randy Wiemer was awarded the 2009 Realtor of the Year award from the Palm Springs Regional Association of Realtors on December 16, 2009. Randy was selected from over 1000 realtors for this prestigious award. His selection was based on his personal contributions and dedication to the members of the Palm Springs Regional Association of Realtors (PSRAOR).

Randy has been a licensed California Realtor since 2005. He served as the 2009 Chairman, Local Governmental Relation Committee (LGR). Randy has also earned the e-PRO Certification, EcoBroker Certification and just completed the requirements for the new Short Sales and Foreclosure Resource (SFR) Certification.

Before working in real estate, Randy was on active duty in the US Air Force. He was a Master Navigator with over 2,790 flight hours in numerous aircraft. In June 2004 Randy retired as a Major from the USAF.

Randy is currently on the team of Langham and Wiemer, Windermere Real Estate, Palm Springs, CA. You can reach Randy at www.GreatDesertHomes.comRandy@RandyWiemer.com  or by phone at (760) 333-7747.

Photo: Randy Wiemer (left), being presented with award from Windermere Palm Springs Main office broker David Cantwell.

We Salute Our Military Veterans

Tuesday, November 10th, 2009

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The years of military service given by our Coachella Valley Windermere agents (listed below) spans six decades, from the 1950s to the the present.

“We’re proud of all our Windermere agents. But we’re extra proud of our military veterans each year on Veterans Day,” say Bob Deville and Bob Bennion. 

Richard Albers – 1958-1960
US Navy, Lt. LG.

Jim Atwood – 1956-1966
USAF on active duty early in the cold war from 1956 to 1959 flying in SAC B-47’s. I retired as a Captain from inactive reserve in 1966.

Jack Banks Served – 1969-1976
Oregon National Guard (Army) assistant to Brigade Surgeon.

Bruce Blomgren – Served 1968-1972
Vietnam war era vet. US Air Force, Grade E-4, Computer Maintenance Specialist.

Ted Broome – 1960-1964
Served in the USAF.I attended the USAF Russian Language School at Indiana University.

Joe Cain – Served 1954-1957
I was an air force pilot for three years, between wars. I never shot or bombed anyone in anger! Very proud to have been a vet.

David Carden – Served 1968- 1970
I was a medic for 18 months with the 82nd Airborne in Vietnam, was a Specialist 5 at discharge and was honored to receive the Bronze Star for my service. Upon my return from Vietnam I served as the NCOIC for Medical Processing at the Presidio San Francisco.

Ed Cullinan – Served 1950-1967
Enlisted at the age of 17 in the U.S. Marine Corps; went thru boot camp at Paris Island, South Carolina; advanced infantry training at Camp Lejeune, North Carolina, and from there to Camp Pendleton. Later stationed in Vietnam for two years. Main job was land mine warfare and demolitions. Honorably discharged in 1967 at the rank of sergeant.

Richard Cusolito – 1957-1961
I spent four and a half years in the Air Force. Boot camp at Lackland AFB Training and work at Travis AFB. Three and a half years RAF Station, Upper Heyford England, 3918th Air Police Squadron. Terrific years that I would gladly do all over again.

Raleigh DeBow – Served 1951-1953
During the Korean “Conflict” I was drafted. I was in the US Army Infantry, at Fort Ord, CA (training), Far East Command (Assigned to a Regimental Combat Team in Okinawa). Honorably Discharged as Sergeant in 1953.

Jerry Doherty – Served 1960-1964
I served in the U. S. Marine Corps. Attained the rank of Corporal (E-4) as a Repair Shop Machinist. Honorable Discharge.

John Donnelly – Served 1966-1968
U.S. Army, 1st Lt Infantry, Fort Benning, GA and U.S. Army Pacific.

John Easton USN CTRC – Served 1960-1980.
Current area president if Navy League of U.S

Bob Eisenman Served – 13 years during WWII in the Pacific.
U.S. Navy and U.S. Army in Korea.

Richard Engle – Served 1966-1969
Staff Sergeant, US Army Security Agency.

Jim Fry – Served 1968-1971
I’m a Vietnam veteran and spent one full year in Vietnam, during the war.

Bob Garmisa – Served 1962-1968
U.S. Army. I was a Hospital Unit Medic. Total of six years service, both active and reserves.

Mike Z. Haque – Served 1998-2005
Sergeant, U.S. Marine Corps. I was stationed in Okinawa, Japan, 29 Palms, CA and Parris Island, South Carolina. My military occupation was Logistics, Martial Arts Trainer and Marksmanship Trainer.

Stephen Hodge – Served 1970-1971
I am a Vietnam vet having served aboard the nuclear “Fast-Attack” submarine “Sargo” in the South China Sea in 1970-71 which was home ported in Pearl Harbor and Subic Bay Philippines. We were submerged for two months at a time (without surfacing) collecting data and “monitored” activity in a huge area of ocean as well as some coastal “interests”. It was scary and exciting and sometimes dangerous. I was very proud to have served.

Darrel Hume Served 1970-1976
U.S. Army Reserve.

Randy Kuehnel – Served 1969-1971
I was in the Army from March 1969 to March 1971. I was one of our country’s last draftees. I served in the Military Police and also played golf for the Army on the Fort Ord golf team. This was the height of the Vietnam war and also “Flower Power”. I was stationed at Presidio of San Francisco and later at Fort Ord.

Ron Lindemann – Served 3 years during the Korean conflict.
I love the word conflict the political spin placed on this war which still has 15,000 troops on the Southern border of Korea. More men and women were lost in this “Conflict” than in the 2nd World War. The totals exceeded 50,000 lost. I served in the US Army and trained 16 weeks in Fort Ord, California. Sent to Fort Benning, Georgia to attend Officers Candidate School for 16 weeks. Sent back to Fort Ord to run 8 week schools in Advanced Infantry Training at the East Garrison out side of Fort Ord. (We lived in tents in the woods.) Snipper School, Dog Training, and rapid firing weapons not taught in the 16 weeks of basic training. The schools kept me out of that hell hole and when my time became too short to serve as an officer in the theater of combat they sent me to Europe with our troops stationed our side of Frankfort. I closed out my tour in the European theater and pleased to say the Russions didn’t come back over the line although they always had their troops within eyesite aong the borders outside of Fulda, Germany. The cold war was in full swing. I received an honorable discharge.

Jack Livengood – Served 1966-1973
Air Force (Air Nat’l Guard) 142nd Fighter Group.

Byron J. Lohman – Served 1984 – 1988
Served in the USAF at Los Angeles Air Force Station. I served as contract negotiator for the Anti-Satellite and Space Shuttle based SDI (Star Wars) experiments, Project Engineer for the F-15 GPS Receiver and as Assistant Executive officer for the Commander, Space Systems Division. Honorably discharged as Captain in 1988.

Edward J. Marteka – Served 1965-1966
I took ROTC in college and as a Lt I was an Airborne officer assigned to a STRAC unit. Trained at Fort Gordon and Fort Benning, I jumped out of C 130′s as a stick leader. Later, I was a Commanding Officer of a 600 man Company, for which I earned an Army Commendation Medal. I loved the Army.

Ray Martin – Served 1965-1969
I was in the Navy for four years. However, I was never on a ship, I was always stationed with the Marines, since I was a Hospital Corpsman.

Dan Mobley – Served 1962-1965
I was honorably discharged from the Marines in January 1965, after three years of service. I served at the Cuban Crisis and then in Okinawa and Japan for two years. I was a corporal when I left.

Frank Montiforte – Served 1955-1957
US Army 7th Army Transportion Corps. stationed in Zirndorf, Germany.

Leslie Munger – Served 1976-1979
Iin the Army Reserves for 2 years I was a secretary to the colonel of the Armed Forces Reserve Center. I was in Southern California.

Terry Nelson – Served 1968-1972
I enlisted in the U.S. Navy and grew to the rate of E-5. I was stationed at Naval Air Station Miramar, San Diego with “Fighter Squadron VF-213″ (World Famous Black Lions). We flew thirteen F-4 Phantom jets (2 seaters – Pilot and Navigator) on the USS Kitty Hawk-CVA 63 (aircraft carrier). I had three oversea tours (6-9 months each) in the Tonkin Gulf (off Vietnam) on this carrier and with squadron VF-213. During our combat missions, I would work in the pilots Ready Room and man the “sound powered” phones. I would track our pilots/jets departures/arrival times and relay any issues/mishaps to our Squadraon’s Commanding Officer. I am proud to be a Veteran and served our country…even during a time as controversial as the Vietnam War.

Howard Richcreek – Served 1953-1955
I was a Lieutenant in the Air Force during the Korean Conflict. My tour of duty was at Elmendorf AFB in Anchorage, Alaska.

Stanley Rosenthal – Served 1959-1962
Army 3rd Armored Cavalry F troop for three years. Fort Meade MD and Germany, M 60 Tank Commander SP/4.

Peter Schmidt – 1967-1972
U.S. Army Reserves (USAR) Drill Instructor.With less than 180 continuous active service days, however, I do not qualify for Veteran Benefits.

Roger A. Sullivan – Served 1970-73
U.S. Navy.

Paul Vincent – Served 1958-1962
I served in the United States Marine Corps for 4 years, during which time I was assigned to a helicopter squadron. I spent time in the far east including Okinawa, Japan, the Philippines and finally in Thailand, where we supported the Laotian Army. This was a time leading up to the war in Vietnam.

Scott Woodard Served – 1984-1989
In the U.S. Coast Guard my duties were Search and Rescue and Maritime Law Enforcement. My many titles included Boarding Officer, Coxswain, EMT and Weapons and Petty Officer.

Photo: Palm Springs agent David Cardin in Vietnam, 1969.

Windermere Agent Served Under Presidents Clinton And Bush

Tuesday, November 10th, 2009

randy-wiemer-airforce-one-450px

Randy Wiemer isn’t your typical agent. He served in the U.S. Air Force for 20 years and retired in 2004. After graduating from Florida State University he was Commissioned as a 2nd Lieutenant in May 1984. He graduated Undergraduate Navigator Training and KC-135 Navigator Training and headed off to his first duty assignment at Altus AFB, Oklahoma.

Other duty assignments included Grandforks AFB, North Dakota, Patrick AFB, Florida, Yokota Air Base, Japan, Scott AFB, Illinois, and Camp Pendleton Marine Corp Base, California.

He says his most interesting job assignment was as a Presidential Advance Officer for Air Force One. “My responsibilities required me to proceed AF-1 and arrange all the logistical support requirements for the Aircraft. I served under President Clinton and President Bush,” says Weimer.

“My final job was as the Air Mobility Command Liaison Officer (AMLO) for the 1st Marine Expeditionary Force (I MEF), Camp Pendleton, CA. My job responsibilities included advising the Commanding General and staff officers on Air Mobility Command (AMC) airlift issues and coordinate airlift requirements. After 9-11, I helped coordinate the airlift requirements for the Marines to deploy to the Gulf region for Operation Iraqi Freedom. I deployed with the Marines and spent six months in the region coordinating Theater airlift requirements,” he adds.

He’s a Master Navigator, with over 2,790 flight hours in the following aircraft: T-43, KC-135A, KC-135Q, KC-135R, C-130E, C-130H, HC-130P. In June 2004 he retired as a Major from the USAF.

Today, Wiemer is a Windermere Realtor, e-PRO (Certified Internet Professional) and Ecobroker Certified.

You can reach him at www.GreatDesertHomes.com

Serving The Desert And The Country On Veteran’s Day

Tuesday, November 10th, 2009

While busy Rancho Mirage real estate agent Christina Cook serves her clients, here in the desert, her husband serves his country on the other side of the globe. 

“My husband, Captain Sean Merlin is an Active Duty officer in the U.S. Marine Corps. He has been an officer in the Marine Corps for 13 years. He is currently deployed in Okinawa Japan for one year returning July 2010. He has served three terms in Iraq and was there when our son was born (now 5 years old). My husband was recently promoted to Major and will have his new rank official in January,” boasts a very proud Christina. Contact Christina at www.christinacook.windermeresocal.com

La Quinta agent Sherri Forbes also has someone to be proud of on this upcoming Veteran’s Day.

“I haven’t served in the military, but my future son in law has,” says Sherri. “He was in the Army and served in Iraq. His name is Travis Smith. Born in Kalispell, Montana, he currently resides in Libby, Montana (Where we live for part of the year) and is a Lincoln County Sheriff in Libby. He is a gem of a man, has the biggest heart, the funniest sense of humor I have ever seen and so loves his country!”

You can contact Sherri at sforbesrealestate@yahoo.com

Fellow La Quinta agent Marianne Young says “My father served in the US Air Force during WWII and Korea. My son was in the Army during the Gulf War. My husband was a medical doctor in the Navy during the Vietnam years. So, I’m also very proud.”

You can reach Marianne at www.marianneyoung.com