Exciting news! We have just received word that former Valley Home resident Gerardo (Lalo) Guaracha-Mendoza will be graduating from Fort Sill Oklahoma on June 23. Gerardo is completing Army basic training at Fort Sill. From Fort Sill he will travel to Fort Gordon in Georgia to complete his Advanced Individual Training (AIT) for his Military Specialty Occupation (MSO). Before joining the Army, Gerardo worked primarily in retail and client service occupations, but has always wanted to serve his community and his country. His decision to join the United States Army Reserve was made so that he could serve his country. His family is extremely proud of him and are excited for his return home later this year!

Gerardo is a 2009 graduate of Oakdale High School. While at OHS he met his high school sweetheart, Carly Thomason. The young couple met while both were in Intro to Drama. Gerardo and Carly enjoyed participating in several OHS productions together throughout high school. Since both Carly and Gerardo are former residents of Valley Home they have always been involved in our Valley Home events ... helping with our Annual Christmas Parade, Community dinners, Harvest Festival, Easter Egg Hunt and many fundraisers for our school and 4-H club. Together for the past nine years, the couple has always given so much to the Oakdale, Knights Ferry and Valley Home communities! Carly graduated from Oakdale High School in 2010 and soon joined Gerardo in pursuing higher education and career opportunities. She graduated in 2015 from Stanislaus State University with a Bachelors of Science in Business Administration with an accounting concentration. Carly currently works as an Accountant at a West Coast regional accounting firm. During high school this delightful young couple worked at the Rivers Edge Restaurant in Knights Ferry during summers. Gerardo and Carly were very well liked by the Knights Ferry locals, and have many wonderful friends and great memories from their time in Knights Ferry! Carly and Gerardo currently share a home in Turlock, California with their “fur son” Mozzy!

We are so proud of this very special young couple. Our Valley Home community wishes you both the very best in everything you do!

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As always you may reach me by calling (209) 985-5233 or by email at winniemullins51@gmail.com. Until next time “Happy Trails to All!”