I am at about a 5,000 foot elevation with a fantastic view of the Hindu Kush Mountains in Afghanistan. It has been one month since I left Orange County for a tour of duty with the Army, and I look forward to accomplishing the mission here and getting back to work at home soon.

In the short time that I have been here, I have already seen the mission of my Task Force begin to change, as we rapidly transition authority to the Afghan government in almost every aspect. It is most definitely an interesting experience, to say the least.

There are gains being made each day as Coalition Forces take more enemies off the battlefield, and I am privileged to be able to see first-hand the many aspects of the mission here and the positive developments made possible by the efforts of our soldiers and allies.

Everyone back home has been so kind with their words of support, and I want to take this opportunity to thank all of those who have sent me so many well wishes.

I will keep you updated from time to time with notes and photos from over here. I also welcome you to follow me on Facebook for the most real-time updates by clicking here.

Take care, and I look forward to seeing you soon!

Sincerely,

Jesse Petrilla
Council Member
City of Rancho Santa Margarita
jesse@joinjesse.com

RSM Councilman Jesse Petrilla called to Afghanistan

RANCHO SANTA MARGARITA, CA - Tuesday, April 10, 2012 – Jesse Petrilla, a City Council Member in Rancho Santa Margarita and member of the California Army National Guard, has been called to active duty in Afghanistan, he announced Tuesday.

Petrilla, an Army officer, will begin active duty overseas in Afghanistan at the end of this month in support of Operation Enduring Freedom. Current orders call for a one year deployment.

“I am very proud to be given the privilege to serve the greatest nation on earth,” Petrilla said, “In the event that Uncle Sam called me to go, I have always stood ready to deploy, and am deeply honored to serve our country and state.”

Council Member Petrilla expressed full confidence in his colleagues on the City Council of Rancho Santa Margarita to carry on with city business while he is away. Petrilla will resume his duties as a member of the City Council upon his return.

Jesse Petrilla was elected to a four year term in November, 2010, as the top vote getter to the Rancho Santa Margarita City Council. Rancho Santa Margarita is a South Orange County, CA city with a population of approximately 50,000 people.

News and updates from Councilman Petrilla will continue to be posted regularly from Afghanistan at http://www.JoinJesse.com

Wednesday, March 28, 2012, 7:00 PM
RSM City Council Meeting
22112 El Paseo, Rancho Santa Margarita, CA 92688

April 1st-April 20th, 2012
Support Operation Help a Hero’s baby shower for the expecting mommies of the 2/5 Marines, RSM’s adopted battalion. A collection bin for baby shower gifts will be located at the Bell Tower from April 1st-April 20th. For more details, please view the flier by clicking here.

At the next regularly scheduled City Council meeting this Wednesday, I have agendized a discussion on removing benefits for members of the City Council.

Currently, council members who receive all permissible compensation are allowed monthly benefits for their part time position totaling $1,378.47 in addition to a monthly stipend of $463.50. These benefits, if not used for the purposes of health insurance premiums, can be placed into a 457 retirement fund similar to a 401k totaling $66,166.56 for each four year term.

I, along with Council Member Steve Baric, have voluntarily opted out of receiving these benefits. This Wednesday, March 28th, the City Council will have the opportunity to begin the process of ending City Council benefits once and for all.