Amber Cargo-Reed

September 11, 2001 — 25 Years Later…..

Today, we remember the lives lost on September 11, 2001, and honor the families, friends, and loved ones who have carried that loss for 25 years.

Some never got to see their children grow up, graduate, have children of their own, or walk their daughters down the aisle. They missed the milestones that make life so meaningful. They missed birthdays, holidays, anniversaries, graduations, weddings, and all the ordinary moments that we sometimes take for granted.

We remember the mothers, fathers, sons, daughters, husbands, wives, brothers, sisters, friends, and colleagues whose lives were taken far too soon.

We also remember the courage and sacrifice of the first responders and the countless people who risked their own lives to help others. And may we never forget the brave men and women who joined the Armed Services in the years following September 11th, and the tremendous price so many of them paid to help keep our nation safe.

September 11th changed all of our lives.

It changed the way we looked at our country, our communities, our neighbors, and the world around us. It changed the way we traveled, the way we thought about safety, and the way we understood the meaning of sacrifice.

It reminded us how fragile life can be and how quickly an ordinary morning can become a moment that divides history into before and after.

For many of us, September 11th also changed the way we looked at the people around us. In the days and weeks that followed, differences seemed smaller. Strangers helped strangers. Communities came together. Flags appeared everywhere. We stood together, mourned together, prayed together, and reminded one another that we were stronger when we stood united.

Twenty-five years have passed, but for those who loved someone who never came home, the pain and memories remain. And for an entire generation, the memories of that day remain a part of who we are.

We cannot change what happened. We cannot bring back those who were lost. But we can carry their memory forward. We can teach our children and grandchildren about the lives behind the names, the sacrifices made, the courage shown, and the importance of never taking our freedom, our loved ones, or an ordinary day for granted.

May we never forget the lives, the stories, the courage, the sacrifice, and the humanity of September 11, 2001.

We remember.
We honor.
We carry their memory with us.
We will never forget. 🇺🇸

September 11, 2001 — September 11, 2026
25 Years • Forever Remembered.

AMBER CARGO-REED Candidate statement

Occupation: President of the SCC Governing Board of Trustees

Solano Community College Governing Board Area 6 Trustee
Education and Qualifications: As a proud Vacaville native representing Area 6, I am honored to serve as President of the Solano Community
College Governing Board and as your elected Trustee. As the mother of six children educated in Vacaville schools, including one attending Solano
Community College, I understand the importance of expanding educational opportunities and supporting students and families.
My experience as a parent, small business owner, volunteer educator, community outreach partner, and advocate for families and special
education has shaped my commitment to leading with compassion, accountability, and integrity while ensuring every student has the
opportunity to succeed.
Throughout my service on the Governing Board, I have maintained perfect attendance and worked collaboratively to advance student success,
responsible governance, and fiscal accountability. Through my service with the Solano County School Board Association and the Measure Q
and Citizens’ Bond Oversight subcommittees, I have championed literacy partnerships, transparency, and responsible stewardship of taxpayer
resources.
Together, we have expanded mental health services, opened the Child Development Center, strengthened campus safety, increased dual
enrollment, expanded career education programs, and supported initiatives honoring Veterans, Autism Awareness, and literacy.
It is an honor to serve our community. I respectfully ask for your continued support to continue building a stronger future through education.

Today, August 7, 2026 is recognized as Purple Heart day.

Today, on Purple Heart Day, we honor and recognize the courageous men and women who have been awarded the Purple Heart for their sacrifice and service to our great nation. We are deeply grateful to all who have served and continue to serve with courage and dedication. Thank you for your selfless commitment, and we remember and honor those who have given so much in defense of our American freedoms. 🇺🇸💜

Purple Heart Day Is Aug. 7. The Award’s History and Benefits — and Who Can Still Apply The nation's oldest military decoration traces back to a badge George Washington created himself in 1782.

Happy Independence Day! 250th birthday! Wishing everyone a safe and wonderful Independence Day weekend!

Ever wondered what it really takes to become a firefighter, and everything your local fire department does beyond responding to emergencies?

This month, we're honored to welcome Captain Michael Mulliken of the Vacaville Fire Dept as our guest speaker. Mike has served the City of Vacaville Government for 12 years and has been a paramedic for 14. Beyond the firehouse, he's an Explorer Advisor, a member of the Peer Support Team, and part of the City Firefighters Charity Fund, roles that reflect his commitment to mentoring future firefighters, supporting his fellow crew, and giving back to the community.

In his talk, "Serving Vacaville: A Firefighter's Journey and the Work Behind the Department," Mike will share the path that led him to a career in public service, the wide range of emergency and community services the department provides, and the outreach efforts that strengthen the connection between the Vacaville Fire Department and the people it serves.

📅 Wednesday, June 10th
🕖 7:00 to 8:00 PM, with Mike taking the floor around 7:30
💻 Virtual via Google Meet
🔗 meet.google.com/avz-mioi-eof

And a reminder: this is our 2nd Wednesday virtual meeting, but we also gather in person on the 4th Wednesday of the month at Mary's Pizza Shack (505 Davis St, Vacaville). Two great chances to connect with us this month!

Whether you're a longtime member or just curious about Kiwanis, everyone is welcome to join. Hope to see you there!

Happy Flag Day! A heartfelt thank you to the Solano County Marine League members, Local VFW, volunteers, and donors who participated in replacing and retiring our American 🇺🇸 flag today.
https://www.cbsnews.com/sacramento/video/volunteers-replace-torn-american-flags-in-vacaville-on-flag-day/?fbclid=IwdGRjcAScdiBleHRuA2FlbQIxMQBzcnRjBmFwcF9pZAo2NjI4NTY4Mzc5AAEeDy1_0O7a28wPXTAWcEtV9vQwzDATCh56mK_wcbMx-olvLCPUKKlwp4xWMa4_aem_VavbsSvEE76boHPru7j_nw

Volunteers replace torn American Flags in Vacaville on Flag Day U.S. Marine veteran Rory Nichols is on a mission to make waves in his community with new American flags waving in their front yards.

Today, we recognize , National Women’s Veterans Day. Thank you to all the amazing women veterans for your service to our country, and we appreciate you! 

It is a few days early, but I would like to make a special post about our upcoming Women’s Veterans Day.

June 12 marks Women Veterans Day, a day established to honor the contributions of women in the military and commemorate the anniversary of the Women's Armed Services Integration Act of 1948. There have been several senate and assembly resolutions created in honor of Women Veteran’s Day.

In June 2023, I proposed that Solano Community College adopt a Women’s Veterans Day resolution to recognize the women veterans who make up 11% of the Solano County population. Following this proposal, in June 2024, Solano Community College became the first community college to officially recognize Women’s Veterans Day resolution and host a special luncheon in their honor. This special resolution earned our college recognition from Governor Gavin Newsom for our commitment to the Women Veteran community.

It has been a great honor to serve on a board that celebrates our diverse communities. This achievement would not have been possible without the Solano Community College Governing Board, the Superintendent-President, VPs, our faculty, students, and Solano community. I want to extend a special thank you to SCCs Women Veterans Faculty, students, and alumni.

Women Veterans hold significant importance in our community and deserve to be celebrated for their service to our nation.

It is a few days early, but I would like to make a special post about our upcoming Women’s Veterans Day.

June 12 marks Women Veterans Day, a day established to honor the contributions of women in the military and commemorate the anniversary of the Women's Armed Services Integration Act of 1948. There have been several senate and assembly resolutions created in honor of Women Veteran’s Day.

In June 2023, I proposed that Solano Community College adopt a Women’s Veterans Day resolution to recognize the women veterans who make up 11% of the Solano County population. Following this proposal, in June 2024, Solano Community College became the first community college to officially recognize Women’s Veterans Day resolution and host a special luncheon in their honor. This special resolution earned our college recognition from Governor Gavin Newsom for our commitment to the Women Veteran community.

It has been a great honor to serve on a board that celebrates our diverse communities. This achievement would not have been possible without the Solano Community College Governing Board, the Superintendent-President, VPs, our faculty, students, and Solano community. I want to extend a special thank you to SCCs Women Veterans Faculty, students, and alumni.

Women Veterans hold significant importance in our community and deserve to be celebrated for their service to our nation.

We share in your pain on the Sam Yeto High School shooting Incident.
With profound sadness, I extend and express my heartfelt condolences on the tragic event that unfolded last night in Fairfield during what was supposed to be a joyous high school graduation celebration. A day that should have been a triumphant celebration of achievement, hope, and new beginnings was instead marred by violence, leaving us with profound loss and grief. I extend our deepest sympathies to the family and loved ones of the victim, to those who were injured, and to all who have been affected by this devastating act. Our thoughts and prayers are with the students, families, faculty, staff, and community members who are bearing the weight of this tragedy. In support of those who may be impacted by this incident, I would like to remind you that counseling and mental health resources are available in Solano County. Please reach out to me if you need a point of reference. I am confident that together, we stand in solidarity with the entire Solano County community as we heal, support one another, and hold all those impacted close in our hearts during this incredibly challenging time.

Sincerely,

Amber