VETERANS

VETERANS
Protecting reservists
COLUMBUS -- Gov. Bob Taft has approved legislation that ensures state employees who are in the National Guard or are reservists called to active military duty will not suffer loss of pay or health-care benefits.
Senate Bill 164 removes the $500 limit and pays the full differential between state and military pay and allowances and provides for the indefinite continuation of health care benefits. Previously, state employees could receive 22 days per year of state-paid military leave and one month of paid health benefits.
Flu shots
MERCER, Pa. -- The Mobile Outreach Team from the Butler, Pa., Veterans Affairs Medical Center will provide free health evaluations and flu shots to veterans from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Jan. 8, 2002, at American Legion Post 159, Mercer. Veterans are asked to bring their discharge papers.
HONORS
Legion of Merit Medal
Army Lt. Col. Emmett C. Shaffer III was awarded the Legion of Merit Medal, the nation's fifth highest medal, for exceptionally meritorious performance. Shaffer earned the award while serving as the commander of the 602nd Aviation Support Battalion at Camp Stanley, Uijong-Bu, South Korea.
Shaffer is a son of Emmett C. and Florence L. Shaffer, North Warner Road, Vienna, and his wife is the former Patricia Giancarlo of Brookfield. He graduated in 1977 from Brookfield High School and received a bachelor's degree in 1981 from Youngstown State University.
TRAINING
Army
Several area residents completed advanced military training. They include:
U Army Pvt. Josh J. Maxwell, unit supply specialist training, Fort Lee, Va. Maxwell is a son of Michelle M. and Harry L. Clayton, 9419 Germanchurch Road, North Benton, and graduated in 2001 from West Branch High School, Beloit.
U Army National Guard Pfc. Brandon M. Rishel, heavy-wheeled vehicle mechanic training, Fort Jackson, S.C. Rishel is a son of MaryJane Rishel, 2214 E. Washington St., and Dave B. Rishel, 811 Whitall Drive, both of New Castle, Pa.
U Army Reserve Pvt. Tiffany A. Berger, unit supply specialist training, Fort Lee, Va. Berger is a daughter of Polly A. Marlowe, 2611 McGuffey Road, Youngstown, and Earl Berger, 6441 Washington St., Hubbard, and graduated in 2001 from The Rayen School, Youngstown.
BASIC GRADS
Training completed
Several area residents have completed basic military training. They include:
U Air Force: Airman 1st Class Andrae W. Alexander (Howland High School '01), son of Cynthia Alexander, 3783 Crestview, Howland, and stepson of Dennis Whaley, 937 Commerce, Warren; Airman Sean L. Akins (Mineral Ridge High School '01), son of Albert Atkins Jr., 3880 Niles-Carver Road, Mineral Ridge, and Mary Louk, 430 Elbern St., Youngstown; Airman 1st Class Zebulun T. Campbell (Wilmington Area High School, New Wilmington, Pa. '99, and an associate degree from Community College of Allegheny County, Pittsburgh '01), son of Nancy and Bruce Campbell, 157 Borowicz Road, New Wilmington; Airman John A. Derry (West Middlesex Junior Senior High School, West Middlesex, Pa. '01), son of Beth Brown, 3494 Bethel-New Wilmington Road, New Wilmington.
U Marine Corps: Pvt. Shelby M. Ripple (Sharpsville, Pa., High School '01), son of Lida K. McAninch, 211 High St., Sharpsville, and John M. Ripple, Oak Ridge, Pa.
WAR ON TERRORISM
Area man deployed
Air Force Master Sgt. David A. Reagan has deployed to a forward operating area to support the mission of Operation Enduring Freedom. Reagan, a public relations superintendent, is a son of Connie Branch, 163 Forest Court, Lake Milton, and Carmine Falitico, 1590 Front St., Cuyahoga Falls.
He is a 1983 graduate of Southeast High School, Ravenna, and received an associate degree in 1993 from Community College of the Air Force.
PROMOTIONS
Army sergeant
NORTH LIMA -- Army Sgt. Scott E. Fredericks was promoted to his present rank while stationed in Sinai, Egypt. He also received the Achievement Medal and Multinational Force and Observer Medal while in Egypt.
He graduated in 1998 from South Range High School, and is a son of Judy Hall, 85 Sugar Cane Drive, Boardman, and Edward L. Fredericks, 659 County Manor Drive. Returning to Schofield Barracks, Hawaii, after his tour in Egypt, he attended NCO Academy, and is now a team leader with the 1st Battalion, 21st Infantry.
XItems of note for the Military Roundup can be sent to The Vindicator, Regional Desk, P.O. Box 780, Youngstown 44501-0780.