BASIC GRADS

BASIC GRADS
From the region
MARINE CORPS: Pvt. Michael J. Koncar, son of Patti L. and Gary Koncar, 210 Wansack Road, West Middlesex, Pa., Parris Island, S.C.; Pvt. Darryl E. Badger, (Lawrence County Vocational Technical High School, '00) son of Sharon K. and Larry B. Badger of Route 1, Ellwood City, Pa., Parris Island; Pvt. Joseph E. Kowalski, (Lordstown High School '98), son of Carol A. Hickman, 3452 Jones Road, Diamond, Ohio, and Edward D. Kowalski, 7176 Herbert Road, Canfield, Parris Island.
VETERANS
Open house set
NEWTON FALLS -- Ohio National Guard Unit Co. B 237th Forward Support Battalion and A Co. of the 1-107th Calvary will have an open house starting at 9 a.m. Aug. 19 at 1440 state Route 534 S.W., Newton Falls. A person who donates two cans of food can get a tank ride. A person who donates one can will get a ride in a Humvee. The food will go to fight hunger in Trumbull and Portage counties.
Honors given
YOUNGSTOWN -- Air Force Academy cadet Mike Kripchak (Chaney '00) has completed his first academic year, earning the dean's scholastic pin and athletic pin. He recently attended the academy's free-fall parachute program and was awarded the Air Force parachutist badge. Presently, he is completing summer training in land-water survival, map navigation and escape and evasion tactics. He's a member of the varsity track and field, the chapel choir and the scuba club. His brother, Kristopher, (Chaney '96, Akron University '00) is a 2nd lieutenant in the Air Force and is attending basic jet pilot training at Columbus Air Force Base in Columbus, Miss.
Free health screenings
BEAVER FALLS, Pa. -- The Mobile Outreach Team from the Department of Veterans Affairs Medical Center at Butler will provide free health screenings and evaluations to veterans from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Aug. 9 at American Legion Post 261. Veterans are asked to bring their discharge papers.
CHANGE OF COMMAND
Airborne Division
YOUNGSTOWN -- Two local residents, Capt. Joseph P. Alessi and Capt. Joseph C. Richey, were involved in a change of command at the Army's 101st Airborne Division at Fort Campbell, Ky.
Richey, of Austintown, replaced Alessi, of Youngstown, as commander of "A" Co., 1st Battalion, 502nd Infantry Regiment.
Alessi, who had headed "A" Co. since March 2000, was assigned as an assistant professor of international history at the Military Academy, West Point, N.Y. He graduated from Youngstown Ursuline High School, earned his commission in 1989 from Youngstown State University, where he also earned a master of arts degree in history. Alessi later received a doctorate in philosophy from St. Louis University. He is a son of Joseph and Patricia Alessi, 3857 Baymar Drive.
Richey, a graduate of Austintown Fitch High School, was commissioned in 1996 upon graduation from St. Bonaventure University, where he received a bachelor of arts degree. He is a son of John and Elvera Richey, 3877 Artmar Drive, Austintown.
XItems of note for the Military Roundup can be sent to The Vindicator, Regional Desk, P.O. Box 780, Youngstown 44501-0780.