RETIRED

RETIRED
From Marine Corps
Lt. Col. Michael J. Popovich has retired from the Marine Corps after 21 years.
Popovich graduated in 1979 from Poland High School and in 1983 from Notre Dame University, when he was commissioned a second lieutenant.
During his career, he served as executive officer and battalion intelligence officer with the 3rd Battalion, 1st Marine Division, Camp Pendleton, Calif., and was later aide-de-camp to the deputy commanding general at Headquarters, 1st Marine Amphibious Force. In 1987, he became an instructor at the basic school and infantry officer course at Quantico, Va.
After graduating from Amphibious Warfare School, he was assigned as an adviser to the Royal Saudi Naval Forces and Marine Forces in Saudi Arabia.
From August 1996 to June 1998, Popovich attended the Army Command and General Staff College and the School of Advanced Military Studies at Fort Leavenworth, Kan., where he earned a master's degree in military arts and sciences and served as joint training and readiness director.
In 2001, Popovich attended the Australian War College, where he received a graduate degree in strategic studies. His final assignment before retiring was as executive officer of the Marine Security Force Battalion, Norfolk, Va.
He is project director of linguists and interpreters with the government-contracted Titan Corp. in Baghdad, Iraq.
He and his wife, the former Kelly Douglas, have two children, Allison and Michael. He is the son of Mr. and Mrs. Thomas Popovich of Poland.
HONORS
Receives medal
Army Spec. Adam Stiner, of the 25th Military Police, 25th infantry Division (Light), has received the Army Commendation Medal for meritorious service during a combat patrol while deployed in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom. The award certificate said Stiner's professionalism in the face of adversity on April 9, 2004, proved vital in the saving of two soldiers' lives.
Stiner, son of Mike and Laura Stiner of Poland, has been stationed in Kirkuk, Iraq, since February. He is a 2001 graduate of Poland Seminary High School.
ADVANCED TRAINING
Officer graduate
Marine Corps Reserve L/Cpl. Matthew Banks, a 2000 honor graduate of Liberty High School, graduated from Officer Candidate School in Quantico, Va., on July 9, 2004. He also received the physical fitness award for Echo Company at the ceremony.
Banks, a son of Dr. Virginia Banks and stepson of Alfred Bright, both of Youngstown, is scheduled to graduate from Miami University of Ohio in December 2004 with a degree in zoology, when he will be commissioned a second lieutenant.
BASIC GRADS
Army: Pvt. Todd Cope (McDonald High School, '01), son of Catherine Cope of Girard; Pvt. Chase M. Varish (Wellsville High School, '03), son of Michael and Sonya Varish of Wellsville; Pvt. Carl J. Sollitto (Life Skills Center, Warren, '03), son of Gina McCutcheon of Warren; Pvt. William E. Schoch, grandson of Carolyn Schoch of Warren, and son of Linda Shiflett of Akron.
Navy: Seaman Recruit Brooke A. Skinner (Howland High School, '00), daughter of Diane A. Morgan of Negley, Richard L. Skinner of Warren.
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