MAHONING VALLEY Military units recognized at Armed Forces Luncheon

YOUNGSTOWN -- Local, state and national proclamations were presented in recognition of local military units activated for Operations Iraqi Freedom and Enduring Freedom and various other support missions during the recent 53rd Armed Forces Luncheon at the Italian-American Post 3.
"Those serving today in the Armed Forces stand between liberty and tyranny, as the Armed Forces have for over 200 years," said Lt. Comdr. Russell P. Brockway, main speaker for the event.
"We need to thank all members of the armed services, reserve personnel and active duty" for their service and sacrifice, Brockway said.
Among those recognized were units of the 910th Airlift Wing, with headquarters at the Youngstown Air Reserve Station in Vienna, as well as Marine Corps and Navy Reserve units housed at the Air Reserve Station; Youngstown State University's Army ROTC, and Company C, 216th Engineering Brigade, of the Army National Guard. John P. Brown III was the master of ceremonies.
Special recognition was given to Brig. Gen. Michael Gjede, 910th commander, and Navy Reserve Center Command Chief John Stiner for their many years of service to the military and their country. Both are retiring this summer.
The Armed Forces Luncheon was sponsored by the Youngstown Air Reserve Base Community Council along with local veteran and civic groups.