VETERANS

VETERANS
Films to be shown
History Channel documentaries, "First to Fight" and "Honor Deferred," will be shown at the annual Loyalty Day Program, sponsored by the Donald Lockett VFW Post 6488 and its Ladies Auxiliary, at 11 a.m. Saturday at 2065 Coitsville-Hubbard Road, Youngstown.
"First to Fight" examines the history of the first all-black tank unit, the 761st Battalion, during World War II. Over the course of 183 days on the front, the 761st helped liberate 30 towns under Nazi control.
"Honor Deferred" is about seven black American soldiers who were presented the Medal of Honor by President Clinton, six posthumously, for their actions in World War II.
There is no charge and the program is open to the public. Lunch will be served. Call (330) 746-8259.
BASIC GRADS
Air Force: Airman Robert D. Rovnak (Woodrow Wilson High School, '99), son of Thomas and Janice Rovnak of Youngstown; Airman Christopher R. Thornton (Chaney High School, '00), son of Myrtis Thornton of Youngstown and brother of Dwayne Thornton of Boardman; Airman Kyle J. Ferry (David Anderson High School, Lisbon, '05), son of Rick Ferry of Salem and Donna Klaes of Lisbon; Airman Jesse M. Johnson (Crestview High School, Columbiana, '05), daughter of Anna Anderson and granddaughter of Francis and Hannah Simonds, all of New Waterford.
Army: Pvt. Jarod Cook, son of Lynne Cook of Hubbard; National Guard Pvt. Joseph C. Hemskey (Lincoln High School, Ellwood City, Pa., '03), son of Joseph and Valerie Hemskey of Ellwood City.
Navy: Seaman Recruit Johnny M. Brown (Maplewood High School, Johnston Township, '05), son of Leona R. and Johnny M. Brown of Cortland.
ROTC
YSU graduate
Second Lt. Kristin M. Stankich was promoted to her present rank when she graduated cum laude with a bachelor of science degree in education from Youngstown State University.
Stankich was commissioned through YSU's Army Reserve Officers' Training Corps (ROTC) program. Her oath was given by her brother, Army Reserve 1st Lt. Paul Stankich, also a YSU graduate and former member of the ROTC there.
While in ROTC, 2nd Lt. Stankich was the Battalion Operations Officer during the fall semester of 2005, and served in Company B, 237th Forward Support Battalion of the Ohio Army National Guard. She received the National Defense Ribbon, the Army Service Ribbon and the Global War on Terrorism Ribbon.
Stankich, the daughter of George and Christine Stankich of Boardman, attended phase II of the basic officer leadership course at Ft. Sill, Okla., and is attending an officer basic course at Fort Bliss, Texas.
Award recipient
YSU ROTC Cadet Ashley M. Jenkins of Carrollton is the annual George C. Marshall Award recipient, emblematic of the outstanding cadet in the Army ROTC battalion at YSU/Kent State University. Jenkins, chosen as the commander of the ROTC battalion for the entire year, is a 2002 graduate of Carrollton High School and the daughter of Eileen Hall and Kenneth Jenkins, both of Kensington.
Jenkins is scheduled to be commissioned a second lieutenant May 20 and be assigned as a military police officer.
Items of note for the Military Roundup can be sent to The Vindicator, Regional Desk, P.O. Box 780, Youngstown 44501-0780, or e-mailed to alcorn@vindy.com.