MILITARY NEWS

MILITARY NEWS
Valentines for Veterans
CANFIELD -- Camp Fire USA Northeast Ohio Council members made 1,500 valentines for hospitalized veterans as part of the Valentines for Veterans project. Veterans Affairs hospitals that received Camp Fire valentines this year included those in Dayton, Cincinnati, Cleveland, Brecksville and the Youngstown outpatient clinic.
DVD collection
BOARDMAN -- DVDs were collected to be sent to military personnel during Zonger Zone Entertainment's "All-American Thursday" on Feb. 9 at Drunken Jacks' Saloon in Boardman. The event honored all U.S. military veterans and active duty military members.
The DVDs were collected by the Sons of The American Legion Detachment of Ohio and AMVETS Department of Ohio through the AMVETS Operation DVD program.
Legislation for Guard
HARRISBURG -- The Pennsylvania Senate has passed legislation, sponsored by Sen. Robert D. Robbins of Greenville, Pa., R-50th, that would preserve education benefits for Pennsylvania National Guard members who are disabled in the line of duty. At present, the Educational Assistance Program offers Guard members a free, five-year college education in exchange for serving in the Guard for six years. Robbins' amendment, which now proceeds to the House for further action, would protect Guard members who are disabled.
Additionally, Robbins joined lawmakers and state military leaders in opposing the U.S. Defense Department's proposal to cut six National Guard heavy combat brigades across the nation, two of which are in Scranton and Washington, Pa.
If these cuts go through, Pennsylvania could lose 4,000 soldiers, which Robbins said is not good for the commonwealth or national security.
PROMOTIONS
Lance corporal
YOUNGSTOWN -- Marine Corps Lance Cpl. Elizabeth A. Leggatt, granddaughter of William Leggatt of Hermitage, Pa., and Alice Basham of Coral Springs, Fla., was promoted to her current rank while serving with Headquarters and Headquarters Squadron, Marine Corps Air Station Miramar, San Diego, Calif.
Navy ensign
Navy Ensign Otto B. Parson, son of Kelly J. Parson of Warren, received his commission after completing the 13-week Officer Candidate School at Officer Training Command, Pensacola, Fla.
DEPLOYED
Sergeant returns
Army Sgt. Sean Kusky has returned to Fort Stewart, Ga., after being deployed to Iraq in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom. He is a tank turret systems mechanic with Task Force 4th-64th Armor Regiment, 3rd Infantry Division. Kusky, son of Donald A. and Rose P. Kusky of Lowellville, is a 2001 graduate of Poland Seminary High School. His wife, Gina, is the daughter of Linda Sebastion of Youngstown.
Back at Fort Stewart
Army Pfc. Neil T. Guzzetti, son of Thomas A. and Barbara A. Guzzetti of East Palestine, and a 2004 graduate of East Palestine High School, has returned to Fort Stewart, Ga., after being deployed to Iraq in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom. Guzzetti, an infantryman, is a member of 6th Squadron, 8th Cavalry Regiment, Fourth Brigade, 3rd Infantry Division.
ADVANCED TRAINING
Mechanic course
Army Pvt. Brandon T. Mecum graduated from the Light-wheeled Vehicle Mechanic Advanced Individual Training course at Fort Jackson, S.C. Mecum, son of Samuel R. Mecum and Janelle Orlang, both of East Liverpool, is a 2005 graduate of East Liverpool High School.
Avionics apprentice
Air Force Airman 1st Class Jeremiah J. Brandenstein has graduated from the F-16 Aircraft Avionics Systems Apprentice Course at Sheppard Air Force Base, Texas. Brandenstein, son of John J. and Kathleen A. Brandenstein of Transfer, Pa., is a 2004 graduate of Reynolds Junior-Senior High School, Greenville, Pa.
Mechanics graduate
Army Pvt. William J. Younger, a 1997 graduate of Warren G. Harding High School, Warren, graduated from the Light-wheeled Vehicle Mechanic Advanced Individual Training course at Fort Jackson, S.C. Younger is the son of Linda K. Younger of Warren.
Artillery training course
Army Pvt. Nicholas J. Clemmer has graduated from the self-propelled field artillery systems mechanic advanced individual training course at Aberdeen Proving Ground, Md. Clemmer is the son of Dale A. Clemmer and Terri L. Clemmer, both of Columbiana. He is a 2005 graduate of Crestview High School, Columbiana.
BASIC GRADS
Air Force: Airman Ty Randall Beatty, honor graduate (Mineral Ridge High School, '04), son of Randall Beatty of Lowellville, and Debi Bayless of Austintown; Airman Brok C. Downs (Columbiana High School, '05), son of Angela Virden of Youngstown.
Army: Reserve Pvt. Jacqueline Marie Gabriel (Mahoning County Career and Technical Center, '04), daughter of William E. and Beverly Yankle Gabriel of Youngstown.
Marine Corps: Pvt. Thomas J. White, son of Kimberly C. Wilson of Warren; Pvt. Ralph L. McCullough, son of Gayle L. McCullough of Leetonia; Pvt. Todd A. Kirtley, son of Lori V. and Todd M. Kirtley of New Waterford.
Navy: Navy Seaman Justin P. Kovach (West Middlesex Area High School, West Middlesex, Pa., '01), son of Jackie S. and Les P. Kovach of Mercer, Pa.; Seaman Scott D. Simon (Columbiana High School, '00), son of Linda A. and Ronald H. Simon of Columbiana; Seaman Apprentice Ryan S. Binkney, son of Melissa A. Hunter of Struthers, and Scott K. Binkney of Ridge, Md.; Seaman Apprentice Camron T. Phillips (Farrell Area High School of Farrell, Pa., '05), son of Carol L. Phillips of Hermitage, Pa., and Terrance X. Phillips of Alexandria, Va.
910TH AIRLIFT WING
Crew chief
Air Force Reserve Airman 1st Class Jason P. Scriven has arrived for duty with the 910th Airlift Wing at Youngstown Air Reserve Station in Vienna. Scriven, a crew chief, is the son of Karen and Stanley Scriven of Greenville, Pa., and a 2002 graduate of Greenville Senior High School.
REUNIONS
Marines
3RD MARINE DIVISION ASSOCIATION: Aug. 9-13, 2006, Milwaukee, Wis. The headquarters hotel is Hyatt Regency Milwaukee. Contact Sgt. Major Bill Krueger, USMC retired, 7622 Highland St., Springfield, Va. 22150-3931.
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.