DEPLOYED

DEPLOYED
Forward operator in Iraq
Army National Guard Spec. Abigail A. Wise has been deployed overseas to a forward-operating location in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom. Wise, a common ground station operator, is the daughter of Kurt and Pat Wise of Foley, Mo. Her grandfather is William Wilson of Leetonia.
Southwest Asia deployment
Air Force Senior Airman Bryana O. Hamrick, a 2003 graduate of Lakeview High School in Cortland, is currently deployed in Southwest Asia to support the missions of Operation Enduring Freedom and Operation Iraqi Freedom as part of the 386th Expeditionary Wing. She is normally assigned to the 436th Aerial Port Squadron, Dover Air Force Base, Del. Hamrick, a traffic manager apprentice, is the daughter of Jeffery Mauk of Fort Lauderdale, Fla., and Ventura Mauk of Kinsman. Her husband, Kasey, is from Forest City, N.C.
Pittsburgh unit mobilized
Fifty 50 soldiers from the 444th Personnel Services Battalion, Pittsburgh, have been mobilized and sent to Fort McCoy, Wis., for training before going to Iraq. The soldiers have orders for a 545-day tour of duty. The entire battalion was mobilized and served in the Iraqi Theater of Operations in 2003-2004. The mission of the 444th is to provide personnel support services.
ADVANCED TRAINING
Ranger school graduate
Army Spec. Aaron T. McDowell has graduated from the 61-day Army Ranger School at Fort Benning, Ga. McDowell, an infantry scout, is assigned to the 1st Infantry Division, Fort Riley, Kan. He is the son of Donald D. and Pamela S. McDowell of East Liverpool, and a 2003 graduate of East Liverpool High School.
Advanced study with Navy
Air Force Capt. Kristopher Kripchak, a 1996 graduate of Chaney High School and a 2000 graduate of the University of Akron, will attend the Navy Post Graduate School in Monterey, Calif., where he will study for a master's degree in climatology. Kripchak, the son of Joe and Ethel Kripchak of Youngstown, is flight commander and lead meteorologist at Elmendorf Air Force Base, Alaska.
HONORS
Achievement medal given
Army Spec. Jermaine A. Smith, a petroleum supply specialist assigned to the 603rd Aviation Support Battalion, Hunter Army Airfield, Ga., has been decorated with the Army Achievement Medal. Smith, a 2002 graduate of Woodrow Wilson High School, is the son of Ruby L. Gilbert and William R. Smith of Youngstown. His wife, Kellie, is the daughter of Marie Sinkfield of Youngstown.
BASIC GRADS
Air Force: Airman 1st Class Timothy A. Craig (Stoneboro Wesleyan School, Pa., '03, associate degree, New Castle School of Trades, Pulaski, Pa., '05), son of Richard Craig of Mercer, Pa.
Army: Pvt. Justin S. Hanlon, basic combat training and advanced individual training (East Liverpool High School, '05), son of Sheila Hanlon of East Liverpool.
ACADEMY NEWS
Air Force engineer degree
Air Force Cadet Bryan E. White has graduated from the Air Force Academy in Colorado Springs, Colo., with a bachelor of science degree in civil engineering. At the same time, he was commissioned as a second lieutenant. White is the son of Rick and Cindy White of Cortland, and a 2002 graduate of Maplewood High School, Mecca.
REUNIONS
USS Floyd B. Parks (DD884): Sept. 18-25, 2006, Covington, Ky. Contact James Robbins, P.O. Box 61, Twain, Calif. 95984.
Patrol Gunboat Association (Asheville and Tacoma Class): Aug. 2-6, 2006, Charleston Airport Clarion Hotel, Charleston, S.C. Contact Terry W. McManuels, 1673 Kilt St., Virginia Beach, Va. 23464.
USS William V. Pratt (DLG-13/DDG-44): Aug. 23-27, 2006, Crowne Plaza Hotel, St. Louis, Mo. Contact Rodger Hall, 1286 Steakhouse Road, Knoxville, Ill. 61448.
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.