VETERANS

VETERANS
Combat-related problems
LANHAM, Md. -- AMVETS, a veterans service organization that represents members of all branches of the military, has called for congressional support to address the lack of awareness and screening among health care professionals for traumatic brain injury and post-traumatic stress disorder.
It has been reported that about 10 percent of all military personnel, and up to 20 percent of front-line personnel, suffer concussions during combat tours. Studies show that multiple concussions can lead to permanent brain damage. But due to misdiagnosis, many military TBI victims are going without the proper treatment, John P. Brown III, AMVETS national vice commander, said.
Additionally said Brown, of Youngstown, AMVETS believes the Department of Defense and the Department of Veterans Affairs has a special obligation to care for veterans suffering from PTSD. The VA operates a network of some 190 specialized PTSD outpatient treatment programs throughout the country, which are seeing a rapid increase in enrollment, he said.
PROMOTIONS
2005 Struthers graduate
Marine Corps L/Cpl. Michael R. Wilson was promoted to his present rank at Marine Corps Air Station in Yuma, Ariz., where he is stationed. Wilson is the son of Douglas and Patricia Wilson of Struthers and is a 2005 graduate of Struthers High School. He is assigned to Marine Wing Support Squadron Unit 371, which was recently deployed to a Al Taqaddum, Iraq, for a seven-month tour.
DEPLOYED
Seconnd 8-month tour
Marine Corps Cpl. Adam Brant has returned to the United States after completing his second eight-month deployment in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom. Brant is a safety and survival collateral duty inspector assigned to the 252nd Flightwing Unit at Cherry Point, N.C. He is the son of Randy and Kim Brant of Hubbard and graduated in 2003 from Hubbard High School.
Forward position
Navy Lt. Darren A. Shiley has deployed to a forward operating location in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom. He is a medical officer for the 1st Battalion, 2nd Marine Regiment. Shiley graduated from McDonald High School, Ohio University and the Northeastern Ohio Universities College of Medicine. He is the son of Don and Doreen Shiley of McDonald. He is married to the former Theresa Prochodnik of Warren. The couple have two children, Darren Jr. and Halie.
HONORS
Awarded combat patch
Army Reserve Sgt. Randi L. Richards has been awarded the 1st Cavalry Division combat patch for service in a war zone or hazardous duty area while in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom. Richards, a manager assigned to the 847th Personnel Services Battalion, Fort Snelling, Minn., is the daughter of Raymond and Pamela Dunn of Transfer, Pa., and is a 2000 graduate of Reynolds Junior-Senior High School, Transfer, Pa.
Achievement Medal
Navy Reserve Petty Officer 1st Class James A. Fortune has been awarded the Army Achievement Medal for participating in Operation Iraqi Freedom. Fortune is the son of Edward R. and Martha E. Fortune of Sebring and graduated in 1989 from West Branch High School in Beloit.
ADVANCED TRAINING
Computer course
Air Force Airman Eric J. Goldstrom has graduated from the Communications-Computer Systems Operations Apprentice Course at Keesler Air Force Base, Miss. He is the son of Kurt F. Goldstrom of Baden, Pa., and Marge I. Goldstrom of Ellwood City, Pa., and is a 2004 graduate of Riverside High School, Ellwood City.
Leadership school
Air Force Reserve Senior Airman Adam R. Cessna has graduated from the five-week Airman Leadership School at Charleston Air Force Base, S.C. Cessna, an avionics systems journeyman, is assigned to the 315th Aircraft Maintenance Squadron at Charleston AFB. He is the son of Clayton Cessna of Louisville, Ohio, and Kimberly S. Cessna of Lake Milton, and is a 2001 graduate of East Canton High School.
Petroleum supply
Army Pfc. Jaime A. Joseph has graduated from the Petroleum Supply Specialist Advanced Individual Training course at Fort Lee, Va. Joseph is the son of James V. and Julie A. Joseph of Ellwood City, Pa., and is a 2006 graduate of Lincoln High School, Ellwood City.
Military science
Air National Guard 2nd Lt. Erick A. Cyders graduated from the six-week Air National Guard Academy of Military Science at McGhee Tyson Air National Guard Base, Knoxville, Tenn., where he was commissioned. Cyders, a C-130 engine mechanic, is assigned to the 179th Airlift Wing, Mansfield Lahm Air Base, Mansfield. He is the son of Rick E. Cyders and Jean A. Cyders, both of Homeworth. His wife, Alaynna, is of Minerva. He is a 1998 graduate of Minerva High School and received a bachelor's degree in 2003 from Kent State University.
BASIC GRADS
Air Force: Airman Adam J. Phillips (Hickory High School, Hermitage, Pa., '06), son of Amy Zucco of Hermitage; Airman Mitchell A. Raynes (Lecanto High School, Fla., '05), son of Donna Raynes of Homosassa, Fla., and grandson of Arlene Raynes of Washingtonville; Airman Kyle D. Zuschlag (Reynolds Junior-Senior High School, Transfer, Pa., '04), son of Gary Zuschlag of Greenville.
Army: Pvt. Colin J. Johngrass (Shenango High School, New Castle, Pa., '04, son of Crystal Johngrass and grandson of Joan Hall, both of New Castle; Pvt. Daniel L. Roberts (United High School, Hanoverton, '05), son of Scott Roberts of Salem; Pvt. Antwan M. Davis (Chaney High School, '06), son of Larry and Lelia Davis of Youngstown; Reserve Pfc. Brandon A. Wylie (Rayen High School, '06), son of Henry and Earlena Wylie of Youngstown; Pvt. Richard Stottlemire (Chalker High School, Southington, '03), son of Cathleen of Southington.
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.