Veterans event is set for Nov. 8

BOARDMAN — Blackhawk helicopter pilot Bill Sweeney will speak about his yearlong assignment in Iraq at the Regional Chamber’s Honoring Our Veterans luncheon at 11:30 a.m. Nov. 8 at Mr. Anthony’s.

Sweeney, of Boardman, was drafted into the Army in 1969 and will complete 40 years in uniform next April. In 1970, he graduated the Army Flight School program and was sent to Vietnam. He spent six years on active duty and upon his return to the Youngstown area joined the Ohio Army National Guard. It was his West Virginia unit that was called to active duty in early January 2006 that led to a 20-month deployment.

Sweeney also owns the graphic design and advertising firm Sweeney & Associates in Boardman.

Maj. General David Hartley (Ret.) and National Commander of the AMVETS organization John Brown III will also speak.

All veterans and current active duty service and reserve members from all branches of the military are invited. Cost is $15 per person. Call Jennifer Mascardine at (330) 744-2131, Ext. 12, to register for this event.