PROMOTIONS

PROMOTIONS

Achieved rank of major

Maj. James L. Spanbauer, of Salem, was promoted to his present rank while serving as intelligence officer for the 180th Fighter Wing, Ohio Air National Guard, located at the Toledo Express Airport in Swanton.

Spanbauer, a graduate of Salem High School, received a bachelor of arts degree from Kent State University and a master in public administration degree from the University of Akron. He became the intelligence office at the 180th in September 2006. Before that, he was on active duty assigned to the Headquarters Air Combat Command Intelligence Squadron at Langley Air Force Base, Va.

Spanbauer, the recipient of several Air Force medals and awards, and his wife, Lisa Ann, have two children, Robert and Katelyn.

VETERANS

Vigil for POW/MIAs

MERCER, Pa. — The Mercer County, Pa., Vietnam Era Veterans Association will conduct its 24th annual Vigil for POW/MIAs at 7 p.m. Jan. 26 on the east side of the Mercer County Courthouse next to the Vietnam Veterans Memorial in downtown Mercer. The public is invited. Speakers will include state Sen. Bob Robbins, R-50th, of Greenville, Pa.; state Rep. Mark Longietti, D-7th, of Mercer; and Mercer County Veterans Affairs Director Col. (Army retired) Gary Solander.

RETIREMENT

Ceremony conducted

A retirement ceremony for Navy Commander Roger T. Kissel, Supply Corps, was conducted Dec. 21, 2007, aboard the USS Barry at Washington, D.C., Navy Yard. Kissel, who was in the military for 22 years, graduated in 1979 from Columbiana High School and from Youngstown State University in 1984. He received a master’s degree from University of Southern California. During his career, he served on the USS Kiska, USS Crommelin and with the Naval Sea Systems Command.

Kissel and his wife, Leigh, and their son, Daniel, live in Fairfax Station, Va. He is the son of James and Marla Kissel of Columbiana.

ADVANCED TRAINING

Completed basic course

Marine Corps Pvt. Brandon L. McGee, son of Cheryl L. McGee of New Castle, Pa., completed the Marine Corps Enlisted Warehouse Basic Course at Camp Lejeune, N.C. McGee is a 2007 graduate of New Castle High School.

BASIC GRADS

Air Force: Airman Aimee R. Thomas, granddaughter of Marilyn Hager of Sharon, Pa.; Airman Jarrod L. Fusco (South Range High School, ’07), son of Robert and Lori Fusco of Canfield (Beaver Township); Airman Colleen M. Dufford (Sharpsville Area High School, Sharpsville, Pa., ’06), daughter of Randell Dufford and Deanna Dufford, both of Sharpsville; Airman Amber M. Ross (Reynolds High School, Greenville, Pa., ’06), daughter of Monica Ross of Greenville; Airman Aubrey A. Toney (Labrae High School, Leavittsburg, ’99), son of Arlene and Aubrey Toney of Leavittsburg; Reserve Airman Devin M. Hughes (Lakeview High School, Cortland, ’03), son of Cathy and David Hughes of Cortland.

Navy: Seaman Recruit Mike A. Rodriguez (Community Academy Of Philadelphia High School, Philadelphia, Pa., ’07), son of Neri Figueroa of Philadelphia, and Miguel A. Rodriguez of Youngstown; Seaman Mark D. Steyer (Quince Orchard High School, Gaithersburg, Md., ’02), nephew of Lori Kirkpatrick of Hermitage, Pa.

X 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.