ARMED FORCES

ARMED FORCES

VETERANS

Benefits available

YOUNGSTOWN

Vietnam War veterans with coronary artery disease, ischemic heart disease, Parkinson’s disease and B cell leukemias, such as hairy cell leukemia, can apply for service-connected disabilities with the Department of Veterans Affairs.

The VA associates these new “presumptive” conditions with herbicide exposure and has simplified the application process, said Barry E. Landgraver, executive director/county veterans service officer for the Mahoning County Veterans Service Commission, 345 Oakhill Ave., Suite 100. It’s important to apply as soon as possible to maximize benefits, Landgraver said. For assistance with filing claims, contact Anthony Nagle of the Mahoning County Veterans Service Commission at (330) 740-2450 ext. 8388.

Fish-fry dinner

ELLSWORTH

The VFW Mahoning County Council and Ellsworth VFW Post 9571 are having a fish-fry dinner as a fundraiser for the Voice of Democracy and Patriot Pen programs from 4:30 to 7 p.m. March 26 at 11397 Ellsworth Road in Ellsworth. Tickets can be purchased at the door for $7.50. For more information, call Fred Schrock at (330) 538-3834.

PROMOTION

Lance corporal

Marine L/Cpl. Preston Hernandez, son of Robert and Terri Hernandez of Mineral Ridge, was promoted to his present rank while serving as a member of USMC Reserve Unit, 4th Maintenance Battalion, in Charlotte, N.C.

Hernandez is a 2004 graduate of Austintown Fitch High School and a 2008 graduate of Ohio State University. He graduated from boot camp at Parris Island, S.C., in August 2009.

BASIC TRAINING GRADS

Air Force: Airman 1st Class Evan J. Uber (Lakeview High School, Stoneboro, Pa. ’09), son of Lisa Uber and Fred Uber, both of Sandy Lake, Pa.; Airman Eric S. Ward, son of Eric and Tammy Ward of East Liverpool.

Marine Corps: Pfc. Kalab L. Stowers, son of Tina I. Fenrick of Mercer, Pa., and Brad L. Williams of Greenville, Pa.

Navy: Seaman Recruit Brian M. Cicconi (Austintown Fitch High School, ’99, Coastal Carolina University, Conway, S.C., ’05), son of Jacci A. Fizet of Gilbert, Ariz., and Clemente Cicconi of Canfield; Seaman Apprentice Jordan H. Ewing, (Croatan High School, Newport, N.C., ’07), granddaughter of John R. Drewnoski of Leetonia.

Items of note for the Armed Forces Digest can be sent to The Vindicator, Regional Desk, P.O. Box 780, Youngstown 44501-0780, or e-mailed to alcorn@vindy.com.