ARMED FORCES

ARMED FORCES

VETERANS

Scholarship program

YOUNGSTOWN

The Ohio War Orphans Scholarship Program awards tuition assistance to children of deceased veterans or veterans receiving 60 percent or greater Veterans Affairs service- connected disability compensation and who served in United States armed forces during a period of declared war or conflict. Combat duties are not required.

A student must be enrolled for full-time undergraduate study at an eligible Ohio college or university and must be an Ohio resident under age 25. The application deadline is July 1. For more information, call the Mahoning County Veterans Service Commission at 330-740-2450, ext. 2451.

House flag bill

WASHINGTON, D.C.

A bill preventing restrictions on the display of U.S. service flags on residential property, called the Blue Star/Gold Star Flag Act of 2009, has passed the House with bipartisan support.

The service flag, sometimes referred to as the Blue Star or Gold Star flag, is an official banner authorized by the Department of Defense for display by families of military personnel serving in the Armed Forces during a period of war.

Each blue star on the flag represents a service member on active duty. A gold star signifies a service member killed in action or who died in service.

Memorial vandalized

PLANO, TEXAS

The Mojave Desert War Memorial, which was saved temporarily by a recent U.S. Supreme Court ruling, was torn down by vandals.

Liberty Institute, which represents longtime memorial caretakers Henry and Wanda Sandoz, the Veterans of Foreign Wars of the United States, the American Legion, Military Order of the Purple Heart, and the American Ex-Prisoners of War are offering a reward for information leading to the arrest and conviction of the person or persons responsible for the removal of VFW property.

ADVANCED TRAINING

Supply course

Marine Corps Pfc. Cory A. Rodgers, son of Amy Marshall and Bill Rodgers, both of Mercer, Pa., has completed the Marine Corps Basic Enlisted Supply Course. Rodgers is a 2009 graduate of Lakeview High School, Stoneboro, Pa.

BASIC TRAINING GRADS

Air Force: Airman Christopher M. Rogers (Blackhawk High School, Beaver Falls, Pa., ’07), son of Margaret Claru of Enon Valley, Pa., and Randy Rogers of Columbiana.

Army: Pfc. Sinaca T. Lee (Youngstown Christian School, ’97), nephew of Albert Brown of Girard and brother of Robert Ambrose of Youngstown.

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.