Austintown Lions hear from national guardsman

Master Sergeant Rob Whited of the 838th Military Police Company National Guard Unit was the guest speaker at the Austintown Lions Club monthly speaker’s night meeting Oct. 11 at Austintown Community Church.

Whited gave a detailed, descriptive and informative talk of the group’s deployment in Afghanistan in 2007-2008. The presentation gave the Lions a true picture of the region, terrain, the people and dedication and service from the soldiers of the 838th. He showed much of the gear that soldiers wear and the Lions were able to view a battle-ready HumVee in the church parking lot.

Other highlights of the meeting included a presentation to Lion Bill Sywy from Awesometown co-organizer Brad Bloomster, in recognition of Sywy’s coordination of the health care part of the fall festival held at Emmanuel Community Church and Austintown Township Park.