ARMED FORCES

ARMED FORCES

VETERANS

Applications available

TRIANGLE, VA.

The Marine Corps History Division is seeking applications for its 2011 Marine Corps master’s theses and dissertation fellowships on topics related to some aspect of Marine Corps history. The deadline for applications is May 1, 2011.

The division awards two master’s theses fellowships yearly, each of which includes a $3,500 stipend. The General Lemuel C. Shepherd Jr. Memorial Dissertation Fellowship, which includes a $10,000 stipend, is offered to students researching their doctorate dissertation.

Applicants must be actively enrolled in accredited programs and, by September 2011, have completed all requirements for a master’s or doctorate degree, except for the thesis or dissertation.

Additional information and application materials can be found on the division’s website www.history.usmc.mil, or by contacting the coordinator, grants and fellowships at 703-432-4884.

Donation to hall

The Veterans of Foreign Wars has donated a $500,000 leadership gift to support the National Museum of the United States Army’s Veterans’ Hall.

The hall will be the premier feature of the museum for exclusive use of veterans and their families, said John P. Herrling, campaign executive director.

“We’re hoping other veterans organizations and associations of all sizes will follow the VFW’s lead in helping raise the $5 million needed to complete the project,” Herrling said.

PROMOTIONS

Higher rank

Army Pfc. Samantha Vrbancic was promoted to her current rank while assigned to the 425Th Brigade Special Troops Battalion (Airborne) B Co., as a military intelligence analyst at Fort Richardson, Alaska.

Vrbancic, born and raised in Warren until moving to Port Richey, Fla., in the ninth grade, graduated in 2006 from Gulf High School in Port Richey. She moved back to Warren in 2008 before enlisting in the Army. She is the daughter of Matt Vrbancic of North Lima, and Laura Vrbancic of Florida, both formerly of Warren.

BASIC TRAINING GRADS

Air Force: Airman Corey M. Hartman (Crestview Local High School, Columbiana, ’10), son of Tammy Hartz and stepson of Timothy Hartz of Columbiana, and Richard Hartman of Canfield; Airman Ryan S. Pal (Sharon High School, Sharon, Pa., ’10), son of Kathy Sawyers of Sharon, and grandson of George Griffith of Conneaut; Airman Travis D. Workman (Lakeview High School, Stoneboro, Pa., ’10), son of Julie Workman of Stoneboro; Airman Cody T. Patterson (Heartland Christian High School, Columbiana, ’07), son of Robert and Luci Patterson of East Palestine; Airman Rodney L. Eyster (Red Mountain High School, Mesa, Ariz., ’06), son of Earl Eyster of Mesa, and grandson of Carol Carnes of Boardman.

Army: Pvt. Aaron J. Tate, Infantryman One Station Unit Training (Youngstown Christian High School, ’06), son of Robert and Mechelle Tate of Struthers; Spec. Nickolas C. Dauka, Infantryman One Station Unit Training (Beaver Local High School, Lisbon, ’06, Mount Union College, Alliance, ’10), son of Doug and Kelly Dauka of Lisbon.

Coast Guard: Seaman Nicholas L. Gilkinson, son of Cathy and Thomas Gilkinson of East Liverpool.

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.