ARMED FORCES DIGEST || Donations needed for vets in need

VETERANS

Donations sought

STRUTHERS

Veterans’ Outreach, which helps veterans in crisis, is seeking donations. The 501(c)3 nonprofit organization provides help with shelter, utilities, auto repair, clothing, relocation and advocacy.

For information, call 888-283-8638. A tax-deductible donation can be sent to Veterans’ Outreach Inc., 524 Youngstown- Poland Road, Struthers, OH 44471.

Charter presentation

VIENNA

Retired Vice Admiral Norbert R. Ryan, president and chief executive officer of Military Officers Association of America, will present to the new Mahoning and Shenango Valleys Chapter of the association its charter Thursday at the Youngstown Air Force Reserve Station.

Col. Walter Duzzny, chapter president, will receive the charter from Ryan, keynote speaker for the Chartering Ceremony which starts at 5 p.m. at the Consolidated Activity Center at YAFRS, 3976 King Graves Road. Col. Dick Calta of the Ohio Council of Chapters will be the master of ceremonies.

Reservations for dinner are required but not for the meeting afterward. Call CWO3 Don Oglesby at 330-568-4456.

Ryan is a 1967 graduate of the United States Naval Academy, a graduate of George Washington University with a master’s degree in personnel administration and the Senior Officials in National Security Program at Harvard University’s John F. Kennedy School of Government. He served as the 52nd Chief of Naval Personnel before retiring.

The MSVC, organized last November, accepts members from Ashtabula, Trumbull, Mahoning and Columbiana counties in Ohio and Crawford, Mercer, Lawrence and Beaver counties in Pennsylvania. Officers interested in membership can call Lt. Col. Don Rasile at 330-758-3348. Meetings are on the fourth Thursday of every month at the Consolidated Activity Center.

NASCAR party set

STRUTHERS

AMVETS Post 44, 305 Elm St., is having a NASCAR Party during the Daytona 500 next Sunday. Doors open at noon, and the race is at 1 p.m. There are six viewing screens.

The entrance fee is $10, and draft beer is $1. Popcorn, hot dogs and chips will be available. The event is open to members and guests. For eligible guests who join AMVETS, $10 will be deducted from the membership fee.

PROMOTIONS

New appointment

Wardell Jefferson has been appointed as Army Command sergeant major assigned to V Corps at Wiesbaden, Germany. Jefferson, who has served in the military for 22 years, is the son of Patricia Jefferson of Farrell, Pa. His wife, Sara, is the daughter of Teri Prewitt of Ewing, N.J.

Jefferson graduated in 1988 from Brookfield High School, received an associate degree in 2003 from Central Texas College in Texas, and earned a bachelor’s degree in 2005 from Wayland Baptist University in California.

BASIC TRAINING GRADS

Air Force: Airman Kyle W. Gergel (United High School, Hanoverton, ’11), son of Bill and Missy Gergel of Minerva; Reserve Airman Myron C. Kelly Jr. (Chaney High School, ’10), son of Myron Kelly Sr. of Youngstown, and grandson of Elaine Toney of Girard; Airman Seth A. Wilson, honor graduate (Beaver Local High School, Lisbon, ’11), son of Robert and Constance Wilson of East Liverpool; Airman Andrew M. May (Canfield High School, ’06, associate degree, Community College of Allegheny, Pittsburgh), son of Becky Corcoran of Punta Gorda, Fla., and Dave May of Edinburg, Pa.

Army: National Guard Spec. Abbie A. Estok (Boardman High School, ’97; bachelor’s degree, Youngstown State University, ’05), daughter of Anne E. and William H. Manthe of Youngstown; National Guard Pvt. Jacob T. Montini (West Branch High School, Beloit, ’09), son of Shelley K. Montini of Beloit, and grandson of Fay Montini of Alliance; Reserve Pvt. Timothy M. Woolley, son of Timothy M. Woolley of Boardman; Pfc. Robert L. Wright (Liberty High School, ’06), son of Denise Jennings of Bowie, Md., and cousin of Daniel Fish of Chambersburg, Pa.; Pvt. Andrew B. O’Polka, One Station Unit Training, which includes basic military training and advanced individual training, son of Vicki L. and Joseph A. O’Polka Jr. of Sandy Lake, Pa.

Navy: Seaman Erik A. Kuffel (Boardman High School, ’06), son of Jacqualine M. Kuffel and Paul A. Kuffel, both of Boardman; Seaman Courtney N. Vaughn (Carrick High School of Pittsburgh, ’11), granddaughter of Hattie M. Langenheim 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.