ARMED FORCES

ARMED FORCES

VETERANS

Awards banquet

AUSTINTOWN

The United Veterans Council of Greater Youngstown’s annual Recognition and Awards Banquet will take place March 24 at the Immaculate Heart of Mary Parish Center, 4500 Norquest Blvd., Austintown. The social gathering is at 6 p.m. followed by dinner at 6:30.

As part of the event, a veteran, citizen and youth of the year will be recognized for their patriotic and civic contributions to the community during 2016.

Tickets are available to everyone. Reservations must be made in advance, however. For tickets, contact Rod Hosler at 330-788-3270 or a participating local veterans post.

Veterans luncheon

STRUTHERS

The Mahoning County Board of Developmental Disabilities is having its annual Veterans of the Valley Luncheon from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. March 21 at St. Nicholas Roman Catholic Church Social Hall, 764 Fifth St.

Honorees are Lou Mamula of the Marine Corps and Judge Robert P. Milich of Youngstown Municipal Court of the Air Force.

The luncheon is free for veterans, and a program is planned.

For information and reservations, call Paul Iden at 330-503-1204 or George Gabriel at 330-418-4815.

VFW commemoration

ELLSWORTH

All Vietnam War veterans are invited to a Vietnam Veterans Day Commemoration from 5 to 8 p.m. March 29 at the Veterans of Foreign Wars Meander Post 9571, 11397 Ellsworth Road. For information, call Post 9571 Commander Ken Calhoun at 330-538-3790.

DEPLOYMENT

Navy support

HERMITAGE, PA.

Navy Petty Officer 1st Class Shawn Fazio, a 2001 Hickory High School Graduate and Hermitage native, is playing a key role in supporting the newest and largest amphibious warship in the Navy, the USS America based in San Diego.

Fazio, an aviation electrician’s mate, is responsible for maintaining repairs on various aircraft electrical components.

The ship’s mission is to support a spectrum of military operations and missions, including putting Marines ashore for combat operations, launching airstrikes, keeping sea lanes free and open for the movement of global commerce, and delivering humanitarian aid after a disaster.

“I like the hands-on aspect of my job and knowing that something that I helped fix was used to help the pilots fly their aircraft,” Fazio said.

BASIC TRAINING GRADS

Air Force: Airman Van A. Vanover, basic training honor graduate, Lowellville High School, ’15, son of Alan Vanover of Topeka, Kan., and Elizabeth Vanover of Lowellville, grandson of Anthony Esarco of Lowellville and Geraldine Vanover of Hoyt, Kan., and brother of Madison Vanover; Airman Martaysia T. Holland, Ursuline High School, ’14, daughter of Tara M. Reid of Youngstown; Airman Berchindle J. Foster Jr., Valley Christian High School, Youngstown, ’16, son of Berchindle and Katrina Foster and grandson of Berrer Shelton, all of Youngstown; Reserve Airman 1st Class Michael J. Amato, South Range High School, ’16, son of Allison B. Amato of Canfield; Airman Darryl A. Mickens II, Chaney High School, ’16, son of Anthea V. Mickens and Darryl A. Mickens, and brother of Darrial J. Mickens, Anvia M. Mickens, and Carinda D. Mickens, all of Youngstown; Airman Ross H. Armeni, Salem High School, ’16, son of Lorrie S. and James A. Armeni, and brother of James A. Armeni, all of Salem.

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