Military briefs
Marine Corps Staff Sgt. Keith A. Hawk, son of Pamela S. Arnold of Carmichaels R.D. 1 and Samuel D. Hawk of Waynesburg, recently completed a six-month deployment to the Mediterranean Sea and Arabian Gulf while assigned to the 22nd Marine Expeditionary Unit, based in Camp Lejeune, N.C. Hawk was one of more than 10,000 Atlantic fleet sailors and Marines aboard the ships of the USS John F. Kennedy Carrier Battle Group and USS Wasp Amphibious Ready Group.
During the deployment, Hawk’s unit participated in Exercise Infinite Anvil and visited Souda Bay, Crete and Petra, Jordan, where they had the opportunity to shop, sightsee and enjoy the local culture and cuisine.
Hawk’s unit is an expeditionary intervention force with the ability to organize rapidly for combat operations in virtually any environment.
Hawk is a 1982 graduate of Carmichaels Area High School and joined the Marine Corps in March 1983.
Robert N. Jenkins Jr. has been commissioned as a second lieutenant in the U.S. Air Force after completing the Air Force ROTC program and graduating with a bachelor’s degree from West Virginia University.
ROTC is an educational program designed to provide college students an opportunity to be Air Force officers after completing military study courses and bachelor’s degree requirements at a host college or university.
The son of Robert N. and Linda L. Jenkins of 305 Sugar Run Road, Waynesburg, he is a 1991 graduate of Waynesburg Central High School.
Army Pvt. Travis A. Dusenberry has graduated from basic combat training at Fort Knox, Ky.
During the nine-week training, he received instruction in drill and ceremonies, weapons, rifle marksmanship, bayonet training, chemical warfare, field training, tactical exercises, armed and unarmed combat, military courtesy, military justice, physical fitness, first aid, and Army history, core values and traditions.
He is the son of Lonnie Dusenberry of Galt, Calif., and the grandson of Don Dusenberry of North Porter Street, Waynesburg.
Dusenberry graduated in 1997 from Waynesburg Central High School and received a bachelor’s degree in 2002 from Waynesburg College.
The following local natives recently completed basic training at Marine Corps Recruit Depot, Parris Island, S.C.
Marine Corps Reserve Pvt. Justin D. McCrory, son of Bruce McCrory of 77 McCrory Circle, California. McCrory is a 2002 graduate of California Area High School.
Marine Corps Pfc. Richard A. Renzi, son of Tammy M. and Richard Renzi of 12 Mahoning Road, Dunbar. Renzi is a 2002 graduate of Connellsville Area High School.
Marine Corps Reserve Pvt. Michael J. Sweeney, son of George R. Sweeney Jr., of 362 Forest Drive, Belle Vernon. Sweeney is a 2002 graduate of Belle Vernon Area High School.
Marine Corps Pfc. Tony J. Daniels, son of Francine L. and Anthony P. Daniels of 9 Birch Road, Daisytown.
The recruits successfully completed 12 weeks of training designed to challenge them both physically and mentally.
They began their training at 5 a.m. by running three miles and performing calisthenics. In addition to the physical conditioning program, they spent numerous hours in classroom and field assignments, which included learning first aid, uniform regulations, combat water survival, marksmanship, hand-to-hand combat and assorted weapons training. They performed close-order drill and operated as a small infantry unit during field training.
They also received instruction on the Marine Corps’ core values – honor, courage and commitment – and what the words mean in guiding personal and professional conduct.
The recruits ended the training phase with the Crucible, a 54-hour team effort, problem-solving evolution that culminated with a ceremony in which the recruits were presented the Marine Corps emblem and addressed as “Marines” for the first time since boot camp began.
Navy Ensign Dennis J. Milsom, son of Sue A. and Dennis J. Milsom of 121 Madison Ave., Uniontown, recently received his commission as a naval officer after completing Officer Candidate School (OCS) at Naval Aviation Schools Command, Naval Air Station, Pensacola, Fla.
During the 13-week-long training program, Milsom received instruction on navigation, ship handling, engineering, naval warfare and management. Milsom also completed a daily physical fitness program that involved running, swimming and calisthenics.
In addition, Milsom and fellow OCS graduates received leadership training and instruction on the importance of the Navy’s core values – honor, courage and commitment – and how their meaning affects the personal and professional conduct of the men and women serving in the Navy around the world.
Milsom is a 1994 graduate of Uniontown Area High School and joined the Navy in January 1996. He is a 2002 graduate of Pennsylvania State University, having earned a bachelor’s degree.
Annice E. Lewis has graduated from the Army Reserve Officer Training Corps leader’s training course at Fort Knox, Ky.
The four-week course is a leadership development experience that qualifies and motivates ROTC cadets for enrollment in the senior ROTC advanced course at their host college campuses. The course is designed to improve leadership potential, build self-confidence and develop initiative through hands-on learning, allowing the Army to observe and evaluate the cadets’ officer potential and leadership attributes.
The daughter of Yvonne Clements of Main Street, Daisytown, Lewis is a 1999 graduate of California Area High School.
Marine Corps Lance Cpl. Kalen Polito, son of Lisa D. and Dominick J. Polito of 263 Mountain View Road, Uniontown, and Marine Corps Staff Sgt. Stephen Wiseman, a 1985 graduate of Connellsville Area High School, recently departed on a six-month deployment to the Mediterranean Sea and Arabian Gulf while assigned to the 24th Marine Expeditionary Unit, based in Camp Lejeune, N.C.
They are among more than 4,000 Atlantic Fleet sailors and Marines aboard the ships of the USS Nassau Amphibious Ready Group.
While on deployment, they will participate in joint-service, multi-national operations and have the opportunity to visit foreign ports. Their unit will fly the flag of the New York/New Jersey Port Authority Police Department, which was presented to the 24th MEU in a ceremony held in New York City’s Central Park.
The unit is an expeditionary intervention force with the ability to organize rapidly for combat operations in virtually any environment. MEU’s are composed of more than 2,000 personnel and are divided into an infantry battalion, aircraft squadron, support group and command element. With this combination, the unit supplies and sustains itself for either quick mission accomplishment or clearing the way for follow-on forces.
Polito is a 2000 graduate of Laurel Highlands High School and joined the Marine Corps in December 2000.
James A. McKenzie of Uniontown recently enlisted in the Air Force and is stationed at Lackland Air Force Base, Texas, where he will receive basic training.
A 2002 graduate of Uniontown Area High School, he is the son of Mr. and Mrs. James McKenzie of Kensington Street, Uniontown, and grandson of Marge Whoolery of Uniontown.
Midshipman Jeffrey S. Nicholson of Dunbar is serving as a battalion logistics officer at the U.S. Merchant Marine Academy in Kings Point, N.Y.
In this student officer position, Nicholson is responsible for ensuring the proper maintenance of facilities and distribution of supplies within the academy’s first battalion of more than 300 midshipmen. As part of the academy’s training program, senior students are given assignments as midshipman officers to provide them with experience in leadership, responsibility and human relations.
A graduate of Connellsville Area High School, Nicholson is a logistics and intermodal transportation major at the academy. He will graduate from the federal maritime college in June 2003 with a bachelor of science degree, a merchant marine license and a U.S. Naval Reserve commission.
U.S. Rep. John P. Murtha (D-Johnstown) nominated Nicholson to the academy.
The academy, which trains officers for America’s merchant marine and leaders for the maritime and transportation industries, is operated by the Maritime Administration of the U.S. Department of Transportation.
Air Force Senior Airman Robert A. Acklin III has graduated from Airman Leadership School at Langley Air Force Base, Hampton, Va.
During the five-week course, airmen are trained to understand their positions in the Air Force organizational structure, leadership, communications skills, and profession of arms.
The course is designed to prepare and better equip senior airmen to serve as supervisors, managers and rating officials as they progress in their enlisted military careers. The school is the first of three levels of professional military education programs used to develop and cultivate leadership and supervisory skills and is a required course for airmen to complete before being promoted to the rank of staff sergeant.
Acklin is a heating, ventilation, air conditioning and refrigeration journeyman assigned to the 1st Civil Engineer Squadron.
The son of Robert A. and Patricia A. Acklin of Chaintown Road, Dawson, Acklin is a 1992 graduate of Frazier High School.
Bernadette Gersh has been promoted to the rank of lieutenant colonel in the U.S. Air Force Reserve.
Gersh is a pediatric nurse practitioner with the 9019th Air Reserve Squadron, Headquarters Air Reserve Personnel Center, Denver, Colo.
The daughter of Richard and Evelyn V. Hrabak of Perryopolis, she graduated in 1980 from Frazier High School and received a bachelor’s degree in 1984 from Catholic University of America, Washington, D.C. She earned a master’s degree in 1994 from the University of Maryland.
Michael J. Toth has entered the U.S. Air Force Academy Preparatory School in Colorado Springs, Colo.
At prep school, cadet candidates are qualified for appointment to the Air Force Academy.
The 11-month school program integrates academic preparation, military training and athletic conditioning, which includes a primary curriculum of academic preparation with intensive instruction in mathematics, English and the basic sciences.
To qualify for an appointment to the academy, students must complete the preparatory school program in academics and military training, pass a fitness test, exhibit strong ethical character, be recommended by the preparatory school commander and be approved by the Air Force Academy board.
The son of Michael and Anne Toth of Rostraver Road, Belle Vernon, Toth is a 2000 graduate of Belle Vernon Area High School.
Army Sgt. Cristin M. McKenzie has graduated from the Army Basic Noncommissioned Officer Course at the Noncommissioned Officer Academy, Fort Eustis, Newport News, Va.
McKenzie received leadership and job specialty training during the common leader training, which focused on leadership assessment and development.
The technical training prepares the soldier to act and perform duties and responsibilities in the noncommissioned officer’s particular job specialty while serving as a squad leader, team or section chief. McKenzie received hands-on, performance-oriented field training in his career management field.
McKenzie, a transportation company training supervisor, is the son of Teri L. Dickinson-Gibson of Everett, Wash., and his wife, Jaime, is the daughter of Jim and Susan Carpeal of Helen Road, Smock. He is a 1994 graduate of Cascade High School, Everett.
Army Pvt. Kirt Hughes has graduated from basic military training at Fort Leonard Wood, Waynesville, Mo.
During training, he received instruction in drill and ceremonies, weapons, rifle marksmanship, map reading, tactics, military courtesy, military justice, physical fitness, first aid, and Army history, core values and traditions.
Hughes is the son of Cynthia D. and Clifford E. Hughes of Dunbar.
Keith A. Pritts has graduated from the U.S. Army Warrant Officer Candidate School at Fort Rucker, Daleville, Ala., and has been appointed to the rank of warrant officer one.
Pritts completed an intense six-week course and received training and experience in leadership skills, Army customs, doctrine, tradition, tactics, drill and ceremonies, professional ethics, physical training and a variety of other military academic subjects.
Warrant officers continue to further their training through technical and tactical certification. As the officers gain progressive levels of expertise and leadership, they operate, maintain, administer and manage equipment, support activities or technical systems throughout their Army career.Air Force Airman Kenneth W. Smith II has graduated from basic military training at Lackland Air Force Base, San Antonio, Texas.
During the six weeks of training, Smith studied the Air Force mission, organization, and customs; performed drill and ceremony marches, and received physical training and special training in human relations. In addition, airmen who complete basic training earn credits toward an associate degree through the Community College of the Air Force.
The son of Kenneth and Dena Smith of Hitters Delight Road, Smithfield, Smith is a 2001 graduate of Albert Gallatin Area High School.
Melissa C. Parent has been promoted to the rank of captain in the U.S. Air Force. Parent is an executive officer with the 47th Flying Training Wing at Laughlin Air Force Base, Del Rio, Texas.
The daughter of Michael L. and Carol S. Cabot of Patricia Lane, Uniontown, she graduated in 1994 from Geibel Catholic High School and received her bachelor’s degree in 1998 from the U.S. Air Force Academy, Colorado Springs, Colo. She earned her master’s degree in 2002 from Baker College, Flint, Mich.
Brett M. Boyle and Jaclyn M. Sickles have graduated from the Army Reserve Officer Training Corps National Advanced Leadership Camp at Fort Lewis, Tacoma, Wash.
The camp provides the training and evaluation for all cadets in the aspects of camp life, administration and logistical support. Although continued military training and leadership development is included in the curriculum, the primary focus at camp is to evaluate each cadet’s officer potential. The cadet command assesses each cadet’s performance and progress in officer traits, qualities and professionalism while at camp.
The son of Jerome and Bonnie L. Boyle of East Constitution Street, Perryopolis, Boyle is a 1999 graduate of Frazier High School.
The daughter of Irene S. and Vincent N. Sickles of Uniontown, Sickles graduated in 1996 from Laurel Highlands High School.
Air Force Reserve Airman 1st Class Brian C. Fertig has graduated from basic military training at Lackland Air Force Base, San Antonio, Texas. During the six weeks of training, he studied the Air Force mission, organization and customs, performed drill and ceremony marches and received physical training and special training in human relations.Air Force Master Sgt. John T. Lewis Jr. has arrived for duty at Yokota Air Base, Tokyo, Japan.
Lewis is an air transportation superintendent with the 730th Air Mobility Squadron.
The son of John T. Lewis of Main Street, Ronco, and the brother of Richard Lewis of Pittsburgh, Lewis is a 1981 graduate of Albert Gallatin Area High School.
Air Force Airman Kenneth W. Smith II has graduated from basic military training at Lackland Air Force Base, San Antonio, Texas.
During the six weeks of training, Smith studied the Air Force mission, organization, and customs; performed drill and ceremony marches, and received physical training and special training in human relations.
In addition, airmen who complete basic training earn credits toward an associate degree through the Community College of the Air Force.
The son of Kenneth and Dena Smith of Hitters Delight Road, Smithfield, Smith is a 2001 graduate of Albert Gallatin Area High School.
Melissa C. Parent has been promoted to the rank of captain in the U.S. Air Force.
Parent is an executive officer with the 47th Flying Training Wing at Laughlin Air Force Base, Del Rio, Texas.
The daughter of Michael L. and Carol S. Cabot of Patricia Lane, Uniontown, she graduated in 1994 from Geibel Catholic High School and received her bachelor’s degree in 1998 from the U.S. Air Force Academy, Colorado Springs, Colo. She earned her master’s degree in 2002 from Baker College, Flint, Mich.
Brett M. Boyle and Jaclyn M. Sickles have graduated from the Army Reserve Officer Training Corps National Advanced Leadership Camp at Fort Lewis, Tacoma, Wash.
The camp provides the training and evaluation for all cadets in the aspects of camp life, administration and logistical support. Although continued military training and leadership development is included in the curriculum, the primary focus at camp is to evaluate each cadet’s officer potential. The cadet command assesses each cadet’s performance and progress in officer traits, qualities and professionalism while at camp.
The son of Jerome and Bonnie L. Boyle of East Constitution Street, Perryopolis, Boyle is a 1999 graduate of Frazier High School.
The daughter of Irene S. and Vincent N. Sickles of Uniontown, Sickles graduated in 1996 from Laurel Highlands High School.
Air Force Reserve Airman 1st Class Brian C. Fertig has graduated from basic military training at Lackland Air Force Base, San Antonio, Texas.
During the six weeks of training, he studied the Air Force mission, organization and customs, performed drill and ceremony marches and received physical training and special training in human relations.
In addition, airmen who complete basic training earn credits toward an associate degree through the Community College of the Air Force.
Fertig is a 1995 graduate of Laurel Highlands High School.