Military news
Oct. 8, 2006 Diederich in training
Frederick M. Diederich has entered basic cadet training at the U.S. Air Force Academy in Colorado Springs, Colo., in preparation to enter the first academic year at the academy.
He is a son of Fred and Toni Diederich of Fayette City and a 2006 graduate of Frazier High School.
Cadets must successfully complete the six-week, two-phase orientation program prior to entering their freshman year. The training prepares men and women to meet the rigorous mental and physical challenges experienced by new cadets.
The first phase involves personal processing, orientation and training in the fundamentals of being a cadet. Cadet trainees are prepared to adjust from civilian to military life and disciplines, and learn proper wear of the uniform, saluting policies and procedures, drill and ceremony, marching and living quarters standards.
During the second phase, cadets train outdoors living in tents while learning to function in field conditions. Cadets apply and practice teamwork, cohesion and learn to deal with physically and mentally demanding situations. They complete the obstacle, confidence, assault and leadership reaction courses, and participate in a rescue mission termed Operation Warrior.
Nunemaker earns degree
Hans M. Nunemaker of Laredo, Texas, son of Gerri and the late retired colonel, Chaplain Harold E Nunemaker of Perryopolis, and husband of Adriana, was awarded a master of science in management degree from Thomas Edison State College in New Jersey.
Nunemaker, a graduate of Frazier High School in Perryopolis, is a sergeant first class in the U.S. Army Judge Advocate General’s Corps (JAG). A chief paralegal noncommissioned officer, Nunemaker is serving in Balad, Iraq.
Goodwin attains rank
Flay Robert Goodwin, son of Peggy Goodwin and the late Flay O. Goodwin of Connellsville, was recently promoted to the rank of lieutenant colonel.
Flay, a Connellsville native, is currently stationed at Mirmar Marine Base in San Diego, Calif., where he flies an F-18 Hornet and is executive officer for his squadron.
Newman recognized
Thomas R. Newman Jr., son of Ranee Lauffer and stepfather Lyle Lauffer of Lemont Furnace, and Thomas Newman Sr. of Uniontown, is officially an airborne/ranger following a ceremony that took place on Aug. 25 in Fort Benning, Ga.
Thomas enlisted in February 2005 and has been stationed at Fort Benning for his airborne/ranger training. He will be transferred to Savannah, Ga., where he will continue his training while awaiting deployment.
Thomas is a 2005 graduate of Laurel Highlands High School and was a student at Bethany College in Bethany, W.Va.
Bissett promoted
Christopher Shawn Bissett of Perryopolis has been promoted to petty officer second class in the U.S. Navy.
Bissett also recently completed small arms marksmanship instructor school and is a certified small arms instructor. During this training, he received the Top Gun Award for excellent marksmanship. He has been serving aboard the aircraft carrier USS Harry S. Truman out of Norfolk, Va., since October 2003.
Bissett is the son of Robert and Kim Bissett, brother of Jamie, grandson of Evelyn Miller and the late William Miller of Beallsville, and Hubert and Mary Louise Bissett of Waynesburg.