Military news
March 4, 2007 Clopp deployed overseas
Navy Capt. H. David Clopp is currently deployed overseas at a forward-operating location in support of Operation Enduring Freedom.
Operation Enduring Freedom is the official name given to anti-terrorism military operations involving U.S. troops and allied coalition partners. Reserve component members from all branches of the U.S. armed forces have been mobilized, activated and deployed along with active duty members to support the war against global terrorism. Mission objectives encompass combating the international terrorist network or regime forces outside the borders of the United States. U.S. troops serve in South and Southwest Asia, Central Asia, the Arabian peninsula, islands in the Pacific, and in numerous other countries.
Clopp is a chief of personnel with 24 years of military service.
His wife, Maura, is a daughter of Leonard and Dolores Frost of Elizabeth and Susan Benzo of Perryopolis.
In 1978, he graduated from Cheltenham High School in Wyncote, and received a bachelor’s degree in 1982 from the U.S. Naval Academy in Annapolis, Md. He earned a master’s degree in 1994 from the Joint Military Intelligence College, Washington, D.C.
Ilagan completes training
Air National Guard Airman Emmanuel F. Ilagan Jr., a 1999 graduate of Mount Pleasant High School, has graduated from basic military training at Lackland Air Force Base, San Antonio, Texas.
During the six weeks of training, the airman studied the Air Force mission, organization, and military customs and courtesies; performed drill and ceremony marches; and received physical training, rifle marksmanship, field training exercises, 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.
Ilagan is the son of Manuel and Elenita Ilagan of Mount Pleasant.
Kaszowski graduates
Army Pvt. Carolyn M. Kaszowski, a 2002 graduate of Connellsville Area High School, has graduated from the Petroleum Supply Specialist Advanced Individual Training course at Fort Lee, Petersburg, Va.
The course is designed to train students in receipt, storage, issue, shipping, and distribution of petroleum, oil and lubricant products used by the Army. Training included instruction in petroleum and water accounting, operating equipment associated with fuels and water distribution; and fueling and defueling operations and procedures on vehicles, aircraft and stationary equipment.
She is a daughter of Gary and stepdaughter of Teresa Kaszowski of Hershey. Her mother and stepfather, Terri and James McCabe, reside in Dunbar.
Richardson trained
Army Pvt. Walter E. Richardson, a 2005 graduate of Uniontown Area High School, has graduated from Basic Combat Training at Fort Knox, Ky.
During the nine-week training period, the trainee received instruction in drill and ceremony, weapons, rifle marksmanship and bayonet training, chemical warfare, field training and tactical exercises, armed and unarmed combat, military courtesy, military justice, physical fitness, first aid, and Army history, traditions, and core values.
He is a son of Audrena Richardson of Uniontown.
Nolan finishes studies
Army Pvt. Victoria Nolan has graduated from basic combat training at Fort Jackson, Columbia, S.C.
During the nine weeks of training, the soldier studied the Army mission, history, tradition and core values, physical fitness, and received instruction and practice in basic combat skills, military weapons, chemical warfare and bayonet training, drill and ceremony, marching, rifle marksmanship, armed and unarmed combat, map reading, field tactics, military courtesy, military justice system, basic first aid, foot marches, and field training exercises.
She is the daughter of Christine Nolan of Lake Lynn.
Taylor joins mission
Army Pvt. Dustin D. Taylor, a 2005 graduate of California Area High School, has deployed to the Iraqi theater of operations to support the mission of Operation Iraqi Freedom.
Taylor is a member of the 1st Battalion, 28th Infantry, the “Black Lions”, 4th Infantry Combat Brigade, 1st Infantry Division based at Fort Riley, Junction City, Kan. The Black Lions, activated in 2006, are one of the Army’s newest modular infantry brigade combat teams.
In preparation toward the Black Lions’ deployment to a combat environment, the battalion soldiers completed a demanding four-week collective training density at Fort Irwin, Calif.
Operation Iraqi Freedom is the official name given to military operations involving members of the U.S. armed forces and coalition forces participating in efforts to free and secure Iraq.
Mission objectives focus on force protection, peacekeeping, stabilization, security and counter-insurgency operations as the Iraqi transitional governing bodies assume full sovereign powers to govern the peoples of Iraq.
Members from all branches of the U.S. military and multinational forces also are assisting in rebuilding Iraq’s economic and governmental infrastructure, and training and preparing Iraqi military and security forces to assume full authority and responsibility in defending and preserving Iraq’s sovereignty and independence as a democracy.
Taylor is a son of Drew J. Taylor of Tampa, Fla., and Sherry L. Hewitt of California.
Robbins graduates
Army National Guard Pvt. Robert B. Robbins, a 2006 graduate of Albert Gallatin High School, has graduated from Basic Combat Training at Fort Knox, Ky.
During the nine-week training period, the trainee received instruction in drill and ceremony, weapons, rifle marksmanship and bayonet training, chemical warfare, field training and tactical exercises, armed and unarmed combat, military courtesy, military justice, physical fitness, first aid, and Army history, traditions, and core values.
He is a son of Sherril Robbins of Masontown.