NFP salutes the men and women serving to protect our land and liberty

Tribune, Dispatch, Sentinel - November 11-13, 2004

•Navy Midshipman Emanuel K. Abell, the son of Mary F. and David W. Abell of Lewiston, recently completed Plebe Summer at the United States Naval Academy and has begun four years of preparation for commissioning as a Navy or Marine Corps officer.

During Plebe Summer, Abell completed a demanding, fast-paced orientation which required him to rapidly assimilate basic skills in seamanship, navigation, infantry drill, marksmanship and sailing.

Abell has now begun the extensive training in leadership, discipline, athletics, academics and character development that he will use while serving his country as an officer in the U.S. Navy or Marine Corps.

All midshipmen will receive a bachelor of science degree upon completion of their training at the Naval Academy.

•Air Force Airman 1st Class Hassan A. Ali 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 to support the war against global terrorism outside United States borders.

Ali, a munitions systems apprentice with one year of military service, is normally assigned to Ellsworth Air Force Base, Rapid City, S.D.

He is the son of Ahmad and Azizeh Ali of Niagara Falls. The airman is a 2000 graduate of Niagara Wheatfield High School, and a 2002 graduate of Niagara County Community College.

•Tyson J. Behnke has graduated from the Army ROTC Leader Development and Assessment Course, also known as "Operation Warrior Forge," at Fort Lewis, Tacoma, Wash.

The training provides the best possible professional training and evaluation for all cadets in the aspects of military life, administration and logistical support. Although continued military training and leadership development is included in the curriculum, the primary focus of the course is to develop and evaluate each cadet's officer potential as a leader. The cadet command assesses each cadet's performance and progress in officer traits, qualities and professionalism while attending the course.

He is the son of Jutta C. Behnke-Runles of Forest Edge Drive, East Amherst and stepson of Frank L. Runles of Lake Road, Youngstown.

Behnke is a 2001 graduate of Williamsville North High School.

•Marine Corps Cpl. Thomas W. Buuery, a 1997 graduate of Lewiston Porter High School, was recently promoted to his current rank while serving with Marine Tiltrotor Test and Evaluation Squadron 22, Marine Corps Air Station New River, Jacksonville, N. C.

Buuery was promoted based on sustained superior job performance and proficiency in his designated specialty.

•Lt. Commander Christopher Hejmanowski, M.D., the son of Gregg and Mary Ann Hejmanowski of Grand Island, was recently promoted to his current rank.

Hejmanowski, a 1990 graduate of Grand Island High School, and a graduate of Hartwick College and Midwestern University, is currently in the second year of a four-year emergency medicine residency at Portsmouth Naval Hospital in Norfolk, Va.

•Navy Seaman Apprentice Tina M. Hodil, the daughter of Deana R. Hodil and Jeffrey Baker of Lockport, recently completed U.S. Navy basic training at Recruit Training Command, Great Lakes, Ill.

During the eight-week program, Hodil completed a variety of training, which included classroom study and practical instruction on naval customs, first aid, firefighting, water safety and survival, and shipboard and aircraft safety. An emphasis was also placed on physical fitness.

The capstone event of boot camp is “Battle Stations.” This exercise gives recruits the skills and confidence they need to succeed in the fleet. “Battle Stations” is designed to galvanize the basic warrior attributes of sacrifice, dedication, teamwork and endurance in each recruit through the practical application of basic Navy skills and the core values of honor, courage and commitment. Its distinctly “Navy” flavor was designed to take into account what it means to be a Sailor.

Hodil is a 2003 graduate of Lockport High School.

•Air National Guard Airman 1st Class Raymond J. Krause 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’s degree through the Community College of the Air Force.

He is the son of Barbara and Raymond Krause of Bush Road, Grand Island.

•Navy Airman Justin M. Sidoti, the son of Nancy DiMaria of Sanborn and Robert F. Sidoti of Pensacola, Fla., and his fellow shipmates were recently paid a visit by the Navy and Marine Corps' top enlisted leaders while serving aboard the aircraft carrier USS John F. Kennedy.

Master Chief Petty Officer of the Navy Terry Scott, joined by Sgt. Major of the Marine Corps John Estrada, spoke to Sailors and Marines on board Sidoti's ship about issues that affect each of their services, and the importance teamwork has played throughout the history of the Navy and Marine Corps.

The USS John F. Kennedy is currently on a routine scheduled deployment in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom.

Sidoti is a 2000 graduate of Wheatfield Christian Academy of Sanborn. He joined the Navy in November of 2002.

•Army National Guard Pfc. William J. Stypick 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.

Stypick is the son of John and Sandy Stypick of Grand Island.

•Air Force Reserve Airman 1st Class Ryan C. Suitor 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’s degree through the Community College of the Air Force.

Suitor is the son of William and Cheryl Suitor of Lower River Road, Youngstown.

He graduated in 1997 from Lewiston Porter High School and received a bachelor's degree in 2001 from Niagara University.

•Ethan J. Unterweger has graduated from the Army ROTC Leader Development and Assessment Course, also known as “Operation Warrior Forge,” at Fort Lewis, Tacoma, Wash.

The training provides the best possible professional training and evaluation for all cadets in the aspects of military life, administration and logistical support. Although continued military training and leadership development is included in the curriculum, the primary focus of the course is to develop and evaluate each cadet's officer potential as a leader. The cadet command assesses each cadet's performance and progress in officer traits, qualities and professionalism while attending the course.

He is the son of Lt. Col. Peter M. and Karen A. Unterweger of Michelle Court, Lewiston.

Unterweger is a 1993 graduate of Lewiston Porter High School.

•Marine Corps Pfc. Brian W. Wilkesmore II - the grandson of Robert Adams of Niagara Falls and grandson of Barbra McKenzie of Niagara Falls - and the Marines and Sailors of the 24th Marine Expeditionary Unit and Iraqi Security Forces recently captured four suspected anti-Iraqi militants in the Northern Babil province.

Wilkesmore's unit also provided assistance from the MEU's Force Reconnaissance platoon to Iraqi Special Weapons and Tactics members as well as Iraqi national guardsmen, to help capture a former Baath Party leader and apprehend two men suspected of firing on Marines.

Since assuming operational control of Northern Babil on July 29, Wilkesmore's unit has worked closely with ISF to disrupt criminal and other anti-Iraqi activity in the area. To date, they have captured more than 160 individuals throughout the province. Their mission is to assist Iraqi authorities in fostering security and stability for the nearly 900,000 citizens of the province.

MEU's are a Marine Air Ground Task Force. With a strength of about 2,200 personnel, the MEU consists of a command element, a reinforced infantry battalion, a composite helicopter squadron and a MEU service support group.

Wilkesmore, a 2002 graduate of Baldwin High School of Pittsburgh, Pa., joined the Marine Corps in May 2003.

•Air Force Reserve Airman 1st Class Samuel P. Zito III 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’s degree through the Community College of the Air Force.

Zito is the son of Samuel and Charlotte Zito of Porter Center Road.

He is a 2003 graduate of Lewiston Porter High School.

•Air Force Airman First Class Hassan A. Ali, the son of Ahmad Ali of Niagara Falls, a 2000 graduate of Niagara Wheatfield High School. Ali graduated from basic military training at Lackland Air Force Base, San Antonio, Texas.

•Air Force Cadet Robert A. Bettinger, the son of Timothy and Phyllis Bettinger of Niagara Falls, a 2003 graduate of Niagara Wheatfield High School. He earned honors with placement on the Commandant's List at the U.S. Air Force Academy, Colorado Springs, Colo., for demonstrating excellence in military leadership qualities and maintaining a 3.0 military performance average for a semester.

•Air National Guard Airman First Class Jessika J. Bulera, the daughter of Julie Bulera of Grand Island and grand-daughter of Jean White of Buffalo, a 2000 graduate of Grand Island High School. Bulera graduated from basic military training at Lackland Air Force Base, San Antonio, Texas.

•Navy Seaman Nicole M. Clive, daughter of Lorraine L. and Robert J. Clive of Youngstown, a 1994 graduate of Lewiston Porter High School. Clive and her fellow crewmembers aboard the aircraft carrier USS Enterprise , homeported in Norfolk, Va., recently received the Navy's Retention Excellence Award for fiscal year 2003.

•Air Force Airman Sheena M. Collins, daughter of Corrine Collins of Ransomville, and Lynn Collins of Friendship, a 2003 graduate of Wilson High School. Collins graduated from basic military training at Lackland Air Force Base, San Antonio, Texas.

•Air Force Airman Melissa L. Conrad, the daughter of Lester and Mary Conrad of North Tonawanda, a 2002 graduate of Niagara Wheatfield High School. Conrad graduated from basic military training at Lackland Air Force Base, San Antonio, Texas. She arrived for duty at Malmstrom Air Force Base, Great Falls, Mont., where she serves as a security forces apprentice assigned to the 341st Missile Security Forces Squadron.

•Army Pvt. Karl A. Crummett, the son of Kelvin W. Crummett of Fortuna, Calif., and Robin A. Hansen of Wilson, a 2003 graduate of Fortuna Union High School, Fortuna, Calif. Crummett graduated from basic combat military training at Fort Sill, Lawton, Okla.

•Marine Corps Pvt. Robert J. Daege, the stepson of Michael G. Daege and Susan K. Hall of Sanborn. Daege recently complete 12 weeks of basic training at the Marine Corps Recruit Depot, Parris Island, S.C.

•Marine Corps Reserve Pfc. Michael L. DuVal, Jr., the son of Susan M. Hendler of Niagara Falls, and Michael L. DuVal, Sr., of North Tonawanda, a 1996 graduate of Niagara Wheatfield High School.

•Air National Guard Airman Jessica G. Feeley, the daughter of Cheryl and Alan Pless of Grand Island, a 2003 graduate of Grand Island High School. Feeley graduated from basic military training at Lackland Air Force Base, San Antonio, Texas.

•Air National Guard Airman First Class Brad R. Gildner, the son of Marc and Connie Gildner of Youngstown, a 2003 graduate of Alpha Omega Academy, Youngstown. Gildner graduated from basic military training at Lackland Air Force Base, San Antonio, Texas.

•Ensign Matthew Hamm, the son of Kenneth and Carol Hamm of Grand Island, a graduate of Canisius High School and the University of Michigan. Hamm was recently commissioned in the U.S. Navy at a ceremony in Ann Arbor, Mich. Hamm is stationed on the USS Ashland homeported in Little Creek Amphibious Base, Norfolk, Va.
•Army Sgt. Anita L. Harutjunian, daughter of Dolly Phillips of Niagara Falls and Haigas Harutjunian of Ransomville, a 1994 graduate of Niagara Falls High School. Harutjunian was honored at the 2004 Philip A. Connelly Awards program in Denver, Colo., for being one of the winners of the Army dining facilities food preparation competition. She is a food service specialist assigned to the 62nd Engineer Battalion at Fort Hood, Killeen, Texas.

•Army Spec. Steven C. Hayes, the son of Kristina M. Barraclough of North Tonawanda. Hayes returned to the 173rd Airborne Brigade in Vicenza, Italy, after completing a deployment to Iraq in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom with additional participation in Operation Northern Delay.

•Navy Seaman Tim L. Hutchins, the son of Susan R. Standora of Grand Island and John L. Hutchins of Niagara Falls, a 1999 graduate of Niagara Wheatfield High School. Hutchins recently returned home after a routine, scheduled deployment to the Mediterranean Sea while assigned to the guided missile destroyer USS Cole, homeported in Norfolk, Va.

•Air Force Airman Brian T. Jablonski, the son of Jackie and Thomas Jablonski of Ransomville, a 2003 graduate of Wilson High School. Jablonski graduated from basic military training at Lackland Air Force Base, San Antonio, Texas.

•Air Force Airman Peter W. Kuehne, Jr., the son of Peter and Jude Kuehne of Grand Island, a 2003 graduate of Grand Island High School. Kuehne graduated from basic military training at Lackland Air Force Base, San Antonio, Texas.

•Air National Guard Airman First Class Jacob N. Letcher, the son of Jim Letcher of Wheatfield, a 2003 graduate of Niagara Wheatfield High School. Letcher graduated from basic military training at Lackland Air Force Base, San Antonio, Texas.

•Coast Guard Seaman Apprentice Joshua D. Lewis, a 2003 graduate of Lewiston Porter High School. Lewis recently graduated from the U.S. Coast Guard Recruit Training Center in Cape May, N.J.

•Jeremy M. Lis, the son of Jo Ellen and Martin S. Lis of Niagara Falls, a 1997 graduate of Niagara Catholic High School, has enlisted in the U.S. Air Force Reserve. Lis is an aerospace maintenance apprentice assigned to the 914th Maintenance Squadron, Niagara Falls.

•Air Force Reserve Airman First Class Justin M. Long, the son of Theresa Long of Grand Island, a 2000 graduate of Grand Island High School. Long graduated from basic military training at Lackland Air Force Base, San Antonio, Texas.

•Army Reserve Pvt. Derrick J. Marvin, the brother of Wayne Carr of North Tonawanda, a 2001 graduate of Niagara Wheatfield High School. Marvin graduated from basic combat training at Fort Jackson, Columbia, S.C.

•Marine Corps Gunnery Sgt. Francis M. Meehan, son of Elizabeth Meehan of Niagara Falls, and Daniel R. Meehan, also of Niagara Falls, a military member since 1983. Meehan recently received the Navy and Marine Commendation Medal while assigned to Marine Fighter Attack Squadron 232, 3rd Marine Aircraft Wing, San Diego.

•Army Pfc. Steven J. Michlin, the son of Ronald and Elaine Michlin of North Tonawanda, a 2001 graduate of North Tonawanda High School. Michlin graduated from basic combat training at Fort Jackson, Columbia, S.C.

•Army Pfc. Michael R. Moore, the son of Theresa E. and Robert J. Moore of Niagara Falls, a 2002 graduate of Niagara Wheatfield High School. Moore deployed to Iraq to support the mission of Operation Iraqi Freedom, and is regularly assigned to the 84th Engineer Combat Battalion at Schofield Barracks, Wahiawa, Hawaii.

•Army Pvt. Mickey J. Myers, the son of Lesli Myers and Oak Harbor, Wash., and Daniel Myers of Lewiston. Myers graduated from basic combat training at Fort Jackson, Columbia, S.C.

•Air Force Airman Justin L. Pietrowski, the son of Dawn Pietrowski of Sanborn and Edward Pietrowski of Newfane, a 2003 graduate of Niagara Wheatfield High School. Pietrowski graduated from basic military training at Lackland Air Force Base, San Antonio, Texas.

•Meghan L. Powell, the daughter of Kimberly L. Powell of Pueblo, Colo., and Donald G. Powell of Youngstown, a 2003 graduate of Centennial High School of Pueblo, Colo. Powell recently completed U.S. Navy basic training at Recruit Training Command, Great Lakes, Ill.

•Air Force Airman Thomas J. Ryan, the son of Nancy Ryan of Grand Island, a 1995 graduate of Grand Island High School. Ryan graduated from basic military training at Lackland Air Force Base, San Antonio, Texas.

•Air Force Airman Joseph R. Schmit, the son of Paul Schmit of Grand Island, a 2003 graduate of Grand Island High School. Schmit graduated from basic military training at Lackland Air Force Base, San Antonio, Texas.

•Army Reserve Pvt. Bikramjit Singh, the son of Brijindev Singh and Amarjeet Kaur of Grand Island, a 2003 graduate of Grand Island High School. Singh graduated from the power-generation equipment repairer advanced individual training course at Aberdeen Proving Ground, Aberdeen, Md.

•Navy Seaman Recruit Jason R. Sprague, a 2003 graduate of Grand Island High School. Sprague recently completed U.S. Navy basic training at Recruit Training Command, Great Lakes, Ill.

•Army Pvt. Daniel Strzelczyk, the son of Emma Mylchreest of Youngstown. Strzelczyk graduated from One Station Unit Training at the U.S. Army Infantry School, Fort Benning, Columbus, Ga.

•Douglas M. Trippany, II, the son of Daniel A. and Jane L. Trippany of Carthage, and husband of Nicole, a 1993 graduate of Lewiston Porter High School. Trippany received the 2003 George C. Marshall ROTC Award at the Virginia Military Institute in Lexington, Va. The U.S. Army Cadet Command at Fort Monroe, Va., and the George C. Marshall Foundation work in conjunction to sponsor the annual awards seminar.

•Army Pfc. Christopher D. VeRost, the son of Kimberly K. and Drew M. VeRost of Sanborn, a 200 graduate of Starpoint Central High School. VeRost graduated from the utilities equipment repairer advanced individual training course at Aberdeen Proving Ground, Aberdeen, Md.

•Air Force Airman First Class Justin H. Weackler, the son of Teresa Barrett of Ransomville, and Ken Weackler of Green Bay, Wisc., a 2003 graduate of Lewiston Porter High School. Weackler graduated from basic military training at Lackland Air Force Base, San Antonio, Texas.

•Navy Airman Apprentice Phillip J. Williams, the son of Chere M. Laroe of North Tonawanda and Don P. Williams of Clarence, a 2003 graduate of Star Point High School. Williams recently completed U.S. Navy basic training at Recruit Training Command, Great Lakes, Ill.

•Army Pvt. David J. Woodley, Jr., the son of David J. and Helen N. Woodley of Lewiston, a 2002 graduate of Lewiston Porter High School. Woodley graduated from One Station Unit Training at Fort Knox, Ky.

•Air National Guard Airman First Class Kristin L. Zilliox, the daughter of Deanna Geblein of Grand Island, a 2001 graduate of Grand Island High School. Zilliox graduated from basic military training at Lackland Air Force Base, San Antonio, Texas.

•Samuel P. Zito, the son of Samuel P. and Charlotte N. Zito of Lewiston, a 2003 graduate of Lewiston Porter High School, has enlisted in the U.S. Air Force Reserve. He is an integrated avionics systems apprentice assigned to the 914th Maintenance Squadron, Niagara Falls Air Reserve Station.

•Air National Guard Airman Steven R. Cassick, the son of Cheryl Cassick of Wilson, has graduated from basic military training at Lackland Air Force Base, San Antonio, Texas.

•Coast Guard Reserve Seaman Apprentice Ryan M. Francis, the son of Diane M. and Mark L. Francis of Grand Island, a 2001 graduate of Canisius High School, recently graduated from the U.S. Coast Guard Recruit Training Center in Cape May, N. J.

•Navy Airman Justin M. Sidoti, the son of Nancy DiMaria of Sanborn and Robert F. Sidoti of Pensacola, Fla., a 2000 graduate of Wheatfield Christian Academy, participated in "Summer Pulse '04," the Navy's first exercise of its new operational construct, the Fleet Response Plan.

•Army Pvt. Matthew J. Smith, the son of Karen and Joel Smith of Sanborn, a 2002 graduate of Starpoint Central High School, graduated from basic combat training at Fort Jackson, Columbia, S.C.

•Patrick A. Soos, the son of Alexander B. and Marie A. Soos of North Tonawanda, and husband of Lori, a 1983 graduate of North Tonawanda High School and 1987 graduate of Niagara University, was promoted to the rank of lieutenant colonel in the U.S. Army.

•Air Force Tech Sgt. Joseph S. Van Hoose, the son of Michael L. Van Hoose of Mechanicsburg, Ohio, and Kate Benton of Urbana, Ohio, a 1989 graduate of Mechanicsburg High School, provided logistical and human resource support for former President Ronald Reagan's funeral services in Washington, D.C. His wife Stephanie is the daughter of Paul N. and Sharon Schreckengost of North Tonawanda.

•Air Force Airman 1st Class Jonathan D. Westcott, the son of Kathy Westcott and grandson of Paul Westcott, both of North Tonawanda, a 1998 graduate of North Tonawanda High School, graduated from basic military training at Lackland Air Force Base, San Antonio, Texas.

•Marine Corps Pfc. Brian W. Wilkesmore, II, the grandson of Robert Adams and grandson of Barbra McKenzie, both of Niagara Falls, a 2002 graduate of Baldwin High School of Pittsburgh, Pa., Marine Corps Sgt. Gizzarelli W. Vincent, the son of Lorraine M. and James Gizzarelli of Lockport, a 1998 graduate of Star Point Central High School, and more than 2,200 Marines and sailors assigned to the 24th Marine Expeditionary Unit recently deployed to Iraq. Both recently began the process of ensuring security and stability in the central Iraqi province of Northern Babil.

•Local veteran Brian Nesline took home first place in the digital photography competition as part of the 2004 VA National Creative Arts Festival. His work "Faces of Buffalo" was a mosaic of 1,000 self-portraits.

For three years, Nesline has set up booths at community event gatherings around Buffalo. With mirrors, paper, crayons and markers laid out, he has invited people to draw self-portraits. For "Faces," he created a work that up close revealed individual people and far away, collectively, created a portrait of Buffalo.

•Paul Matthew Michaud, a 1995 graduate of Grand Island High School, recently received his doctor of medicine degree from the Uniformed Services University. Michaud, a member of the Alpha Omega Alpha Honor Society, was also promoted to the rank of captain in the U.S. Army. Michaud has begun residency in radiology at the Walter Reed Army Medical Center.