Army Reserve Sgt. Michael D. Beadner was honored at a special Welcome Home Warrior-Citizen Award ceremony in recognition of the soldier’s personal sacrifice, exceptional duty performance and honorable service in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom in Iraq and Operation Enduring Freedom in Afghanistan.
The reservist is assigned to the 88th Regional Readiness Command headquartered at Fort Snelling, Minneapolis, Minn. The solider is a member of the 378th Military Intelligence Battalion, Fraser, Mich.
At the ceremony, the commanding general of the Army Reserve presented the soldier the award package. The award consists of a personalized encased American flag, a commander’s coin with Reserve logos, a lapel pin set for the soldier and spouse, and a Welcome Home Warrior-Citizen flag.
Beadner, a human intelligence collector, is the son of David L. Beadner of Basket Oak Center, Burke, Va.
His wife, Jennifer, is the daughter of Ronald and Vicky Harsch of Clarkston.
In 1995, he graduated from Robinson Secondary School, Fairfax, Va., and in 2006 from Brigham Young University, Provo, Utah.
In our country’s service?
Air Force Airman Roy M. Pilipovich graduated from basic military training at Lackland Air Force Base in San Antonia, Texas.
During the six weeks of training, he studied Air Force mission, organization and military customs and courtesies. He performed drill and ceremony marches and received training in rifle marksmanship, field exercises and human relations.
Pilipovich is the son of Mike and Karen Pilipovich of Davisburg. He is a 2005 graduate of Holly High School.
***
Army Pvt. Patrick E. Savage graduated from basic combat training at Fort Jackson in Columbia, South Carolina.
During his nine weeks of training, Savage studied the Army mission, history, tradition and core values. He focused on physical fitness; and received instruction in basic combat skills, military weapons, chemical warfare and bayonet training. He also studied drill and ceremony, marching, rifle marksmanship, armed and unarmed combat, map reading, field tactics, military courtesy, military justice, basic first aid, foot marches and field exercises.
Savage is a 1991 graduate of Clarkston High School.
***
Dr. Jeremy Derik Parrott, DDS graduated from the University of Michigan on May 6 with a Doctor of Dental Surgery degree.
Parrott is a 1999 Clarkston High School graduate. He attended one year at Wayne State University and then transferred for two years at the University of Michigan in Ann Arbor. He received his Bachelor of Science in Biology from U of M while attending dental school.
Following graduation, Parrott entered the US Navy as a Lieutenant and will spend his first year completing an advanced dental program in Great Lakes, Illinois.
Air Force Airman Jason D. Selberg graduated from basic military training at Lackland Air Force Base in San Antonio, Texas.
During the six weeks of training, Selberg studied the Air Force mission, organization, military customs and courtesies, and performed drill and ceremony marches. He also received training in rifle marksmanship, field exercises and human relations.
Selberg earned credits toward an associate degree through the Community College of the Air Force.
Selberg is the son of Lori Brown of Clarkston. He graduated from Clarkston High School in 2005.
Evan Brown graduated from Michigan State University College of Osteopathic Medicine on May 4. He is a 1995 graduate of Clarkston High School. He is the son of the late Robert Brown and the son of Susan of Clarkston. His sister Jennifer resides in Wixom.
Brown is in the U.S. Army medical program and was sworn in as a captain on May 4 at Kellog Center East Lansing. He will be doing a three year residency in internal medicine at Tripler Army Medical Center in Honolulu.
Brown traveled extensively and recently to Equador with a missionary group. He visited small villages treating patients with much needed medical care.
In January 2006, through a MSU sponsored program, he traveled to Milawi, Africa for a six week rotation. There he worked in a hospital treating AIDS and Malaria patients in primitive conditions.
His vast learning experiences in under developed countries has given him a better understanding of medical care in countries less fortunate than our own. The knowledge he has gained will further enable him to be the best and most compassionate doctor he can be.
Congratulations,
Your Family and Friends
On May 25, David P. Trollman was promoted to the rank of captain in the United States Air Force effective May 29, 2006.
Trollman is currently a project manager for the 33rd Information Operations Squadron, Headquarters Air Intelligence Agency, Lackland AFB (Sand Antonio, Texas).
Captain Trollman is a 1998 graduate of Clarkston High School and a 2002 graduate of the United States Air Force Academy, Colorado Springs, Colorado. His parents are Bruce and Maria Trollman of Clarkston.
Army Pvt. Stephen V. Tersigni 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.
Tersigni is the son of Vinnie Tersigni of Clarkston. He is a 2006 graduate of Clarkston High School.
***
Zachary Weiss and Ben Soltisz, both of Clarkston, have been nominated to the U.S. Air Force Academy and U.S. Military Academy.
Weiss, a Clarkston High School senior, is the son of Todd and Ann Weiss of Clarkston. Soltisz, a Waterford Kettering High School student, is the son of Benjamin and Carla Soltisz of Clarkston.
They are amoong 15 students in the Eighth Congressional District nominated by U.S. Rep. Mike Rogers.
Clarkston High School graduate Patrick Mullen, a member of the Joint Force Headquarters, Michigan Air National Guard, was a member of the Ford Funeral Joint Operation Center, assisting in the funeral of President Gerard R. Ford,
Lt. Col Mullen serves as a staff engineer for the director of the Department of Military and Veteran Affairs and adjutant general of Michigan. He has been a member of the Michigan National Guard for 20 years and has four years of active duty with the U.S. Air Force.
In civilian life, Mullen works for the State of Michigan as an architect and manages construction contracting. He lives in Holt with his wife, Angela Fink, and their six children.
He is the son of Betty Mullen of Clarkston.
***
Army Pvt. Ryan T. Snavley has graduated from basic combat training at Fort Jackson, S.C.
During the nine weeks of training, the soldier studied the Army history, tradition, and core values, and received instruction and practice in basic combat skills.
He is the son of Pam Fofrich of Clyde, Ohio, and Mike Snavley of Clarkston. The private is a 2003 graduate of Vanguard-Sentinel Career Center in Fremont, Ohio.
AC Lauren Timmerman graduated from Naval Air Traffic Technical Center and Carrier Air Traffic Technical Center in Pensacola, Fla.
She is assigned to the nuclear aircraft carrier USS Carl Vinson, based out of Newport News, Va.
Timmerman, a 2003 graduate of Clarkston High School, is the daughter of Warren and Maria Timmerman.
Air Force Airman Kelly E. McMillen has graduated from basic military training at Lackland Air Force Base, San Antonio, Texas.
During the six weeks of training, she 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.
She is the daughter of David McMillen of Davisburg, and a 2006 graduate of Clarkston High School.
Nick Whitney, 2006 graduate of Clarkston Renaissance High School, has recently been promoted to private first class in the U.S. Army.
Whitney began his Army career right after graduation, completed basic and airborne training in November. He is currently serving in Iraq with the 82nd Airborne Division.
He is the son of Sandy and Douglas Whitney of Davisburg, and brother of Mike and Jess Whitney.
Air Force Airman Jessica Shaner has graduated from basic military training at Lackland Air Force Base, San Antonio, Texas.
During the six weeks of training, she 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.
Shaner, daughter of Bryan and Tracey Shaner of Clarkston, is a 2005 graduate of Clarkston High School.
Bryan Kolano graduated from the U.S. Military Academy at West Point on May 26.
He made the Dean’s List all four years. He has been commissioned a 2nd lieutenant in the U.S. Army, Military Intelligence branch, posted to Ft. Hood, Texas.
A 2003 graduate of Clarkston High School, he is the son of Rich and Sandy Kolano of Clarkston.
Army Maj. Richard J. Van Buskirk is preparing for deployment in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom.
Van Buskirk, a commander, is normally assigned to the 56th Military Police Company, Fort Dix, Trenton, N.J. He has served in the military for more than 20 years. He is the son of Thomas J. Van Buskirk of Clarkston.
His wife, Valerie, is the daughter of Larry and Rose Sedlar of Cornell St., Manistee. The major is a 1985 graduate of Beaverton High School, and received an associate degree in 1987 from Kemper Military School and College, Boonville, Mo. Van Buskirk received a bachelor’s degree in 1994 from the University of Phoenix, Southfield, Mich.
***
Darrell Mandrell of Clarkston, a sergeant in the 1775th Military Police Company, Michigan Army National Guard, was awarded the Army Achievement Medal on June 10 for service in the Ford State Funeral mission.
Mandrell is a graduate of Del City High School and serves as a squad leader. He deployed in support of Operation Desert Storm and Desert Shield in 1990. He completed basic training at the Naval Training Center of San Diego, Calif., in 1983.
A police officer in Pontiac, he is the son of Tommy and Linda Mandrell of Del City, Okla.
Navy Seaman Recruit Katie A. Spencer, daughter of Julie L. Hopkins of Clarkston and Richard Spencer of White Lake, recently completed U.S. Navy basic training at Recruit Training Command, Great Lakes, Ill.
During the eight-week program, Katie 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.
Dr. Tina Renee Kinsley, daughter of William Kinsley and Diane Barringer (Kinsley) of Independence Township and Deborah Ladner of Metamora, recently graduated from her two-year medical residency program in San Antonio, Texas.
She will become a specialized medical doctor in dermatology with the U.S. Air Force and will soon be stationed north of San Francisco at a military hospital. She was recently promoted to the rank of major.
Three years ago, immediately prior to her residency in dermatology, she served one year near the DMZ in South Korea.
Additionally, she was recently married to Ross Perez, a retired commander in the US Coast Guard now serving in the merchant marine.
Dr. Kinsley is scheduled to retire from the Air Force in six years, and plans to settle within the continental U.S. to practice medicine.
‘She enjoys being able to share her love for our country and medicine at the same time,? William said. ‘She quite often goes on various short assignemnts all over the globe in her role as a medical doctor in the AirForce.?
***
Andrea Ingersoll, 2007 graduate of Clarkston High School, graduated July 20 from Air Force basic training.
Air Force Airman Andrea N. Ingersoll 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.
Ingersoll is the daughter of Randy Ingersoll of Romeo, and Catherine Thorp of Clarkston. The airman is a 2007 graduate of Clarkston High School.
***
Cadet Patric Alexander, son of Gary and Terri, recently graduated from Army Air Assault School at Fort Campbell in Kentucky.
This is a 2-week course consisting of bookwork, helicopter rappelling and 6-12 mile road marches with field pack.
He is a junior at Norwich University in Vermont. His major is criminal justice and he is a member of the Army ROTC.
He became a Rescue Squad Team member of Mountain Cold Weather this past spring. The two-year training process ended in a three-week testing phase of climbing and rappelling rescue techniques and physical endurance.
Patric is a 2005 graduate of Clarkston High School.
Benjamin J. Soltisz has entered Basic Cadet Training at the U.S. Air Force Academy, Colorado Springs, Colo.
The six-week, two-phased orientation program must be successfully completed before their freshman year. Training includes drill and ceremony, field work, and leadership exercises.
A 2007 graduate of Waterford Kettering High School, he is the son of Benjamin and Carla Soltisz of Independence Township.
Cadet Marie Barbara Timm, daughter of Michael and Barbara Timm of Clarkston, earned the Superintendent’s Award for Excellence at the U.S. Military Academy, West Point.
This honor is presented to the top five percent of cadets in each class. During summer 2007 cadet training, Marie also received Best Individual Female Award for her class from the Department of Physical Fitness.
She graduated frm Clarkston High School in 2006. She plans to graduate from West Point in 2010 and be commissioned a second lieutenant in the U.S. Army.
***
Army Pfc. Jenna G. Beno graduated from basic combat training at Fort Jackson, S.C. Beno, daughter of Kristi Beno of Clarkston, is a 2006 graduate of Clarkston High School.
Air Force Airman 1st Class Andrea N. Ingersoll has arrived for duty at McConnell Air Force Base, Wichita, Kan.
Ingersoll, a command post apprentice with one years of military service, is assigned to the 22nd Air Refueling Wing.
She is the daughter of Catherine Thorp of Independence Township and Randy Ingersoll of Romeo. Her grandparents are Barbara and Al Buscemi of Independence Township, and Chuck and Katy Collins of Wimauma, Fla.
The airman is a 2007 graduate of Clarkston High School.
***
Airman First Class Jamin Ruff has joined the 127th Wing, Michigan Air National Guard, at Selfridge Air National Guard Base.
Ruff will serve as a Services Specialist in the 127th Services Flight, supporting the guard as both a state militia and part of the U.S. Air Force.
The airman has served eight years active duty in the Air Force and deployed twice to Kyrgyzstan. He was stationed at both Little Rock Air Force Base, Ark., and Cannon AFB, N.M.
Ruff, a 1998 graduate of Oxford High School, completed his Associates Degree through the Community College of the Air Force in May 2007. He is the son of Von Ruff of Grand Blanc and Lois Hills of Clarkston.
***
Navy Hospitalman Apprentice Craig R. Alexander, son of Debbie S. and David J. Alexander of Clarkston, Mich., recently reported for duty at Naval Hospital, Jacksonville, Fla. Alexander is a 2006 graduate of Clarkston High School of Clarkston, Mich. and joined the Navy in June 2007.
Navy Seaman Sean M. Welch, son of Carol and Russel Welch of Clarkston, recently completed U.S. Navy basic training at Recruit Training Command, Great Lakes, Ill.
During the eight-week program, Welch 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.
Welch is a 2006 graduate of Clarkston High School.
Marine Corps Lance Cpl. Matthew J. Dymond, 2005 graduate of Clarkston High School, is deployed with the Third Battalion, Eighth Marine Regiment, Reinforced, Special Purpose Marine Air Ground Task Force – Afghanistan.
The task force’s mission is to conduct counterinsurgency operations with emphasis on training and mentoring Afghan national police.
***
Navy Seaman Recruit Sondino A. DeRose, son of Anthony D. DeRose of Clarkston, recently completed U.S. Navy basic training at Recruit Training Command, Great Lakes, Ill.
During the eight-week program, DeRose 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.
He is a 2006 graduate of Clarkston High School.
Air Force Airman Marcus D. Pesavento 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, core values, 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.
He is the son of Gail Pesavento of Clarkston and a 2006 graduate of Brandon High School.
***
Navy Reserve Seaman Shannon L. Ellis, daughter of Jacqueline A. Boatright of Sherman, Texas and Alexander C. Ellis of Clarkston, recently completed U.S. Navy basic training at Recruit Training Command, Great Lakes, Ill.
During the eight-week program, Ellis 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.
Air Force Airman Michael W. Bramlett 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, core values, 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 in applied science degree relating through the Community College of the Air Force.
Bramlett, son of Jane Whisnant of Waterford and Gregory Bramlett of Davisburg, is a 2006 graduate of Waterford Mott High School.
Ryan Clement of Clarkston recently graduated from the Federal Law Enforcement Training Center in Artesia, New Mexico.
Clement is Clarkston High School graduate and received a BA degree in Criminal Justice from Saginaw Valley State University. He entered FLETC on Nov. 3, and on Jan. 28, he took the Oath of Office as a U. S. Border Patrol Agent, Department of Homeland Security.
He received his badge and credentials at a ceremony for the 828th Session of the U. S. Border Patrol Academy. He is completing an intense eight-week Spanish immersion program. Upon completion, he will begin duty at the Tucson Station of the Tucson Sector of the USBP.
The Tucson Sector covers most of Arizona from New Mexico to the Yuma County line, 262 border miles. It is the busiest sector in the country in both illegal alien apprehensions and marijuana seizures.
***
Army Reserve Lt. Col. David J. Meyers arrived recently in Baghdad to serve as the new Secretary of the General Staff for the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Gulf Region Division in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom. This is his second deployment to the Iraqi theater of operations.
Meyers is regularly a member of the 416th Engineer Command headquartered in Darien, Ill. The civil engineer has extensive experience with the Army Corps of Engineers as a civilian and Army reservist. The lieutenant colonel has served in the military for 27 years.
Meyers has served as a project officer in the Kaiserslautern, Germany, and has worked with the Corps of Engineers’ Mobile District, and the Savannah, Ga., Seattle, Wash., Omaha, Neb., Fort Worth, Texas, Louisville, Ky., and Far East Districts in design and construction projects.
He is the son of Carole A. Meyers of Clarkston. His wife, Rhonda, is the daughter of Jackson and Margaret Byers of Clarkston.
The lieutenant colonel is a 1976 graduate of Warren Cousin High School. He earned a bachelor’s degree in 1981 from Michigan Technological University in Houghton, and earned a master’s degree in 2003 from Webster University, St. Louis.
Air Force Airman 1st Class Patricia A. Mead has graduated from basic military training at Lackland Air Force Base, San Antonio, Texas.
Mead earned distinction as an honor graduate. She is the daughter of Samuel Mead, sister of Monica Mead of Clarkston, and a 1999 graduate of Davison High School.
***
Private Kyle L. Jeffers, son of Rebecca M. Jeffers of Springfield Township and Christopher E. Jeffers of Flint, has been mobilized for service overseas in Iraq.
The military police soldier has two years of service, and is assigned to the 342nd Military Police Company, Troy, Ohio. Jeffers is a 2005 graduate of Carmar-Ainsworth High School in Flint.
***
Army Reserve Lt. Col. David J. Meyers has been mobilized and activated at Fort McCoy, Sparta, Wis., for deployment overseas to a forward operating base in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom. The soldier is a member of the 416th Theater Engineer Command, Darien, Ill.
Meyers, a diver with 27 years of military service, is the son of Carole A. Meyers of Clarkston. His wife, Rhonda, is the daughter of Jackson G. Byers of Clarkston.
The lieutenant colonel graduated in 1976 from Paul K. Cousino High School, Warren, and received a bachelor’s degree in 1981 from Michigan Technological University. He earned a master’s degree in 2003 from Webster University.
U.S. Marine Adam Conrad Dickie has achieved the rank of Lance Corporal and is currently stationed at Camp Lejeune, N.C., in the 311 Infantry, 1st Battalion, 8th Marines. He is scheduled to deploy overseas in early 2009.
Dickie became a proud US Marine on Feb. 8, 2007, after completing 12 weeks of Boot Camp at Parris Island, S.C. He then successfully completed 88 days of School of Infantry training at Camp Geiger, N.C., on April 18, 2008.
Adam is the son of John and Ann Dickie of Davisburg, and Mary Dickie of Clarkston. He is a 2006 Clarkston High School graduate.
Navy Seaman Recruit Brenton L. Cliber, son of Alecia J. Greilich of Davisburg and John A. Cliber of Flushing, recently completed U.S. Navy basic training at Recruit Training Command, Great Lakes, Ill.
During the eight-week program, Cliber 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.
Cliber is a 2007 graduate of Holly High School.
Navy Seaman Apprentice Brandon D. Mosher, son of Kimberly A. Davis of Clarkston and Bill R. Mosher of Linden, recently completed U.S. Navy basic training at Recruit Training Command, Great Lakes, Ill.
During the eight-week program, Mosher 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.
Mosher is a 2008 graduate of Clarkston High School.
***
Army Pvt. Dustin A. Burnworth has graduated from Basic Combat training at Fort Sill, Lawton, Okla.
During the nine weeks of training, the soldier studied the Army mission and received instruction and training exercises in drill and ceremonies, Army history, core values and traditions, military courtesy, military justice, physical fitness, first aid, rifle marksmanship, weapons use, map reading and land navigation, foot marches, armed and unarmed combat, and field maneuvers and tactics.
He is the son of Donald Burnworth of Navarre, Ohio, and Debbie Trevarrow of Clarkston, and a 2008 graduate of Canton South High School, Ohio.
***
Matthew R. Hunter has graduated from the Army Reserve Officer Training Corps Leader’s Training Course at Fort Knox, Ky.
The four-week course is a leadership internship for cadets that can lead to the ultimate goal of becoming an Army officer. College students experience and examine the Army without incurring an obligation to serve in the Army or ROTC, and are eligible to receive two-year college scholarship offers and attend the Advanced ROTC Course at their college.
The cadet is a student at Michigan State University, East Lansing.
He is the son of Delores P. Hunter of Clarkston, and a 2006 graduate of Clarkston High School.
Airman First Class Paul Gibbs, Clarkston High School class of 2004, finished training at Sheppard Air Force Base in Texas and is ready to join his unit in Delaware.
The Clarkston High School graduate, class of 2004, will work on hydraulic systems on C-5 Galaxy cargo planes at Dover Air Force Base.
Hydraulics controls the flaps, landing gear, and other systems on the plane, the Air Force’s largest.
‘I’m excited, and a little nervous,? Gibbs said.
He enlisted this past May, with the goal of serving a 20-year career.
He first joined after high school graduation, but was medically discharged after breaking his leg in a car accident.
Since then, he worked with Oakland County Drain Commission and County Parks at Waterford Oaks Water pool.
He finished two weeks leave, Nov. 17, visiting his parents, Cheryl Olley and Tom Gibbs, and his brother, Colin Gibbs, and remodeling his house.
He could be eligible for overseas duty in about six months.
“I don’t mind it. It’s not a big deal,” he said.
? Phil Custodio
Air Force Airman Stephen J. Koss 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 military customs and courtesies; performed drill and ceremony marches, and received physical training, rifle marksmanship, field training exercises, and special training in human relations.
Koss earned distinction as an honor graduate. He is the son of Madiline Koss of Orion and Stephen Koss Jr. of Clarkston. He is a 2007 graduate of Lake Orion High School, Orion.
PFC Patrick M. Lloyd graduated Marine boot camp, Parris Island, S.C., June 13, and School of Infantry, Camp Gieger, N.C., Sept. 10.
Lloyd, now a certified mortarman, is stationed at Camp Lejeune, N.C., Third Battalion, Ninth Marines, Second Marine Division.
He is the son of Tom and Pam Lloyd of Independence Township. He graduated from Clarkston High School in 2003 and attended Oakland University for two-and-a-half years.
PFC Patrick M. Lloyd graduated Marine boot camp, Parris Island, S.C., June 13, and School of Infantry, Camp Gieger, N.C., Sept. 10.
Lloyd, now a certified mortarman, is stationed at Camp Lejeune, N.C., Third Battalion, Ninth Marines, Second Marine Division.
He is the son of Tom and Pam Lloyd of Independence Township.
He graduated from Clarkston High School in 2003 and attended Oakland University for two-and-a-half years.
Air National Guard Airman Rebecca L. Miller 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 in applied science degree through the Community College of the Air Force.
Miller is the daughter of Steve and Linette Miller of Independence Township.
She graduated from Clarkston High School in 2005.
***
Navy Seaman Recruit Victor E. Rennie, 2007 graduate of Clarkston High School, recently completed U.S. Navy basic training at Recruit Training Command, Great Lakes, Ill.
During the eight-week program, Rennie completed training in naval customs, first aid, firefighting, water safety and survival, physical fitness, and shipboard and aircraft safety. An emphasis was also placed on physical fitness.
Pfc. Joshua Cole of Clarkston takes a retinal scan of a Sons of Iraq member, helping to create an accurate database of all militia members in the Rashidyah Nahia, northeast of Baghdad, Sept. 3. Cole serves as an infantryman with Company B, 1st Battalion, 27th Infantry Regiment ‘Wolfhounds,? 2nd Stryker Brigade Combat Team ‘Warrior,? 25th Infantry Division, Multi-National Division.
Marine Corps Maj. Ryan A. Pyke, son of Beverly J. and John I. Pyke of Clarkston, recently reported for duty with Marine Wing Headquarters Squadron One, 1st Marine Aircraft Wing, Okinawa, Japan.
Pyke is a 1985 graduate of Springfield Christian Academy of Clarkston, and joined the Marine Corps in May 1992. He is a 1996 graduate of Campbell University, Buies Creek, N. C., with a bachelor or science degree.
***
Patric Alexander, son of Gary and Terri Alexander of Clarkston, successfully finished Advanced Leadership Camp at Fort Lewis in Washington, he earned the Recondo Badge.
At Fort Hood in Texas, he shadowed a second lieutenant, learning what will be expected of him when he graduates in 2009. Then he went to Fort Benning, Ga., for Airborne School, where he successfully earned his second set of wings. He earned his first set of wings in 2007 at Air Assault School at Fort Campbell Ky.
Patric, Army ROTC, is a senior at Norwich University in Vermont where he is majoring in Criminal Justice.
***
Nick LaMora of Clarkston graduated from Marine Corps boot camp, Parris Island, July 25.
LaMora continues his training in electrical avionics in Pensacola, Fla.
Clarkston native Michael K. Baker, colonel, U.S. Air Force, retired after almost 29 years of military service, decorated with the Legion of Merit Medal at his retirement ceremony.
The colonel, 1974 graduate of Clarkston High School, was chief of Mission Support Officer Assignments Division at Headquarters Air Force Personnel Center, Randolph Air Force Base, near San Antonio, Texas.
He received a bachelor’s degree in 1978 from Eastern Michigan University, Ypsilanti. He earned a master’s degree in 1986 from Central Michigan University.
He is the son of DeVona M. Youngs and stepson of Eri Youngs of Holly.
His wife, Gloria, is the daughter of Bernarda Rodriguez of Black Oak Drive, Schertz, Texas.
***
Navy Seaman Recruit Charles Benson, nephew of Brian J. and Shelley A. Jackson of Clarkston, Mich., recently completed U.S. Navy basic training at Recruit Training Command, Great Lakes, Ill.
Benson is a 2006 graduate of Clarkston High School.
Navy Seaman Recruit Joseph C. Abate, 2001 graduate of Clarkston High School, recently completed U.S. Navy basic training at Recruit Training Command, Great Lakes, Ill.
***
Army Spec. Michael N. O’Brien has graduated from basic infantry training at Fort Benning, Columbus, Ga.
O’Brien graduated in 2001 from Clarkston High School, and received an associate degree in 2007 from Hillsdale College.
***
Air Force Airman Jeremy M. Cooper graduated from basic military training at Lackland Air Force Base, San Antonio, Texas.
He is the son of Debbie Mosher of White Lake and Mike Cooper of Independence Township.
Cooper is a 2004 graduate of Walled Lake Central High School.
Army PFC Donivan L. Wynn participated in the 33rd U.S. Army Annual Culinary Arts Competition at Fort Lee, Petersburg, Va.
Wynn, a food service specialist, is assigned to the Group Services and Support Company, Fort Bragg, Fayetteville, N.C.
He is the son of Lindsay M. and Leord A. Wynn of Upland St., Pontiac. His wife, Danniellee, is the daughter of James and Sandra Sturgis of Clarkston. In 1993, Wynn graduated from Pontiac Northern High School, and received an associate degree in 2006 from Baker Community College, Auburn Hills.
***
Air Force 2nd Lt. Luke J. Harris graduated from the Euro-NATO Joint Jet Pilot Training program of the 80th Flying Training Wing at Sheppard Air Force Base, Wichita Falls, Texas.
Harris is the son of Marquis and Glenda Harris of Anaheim, Calif., and grandson of Marquis and Norma Harris of Clarkston. In 2002, the lieutenant received a bachelor’s degree from the U.S. Air Force Academy, Colorado Springs.
***
Air Force Airman John P. Critzer has graduated from basic military training at Lackland Air Force Base, San Antonio, Texas.
He is the son of John and Rebecca Critzer of Clarkston, and a 2004 graduate of Springfield Christian Academy.
Air Force Airman 1st Class Frederick J. Brown Jr. 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.
He is the son of Frederick and Devon Brown of Clarkston, and a 2004 graduate of Clarkston High School.
Navy Airman Apprentice Christopher J. Townson, grandson of John and Patricia Selent of Davisburg and son of Sheryl Selent of Elk Rapids, recently completed U.S. Navy basic training at Recruit Training Command, Great Lakes, Ill. Townson is a 2003 graduate of Elk Rapids High School of Elk Rapids.
***
Army Pvt. Brian L. Shenberger has graduated from basic combat training at Fort Jackson, Columbia, S.C.
He is the son of Randy and Patti Shenberger of Clarkston, and a 2003 graduate of Clarkston High School.
Tyler Boston, son of Gregory and Holly Boston of Clarkston and student at Clarkston High School, was appointed to the U.S. Naval Academy at Annapolis.
‘Military academy appointments are based on character, leadership potential and academics,? said U.S. Rep. Mike Rogers, who also appointed Ian Deming of Grand Ledge.
‘I am very proud and pleased to have nominated both Ian and Tyler to the Naval Academy. They are outstanding young men prepared to tackle the challenges of becoming leaders among those who defend our nation.?
Navy Airman Apprentice Christopher J. Townson, grandson of Patricia Selent of Davisburg, recently completed U.S. Navy basic training at Recruit Training Command, Great Lakes, Ill. Townson is a 2003 graduate of Elk Rapids High School of Elk Rapids.
***
Marine Corps Pvt. Ryan V. Summers, son of Sandra A. Steinke of Clarkston and Kevin C. Summers of Highland, recently completed 12 weeks of basic training at Marine Corps Recruit Depot, Parris Island, S. C.
Air Force Tech. Sgt. Shannon M. Sanders deployed overseas to a forward operating base to support the missions of Operations Enduring Freedom and Iraqi Freedom.
Sanders, security forces journeyman with 15 years of military service, and is assigned to the 96th Security Forces Squadron, Eglin Air Force Base, Valparaiso, Fla.
She is the daughter of Gerald and Marcia Simpson of Higden, Ark., and sister of Brian Simpson of Clarkston.
Her husband, James is the son of Ann Sanders of Milton, Fla., and Malcolm Sanders of Gulf Breeze, Fla.
The sergeant is a 1991 graduate of Waterford Mott High School.
***
Navy Petty Officer 3rd Class Mark S. Rice, son of Susanne and Brian K. Rice of Clarkston, recently completed Naval Nuclear Power Training Pipeline.
Rice received instruction about nuclear theory, chemistry, physics, reactor operations, safety and security. Upon completion of the course, Rice qualified as a naval nuclear operator.
He is a 1999 graduate of Lake Orion High School.
Army National Guard Pvt. Kyle J. LeClair has graduated from basic combat training at Fort Jackson, Columbia, S.C.
The son of Ron and Laura LeClair of Clarkston, he is a 2007 graduate of Clarkston High School.
***
Coast Guard Seaman Elizabeth M. Stevens, daughter of Joseph P. Stevens of Clarkston, recently graduated from the U.S. Coast Guard Recruit Training Center in Cape May, N. J.
Stevens is a 2007 graduate of Clarkston High School.