VA benefits seminar
The American Association for Wartime Veterans is holding a seminar for families of wartime veterans and surviving spouses Nov. 18 at 9 a.m. VA benefits and the application process will be explained.
The event is being hosted by and held at Salisbury Gardens Assisted Living, 2210 Statesville Blvd., Salisbury.
Contact Kathleen Rooney at 704-636-9326 to reserve seating.
Tiffany Koontz
Air Force Reserve Airman Tiffany D. Koontz graduated from basic military training at Lackland Air Force Base, San Antonio, Texas.
The airman completed an intensive, eight-week program that included training in military discipline and studies, Air Force core values, physical fitness and basic warfare principles and skills.
Airmen who complete basic training earn four credits toward an associate in applied science degree through the Community College of the Air Force.
The daughter of Cynthia Rucker of Magnolia Ave. in Salisbury, Koontz is a 2006 graduate of Salisbury High School.
Michael Rockhill
Army Pvt. Michael P. Rockhill has graduated from the Direct Fire Infantryman One Station Unit Training at Fort Benning, Columbus, Ga. The training consists of Basic Combat Training and Advanced Individual Training.
During the nine weeks of Basic Combat Training, the soldier received training in drill and ceremonies, weapons, map reading, tactics, military courtesy, military justice, physical fitness, first aid and Army history, core values and traditions. Additional training included development of basic combat skills and battlefield operations and tactics, and experiencing use of various weapons and weapons defenses available to the infantry crewman.
The Advanced Individual Training course is designed to train indirect fire infantry soldiers to employ, fire and recover antipersonnel and anti-tank mines; locate, neutralize and extract mines; map reading and ground navigation; operate and maintain communications equipment and radio networks; construct and camouflage mortar firing positions; operate and maintain mortars and fire control equipment for individual/crew served weapons firing positions.
The nephew of Lisa Merwin of Atlantic City Ave., Bayville, N.J., and John Rockhill of Sells Road, Salisbury, N.C., Private Rockhill is a 2009 graduate of Central Regional High School, Bayville.
Joseph Barrow
Army National Guard Pvt. Joseph P. Barrow 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.
Barrow is the son of Joe and Nancy Barrow of New St., B., Glen Falls, N.Y., and the grandson of Patricia Barrow of Mooresville Road, Salisbury.
Upcoming reunions
Military Reunion Service in Hickory is announcing the following upcoming reunions:
– ASA men who were stationed in Helemano, Hawaii, with 8605th AAU; 5th ASA FS; or Det 5, 2nd Sig Svc Bn. Meeting April 29-May 2, 2010, St. Louis, Mo. Contact: Dick Dixon, 6128 17th Ave., Meridian, MS 39305; 601-485-7567.
– Former crewmen of USS Arcadia (AD-23), meeting April 29-May 2, 2010, Philadelphia, Pa. Contact: USS Arcadia Reunion, P.O. Drawer 11399, Hickory, NC 28603; 828-256-6008; mcaanreunion@yahoo. com
– Former crew members of USS Amphion (AR-13), meeting April 29-May 2, 2010, Philadelphia, Pa. Contact: Lloyd Stagg, 7407 Lillie Lane, Pensacola, FL 32526; 828-256-6008; mcaanreunion@yahoo. com
– Former crew men of USS Cadmus (AR-14) meeting April 29-May 2, 2010, Philadelphia, Pa. Contact: Robert E. Baschmann, 11231 Bullis Road, Marilla, NY 14102; 716-655-5415; mcaanreunion@ yahoo.com.