Local military news

Stair recently completes U.S. Navy basic training

Navy Seaman Apprentice Justin M. Stair, son of Maureen K. and Michael B. Stair of Carson City, recently completed U.S. Navy basic training at Recruit Training Command, Great Lakes, Ill.

During the eight-week program, Stair 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.

Stair is a 2004 graduate of Carson High School.

Fissori graduates basic

military training in Texas

Air Force Airman Lonnie E. Fissori 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.

He is the son of Bruno Fissori of Dayton, and Trecia Sanders of Corning, Calif.

Fissori is a 2004 graduate of Dayton High School.

Sgt. Vedeja arrives at camp in Iraq to support mission

Army Reserve Sgt. Palito E. Vedeja has arrived at Camp Taji, Iraq, to support the mission of the 4th Sustainment Brigade during Operation Iraqi Freedom.

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 are also 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.

The sergeant is a truck driver regularly assigned to the 428th Quartermaster Company, Arden Hills, Minn.

He is the son of Linda S. Panchot of Silver City. Vedeja is a 1996 graduate of Douglas High School.

Seaman Fletcher completes basic training in Illinois

Navy Seaman Darryl L. Fletcher, son of Kathleen A. and stepson of Leonard C. Branton of Carson City recently completed U.S. Navy basic training at Recruit Training Command, Great Lakes, Ill.

During the eight-week program, Fletcher 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.

Fletcher is a 1999 graduate of Carson High School.

Long departs on scheduled deployment aboard frigate

Navy Petty Officer 3rd Class Nokuse W. Long, son of Suzanne Sturtevant and Stephen Long of Carson City, departed on a scheduled deployment in support of the Global War on Terrorism while assigned to the guided-missile frigate USS Reuben James, homeported in San Diego.

Prior to deploying, Long and more than 6, 000 of his fellow shipmates of Expeditionary Strike Group (ESG) 3 successfully completed a Composite Training Unit Exercise and a Joint Task Force Exercise (JTFEX). JTFEX is the final step in preparing the strike group for deployment, and is designed to test its ability to operate in a complex, hostile environment with other U.S. and coalition forces.

ESG 3 will conduct maritime security operations (MSO) during its deployment to the Persian Gulf. MSO sets the conditions for security and stability in the maritime environment, and supports the counter-terrorism and security efforts of regional nations. MSO denies international terrorists use of the maritime environment as a venue for attack or to transport personnel, weapons or other materials.

Guided-missile frigates like USS Reuben James are anti-submarine warfare combatants for amphibious expeditionary forces, underway replenishment groups and merchant convoys.

Long is a 2002 graduate of Carson High School and joined the Navy in November 2002.

Purchase bricks for Korean War memorial

Bricks are available for purchase as memorials at the Korean War Veterans Memorial Park at the end of East Fifth Street.

As part of Riverview Park, the Korean Veterans Memorial Park features bricks with the names of military veterans from all branches who served from 1945 to the present day in Korea, including its territorial waters. More than 120 bricks have been installed at the memorial.

They are $50 each. Applications are available from Val Jensen, Korean War Veterans Association Chapter 305 treasurer, at 882-1739; or mail information of name, rank and service, and years in Korean theater, to Jensen at: 2654 Wellington North, Carson City, 89703.

The "Nevada Cities Complex" at the memorial is a display of four large rocks representing Carson City, Reno, Elko and Las Vegas.

It is in regard to the last battle fought from March 26-30, 1953 in Korea. Another plaque displays the 34 names of Nevadans who died during the war.

The chapter meets at 11 a.m. the first Thursday of each month at Veterans Memorial Hall, corner of Curry and Second streets.