News from the War Front

During the war in Iraq, families gave us information about loved ones who are in the military. With the ending of the war, we are no longer accepting submissions. We still support our local troops and are archiving this page in their honor. If you would like to be removed from this page, please email our Webmaster.

Listing by Last Name


Click here to Read a Letter from the War Front

  Specialist Jonathan "Shep" Leonard is serving with the U.S. Army Reserves. Leonard of Asheboro is a full-time Randleman police officer and is currently serving with the 422 Civil Affairs Battalion attached with the 3rd Infantry Division in Iraq. A 1992 Asheboro High School graduate, Leonard has a wife, Leslie, and son, Hayden.
  U.S. Army PV2 Joshua Stephen Dunlap is stationed in Fort Carson, Colo., but now is serving in the war in Iraq. He is the son of Steve and Wilma Dunlap of Seagrove. A 1998 graduate of North Moore High School, he is serving with the Army Calvary Regiment Advance Party as Team Chief of Ammunitions.
  Marine Corps Lance Cpl. Josh L. Mashburn, a 2000 graduate of Chatham Central High School, is deployed in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom while assigned to the 2nd Force Service Support Group (FSSG), based in Camp Lejeune.
  Pvt. 2 Kevin Kidd is serving in Kosovo as part of the U.S. Army's 1st Infantry. A 1996 graduate of Eastern Randolph High School, he is the son of Larry and Linda Kidd of Asheboro.
  Specialist Derek Kivett of Staley, with the 1454th Transportation Co. in Asheboro, is currently in Kuwait. A 2001 graduate of Eastern Randolph High School, he has been in the National Guard since June 2001. He and wife, Ashley, have a 3- month-old daughter, Alexis, who came home from the hos pital April 1 after being born 13 weeks premature. His parents are Mike and Karen Kivett of Staley.
  Sgt. Michael C. Burns, 82nd Airborne, was originally stationed at Ft. Bragg, but was deployed to Kandahar, Afghanistan, in December 2002. A 1999 Randleman High School graduate, he is the son of Carol Cottle of Richlands, N.C. and Sam Burns of Asheboro.

 

W. Ball

R. Ball

  Identical twins 1st Lt. William "Billy" Ball and 1st Lt. Robert "Bobby" Ball have been deployed in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom. Billy graduated from Eastern Randolph High School in 1996 and the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill in 2000 with a degree in Economics. He was commissioned into the U.S. Army through ROTC and is stationed in Ft. Campbell, Ky., with the 101st Airborne "Screaming Eagles." He's currently in Iraq with the 101st Infantry 2nd Brigade. Bobby graduated from USMA at West Point in 2001 with a degree in civil engineering and commissioned a 2nd Lt. in the Army. Now a 1st Lt., he is stationed at Ft. Stewart, Ga., and is currently in Iraq with the 3rd Infantry Tank Battalion, 2nd Brigade. They are the sons of Maryanne Brown Nichols of Ramseur and William "Bucky" Ball of Connecticutt.
  Cpl. Eric J. Cox is serving with the U.S. Marines 2nd Amphibious Assault Unit. The 1999 Asheboro High School graduate is the son of Jimmie and Cynthia Cox of High Point and the grandson of Emma Jean Jones and W.R. and Mavine Cox, all of Asheboro.
  SPC Joshua Bowland is serving with 1454th Transportation Co. A 2002 graduate of Southwestern Randolph High School, he has been with the National Guard for over a year.
   PFC Ryan Stern is serving with the U.S. Army Infantry. The 1992 Asheboro High School graduate is the son of Bonnie Stern of Asheboro.
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  Lance Corporal Jeffrey H. Sypole Jr. is currently stationed in Iwakuni, Japan. He is a 1999 graduate of North Davidson High School. His e-mail address is jsypie@hotmail.com and his mailing address is: LCpl Jeffrey Sypole USMC, PSC 561, Box 1087, FPO AP 96310-0021. He is the son of the Rev. Jeffrey and Laurie Sypole of Asheboro.
  Recruit Jonathan E. Sypole is currently in boot camp. He is a 2003 graduate of Asheboro High School. His mailing address is RCT Sypole, Jonathan E., PLT 3040 3rd BN L CO, BOX 13040, Parris Island, SC 29905-3040. He is the son of the Rev. Jeffrey and Laurie Sypole of Asheboro.
   Sgt. Jason E. Murray is serving with the U.S. Army, in E Battery, 5th Battalion, 52nd Air Defense Artillery (Patriot Missiles). He is the son of James and Carolyn Murray of Asheboro. A 1996 Asheboro High School graduate, he is now in "Camp New Jersey, Northern Kuwait.
  Master 1st Sgt Jeffrey Farlow is serving with the 71st Fighter Wing, United States Air Force in Hampton, Va. He was deployed to the Persian Gulf area on Feb 13, a 1983 graduate of Randleman High School. Jeff is the son of Vickie and Isaac Farlow of Sophia, grandson of Elmer and Lera Owens of Trinity and the late Willard and Mae Farlow of Sophia. He has two sisters - Cathy Farlow Coggins of Asheboro and Tonya Farlow Ferguson of Stoneville. Jeff was to retire this year and make his home in Sophia, but due to the Iraq war his retirement has been delayed until 2004.
  SPC Brandon R. Ellis, in Army Reserves and deployed to Kuwait, is driving a Humvee with the 3rd Infantry Division out of Ft. Stewart, Ga. A 2001 graduate of Asheboro High School, he was attending Randolph Community College in automotive systems technology. His parents are Barry and Rita Ellis of Asheboro. His fiancee, Ashley White, lives in Asheboro.
  Lance Crp. Michael Oakes serves with the U.S. Marines as an electrical engineer on the EA6B Prowler with the VMAZ-Z unit stationed in Cherry Point. He is currently deployed to Prince Sultan Airbase in Saudi Arabia. He is married to Britten Nichole Oakes of Asheboro and is the son of Debbie Thomas of Asheboro and Mike Oakes of King.
  AW2 James Comer Jr. is serving with the U.S. Navy, stationed at Kaneohe Bay Marine Corps Base in Hawaii. A 1990 graduate of Asheboro High School, he is the son of Wanda Allred of Asheboro and James Comer of Seagrove. His grandparents are Sam and Connie Richardson of Carthage and Garland and Thelma Comer of Seagrove.
  Cpt. Brian Strider, with the 1st Battalion, 504 Parachute Infantry Regiment (Airborne), 82nd Airborne Division, is stationed at Ft. Bragg. He just returned from Afghanistan. A 1988 graduate of Asheboro High School and a 1996 graduate of Campbell University with a bachelor's degree in Business Administration, he is the son of Carolyn Strider of Asheboro.
   Cpt. Mark Strider is with the 32nd Medical Logistics Batallion (Forward)(Airborne). Stationed out of Ft. Bragg, he just returned from Afghanistan. A 1985 graduate of Asheboro High School, he received his bachelor's degree in Government in 1993 from Campbell University and his master's in Procurement/Acquisition Management in 1999 from Webster University. He is the son of Carolyn Strider of Asheboro. He is married to MSG Beth A. Strider, also stationed out of Ft Bragg.
  MSG Beth A. Strider, stationed out of Ft Bragg, with NCOIC, Directorate of Primary Care, Womack Army Medical Center. She received her bachelor's degree in Occupational Education in1999 at Wayland Baptist University.
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  Airman Christopher M. Maness is serving with the U.S. Air Force in the 67th Aircraft Maintenance Squadron. He qualified to take the title of Aircraft Armament Systems Apprentice for the F-15 aircraft. In December 2002, he was deployed to Prince Sultan Air Base in Saudi Arabia in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom. He has recently been promoted to Senior Airman. A 2000 graduate of Southwestern Randolph High School, he is the son of Billy and Lydia Maness of Asheboro.
  Sgt. Daniel L. Shaw of Greensboro is serving with the 1st Battalion, 2nd Marines, deployed to Iraq. A graduate of Level Cross Christian School, he is the son of Karen and David Shaw. He and wife, Carissa, have a son, Gabriel.
  Sgt. Anthony McGuffin is serving in Iraq with the A-2-310 THAFAR, 82nd Airborne Division. His wife Katie Jaeger McGuffin is the daughter of Kay and Stan Jaeger of Liberty.
  SPC Justin D. Hutchison, a crew chief on a UH60 Blackhawk Helicopter, is serving in Kosovo. He is the son of Howard & Laura Hutchison of Asheboro and is a 2001 graduate of Southwestern Randolph High School.
  Staff Sgt. Steven D. Owens, stationed at Pope Air Force Base, joined the Air Force in 1990. He was deployed to the Persian Gulf in March 2003. He received a purple heart due to injuries incurred during the Dhahran terrorist attack around 1996. A 1983 graduate of Trinity Senior High School, he is the son of Elmer and Lera Owens of Trinity. His sisters are Vickie Owens Farlow of Sophia and Anna Marie Owens of Archdale.
   SRA Curtiss Harmon is serving with the U.S. Air Force, stationed out of Pope Air Force Base. He is currently somewhere in Kuwait with the 332 EMXS/Squadron/Age Flight. A 2000 graduate of Randleman High School, he is the son of Jerry and Angelia Harmon of Randleman.
  Recruit Jonathon Travis Marsh is currently in boot camp at Parris Island, S.C. A 2001 graduate of Randleman High School, he is the son of Jimmy and Kris Hyatt of Randleman and Jimmy and Robin Marsh of Seagrove. His grandparents are John and Hazel Lamb of Randleman, Darrell and Joyce Davis of Asheboro and James and Angie Marsh of Philadelphia.
  Gy Sgt. Derrick D. Nixon is serving with the U.S. Marines, stationed out of Quantico, Va. He is now on duty in Kuwait at Camp Commando. A 1984 graduate of Randleman High School, he played on the 1982-1984 state football championship teams. He is the son of Geraldine Yow of Asheboro and Wesley Nixon of Randleman. His wife, Christine, lives in Locust Grove, Va., and they have five children.
  MS3 Jessica R. Littlefield is serving with the U.S. Navy's 74th SEABEE's of Gulfport, Miss. She is the daughter of Diane Littlefield of Liberty. Her siblings are Desiree Littlefield of Asheboro.
  Sgt. Jedidiah Frye was called back to active duty with the Marine Corp in February. A 1997 graduate of Eastern Randolph High School, he is stationed at Camp Lejeune. He is the son of Veronica Cotner of Ramseur and Mike and Susan Frye of Franklinville. He is married to Cortney Yates Frye of Ramseur.
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  Cpl. C. Scott Myers of Trinity is serving with the U.S. Marines stationed at Camp Lejeune and currently in southern Iraq. A 1996 graduate of Southwestern Randolph High School, he is married to Sherri Kinley Myers. His parents are Steve and Cindy Myers of Thomasville.
  Spc. Deanna L. Jordan has been deployed with the Army National Guard. She is stationed at Ft. Bragg with the 18th Personnel Service Battalion and assigned to the 123D Personnel Service Detachment out of Siler City. A junior at Pfeiffer University, she graduated from Asheboro High School in 1999. She is the daughter of Mark and Betty Anne Jordan of Asheboro.
  Marine Corps Reserve Lance Cpl. John C. Jarrell, son of Barbara B. and John C. Jarrell of Star. Jarrell is a 2001 graduate of East Montgomery High School and joined the Marine Corps Reserve in October 2001.
  Marine Corps Reserve Lance Cpl. Harold D. Horton Jr., son of Clyde Ella Frazier Horton and Harold D. Horton Sr., both of Siler City. Horton is a 2000 graduate of Jordan Matthews High School and joined the Marine Corps Reserve in July 2000.
  Marine Corps Reserve Lance Cpl. Warren L. Dolgos of Pleasant Garden and a 1995 graduate of Vandalia Christian High School.
  Marine Corps Reserve Lance Cpl. John K. Stauffer, son of Carol M. and John P. Stauffer of Asheboro. Stauffer is a 2001 graduate of Southwestern Randolph High School.
  Marine Corps Reserve Lance Cpl. Brandon L. Shipwash, son of Sue Lewis of Archdale and Thomas R. Shipwash of High Point. Shipwash is a 1997 graduate of Southern Guilford High School and joined the Marine Corps Reserve in June 1997.
  Marine Corps Reserve Lance Cpl. Enasio Alston, son of D.L. Alston of Siler City. Alston joined the Marine Corps Reserve in July 2001.
  Marine Corps Reserve Sgt. Clay F. Andrews, son of Linda M. and Herman F. Andrews of Liberty. Andres lives with his wife of 5 yrs, Kimberly Andrews, in Asheboro. Andrews is a 1991 graduate of Eastern Randolph High School and joined the Marine Corps Reserve in March 1995.
  Marine Corps Cpl. Jason A. Bell, son of Shelly A. and Phil E. Jones of Pleasant Garden. Bell is a 1998 graduate of Southeast High School and joined the Marine Corps in September 1997.
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  DKSR Annette Cagle is stationed in Italy on the USS Emory. A 2000 graduate of Asheboro High School, she is the daughter of Dewey and Geneva Cagle of Asheboro.
  Petty Officer 2nd Class GM2 Jason Robert Gilliland is serving on the USS Arleigh Burke DDG, with the Harry Truman battle group. A 1997 graduate of Southwestern Randolph High School, he is the son of Ann Gilliland and the late James Gilliland and the grandson of Clayton and Fayetta Craven, all of Asheboro.
  Spc. James Alan Wilson is serving in Kuwait with E. Co. 51st Infantry ABN. His job is communications. He is the son of Paul Goldston of Asheboro and Annette Wilson of Concord. His fianceé is Gena Byrd of Asheboro and he has a daughter, Ayanna Wilson of Asheboro. He graduated from Randleman High School in 2000.
  Sgt. Derek E. Ritter is now serving in Kuwait. A Marine stationed out of Camp Pendleton, Calif., he is in the 3rd Aircraft Wing in avionics. A 1999 graduate of Eastern Randolph High School, he has a wife, Lisa, and a 6-month-old daughter, Megan. His parents are Grace Ritter of Asheboro and Elvin Ritter of Coleridge. His grandmother is Lucy Powers of Asheboro
  Cpl. Shane C. Cheek is with the 1st Marine Division in Iraq. A 1999 graduate of Northeast High School in Greensboro, he is the son of Dwayne Cheek of Franklinville and the grandson of Roger and Faye Cheek of Randleman. His wife, Ericka, is staying on the base at Camp Pendleton, Calif., where Cheek is stationed.
  Cpl. Eric S. Shields is serving with the U.S. Marines. He is stationed in Camp Lejeune. The 1998 graduate of Hargrave Military Academy is the son of Chuck and Katherine Sheids of Asheboro and the grandson of Charles and Criss Shields of Aberdeen.
   SSG James H. Price III, 35, is stationed with the U.S. Army in Seoul, South Korea. He is a supervisor of the Military Police Area II. He attended Southwestern Randolph High School and graduated from Oak Ridge Military Academy in 1986. He also attended Louisburg College. Price is the son of Jim and Nancy Price of Asheboro.
  Airmen First Class Melissa Cheek is serving with the U.S. Air Force as Security Police for the 3rd Security Forces Squadron, Elmendorf Air Force Base in Alaska. She recently returned from a deployment from Osan Air Force Base in South Korea. A 2002 graduate of Lumberton High School, she is the daughter of Richard and Diane Cheek of Lumberton. She is the granddaughter of Arlen Cheek of Coleridge and Iona Cheek of Seagrove.
  Marine Corp Lance Cpl. Stephen William Forrester, a 2000 graduate of Randleman High School has been deployed to help in Operation Iraqi Freedom. He is assigned to the 2nd Force Service Support Group and is based out of Camp Lejeune.
  Sgt. John W. Howell is serving in the U.S. Army. He is stationed in Ft. Cambell, Ky., and was called up to go to Kuwait at the end of February. He is the son of Denise Fields of Asheboro and William P. Howell of White's Chapel.

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   Sgt. Thomas Thad Farlow is serving in the 422nd Civil Affairs (Tm #4) with the 3rd Infantry Division. A 1992 graduate of Fayetteville Street Christian School, he is the son of Joe and Toni Farlow of Randleman.
  1st Lt. Andrew J. Simmons is training on the EA-6B Prowler at the Naval Air Station on Whidbey Island, Wash. The Eastern Randolph High School graduate began his training as a Marine at Quantico, Va., after graduating from Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University. During Advanced Strike Training, he earned one Navy "E" for bombing accuracy at NAS Meridian, Miss. He carrier qualified in the T-45C on board the USS John F. Kennedy on Sept. 29, 2002. His final duty station will be MCAS Cherry Point. He is married to Stacy Simmons and is the son of Doris Cox of Ramseur and the late Mitchel Simmons of Staley.
  Airman F/C Timothy A. Ward is serving with the U.S. Air Force at Malstrom Air Force Bse in Great Falls, Mont. He is with the 341 MMXS Squadron. A 1999 graduate of Southwestern Randolph High School, he is the son of Douglas and Ella Ward of Asheboro. He is the grandson of D.A. and Mozelle Callicutt of Asheboro and the late Richard and Fatema Ward of Randleman.
  SPC Charlotte Michelle Flippin is serving with the 1454 Transportation Co. in Kuwait. She joined the National Guard in June 2000. A 2001 graduate of Pendleton High School in Pendleton, S.C., she is the daughter of Emma Flippin of Franklinville and Charles Flippin of Anderson, S.C.
  1st Lt.Cory A. Cooper of Randleman is serving in the Oklahoma City Air Logistics Center at Tinker AFB, Oklahoma City, Okla., as a C/KC-135 Mechanical Systems Engineer. He is a 1996 graduate of Asheboro High and a 2000 graduate of the U.S. Air Force Academy in Colorado Springs, Colo., with a degree in Mechanical Engineering. Cory is married to 1st Lt. Sara M. Fortna Cooper of Littleton, Colo., also an Academy graduate and stationed at Tinker AFB, serving as the Military Personnel Flight Commander. Cooper served in Operation Enduring Freedom in the spring of 2002 in the deserts of Oman as an Aircraft Battle Damage Repair Engineer. He is the son of Craig and Kathy Cooper and the grandson of Preston and Margaret Schield, all of Randleman.
  1st Lt. David C. Underwood is in the U.S. Air Force stationed with the 338th combat training squadron at Offutt Air Force Base, Neb. Upon completion of training, he will be assigned to the 45th reconnaissance squadron, also located at Offutt. He graduated from Asheboro High School in 1992 and entered service in October that year. He and wife, Sara, have two children, Preston, 6; and Sydney, 2. Underwood is the son of Craig and Dale Underwood of Asheboro and the grandson of Brooks Underwood and Mr. and Mrs. L.J. Hensley.
  Cpl. Chad Hall, with the U.S. Marines, recently returned from a deployment in the Persian Gulf. He is serving with MALS-16, PWP440 3rd Marine Air Wing, Mirmar, Calif. He is a 1998 graduate of Randleman High School. He is the son of Ty Hall and Deanna Brown. He is the grandson of Peggy and Earl Hall and Linda and Howard Brown, all of Randleman. He is a second-generation Marine and the third generation to serve his country.
  Petty Officer 2nd class Jason Rich USN, who is stationed at Norfolk Base in Virginia, is being deployed to Bahrain for a six-month tour with a helicopter squadron. He is a helicopter mechanic and rescue swimmer. A 1996 graduate of Eastern Randolph High School, he is married to Melissa Langkneckt and has a son, Aiden. He is the son of Mike and Karen Rich of Asheboro.
  Cpl. Gregory Rich USMC serves as a data analyst/system administrator at Marine Corp Air Base, New River in Jacksonville, N.C., with HMH-461. Gregory returned in late August after a six-month deployment in the Middle East aboard the USS Wasp during Operation Enduring Freedom. His group was among the first military to land at the Horn of Africa. A 1999 graduate of Eastern Randolph High School, he is married to Brandee Ray of Asheboro. He is the son of Mike and Karen Rich of Asheboro.
  Staff Sgt. Steven P. Underwood is serving with the U.S. Marines 1st Expeditionary Unit in Baghdad. He has taken an active part in the liberation of Iraq, most recently in the fight at Baghdad University. He is a wave comander of an Amtrac unit stationed at Camp Lejeune. A 1994 graduate of Eastern Randolph High School, he is married to Alexis Tyler, formerly of Rota, Spain. He is the son of Patricia and Lawrence Underwood of Randleman. He is the grandson of Laura Sherron and the late Rev. Jack Sherron of Randleman, and Buddy and Jan Underwood and the late Angeline Beane Underwood of Asheboro. Great-grandparents are Hanford and Rachel Underwood of Asheboro.
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  Specialist Stephen C. Carmac is in training with the 82nd Airborne Division at Fort Benning, Ga. He attended Eastern Randolph High School and is a graduate of Duke University and Florida State University. He is the son of Darrell and Gwen Carmac of Asheboro. He is the grandson of Oris and Juanita Carmac and the late James and Esther Cox, all of Ramseur.
  Lance Cpl. Willian N. Kivett of Asheboro is serving with the U.S. Marines. He is stationed at Camp Pendleton, Calif., and was deployed in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom. A graduate of Asheboro High School, he is the son of Angela Kivett of Asheboro and William N. Kivett of Liberty. His grandparents are Flora W. Jordan of Snow Camp and W.L. and Doris Kivett of Liberty.
  Petty Officer 2nd Class Carl "Chip" Saunders III is stationed in Norfolk, Va. A 1996 graduate of Eastern Randolph High School, he went into the U.S. Navy in March 1997. He has been deployed on the carrier USS Theodore Roosevelt in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom. He works in the Quality Assurance Division ensuring that safe maintenance is conducted on the E-2C Hawkeye. He is the son of Carl and Robin Saunders of Cedar Falls and Gary and Pam Gray of Asheboro. He is a member of Deep River Baptist Church of Coleridge.
  Cpl. Douglas "Shane" Turner is serving in the U.S. Marines, stationed at Camp Lejeune with the 2nd Battalion 8th Marines. He has been deployed to Iraq with the 2 MEB. A 1999 graduate of Asheboro High School, he is the son of Janice Crawford of Ramseur and the son and stepson of Doug and Debbie Turner of Asheboro. He is the grandson of the late Mr. and Mrs. Jack Turner of Asheboro, the late Jackie Crawford of Bennett and Mr. and Mrs. Carlton Crawford of Snow Camp.
  Spc. George Bullard Jr. is an aircraft electrician for Delta Company, 2-10 Aviation. He is stationed with the 10th Mountain Division in Fort Drum, N.Y. A 1998 graduate of East Montgomery High School, he is married to Katie Bullard. They have two children, Katlyn and Hailey.
  MMFN Jonathan Brad Morgan is serving with the U.S. Navy at the Naval submarine school base in Groton, Conn. He is serving in the Security Force. A 2002 graduate of North Moore High School, he is the son of Frank and Thelma Morgan of Seagrove.
  Staff Sgt. Lori E. Hoover is serving with the U.S. Army, 240th Forward Surgical Team Unit 92596 in Kuwait. A 1993 graduate of Eastern Randolph High School, she is the daughter of Sherry and Larry Routh of Franklinville and Garry L. Hoover of Asheboro. Her hometown is Franklinville.
  Private Erik C. Hauck is currently training to be a Apache Longbow Crew Chief in Ft. Eustis, Va. He graduated from Boot Camp at Ft. Jackson, S.C. on April 3. He attended Asheboro High School and the University of North Carolina at Charlotte. He is the son of Wayne and Nancy Hauck and the brother of Matt and Nick Hauck, sophomores at AHS, all of Asheboro.
  Capt. Eric Clifton Williams is serving with the U.S. Army, 2125th Garrison Support Unit, out of Fort Bragg. A 1992 graduate of Asheboro High School, he is the son of Jane C. (Williams) Pfaffenberger of Palm Beach Gardens, Fla.
  SGM Julius McCaskill, he is the Communication Chief for HHC 122d Signal Battalion, 2d Infantry Division, South Korea. A 1974 graduate of Eastern Randolph High School and joined the United States Army in November 1974. He is the son of the late William and Fannie McCaskill of Staley, NC. He is the brother of Joseph McCaskill, Liberty NC and Felicia McCaskill of Greensboro NC.

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  Sgt. Rodney Creason, NCANG, of Co. C 505th EN-BN, has been reassinged to Co. C. 161st ASMB as motor sergeant. He is attached to the 3rd MED COM and has been deployed for Operation Enduring Freedom in Kuwait or the southern area of Iraq for about one year. Creason enlisted in the National Guard in 1997 and graduated from Eastern Randolph High School in 1998. He is the son of David and Carolyn Creason of Asheboro, and has a sister, April.
  Johnny C. King, CDR (SEL), U.S. Navy, is serving aboard the U.S.S. John F. Kennedy (CV 67). His wife, Patty, and two children live in McClenny, Fla. He is the son of the late Lewis Ray and Rosella King of Lewis Country Drive.
  Airman First Class Kelley J. Hunter, a 2001 graduate of Southwestern Randolph High School, joined the U.S. Air Force in July 2002. She underwent technical training at Lackland Air Force Base in Texas and Vandenberg AFB in California. She is a space and missile system electronics maintenance apprentice working on ACM, ALCM and CALCM Cruise Missiles. She graduated from technical school April 2003 and is on permanent duty stationed at Fairchild AFB in Washington. She is the daughter of Tommy and Ina Hunter of Asheboro.
Michael Coleman, a 1995 graduate of Asheboro High School, is serving in the Middle East with the Seabees. He is attached to the Fleet Hospital. He is the son of Judy and Dean Newell of Ramseur and Steve and Beth Coleman of Asheboro. Grandparents are Horace and Margaret Coleman of Ramseur.
  Staff Sgt. Jonathan C. Owens, stationed at Whitman Air Force Base in Springfield, Mo., was deployed to the Middle East in December 2002. He is serving with Unit 70403 for Operation Iraqi Freedom. A 1997 graduate of Bloomingdale High School in Brandon, Fla., he is the son of Carlton and Deloris Owens of Brandon, Fla. He is the grandson of Bill and Ruby Owens of Asheboro and Mr. and Mrs. Ray Scott of Marietta, Ga.
  Navy Seaman Melissa A. Hancock, daughter of Charles Hancock of Bear Creek, participated in the opening phase of Operation Iraqi Freedom in the Arabian Gulf while assigned to the aircraft carrier USS Abraham Lincoln, homeported in Everett, Wash. Hancock is one of more than 8, 000 Pacific Fleet sailors and Marines aboard the ships of the USS Abraham Lincoln Carrier Battlegroup. Her ship is returning home after being at sea longer than any U.S. Carrier Battlegroup now on duty. Hancock is a 2001 graduate of Robinson High School of Little Rock, Ark., and joined the Navy in February 2002.
  Marine Corps Lance Cpl. Daniel J. Olson, son of Patricia J. Spencer of Archdale and David J. Olson of Westfield, N.C., is currently deployed in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom while assigned to the 26th Marine Expeditionary Unit, based in Camp Lejeune. Elements of Olson's unit recently joined coalition forces in the vicinity of Mosul, Iraq, to promote stability in the region and eliminate any pockets of Iraqi resistance. Olson is one of more than 4, 000 Pacific Fleet sailors and Marines who deployed aboard the ships of the USS Iwo Jima Amphibious Ready Group. Olson is a 1997 graduate of Ledford High School of Thomasville and joined the Marine Corps in February 2001.
  PFC Jason Burrow is serving in the U.S. Marine Corp. He graduated from MCRD, Parris Island, S.C., on Feb. 14, 2003. He is attending MOS School in Pensacola, Fla., to become an air frames aircraft mechanic. A 1999 graduate of Eastern Randolph High School, he is the son of Roger and Doris Burrow of Asheboro. He has a sister, Jennifer.
  Pfc Rick Moore, with the 1BCT of A Co. 2/7 Infantry first platoon, third infantry, is currently serving in Baghdad. He enlisted in February 2002 and was deployed to Kawait in February 2003 for Operation Iraqi Freedom. Moore graduated from Trinity High School in 1994. He is the son of Richard and April Moore of Trinity and the grandson of Larry and Joyce East of Sophia. He has a brother, Shannon.
  Technical Sgt. Reginold T. Alston is serving with the 43rd Aircraft Maintenance Squadron in Operation Iraqi Freedom. He is stationed at Pope Air Force Base in Fayetteville. He is the son of Macon and Brenda Alston of Ramseur. He is married to Maria Alston of Sanford. He has three children, Reginold Headen of Asheboro and Courtney and Macon Alston of Staley. His brothers are Greg Cheek of Seagrove and Kevin Alston of Ramseur.

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  Seaman Adam J. Rich, who is serving in the U.S. Navy, was deployed in the first phases of Operation Iraqi Freedom in the Persian Gulf while assigned to the USS Kittyhawk. The ship, based in Japan, is now returning to Japan. Rich is the son of Cheryl Lackey and stepson of Ernie Lackey of Asheboro. His father, Joe Rich, died in 1990. A 2001 graduate of Eastern Randolph High School, he joined the Navy in June 2002.
  Sr. Airman Joseph Lee Hodges is with the U.S. Air Force, serving in Iraq with the 332 ELRS Logistics Readiness Squadron. He is the son of Mark and Patricia Hodges of Randleman. Hodges is a 1999 graduate of Randleman High School. While attending RHS, he took four years of JROTC to better prepare himself for his career in the Air Force. Before volunteering to go Iraq, Hodges was stationed at Pope Air Force Base in Fayetteville. He served in Kuwait during the tragedy of 9-11. Hodges is a member of Worthville Baptist Church in Randleman.
  SPC Darnay Shubert Jr. is currently deployed with the 1454th Detachment of Concord in the Persian Gulf. Shubert resides in Asheboro but is from Philadelphia, Pa. He and his wife, Lakecia, have three children, Darnesha, 14; Nashia, 13; and Darney III, 16 months. He has been in the Army Natinal Guard 10 years.
  Spec. Brian Bauer is serving with the 1-24th Infantry out of Ft. Lewis, Washi. His parents are John and Peggy Diamond of Asheboro and Paul and Deana Bauer of Seagrove. His grandparents are Joe Wham and Kenneth and Irene Bauer, all of Asheboro. A 1991 graduate of Trinity High School, he joined the Army in 2001.
  Pfc. Tracy Blocker is serving with the U.S. Army's 1st Calvary Reconnaissance Team, stationed at Fort Riley, Kan. He is currently in northern Iraq. A 1999 graduate of Union Pines High School, he is the son of Wesley and Teresa Blocker of Carthage and the grandson of Kelly and Estelle Albright of Seagrove.
  Spc. Adam Bradley, with the Military Police in the U.S. Army, is deployed in Iraq. He is the son of Dan and Joan Bradley. His wife, Pfc Bethany Bradley of Staley, also an Army M.P., is due to have their baby in June. Bradley's nephew, Spc. Anthony Stover, is a paratrooper M.P. in Germany, soon to be sent to Romania in June.
  Sgt. Lacy "Randy" Strickland Jr. is now serving with the National Guard's1454th Transportation Company deployed in Operation Iraqi Freedom. He and wife, Annette, have a daughter, Candis; sons, Jeremy and Chris; and a granddaughter, Anna, all of Asheboro. He has served in the Gulf War.
  Petty Officer 1st Class Sandra K Pack, a Yeoman, Enlisted Surface Warfare Specialist, is currently serving at the presidential retreat at Camp David in Thurmont, Md. She is the eighth child of Harry and Betty Pack of Asheboro. Sandra graduated in 1986 from Eastern Randolph High School. She received her AAS degree in Business Administration from Randolph Community College in 1989. Siblings of Sandra Pack and Harriet Johnson are: Rogenia Smith, Coleridge; Christina Owens, Asheboro; Deborah Thompson, Franklinville; Judy Billings, Lexington; Timothy Pack, Asheboro; Rebecca Owens, Asheboro; Beverly Pack, Asheboro; and Amy Matthews, Asheboro.
  MSSN Harriet P. Johnson, Mess Management, is currently serving at Norfolk, Va., aboard the pre-commissioned Ronald Reagan. She is the ninth child of Harry and Betty Pack of Asheboro. She graduated in 1989 from Eastern Randolph High School. Harriet is the wife of Michael Johnson of Biscoe. Siblings of Sandra Pack and Harriet Johnson are: Rogenia Smith, Coleridge; Christina Owens, Asheboro; Deborah Thompson, Franklinville; Judy Billings, Lexington; Timothy Pack, Asheboro; Rebecca Owens, Asheboro; Beverly Pack, Asheboro; and Amy Matthews, Asheboro.
  Air Force Staff Sgt. Daniel K. Cornelison has arrived for duty at Incirlik Air Base, Adana, Turkey. Cornelison is an air traffic control craftsman with six years of military service. He is the son of Ronnie and Patricia Cornelison of Asheboro. The staff sergeant is a 1995 graduate of Southwestern Randolph High School.

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  PFC Byron M. Warner is with the 2nd Platoon Bushmasters, Co. 2/46 Infantry. A 2002 graduate of Asheboro High School, he graduated April 30 from the National Guard Bootcamp in Fort Knox, Ken. He is currently stationed at Fort Sill, Okla. He is the son of Odel and Delilah Warner of Asheboro and has a sister, Mallary, of the home.
  LC PL Tristan Patrick Trotter is serving with the Marines in HMM 265 Flightline New River Air Base deployed in Operation Iraqi Freedom. A 2000 graduate of Asheboro High School, he is the son of Patty Trotter of Asheboro. He has a brother, Steve Trotter.
  LC PL Jose Antonio Amador is serving with the U.S. Marine Corps, with the 8th ESB BN Det B. A 2001 graduate of Southwestern Randolph High School, he is the son of Blanca and Roberto Castro of Asheboro. A native of Nicaragua, he is based in Camp Lejeune.
  CH (Cpt.) Steven Cal Mickel is one of the chaplains serving in the 4th Infantry division in northern Iraq. He is the son of Claudia Mickel and the grandson of Irene and Ken Bauer of Asheboro. He has a sister, Claudette Anderson, in North Carolina. His wife, Anne Mickel, lives in Virginia. A 1982 graduate of Eastern Randolph High School, he majored in religion and psychology at High Point College and received his Master of Divinity from Campbell University. He served in the National Guard for 19 years and transferred to the regular Army in 2002.


M. Cheek


P. Cheek

 AC2 Marie Seal Cheek is serving on the USS Nassau. She was deployed in August of 2002 with the expectations of a six-month deployment. The USS Nassau houses sailors as well as Camp Lejeune Marines and has been in the Persian Gulf guarding against terrorism for the past several months. Cheek and her husband, Paul Cheek, who also serves in the U.S. Navy, are Air Traffic Controllers stationed in Virginia Beach and Norfolk. Paul and Marie are grandson and granddaughter-in-law of Paul and Jeanette McLeod of Robbins.
   
   
   
   
   

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