Support Our Troops Archives

Each month Northern Connection magazine proudly salutes the men and women from the North Hills area who are serving in the military. This page includes the photo and article from previous months.

For this month's honored service man or woman, please click here.

April 2005 issue

Sgt. Paul V. Shepherd, 54, of McCandless has been serving the United States since 1967 when he entered the Army and earned the rank of Corporal at 18 years of age.

Shepherd saw active duty by working field artillery until 1970 when he completed his Army service. After a 12 month tour of duty in Vietnam, Shepherd stated that he “aged 10 years.”

Shepherd entered the Pennsylvania Army National Guard and served from 1973-1975 and then re-entered to serve from 1990 to the present day.  He was stationed in Germany from July 2002 to February 2003 as part of “Operation Noble Eagle/Enduring Freedom.”  Shepherd’s unit, Task Force Keystone, provided security for military installations in Germany and Italy after September 11, 2001 as well as relief for a previous unit that had been in Germany since the September 11 attacks.

In between his own deployments, Shepherd has been active in color guard military honors for deceased soldiers, which includes the somber music of Taps and the presentation of the American flag to the family of the deceased.

Currently, Shepherd is in Harrisburg participating in a Soldiers’ Readiness Program which prepares troops who undergo physical qualifications, pre-training exercises and screening processes prior to deployment.

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Justin Gruber, 25, a Machinist Mate First Class submarine warfare, joined the U.S. Navy January 2000.  A 1998 graduate of Seneca Valley High School, Gruber, a Cranberry native, is stationed in Norfolk, Virginia, with his wife Courtney, and nine-month old son, Brendon. His main responsibility at Norfolk is repairing submarines. When he was stationed in  Groton, Connecticut, Gruber served two deployments on the submarine, USS Dallas. He is working on a degree in Marine Engineering and plans to serve his country for 20 years in the Navy. “Since joining the military, I’ve become more appreciative of the country we live in and I’m proud to serve in the military,” Gruber said.  “I believe the Navy Corp’s values of honor, courage and commitment can be applied to our day-to-day lives.”   

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May 2005

Staff Sergeant (SSG) Daniel Plants, 26, of McCandless, is serving in the United States Army.  He began his basic training in the summer of 1996 at Ft. Jackson, South Carolina.  After graduating from North Allegheny High School in 1997, he began his schooling as a Light Wheel Vehicle Mechanic.

Plants began his military career as a Reservist and went active military in January 1999.  He was stationed at Ft. Bragg, North Carolina in the 82nd Airborne.  His unit was deployed to Kandahar, Afghanistan in December 2002 as part of “Operation Enduring Freedom.”  Then in January 2004, Plants went from the 82nd Airborne to 2ID at Camp Casey, Korea for a year tour.  While in Korea, Plants represented his Battalion at a competition in Taegou with American Soldiers and the Republic of Korea (ROK) soldiers.  They were graded on physical fitness, weapons qualifications and other miscellaneous items.  The Americans won the competition.

Shortly after Plants married his fiancée, Sandy Vergara, in January, he was deployed  to Ansbach, Germany where he is currently serving a three-year tour of duty.  His wife is scheduled to join him once the Army paperwork is complete.

Since he enjoys physical training, he was chosen from his Battalion to compete with other American soldiers in different competitions to be held soon.  Plants plans to continue his military career and hopes to be back in the 82nd when his tour of duty is finished in Germany.

“I would ask for your continued support for all those serving in our armed forces through prayers and show your patriotism by displaying your American flag.  Remember…we’ve got your back,” Plants said.

Northern Connection salutes Staff Sergeant (SSG) Daniel Plants for his commitment and service to the United States.

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June 2005 - In Memoriam:

The staff of Northern Connection magazine was deeply saddened to hear of the passing of Sgt. 1st Class Brent A. Adams. He was killed in December 2005 while serving in Ramadi, Iraq.
Staff Sgt. Brent Adams, 40, joined the military in 1987.  As a member of the Army National Guard Reservist he was called upon to serve two weeks in the field every year.  Over the course of the past 18 years, Adams was stationed in various locations in the United States and England.  He was a mechanic working on humvees.

Adams was a native of Lancaster County and graduated from Indiana University of Pennsylvania. On his 40th birthday, April 29th, he had to report for duty in Fort Irwin, California. He underwent 30-days of basic training before his next tour of duty. Adams returned to the Pittsburgh area at the beginning of June before being deployed to Iraq. 

Adams resided in West View with his wife Marilyn and their 3-1/2 year old son, Daniel.

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July 2005

Captain Matthew Maletestinic, 29 of Bellevue is serving in the United States Army.  His current position and unit of assignment is commander, Headquarters and Headquarters Company, 2nd Battalion, 312th Regiment (Training Support), 78th Division, Oakdale, PA.

Maletestinic trains Army Reserve and National Guard who are called to duty.  After he trains these Soldiers, they are sent to Fort Dix, New Jersey before they are deployed overseas to Iraq, Afghanistan, Africa, Pakistan, Kuwait, Jordan and Saudi Arabia.

Maletestinic knows from personal experience what it is like to serve overseas.  “After having served in the combat zone for a year, I get a great deal of personal satisfaction from training Soldiers and units going overseas into combat,” he said.  “It is my opportunity to influence the course of the battle.  My unit was stationed at a former Iraqi air base called Tallil.  We were a supply base which distributed fuel, potable water and various other items to the Army, Marines, Air Force and Coalition Forces from Italy, the Netherlands, South Korea and Great Britain.   My unit returned home to Puerto Rico on March 24, 2004, 372 days after we left.  We fortunately suffered no enemy caused casualties and every Soldier who went to Iraq came home safe and sound.”

Maletestinic joined the service in 1996 when he enlisted in the National Guard prior to his senior year of college at Carnegie Mellon University.  He graduated with a B.S. in Business Administration, and a M.S. in Public Policy and Management.  He has been married to his wife Missy since 1999.  She is very supportive of his military career; in fact they met while Maletestinic was a ROTC cadet.  When he graduated from the Army ROTC, he was commissioned as a Distinguished Military Graduate.

Northern Connection magazine salutes Captain Matthew Maletestinic for his commitment and service to the United States.

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August 2005

Senior Airman Mark Wilson, 24, of Franklin Park is serving his country as an Air Force Security member, military police.  In this capacity, Wilson is involved in both law enforcement and security duties, protecting military resources and personnel.

He joined the service on November 9, 2000.  Wilson received his basic training in San Antonio, Texas where he spent over six weeks.  He then went into a ten-week recruit, field training at the Security Forces Academy in Lackland, San Antonio.

Wilson has served at the following military stations: Dover Air Force Base, Delaware, Fort Dix, New Jersey, Doha, Qatar, King Faisal, Jordan, Volk Field, Wisconsin, Vandenberg Air Force Base, California.  He volunteered for active duty orders to go to Vandenberg Air Force Base and is currently on active duty orders at his home duty station in Pittsburgh.  Shortly after Sept. 11, 2001 he was activated by Presidential Orders.  Wilson was awarded the Air Force Achievement Metal during operation enduring freedom and operation Iraqi freedom.

His home base is the Pennsylvania National Guard 171st Air Fueling Wing in Coraopolis.  While there, he secures KC-135 Stratotankers, which is a super tanker unit with the ability to conduct in-flight refueling to various types of aircrafts.

Wilson is a 1999 graduate of North Allegheny High School.  He graduated from  Community College of Allegheny County in May 2004.

“Once I receive my four-year degree, I will continue to make the Air Force a career and I will then continue forward onto Officer’s Training School to become a military officer,” Wilson said.

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September 2005

Brian Michael Calhoun, 23, of Ross Township, is currently serving in the United States Navy as an Aviation Maintenance Administrationman. He joined the service Sept. 5, 2003, his first official day of boot camp.

Calhoun, a 2000 graduate of North Hills High School, received his basic training at a Recruit Training Command in Great Lakes, Illinois. From May 27 through Oct. 24, 2004, he participated in Operation Enduring Freedom. As part of the Marine Expeditionary Unit, he was deployed to the Persian Gulf along with 1,200 Marines and three other naval vessels.

“We entered the Gulf on July 4th; we offloaded the Marines onto the shore, and went on to Kuwait, then departed the Gulf around mid-September,” said Calhoun, who is not sure if he will remain in the service in the future. “It’s a tough life and you learn to appreciate the little things. My plans are to finish my Associates Degree in Virginia, and I’m looking into an officer’s program.”

Northern Connection magazine salutes Aviation Maintenance Administrationman Brian Michael Calhoun for his commitment and service to the United States.

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October 2005

Lieutenant Colonel Richard J. Conwell is in the U.S. military as an Administrative Services Flight Commander for the 171st Medical group.  Since his assignment in September 1983 to the 171st MDS, he has served in various Medical Service Corp (MSC) capacities, including Chief Administrator.

Conwell also served with the 171st Air Refueling Wing, Pennsylvania Air National Guard as a Personnel Officer, Squadron Section Commander, Executive Support Officer and Chief of Central Base Administration.  He has received numerous medals and commendations for his superior military service.  He recently completed a deployment to the Afghanistan Theatre of Operations under Operation Enduring Freedom

Conwell is also active as a Deputy Liaison Officer Director (DLOD) with the U.S. Air Force Academy, where he screens and recommends high school candidates for subsequent admission.

He holds a B.A. from Edinboro University, a M.A. from St. Francis University, and a  M.P.M. from Carnegie Mellon University.  He is presently a Doctoral candidate (DBA) in Business Administration at Nova Southeastern University.  He is a graduate of Squadron Officer School, Personnel Officers School, Reserves Components National Security Course, Air Command, Staff College and Air War College.

Conwell is employed as a Provider Relations Specialist at Highmark, Inc.  “I have been fortunate to have had the opportunity to serve in different capacities in the U.S. Air Force, the Air National Guard and the Air Force Reserves,” Conwell said.  “It has been a challenge balancing my full-time position with Highmark and service as a Guardsman and Reservist.  It can be done, with a supportive employer and a family who understands that the many freedoms we enjoy in this great country are really not free.  Rather, it involves that level of responsibility, professionalism and commitment you see everyday in the many thousands of individuals who wear a military uniform, and contribute in many different ways to the defense of our nation.”

Conwell encourages qualified individuals coming out of high school or college to consider active service, a military academy or a concurrent career as a military reservist while working in the Pittsburgh area community.  “Many dedicated veterans served before us, and it is simply a way to give back some time and effort in fighting the rather challenging domestic and global terrorism issues our country is facing today,” he said.

Conwell resides in Cranberry Township with his wife, Cecelia and son, Christopher.  His future plans include continuing serving with the Air Force Reserves as the Deputy Liaison Officer Director of the U.S. Air Force Academy in the Western Pennsylvania region, and perhaps “consider” retirement in 2007 after 42 years of service, Conwell said.

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November 2005

Private First Class, Anthony Charles Furgiuele, 23-year-old native of Ross Township, is serving his country in the United States Army.

On Aug. 11, Furgiuele was deployed to Iraq as part of Operation Enduring Freedom.  The living conditions in the Middle East can be rough, and the majority of Soldiers call tents their home.  But as Furgiuele said, “It’s not too bad; at least the tents protect us from the brisk sand storms and the very hot temperatures.  I miss seeing the grass; everything over here seems to be rather muddy.  But on a positive note, the “chow” is quite good.”

Furgiuele, a 2000 graduate of North Hills High School, attended Bradford College and Community College of Allegheny County, both for one year.  After careful consideration, he decided to join the Army. He began basic training in January 2004 at Fort Leonard Wood, Missouri. He then went to Fort Drum, New York, where he met his wife, Ashley.   They now reside in New York and have a six-month old son Anthony Richard, born April 16. When Furgiuele is not serving his country, he works as an engineer.

Furgiuele is the son of Bonnie Furgiuele Burke of the South Hills and Anthony Furgiuele of Ross Township.  His grandparents are Nancy and Chuck Hughey and Janet and Tony Furgiuele, all of West View.

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December 2005

1st Lieutenant Douglass Garbark, 26 of Burchfield / Shaler Township is serving his country in the United States Army.

Garbark is a graduate of Shaler Area High School.  He joined the service in 1998, and became a member of the Virginia National Guard.  He went through ROTC training at the Virginia Military Institute, where he also attended college.

During his tour of duty, Garbark spent time training at Fort Benning, Georgia and Fort Wainwright, Alaska.  He is currently in Mosul, Iraq as part of Operation Enduring Freedom.  He was deployed on Aug. 19 and will be stationed in Iraq for approximately one year.

In January, Garbark will be promoted to the rank of Captain. “Right now I am on active duty until the year 2007, and after that I want to find a job with the degree I earned in Mechanical Engineering,” said Garbark, of his future plans.

He and his fiancée, Holly, plan to get married in Pittsburgh, June 2, 2007.

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Winter 2006

1st Lt. Adam T. Love, 26, of Shaler Township is serving his country in the United States Army. Love is a 1997 graduate of Shaler Area High School and a 2001 graduate of Virginia Military Institute. He joined the Army Reserves in his junior year of high school. While attending college, Love was a member of the ROTC program and the Virginia National Guard. He graduated with a degree in Civil Engineering.

He enjoys his military career. “I firmly believe this is where I am supposed to be,” Love said.

In 2002, he volunteered to go to Bosnia for six months as part of a peace-keeping force. While stationed there, Love had the dangerous task of removing land mines. After he completed that mission he volunteered in 2004 for a nine-month assignment in Kosovo.

Love is currently serving in Iraq as a platoon leader combat engineer with the 135th National Guard Armory. During the day he helps build roads and at night he searches for weapons. As of now, he plans to make a full time career with the United States Army.

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March 2006

One day early in summer 2005, Todd Stampahar, 21, of West View, came home and announced to his family, “I’m either going back to school in the fall or going into the service.”

Todd graduated in 2002 from North Hills High School, where he was a member of the gifted program (since 4th grade).  After graduation, he briefly attended Community College of Allegheny County.  He then opted to quit school and worked instead at Highland County Club.

After some soul-searching, Todd decided he wanted more out of life, and he wanted to continue on with his education.  He thoroughly researched the various branches of the armed services and zeroed in on the Navy.  So it was narrowed down to two choices: join the Navy or head back to college.

Fortunately, the Navy had what Todd wanted and they would also pay for him to go school.  He scored high on his preliminary ASVAB test, so he chose to enlist.  Plus according to Todd, “Girls like a man in uniform.”

He signed up in early fall and on January 4, Todd left for boot camp at Great Lakes, IL.  The training is slated to last at least eight weeks.  He is scheduled to graduate on March 3; if he passes “Battle Stations” with his division, he will no longer be considered a Recruit, but a Sailor.  After graduation, Todd will begin his “A” school in Pensacola, FL, and from there “the sea’s the limit.”

So far he has an eight-year commitment to the Navy, two years active duty, with six years active reserves.  It is a new program that Navy has recently initiated. Todd likes it so much he’s already thinking of re-enlisting for an additional four years and possibly making a career out of the Navy.  Also in the back of his mind, is the possibility of someday going “Top Gun,” and fulfilling his childhood dream of flying like a bird.

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April 2006

When retired Navy Chief Ronald Oswald, 65, of Millvale, enlisted in the Navy at 17-years old, he began a family tradition of military service that culminated March 11 with his daughter, Veronica, 40, being awarded a lifetime membership in Millvale’s VFW Post 118.

Following in the military footsteps of her father and brother, Veronica, a Lt. Col. in the Army Reserves stationed in Boulder, Colorado, outranks them with the distinction of being one of the first women at the Millvale post to receive the honor of a lifetime membership.  Her father became a lifetime member in 1998 and her brother, Navy  Commander Ronald Oswald Jr., 38, became one in 2004.

“We have about 250 members and to my knowledge, she’s the second woman to receive the lifetime membership,” said Jack Cavanaugh, VFW Post 118 senior vice commander.  “Ours is a small post and it’s very unique to have three lifetime members in one family.”

Ronald Sr. said both his children were brought up to have a “great respect” for the military. Influenced by his father’s navy career, Ronald Jr. was commissioned in the Navy in 1989, after graduating from the Massachusetts Maritime Academy. Veronica followed a different path, and decided to join the army in 1990 because she wanted to become a Stat nurse in the field.

“That girl has been around,” said Ronald Sr. of his daughter’s 16-year military career.  She has served in Iraq, Desert Storm and Croatia.

“It’s pretty awesome,” Veronica said of the fact that three members of her family have lifetime memberships in the VFW. “It shows a great family commitment and I’m completely honored and proud to represent women in the military in this fashion.”

Ronald Jr. said he has “fulfilled his dream of traveling and helping to shape history,” during his 17-years in the service.  He’s been involved in some “amazing,” and “humbling,” events, including the liberation of Kuwait and Iraq. “I was deeply touched and honored to receive a lifetime membership in the VFW,” he said.  “These are the kind of people that make you proud to be an American.  They are the people worth protecting and make service in the military worthwhile.”

On Oct. 21, the Oswald family will be adding another military member to their ranks when Veronica marries her fiancé, Jeff Hrutkay, a retired Colonel and surgeon in the Army. The couple, who met in Bosnia, will have a full dressed military wedding at Holy Spirit Catholic Church in Millvale.

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May 2006

Patrick Strobel is a native of East Butler.  He graduated from Butler High School in 1988 and entered the United States Army as a Tank Turret Repairman. In 1989, he married his high school sweetheart, Donna Kradel, and was stationed in Erlangen, Germany.  

Strobel’s first assignment was to the 1st Armored Division, and he was deployed in support of Operations Desert Storm and Desert Shield.  He was then assigned to South West Asia for a five-month tour. Upon his return in 1992, Strobel and his wife moved to Fort Irwin, California, and they welcomed the birth of their first child, Hali. After four years in the Mojave Desert, they moved to Aberdeen, Maryland, and had their second child, Joshua.

Strobel spent two years as an instructor for new military recruits. He was selected into the Army’s Warrant Officer Program.  He achieved high marks and accelerated to his present day status of Chief Warrant Officer Three.

Strobel was deployed to Camp Casey, Korea, and was assigned to the 2d Infantry Division.  He returned to the United States for one-month, and then was deployed to Iraq with the 3d Armor Calvary Regiment in support of Operation Enduring Freedom. He performed numerous convoy operations and established logistic routes.  During one of these assignments, his vehicle was struck with three Improvised Explosive Devices.  Strobel sustained serious injuries which required numerous surgeries and after 12 months of recovery, he was found to be “fit for duty” and re-deployed with the 3d ACR for yet another tour of Iraq, this time in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom III.

Strobel was thankful that he could resume his military service and was able to be re-deployed with his unit.  He returned home to his family in Colorado, where he is currently stationed at Fort Carson.

“I have no regrets, and I look forward to finishing my military career and returning to Butler, PA,” said Strobel.

During his years of service, Strobel has been awarded the following: the Bronze Star, the Purple Heart, the Meritorious Service medal, the Army Commendation Medal, the Army Achievement Medal, the Good Conduct Medal, the National Defense Medal, South West Asia Service Medal, Iraq Campaign Medal, Global War on Terrorism Expeditionary Medal, Global War on Terrorism Service Medal, Korea Defense Service Medal, Saudi Arabian Medal for the Liberation of Kuwait, Kuwait Liberation of Kuwait Medal.

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June 2006

This month we pay tribute to an entire military family from West View.  With their military background, the Caskey family found it natural to serve their country.

The patriarch, SFC Gerald Caskey, spent 22 years serving in the United States Army.  His wife Debbie was a U.S. Army photographer.  Debbie (Davis) is a 1974 graduate of North Hills High School.

Debbie followed in her father’s footsteps, Joseph Davis, who served in the U.S. Army during World War II.  He was awarded two purple hearts and the bronze medal for his bravery.  Davis was also a resident of West View for 45 years.  He is now deceased.

Gerald and Debbie’s three sons are also serving their country.  Marine PFC Joseph Caskey is currently serving his first tour of duty in Okinawa, Japan.  Joe is a 2004 graduate of North Hills High School.  He was born in Germany while his father was serving in the Army in 1986.

Marine Sgt. Joshua Caskey returned to the United States at the end of April after serving a six-month tour of duty in Iraq.  He is with the 22nd Marine Expeditionary Unit (MEU), which is based in Camp LeJeune, North Carolina.  Joshua was born in Turkey and is a 1999 graduate of North Hills High School.

Air Force SSG. Jeremy Caskey is currently stationed at Offutt Air Force Base in Nebraska.  He recently received the Graphic Artist of the Year Award for 2005.  The competition involved all four branches of the U.S. military. Jeremy was born in Pittsburgh and graduated in 1996 from Hershey High School.

SSG. Caskey’s award was presented to him by former ABC news anchor Sam Donaldson (3rd from right in photo) in Washington, D.C.  His father and mother were both present for the award ceremony.

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July 2006

Private First Class Jason McCamey is serving his country in the United States Marine Corp.  He is currently stationed at Fort Pendleton, California, where he is conducting his basic training.  After he completes basic training by the end of July or early August, he will receive his next military assignment.

A 2005 graduate of Shaler Area High School, Jason decided to follow in his father Donald McCamey’s footsteps and answer the military call.

Army Specialist Donald (Don) McCamey, the family patriarch, originally served his country in the United States Navy.  “My husband was serving in the Navy when we met,” said Don’s wife, Maureen.

He spent two years in the Pennsylvania National Guard, and last year he decided it was time to re-enlist.  Don recently left for training at Fort Dix, New Jersey.  He is slated to be deployed to Iraq in September, where his unit will be supporting another unit.

“I think Don wishes he would have never gotten out of the military.  It is part of the reason why he chose to re-enlist; that coupled with the fact that both of his sons had also chosen to serve in the military.  Don wanted to do his part to help his country,” Maureen said.

The youngest son, Sean, graduated this past June from Shaler Area High School, and he too has chosen to serve in the Armed Forces. Sean leaves this month for nine weeks of Army Reserves in Fort Knox, Kentucky.  He will then head to Maryland, where he will train to be an Army light-wheel mechanic.  In January, Sean will head to Erie, where he will attend Gannon University.

All three of the McCamey men are determined to serve their country because they feel it is the right thing to do.

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August 2006

Sgt. Sean H. Miles, USMC, devotedly served his country in the United States Marine Corp. Sadly, his young life was cut short when he was killed in action January 24th in the line of duty in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom.

Miles was a native of Midlothian, VA.  His story caught the attention of local business owner, Joe Wadlow of Monte Cello’s Restaurants.  Wadlow saw a picture in the newspaper of a flag draped casket, a grieving widow, and a young boy dressed in Marine Corps Dress Blues saluting his father and bidding him farewell.

“I was so moved by the picture, I took it to work with me,” Wadlow said. That evening Kelly O’Connor of Kelly O’s Restaurant visited my restaurant in Hampton, along with her friend Jerry Vanasdale. Vanasdale was a combat Marine and a fellow motorcycle enthusiast; he was also distraught by the funeral picture.   So we decided to join forces together to help Tyler Miles, 3,  and his mother Genevieve,” Wadlow said.

To help the Miles family, Wadlow and his friends have organized a motorcycle rally and road tour, Sunday, Aug. 27.  The Fallen Marine Memorial Run will start at the Spirit Harley-Davidson in Glenshaw, and will end at Ross Township Community Park.   “Our goal is to attract 4,000 motorcycles as we attempt to raise $200,000 to assist Genevieve with financial obligations,” Wadlow said.

Prior to the Memorial Run, a benefit concert will be held Saturday, Aug. 26 at Ross Township Community Park.  The concert will feature Drake and Josh from Nickelodeon’s hit show.  Doors for this event will open at 4:30 p.m.  Tickets are $15 general admission, $10 parents.

The motorcycle run will begin at 8 a.m., Sunday, with registration at Spirit Harley-Davidson in Glenshaw; breakfast will be provided by Kelly O’s Restaurant.  The shot gun start begins at 10:30 a.m. at Uncle Bob’s (Mars); Monte Cello’s (Zelienople); TJ’s Hideway (Evans City); and the Elephant & Castle (Wexford).

As an added bonus, another concert will be held immediately following Sunday’s Memorial Run starring Tony Janflone Jr., Glenn Pavone and The Cyclones rokbot; it will also be held at Ross Township Community Park.

“We now plan on making this an annual event and each year we will choose a new recipient to benefit from this cause,” Wadlow said.

For more information on this event or how to help the Miles family, visit the website at http://www.fallenmarinememorialrun.com

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September 2006

Three North Allegheny Senior High School 2006 graduates share a common bond:  diligently training at various military academies.

Nick Henderson of Franklin Park is attending the Naval Academy in Annapolis, Maryland.  He was recruited by the Academy because of his academic and athletic abilities.  Henderson, a wide receiver for the North Allegheny Tigers, will continue playing football at the Naval Academy.   In fact, he is on this year’s roster.  Keep your eyes out for number 88.

Henderson began his basic training June 28th and when he completes it, he will be an Ensign, a commissioned officer. He is also working towards a Bachelor of Science degree.

“One of the things that Nick enjoys doing is flying, and he wanted to serve his country.  So he felt the Naval Academy was the right place for him,” said Nick’s father, Lother Henderson.

William “Chip” Kirk of McCandless is attending the Air Force Academy in Colorado Springs, Colorado.  The training is very intense.

“The Academy’s motto this year is ‘Put the M back in Military.’  Fortunately for Chip, he had a taste of military life before he joined.  While he was in high school, he trained with the Marines on various weekends.  “You have to be academically, physically and medically fit to qualify for the service,” said Cindy Kirk, Chip’s mother.

“What persuaded my son to answer the call was 9/11.  He was sitting in math class at Carson Middle School when the (Flt. 93) plane flew overhead.  It shook the whole building, and ten minutes later it crashed.  Chip vividly remembers that,” Kirk said.

Andrew Stypula of Marshall Township is also attending the Air Force Academy in Colorado Springs.  He had no prior military training, just a desire to serve his country.

“Andrew’s motto is—“to be a good leader, you need to be a good follower.” He’ll either be majoring in management or law.  His goal is to be a pilot.  While he was at NA, he played lacrosse and ran cross-country.  It was through lacrosse that he was recruited by the Air Force Academy,” said Mark Stypula, Andrew’s father.

“He sends us letters home and tells us how hard it is.  Andrew is up at 4 a.m. and in bed by 9 p.m.  The cadets are kept very busy the entire time,” Stypula said.

All three of these young men are to be commended for their vigorous military training.  They all have bright futures ahead of them. 

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October 2006

Pvt. Daniel T. Mayer of Economy Borough is serving in the U.S. Army as a Combat Engineer. He enlisted on his 21st birthday, Sept. 4, 2005, and was sworn in three days later, on Sept. 7th.

Mayer’s military training began at Fort Leonard Wood in Missouri. While there, he successfully completed a 14-week basic combat training and engineering course. Mayer then went through further military training at Fort Riley in Kansas City. He was recently deployed to Iraq in mid-September.

Mayer takes pride in his military service. “It is something that Daniel felt like he needed to do. When he was a child he always liked to be outdoors, and he really enjoyed playing with army toys. He is considering a career with the U.S. Army,” said his mother, Karen.

Mayer is also following in the footsteps of his maternal grandfather who served with the Army Engineer Corps in the European Theatre during World War II.

Prior to joining the service, Mayer attended Ambridge Area High School and worked for a nursing home. He is the son of Daniel and Karen Mayer, and has two brothers, Kevin and Michael.

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November 2006

Every November 11th we honor Veterans who so courageously served our country.  But what happens to these brave service men and women who are injured fighting for freedom?

The Wounded Warrior Project assists those men and women of our armed forces who have been severely injured during conflicts in Iraq, Afghanistan and other locations around the world.

The Wounded Warrior Project begins right at the bedside of the severely wounded.  Individuals are provided with comfort items, necessities, counseling and support for their families.

One of the items that the Wounded Warrior Project distributes is a backpack filled with comfort items, such as toiletries and other personal goods.  The organization also provides the families with help with airfare, hotel accommodations and any other necessities so that they may spend time with their loved one(s).

“We got involved with the Wounded Warrior Project because one of our employees, Shaun Feldbusch, has a brother, Jeremy, who served as an Army Ranger and was injured in Iraq,” said Carson Greene, senior vice president of community and government relations of First Commonwealth Financial Corporation.  An artillery shell exploded and shrapnel flew into Jeremy’s right eye, damaging the optic nerve behind his left eye.  He was blinded and has since become the first national spokesman for the Wounded Warrior Project, Greene said.  

”Jeremy’s mother, Charlene, approached us and asked to get involved with WWP.   It is a great organization and we are proud to be a sponsor of it,” Greene said.

A golf outing benefiting the Wounded Warrior Project was recently held on Sept. 18th at Diamond Run in Sewickley.   The organization’s founder and executive director, John Melia, a veteran, attended. He served with the 1st Marine Division and the Maryland Army National Guard.  He was medically retired following injuries sustained in a helicopter crash off the coast of Somalia.  Melia has been a veteran’s advocate since 1996.

The successful golf outing was organized by Western Pennsylvania Friends of the Wounded Warrior Project.  The all-volunteer committee consists of John Brier, Chris Long, Garry Osborne, Erik Rodenberg, Rick Rowland, Linda Walker and B.J. Walker. Major sponsors for the golf outing included: Dick’s Sporting Goods, Forsythe Solutions Group and First Commonwealth Financial Corporation.

Chris Long, committee chair of the golf outing and an account manager for Forsythe Solutions Group, has been involved with the Wounded Warrior Project for approximately a year.

Long noted that on Veteran’s Day, Showtime will air Home Front, a full length documentary on Feldbush, produced by Richard Hankin, an Academy Award nominee and independent film director. The story centers on Blairsville native Feldbusch as he returns home to Pennsylvania following his injuries, which left him blinded and brain-damaged. 

Prior to the film’s release, there will be a private screening in Pittsburgh at 7 p.m., Nov. 8th at the Harris Theatre, 809 Liberty Ave.  There is a suggested donation and all proceeds will benefit the Wounded Warrior Project, Long said.  A reception will follow and will be held on the second floor at Olive or Twist Restaurant, 140 Sixth St.

“Jeremy is an amazing individual as the national spokesperson for the Wounded Warrior Project,” Long said. “He has spoken before the United Nations and Congress.”

Long noted that Jeremy successfully lobbied before Congress, and was instrumental in helping to get the Wounded Warrior bill passed.  Before the bill was enacted there was no financial aid for service personnel who were severely injured in the line-of-duty.

The bill passed in May of 2005 and it allows immediate payments of $25,000 to $100,000 for those individuals who suffered life-altering injuries while serving their country.  The amount dispersed depends on the severity of the injury, Long said.

Donations are always being sought by the Wounded Warrior Project to help provide severely injured veterans and their families with vital services.  Donations are used to purchase backpacks for the wounded, alleviate the financial burden on families, sponsor adaptive sports and recreation events, and provide a national voice for the newest generation of veterans.

For more information on the Wounded Warrior Project, visit http://www.woundedwarriorproject.org

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December 2006

On October 18th, Cheryl Redmond of Ross Township celebrated her 60th birthday.  She decided to do something she had not done since her 16th birthday – she threw herself a party!

Redmond did not want her friends to bring gifts, but she knew if she requested that, people would bring them anyway.  So she came up with a brilliant idea – she requested that her guests bring gifts for the Soldiers at Walter Reed Hospital in Maryland, particularly the women, because they are very often forgotten.

“The response I received was amazing – I received almost 200 gifts!  People showed up with several gifts, some had five and six presents.  I had to unwrap them all so that I could fit them in my station wagon,” Redmond said.

Redmond and her husband, Jim, delivered the gifts to Walter Reed Hospital.  The trip was well worth it, because they were greeted with open arms.

“The people at Walter Reed were so excited and pleased.  We met about three of the female patients and watched them pick out gifts.  We also met many of the staff and they were so appreciative.  It was very exciting, and they are such wonderful people,” Redmond said.

The reason why Redmond decided to donate gifts to Walter Reed Hospital is because she has always had a deep appreciation for the military.  She was born in Canada, but became an American citizen. Her husband served in the army, and was stationed overseas in Germany. He retired as a Major.

Northern Connection magazine commends Cheryl Redmond for her kindness and support of military personnel.

T’is the season for giving, so if you are interested in helping out with Redmond’s cause, contact her at caredmond@mac.com.

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January 2007
Schools Support Troops & Wounded Warrior Project Skiing

Sometimes during the holidays we get caught-up in the hustle and bustle, and tend to forget the true meaning of the season.  It is a time of giving; it is important to give of ourselves and reach out and help others in need.  A few local schools did just that by reaching out and organizing donation drives for military personnel serving overseas.

St. Bonaventure Elementary School, located in Shaler, formed a donation drive called “Operation Bobcat Buddy.”  For two weeks students from preschool through eighth grade collected necessities such as: snacks, books, toiletries and various other items for U.S. service men and women.  The diligent students managed to send more than 1,000 comfort items and school supplies to Iraq.  Additionally, they did extra chores to earn money for pencils, notebooks and scissors for their counterparts in Iraqi schools.

The project was spearheaded by first grade teacher, Ann Marie Wasielewski.  She knows first-hand how grateful these soldiers really are.  “My brother is currently serving; the morale of the troops is high when they receive these packages.  The students brought everything from shampoo to candy, from Pop Tarts to crackers.  We had it all.  We sent one package per week, for four weeks” Wasielewski said.

The name of this special project, “Operation Bobcat Buddy,” is significant. St. Bonaventure students are nicknamed the “Bobcats,” and the tradition of “Bobcat Buddies” refers to older Bobcats mentoring younger ones.  Bobcat Buddies spend time together on a regular basis at school and on special projects.  In this case, the Buddy pairs wrote letters to be included in the care packages.

The soldiers were also given holiday-themed DVDs and blank Christmas cards that they could use to write home.  “I hope the children remember that they were able to touch the heart of someone far away and that they made a difference,” Wasielewski said.

Elementary students in the Pine-Richland School District were also busy supporting our troops and Iraqi students through a national project entitled, “Operation Troop Appreciation” (OTA).

Wexford Elementary students decided to help out their Iraqi counterparts.  The students at Wexford collected approximately 500 pairs of shoes that were donated to Iraqi school children.

Richland Elementary students and family members got into the holiday spirit  by collecting DVDs, CDs, video games, playing cards and many other items, which were sent overseas to military personnel.

“We sent about 40 boxes—it was a ton.  The holiday gift bags benefited approximately 1,000 U.S. Soldiers stationed in Anwar Providence, Iraq,” said Melissa Lupetin, Richland Elementary guidance counselor.

In the Pittsburgh area, Operation Troop Appreciation is based in Mt. Lebanon.  The nonprofit group works with military units, from platoons to companies to battalions, to provide wish list items communicated to OTA directly from the troops in the field.

Organizers say these wish list items are intended to help ease the burden of deployment and are presented to the troops as symbols of our appreciation, support and encouragement. For more information on how you can support troops, visit www.operationtroopappreciation.org.

Northern Connection magazine salutes the students, facility and family members of St. Bonaventure Elementary and the Pine-Richland School District for their dedication and generosity to military personnel. 

The Wounded Warrior Project Conquering a Hurdle and Skiing a Mountain

Day-in and day-out, many men and women serving in the military put their lives on the line fighting for freedom.  But what happens to these brave folks when they are injured in the line of duty?

That is where the Wounded Warrior Project steps in to help these individuals.  It is an organization that provides backpacks and necessities to the severely injured, as they recover and transition into civilian life.

The Wounded Warrior backpacks contain essential personal care items, comfortable clothes, toiletries and calling cards that are given to severely wounded service members arriving at military trauma centers.

The organization also provides counseling, family assistance, advocacy and adaptive sports equipment.  The recovery from a serious injury is measured in years and not days; the Wounded Warrior Project’s goal is to make these individuals as comfortable as possible during that time.

Recently, the Wounded Warrior Project held a ski expedition – the “Hartford Ski Spectacular.”  Fifty-nine wounded warriors and 50 of their family members attended the event which was held at Breckenridge Ski Resort and Beaver Run Conference Center in Breckenridge, CO.

The event drew first-time skiers, soldiers with a full range of injuries from all of the military branches.  In 2005, it also featured the unveiling of the Wounded Warrior Project Challenge Coin.  The coin is given to wounded warriors who ascribe to the warrior spirit and adapt, improvise and overcome; and to supporters who have gone the extra mile to aid and assist the project.

The first coin was presented to Marine Staff Sergeant John Jones, a bilateral, below the knee amputee, who only six weeks before the event made the painful and courageous decision to allow doctors to perform the amputation of the second leg.

 John shredded the mountain on a specially fitted mono ski, allowing him to ski as fast and hard as any able-bodied skier.

The Wounded Warrioer Project brings a message of hope to our injured troops, assuring them that their sacrifice is not forgotten. For more information on how you can help the Wounded Warrior Project visit http:// www.woundedwarriorproject.org.

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February 2007
Soul Soldiers: African Americans and the Vietnam Era

February is Black History Month.  It is a great time to visit a groundbreaking exhibition, Soul Soldiers:  African Americans and the Vietnam Era, which opened at the Senator John Heinz Pittsburgh Regional History Center on Veteran’s Day.

The exhibition depicts the impact the Vietnam War had on African American life and culture by examining both Vietnam and the Civil Rights Movement.

It took Curator Samuel W. Black three years to amass the African American collection.  His eldest brother, the late Private first Class Jimmy McNeil, was the inspiration for this exhibition.  McNeil served in Vietnam from 1965 to 1967.

Soul Soldiers showcases nearly 200 artifacts, including a number of key items from veterans, such as soldiers’ rucksacks, uniforms and dog tags; historic articles on the life of African American soldiers from Time magazine, Ebony and the Pittsburgh Courier.  Also on display are soldiers’ diaries, letters sent home, nurses’ uniforms and various photographs from the era.

Interested viewers can also watch an original, 12-minute documentary edited with film taken by veterans in Vietnam from 1969-1971.  There are also excerpts from WQED-TV’s upcoming documentary In Country: A Vietnam Story.  Visitors can view more than a dozen photographs from Wallace Terry, former Vietnam correspondent for Time magazine and author of Bloods: An Oral History of the Vietnam War by Black Veterans.

The multimedia exhibition chronicles how the Vietnam War played a critical role in African American popular culture in the 60s and 70s.   A number of audio stops are featured throughout the exhibition that include such black power anthems as Say It Loud (I’m Black & Proud) by the late James Brown and What’s Going On by the late Marvin Gaye.

Nine prominent Vietnam Veteran artists produced a variety of mixed media artwork that is included in Soul Soldiers.  The materials are on loan from the National Vietnam Veterans Art Museum in Chicago.

Additionally, the Heinz History Center will publish an accompanying book entitled, Soul Soldiers.  This edited volume will include historic narratives, essays, poetry, art and photographs that further discuss issues of race, gender, activism, and the perspective of the war by veterans.

Soul Soldiers: African Americans and the Vietnam Era will be featured at the Heinz History Center through October 2007.  Be sure to visit this exhibition which is “An Experience That Will Stir Your Soul.” 

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The Wounded Warrior Project’s Backpack Program

Over 21,000 servicemen and women have returned home with a severe injury in recent conflicts with nothing but their dog tags and the clothes on their backs, if anything at all. The Wounded Warrior Project exists to provide tangible comfort and support through programs and services for those service members as they recover and transition back into civilian life. The Wounded Warrior Project (WWP) Backpack Program is one such service. 

“When my wife was notified that I was injured and she had to get to D.C., the last thing on her mind was making sure I had toothpaste, or a razor, or clothes,” said Ed Salau, who lost his left leg from a rocket propelled grenade in Iraq. “The Wounded Warrior Project, from experience, knew I needed those things.” 

When severely injured servicemen and women are transported to Department of Defense hospitals overseas and in the United States, it can take weeks for their personal belongings to be sent to them. As they begin the process of recovery from their traumatic injuries, they often have little more than the hospital gowns provided to them. 

The WWP backpacks are hand-delivered to the wounded service members arriving at the military trauma centers by WWP representatives, many of whom are wounded veterans themselves. Their experience and guidance offers the inspiration and assurance that an injury need not prevent a happy and productive civilian life. 

The backpacks provide the wounded warriors with the necessities and comfort items most needed and requested as they prepare for a long-term rehabilitative stay. There are male and female backpacks that are filled with clothes (undergarments, t-shirts, sweatpants, sweatshirt), a calling card, portable CD player, and a comfort kit containing deodorant, shaving gel, razors, shampoo, body wash, toothbrush, toothpaste, washcloth, hand sanitizer, lip balm, nail clippers, comb, antimicrobial hand wipes, and hair ties for women.

Said Brian Neuman, a benefits liaison for the Wounded Warrior Project and former Army Ranger who lost his left arm in Iraq in 2004, “The backpack gave me a piece of my dignity back.”  For more information, contact www.woundedwarriorproject.org.

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March 2007
Barry Bretsnyder

Chief Warrant Officer Four (CW4), Barry Bretsnyder is serving his country as a member of the United States Army National Guard.  He is currently stationed in Iraq, where he is serving a one-year tour of duty.

Bretsnyder is a seasoned pilot who flies UH 60 Black Hawk helicopters.  As a helicopter pilot, he gets to see it all, from snow-covered mountain ranges to blinding, dessert sand storms.

“I have had a good career flying, and I have been doing it for the past twenty years,” Bretsnyder said.

When he is not serving his country, Bretsnyder is employed as a pilot for PPG (Pittsburgh Plate Glass) Industries.  “Fortunately, my company has been very supportive of me, and I am grateful for the constant reinforcement,” Bretsnyder said.

Bretsnyder has been a member of the United States Army National Guard for the past twenty years.  Although he is a Pennsylvania resident, he has spent 16 years in the Ohio National Guard and the other four serving in the West Virginia National Guard.

He was born in Homestead and was raised in Butler.  As a teen, Bretsnyder moved to McCandless Township and graduated from North Allegheny High School in 1978.  He currently resides in Ross Township with his wife, Darlene, and their 7-year-old son, Logan.

Before Bretsnyder was deployed, he was sent for military training at Fort Sill, Oklahoma.  He was then deployed overseas to Kuwait and finally Iraq.

He plans to serve for the next year or two before retirement.

“The soldiers are doing a great job, but the true unsung heroes are the families.  Spouses, parents, and children back home are making great sacrifices so that their loved ones can serve our country.  Often times they are not given the credit that they so justly deserve.  I would like to thank my family, friends, fellow parishioners at Christ Church and my coworkers at PPG for all their prayers and support,” Bretsnyder said.

Wounded Warrior Projectc: WWP Intern Program

When injured in the line of duty, our nation’s defenders receive state-of-the-art hospital care that helps rebuild broken bodies. Although hospitals patch their wounds, they only start individuals on the path to recovery. The wounded must work every day to regain lost strength and learn to cope with a changed life. Their rehabilitation follows them after they leave the hospital, as the road to recovery is measured in years, not days. Their time in the hospital is only the first step in a very lengthy healing process.

That’s where the Wounded Warrior Project (WWP) comes in. Though WWP offers a line of adaptive sports through their program, Wounded Warrior Disabled Sports Project, there was an unfilled need to extend the activities to take advantage of the unique rehabilitative nature of outdoor sports and activities.

Known as WWP Outdoors, the program offers adaptive outdoor sporting events and activities like hunting, fishing, dog sledding, boating, archery, camping and target shooting to wounded warriors to help aid in their overall rehabilitation. Individuals participating with other healing service members gain, or reconnect to, a lifelong active hobby that they can enjoy at home without the need for special equipment or ongoing training.

The goal of WWP Outdoors is to build a community of active rehabilitation that helps individuals get outdoors, regain strength, build friendships and regain their confidence in their ability to still be active. In the hospital the injured learn how to walk, sit and pick things up. They don’t re-learn how to hold a gun or how to cast a fishing line with a prosthetic arm.

WWP partners with sponsors to make these opportunities available to the wounded warriors at no cost to the participant. We’re creating a program that’s more than just sports; we’re working with severely injured service members to give them tools for a life that transcends the limits of injury or disability. By being outdoors and active year-round in their own communities, participants experience greater empowerment in their own healing process.

To learn more about WWP or how to sponsor a WWP Outdoors event, please go to www.woundedwarriorproject.org

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April 2007
Lt. Col. Veronica Oswald and Jeff Hrutkay

Last April we had the pleasure of featuring the Oswald family in our Support Our Troops column.  The family’s military service tradition began with the patriarch, Navy Chief Ronald Oswald, 66, of Millvale, who enlisted in the Navy at the age of 17.  He has since retired, and in 1998 he was awarded a lifetime membership in Millvale’s VFW Post 118.

Influenced by his father’s Navy career, Ronald Jr., 39, was commissioned in the Navy in 1989 after graduating from the Massachusetts Maritime Academy.  In 2004, he was also honored with a lifetime membership to the Millvale VFW Post 118.

Lt. Col. Veronica Oswald, 41, decided to follow in the footsteps of her father and brother when she enlisted in the service.  She, however, chose a different military path, joining the Army in 1990.  Veronica settled on a career in that branch because she wanted to become a Stat nurse in the field.

Veronica’s 17-year career has taken her on a global tour, serving in areas such as Iraq and Croatia.  Continuing the family tradition, she was awarded last year with her own lifetime membership to Millvale’s VFW Post 118.  She is only the second woman to receive such an honor.

The highlight of Veronica’s military career occurred when she was stationed in Bosnia.  There she met Jeff Hrutkay, an Army Colonel and surgeon, who has since retired from the military.  Veronica and Jeff exchanged wedding vows on Oct. 21, 2006.  The full military nuptials took place at Holy Spirit Catholic Church in Millvale.

The church was filled with 200 guests.  Among those were a number of Army and Navy personnel from various ranks of the military.  The musical scores for the ceremony included: I Am by Mark Schultz, You Are My King by Billy James Foote, Testify to Love by Avalon, Dive by Stephen Curtis Chapman, and the ever popular God Bless the USA by Lee Greenwood.

The wedding colors included: sapphire, and a touch of navy blue, which is Veronica’s birthstone and favorite color.  The bridal party also wore maroon which signifies the Army Medical Department official battle color.  They donned a shade of silver that represented the color of Colonel and Lieutenant Colonel in Army ranks.  Finally white, a wedding color which is a sign of unconditional love and a thirst for peace in the world.

As a special touch, the wedding ceremony concluded with the newlyweds proceeding down the aisle through a Saber Arch conducted by the Pittsburgh Army ROTC Cadets.  A reception followed at Scotus Hall at Mt. Alvernia.

The couple now resides in Lafayette, Colorado.  Veronica is no longer in active duty.  She is now a member of the Army Reserves.  Both husband and wife work at a Lafayette Hospital.  She is a nurse and he is an orthopedic surgeon for the Kaiser Group.

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May 2007
Chisels and Chips Eagle Canes Soar in an Effort to Honor Local Wounded Veterans

Chisels and Chips Carving Club has been in existence since 1994.  There are approximately 90 members, 16 of whom are females.  The membership ranges from all areas of the North Hills, Butler, Cabot, and Verona. The club’s latest project is carving eagle canes for local wounded veterans.

“It does not matter when the individual served, or which branch of the military they served in.  We are distributing these canes to local veterans that were wounded fighting for freedom.  Each eagle cane is uniquely different.  The design and craftsmanship depends on the carver, whether it is painted or how it is detailed,” said club member and Ross resident, Jim Bianchi.

The idea for the eagle canes was initiated by Chisels and Chips club secretary and Gibsonia resident, Sally Powers.  “I was looking through a national carving magazine, and I saw a story about an Oklahoma carving group that designed these types of patriotic canes.  It actually sent chills through me when I read the story.  I knew it was something our group could and should do,” Powers said.

“The difference though is the Oklahoma group limited themselves to recent conflicts in Iraq and Afghanistan.  Chisels and Chips will distribute to recently wounded veterans and veterans from previous wars as well.  I know first-hand the struggles that these folks have gone through since my husband served in the Korean War,” Powers said.

Chisels and Chips is working with local VA (Veterans Administration) Hospitals in an effort to hand-deliver the eagle canes.  They wish to honor those individuals who were wounded in the line of duty.

Chisels and Chips Carving Club meets every 2nd and 4th Monday of the month.  The first meeting runs 6:30 to 10 p.m., and the second meeting is held 6:00-9:00 p.m., and that session is strictly carving.  The group meets at Parkwood United Presbyterian Church, 4289 Mt. Royal Blvd. in Allison Park.

The club is run under the leadership of current club president, Tad Miner.  Chisels and Chips also offers a beginners carving class, which begins in January and runs through June and is taught by instructor Syl Kretz.  For more information on the club, contact Tad at (412) 487-7037 or Sally at (724) 443-3975.

June 2007 Pennsylvania’s Nine Battling Scheller Brothers

Sending your child off to war is a very frightening experience.  While there is a certain amount of pride because they are honoring and serving our country, in reality, the main question arises:  Will they survive this traumatic ordeal?

The late Frank and Emma Scheller of Ross Township watched not one or two, but nine of their sons as they ventured off to three different wars. The miraculous part is all nine survived their heroic experiences.

The Scheller men: Richard, Walter, Regis, Robert, Clarence, Gerald, Albert, David and Ralph served in various branches of the military.  Some served during World War II, while others went through the Korean War, and two even fought in the Vietnam War.

“Back then you were drafted into the service.  You basically were placed where there was a need.  I served in the Navy in the U.S. Coast Guard.  I lived through the conflicts of Iwo Jima and Okinawa,” Walter Scheller said.

Now 82, Walter, of Sewickley Township, is the oldest surviving of the brothers.  “Besides myself my other remaining brothers are: Regis, Jerry and David.  The others have since passed away.  There were actually 15 children in our family all together—ten boys and five girls.  We had one brother who was unable to serve because he had a heart murmur.  We set a record in the state of Pennsylvania for having all nine of us boys returning home safely,” Scheller said.

The Scheller family grew up on Reis Run Road, and they attended school at St. Teresa of Avila School and the former Ross Township School.  They all worked at different jobs before duty called and they were drafted.  Each served their country with pride and their numerous accolades demonstrate their dedication.

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July 2007 Pennsylvania’s Nine Battling Scheller Brothers

On May 3, Senator Jane Clare Orie honored military personnel during the 11th Annual Tribute to Veterans and Service People. The event was held at the Knights of Columbus Hall in Wexford.

Among those honored was Lieutenant Colonel Paul W. Tibbets, IV, commander of the 393d Bomb Squadron.  Tibbets, 40, a Montgomery, Alabama, native, entered the Air Force in 1989 after commissioning through the U. S. Air Force Academy. He commanded the nation’s first wartime tasked B-2 squadron comprised of 10 combat ready aircraft worth over $20 billion.

Also acknowledged at the breakfast, was Captain Bill Marsh of the U.S. Navy who completed a one-year assignment in the Civil-Military Operations Directorate of Multi-National Force in Iraq.  Marsh served as the Liaison Officer Ministry of Water Resources, Ministry of Municipalities and Public Works, and Ministry of Environment.  He is a North Hills resident.

John Clifford, program director of Wounded Hero Emergency Relief, was also recognized.  Clifford’s responsibilities include day-to-day case management and emergency financial aid.  He also directs the compilation of wounded hero survey data in an effort to monitor and tailor the program to the changing needs of heroes and their families.

Additionally, Joe Washam, chief liaison, Government Affairs Coalition to Salute America’s Heroes, was revered.  He was assigned to the Iraq Survey Group which spearheaded the Weapons of Mass Destruction information gathering.  Washam was injured on April 26, 2004, during a warehouse explosion.  He sustained 3rd degree burns over 40 percent of his body and shrapnel wounds.  He spent 20 months recovering at Brooke Army Medical Center.

The annual event was held in conjunction with the Pennsylvania Funeral Directors Associations.  Entertainment was provided by the North Allegheny Marshall Middle School Chorus and Jazz Band.

“It is both an honor and a privilege to recognize your military service and dedication to our great nation and Commonwealth of Pennsylvania.  It is often said that freedom is not free, and your meritorious efforts along with your deepest sacrifices, have made this “Land of the Free” the greatest place to live.  This event is to honor you and thank you for your service,” Senator Orie said.

Next year’s breakfast will be held on May 1.  Northern Connectionmagazine salutes Lieutenant Colonel Paul W. Tibbet, IV; Captain Bill Marsh; John Clifford; and Joe Washam for their dedication and commitment to our armed services. 

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August 2007
CONTACT Pittsburgh's 24-Hour Veteran's Hotline

Those who are called to duty, and fight in a war very often pay a high price.  It is both physically and mentally draining for those who have been stationed overseas in the midst of harm’s way.  When the time comes for them to return home, they can be overwhelmed by the trauma of their combat experiences.

CONTACT Pittsburgh recognizes the need for returning military personnel to receive help dealing with their experience, and they have therefore, launched a 24-Hour Veterans Hotline for Returning Soldiers.  The service was initiated on June 1 and is staffed around-the-clock, 365 days a year by professionally trained volunteers.  All calls are free, confidential and anonymous.

The hotline provides immediate, emotional support for returning Soldiers and their families.  It was created in response to the alarming increase in the suicide rate among military personnel who have returned home.  According to the Veterans Administration, nearly one out of four people who have committed suicide in the United States are veterans.

It is estimated that up to 20 percent of returning Soldiers will develop some type of Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD).  PSTD is an anxiety disorder that can develop after exposure to a terrifying event or ordeal in which grave physical harm occurred or was threatened, such as military combat.  People with this disorder have persistent frightening thoughts and memories of their experiences and feel emotionally numb, especially with people they were once close to. 

“Unfortunately, many returning Soldiers do not feel like they have the resources they need when they return from Iraq and Afghanistan.  In addition, their family members may also need additional support while their loved ones are deployed,” said Christy Stuber, interim executive director.

Many of these military individuals are reluctant to ask for help.  They are fearful of having a “mental illness” diagnosis, which could impact their military careers, jobs and family life.

Statistics show that more than 3,200 National Guard and Reservists in the Greater Pittsburgh Area have completed one or more tours of duty in the Middle East.

“The new Veteran’s Hotline will give veterans and their families in the Pittsburgh area a place to turn for help when feeling desperate or suicidal.  Since we launched this service back in June, we have had some very positive feedback,” Stuber said.

For anyone wishing to call, the number for the Veterans Hotline is (412) 820-HELP (4357). 

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Wounded Warriors: School Fundraisers Benefit Wounded Military

Wounded Warrior Project (WWP) is an organization aimed at aiding the new generation of wounded service members returning from Iraq and Afghanistan successfully transition from a hospital bed to an active life. Because our goal is to support this new generation of wounded warriors, we want to enlist volunteers and fundraisers of the same generation – a soldier’s peers fighting to provide him with what he needs after being injured.

Colleges, high schools and even elementary schools, with the help of room mothers and the PTA, are focusing on fundraisers their students can do that will bring the current events of the world into their classrooms, giving this generation an opportunity to play a part in what’s happening in the world.

Wounded Warrior Project has been an active partner with schools across the country providing them the opportunity to support our troops first hand. Teachers, parents and community leaders have rallied together to support their community’s students as they support the wounded warriors who are fighting for them.

Mr. Frank Yusko’s history club at Spotswood High School in Spotswood, NJ, raised over $6,500 to sponsor a backpack of necessities for over 65 wounded service members who were admitted to military trauma centers across the country. Mr. Yusko’s class went into the community, set up a table at their school and spread the mission of WWP with the passion that they were going to help, no matter what it took.

With the help of WWP materials, school newspaper articles and then community newspaper articles, it wasn’t long before other local military groups were rallying behind the group of about 20 high school students.

Elementary school classes have made promises to the wounded warriors that they will bring their lunch everyday for a month and donate their lunch money to go toward sponsoring a backpack. Another class did a military cookbook with the proceeds going to support our injured heroes.

One high school teacher had his classes compete for a pizza party. Whichever class was able to raise the most money, through other students, the community or sponsors, won the party. Throughout the time period allowed for raising the money, this teacher took the opportunity to educate his students on the importance of not only knowing what is currently going on in the world and to have thoughts about it, but to be an active part in it as well.

Write letters, have a school concert, have a football game in their honor. The opportunities for this generation to be involved in supporting our military troops are endless.

For more information on Wounded Warrior Project, or how your school can get involved, please visit www.woundedwarriorproject.org.

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September 2007
Veteran's March for Diabetes

Marching is when the pulse of the hero beats in unison with the pulse of Nature, and he steps to the measure of the universe; then there is true courage and invincible strength.      –Henry David Thoreau

For 30 years now, a group of loyal veterans has participated in a fulfilling journey, walking 100 miles from Erie to Pittsburgh in order to raise money for diabetes research.  This year’s Veterans Diabetes March will take place Oct. 5 through 7.  The excursion will begin at 7:30 a.m., Oct. 5, at Presque Isle Snow Mobile Club, near Waterford, Pa., and it will end on Oct. 7 at the McKnight Road Post Office in Ross Township.

Veterans Post #402 from Coraopolis has sponsored the march since its inception 30 years ago.  The group is chaired by fellow veteran Bob Mandera.

“I can’t believe it has been 30 years since I put this walk together.  I thought it may last five or even ten years,” Mandera said.

The marchers will be escorted across the finish line for the 22nd year by the color guard from Post #2754, West View.  “We usually have six or seven walkers that participate in this march; however, last year we had nine that made the trip,” Mandera said.

Walkers this year will include: Bob Eiler, and incoming department commander John Getz and past department commander Peter Krensky.  Both of whom will be walking for the second consecutive time.  Other walkers include nine-time participants of the walk Dan Casiato and Dave Funkhouser of Post #1437 in Springdale and van-driver Ray Fern of Post #2754.

 “Last year we raised $20,000.  We chose to raise money for diabetes research because it affects so many of us.  Twenty percent of veterans are diagnosed with diabetes.  Although, I do not have the disease, my daughter was diagnosed with it at age five ½, so it affects my family as well.  I have actually marched in the walk 25 out of the 30 years.  This year I hope to get back into it,” Mandera said.

The veterans receive their share of support along the way on their charitable trek.  They are given various food donations, so their meals are covered.  Additionally, they are provided with lodging.

Their journey maybe long but for them it is worth going that extra mile for a good cause.

Wounded Warriors: On The Hunt with Redneck Adventures

Jimmy “Jim Bob” Allgood of the television show Redneck Adventures was pleased to host Wounded Warrior Project representatives and beneficiaries for this year’s sixth annual Hunt For All Ages. Jim Bob’s first experience with WWP was at the SHOT Show (Shooting, Hunting, Outdoor Trade Show and Conference) in Orlando, Florida, one of the largest gatherings for showing new hunting and outdoor products for the 2007 season.

There he met WWP deputy executive director Al Giordano, benefits liaison Brian Neuman and national spokesman Jeremy Feldbusch. After learning about the work of WWP and WWP Outdoors, Jim Bob invited the trio to Natchez, Mississippi, to hunt squirrel and film a segment for Jim Bob’s show, Redneck Adventures.

The hunt began early on a Friday morning when the hunters met Jim Bob and his fellow hunters. Al, Brian and Jeremy were in the hunting party, as well as Jeremy’s dad who serves as his sighted guide, and Albert Flores, another injured veteran who lost his leg in Iraq. The group headed out on their first day of hunting in WWP Outdoors orange vests with rifles and shotguns loaded. The pace was fast, as specially trained purebred squirrel dogs let the group up and down hills, around brush, over logs and across creeks.

Jeremy got the first game of the day with his laser-equipped 870 Remington Express 20 gauge and help from his dad’s eyes. Later that morning, he also bagged a gray squirrel and a fox squirrel. In the afternoon, Brian got two gray squirrels with his Ruger 10-22. It was the first time Brian hunted with a rifle since losing his left arm in Iraq.

Friday evening concluded with a barbecue and live music. Saturday morning, the hunters met at 6:16 a.m. for another great day of hunting and returned Saturday night to the Riverfront RV Park for more live music, crawfish, and king cakes.

The trip was Albert Flores’ first time hunting and although he didn’t get a squirrel, Flores enjoyed the trip and noted, “This is the most walking I have done in a long time. What a great challenge to overcome!”

Brian Neuman described the squirrel hunt as absolutely awesome. He explained, “ Being able to do something challenging like hunting gives us a strong sense of pride. Many people might not think squirrel hunting would do that, but it does.”

Keith Stork Rayborn, cofounder of Redneck Adventures, estimated that 45 squirrels were bagged during the hunt. Any squirrels that weren’t kept by hunters were donated to food pantries and wild game banquets.

For more information on Wounded Warrior Project and WWP Outdoors, please visit www.woundedwarriorproject.org. 

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