National Guard sergeant honored

Dick Benoit

Thursday, Dec. 20, 2001 | 8:28 a.m.

Army National Guard Staff Sgt. John Bogdan has received the Chief of Staff, Army Supply Excellence Award for the "outstanding technical expertise, attention to detail and professionalism he demonstrated during the Army supply excellence program evaluation of his unit."

The award recognized the soldier's dedication to service in the highest tradition of the Quartermaster Corps and the Army.

Bogdan, a supply sergeant assigned to the 1st Battalion, 221st Cavalry in Las Vegas, is the son of Ronald and Lucille Bogdan of Carnegie, Pa. His wife, Trisha's parents are Dale and Sydney Bohac of Las Vegas.

Holiday wishes

The Army Air Force Hometown News Service recently passed along holiday greetings from Nevada service members and families serving at a variety of military posts around the world.

* From Air Force Capt. Phyllis Jones at Incirlik Air Base, Turkey, greetings go to Barry Tiemann of Henderson. The captain says "Merry Christmas honey! Missing you and wishing you were here under the mistletoe! Loads of love, me."

* Air Force Staff Sgt. Jeff Belding and wife, Marcia, at Misawa, Japan, send holiday wishes to Crystal, Doug, and Megan Pope of Las Vegas, saying "Merry Christmas and Happy New Year. See ya soon."

* Staff Sgt. Brian Norman and wife, Jill, along with daughter Alexis are also assigned at Misawa. They send best wishes "To our family and friends of Henderson and we wish you all Happy Holidays! We love and miss you all very much. See you in the new year."

* Staff Sgt. Benji and wife Melissa Sager along with children Michael and Emma sent their greetings from the historic Air Force refueling stop at Lajes Field, Azores, Portugal. Their greetings are sent to Dawn and Ryan Farrell of Las Vegas with wishes for a "happy holiday from out here in the middle of the Atlantic."

In brief

* David Fuller, Valley High School class of 2001, recently completed Air Force basic training at Lackland Air Force Base, Texas. He is the son of Rhonda Fuller of Las Vegas.

* Blake Williams, Las Vegas High School class of 2001, has also completed basic training at Lackland. He is the grandson of Travis Williams and brother of Trina Richardson of Las Vegas.

* Summer Mize, Chaparral High School class of 1999, also completed basic training at Lackland. She is the daughter of Kathy Mize and granddaughter of Marge Craig of Las Vegas.

* Cathy Burklow, Palo Verde High School class of 2001, also completed basic training at Lackland. She is the daughter of Joseph Burklow of Las Vegas.

During the training the new airmen studied the Air Force mission, organization, and customs; performed drill and ceremony and received physical training and special training in human relations. They also earned credits toward an associate's degree through the Community College of the Air Force.

* Jason McDaniel, the son of John and Cinthia Buehler of Las Vegas, recently completed Army basic combat military training at Fort Sill, Okla.

He received instruction in drill and ceremonies, weapons, map reading, tactics, military courtesy, military justice, physical fitness, first aid, and Army history and traditions.