LV soldier earns medal for Iraq duty

Dick Benoit

Thursday, March 18, 2004 | 8:51 a.m.

Army Sgt. Jadore Scovell, the son of Gwen Chandler of Las Vegas, has been decorated with the Army Commendation Medal for participating in Operation Iraqi Freedom.

The medal is awarded to individuals who, while serving in any capacity with the Army, have distinguished themselves by acts of heroism, meritorious achievement or meritorious service.

Operation Iraqi Freedom is the official name given to military operations involving U.S. and coalition forces efforts to liberate the Iraqi people, preserve Iraq as a unified state, keep its territorial integrity intact, and help the Iraqi people begin the process of economic and political reconstruction.

Scovell is a transportation movement supervisor regularly assigned to Fort Riley, Kan. The soldier has served in the military for five years.

Sea changes

Sea Cadet Justin Sanchez, a Basic High School junior, was awarded the Navy League Youth Medal during ceremonies at the Armed Force Reserve Center at Nellis Air Force Base Sunday.

In addition, retired Navy Chief Petty Officer Milt Jones was installed as commanding officer of the Navy League's Bruce A. Van Voorhis Memorial Squadron of Sea Cadets during change of command ceremonies Sunday.

The Bruce A. Van Voorhis Squadron of Sea Cadets is open to Las Vegas youth age 11 through high school seniors who are interested in learning seamanship and leadership while participating in a variety of activities throughout the year. More information on the Sea Cadets can be obtained by calling Jones at 452-5890.

In brief

The exercise refined U.S. and Kenyon explosive ordnance and disposal tactics on land and underwater, and familiarized U.S. personnel with the Kenyan environment.