Army nurse returns to Germany after Iraq tour

Dick Benoit

Thursday, March 31, 2005 | 9:46 a.m.

Army 1st Lt. Lara Laak, the daughter of Song Laak and Gary Laak, both of Las Vegas, has recently returned to Wuerzburg, Germany, after a deployment to Iraq in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom. The soldier is regularly assigned to the 67th Combat Support Hospital in Wuerzburg.

While deployed in Iraq, the 1997 Valley High School graduate and nurse, along with her fellow soldiers, provided command, staff and technical support and medical care for the wounded on the battlefield.

The 67th includes doctors, nurses and specialists from all fields of the Army's medical activity to perform emergency and routine medical treatment and health care assistance for troops serving in Iraq.

Laak, a medical surgical nurse, has three years of military service. The lieutenant earned a bachelor's degree in 2001 from the University of San Francisco.

Unblemished record

Navy Petty Officer 3rd Class Raymond Soliza, Las Vegas High School class of 1996 and son of Annie and Rolando Soliza of Las Vegas, recently received the Navy Good Conduct Medal.

The Good Conduct Medal recognizes the service member's honest and faithful service during a three-year period. To earn it, Soliza achieved and maintained a satisfactory level of performance and an unblemished conduct record for the entire period.

Soliza, who joined the Navy in May 1997, also recently re-enlisted for six years. He is currently assigned with Sea Control Squadron 32, Naval Air Station, Jacksonville, Fla.

In brief