Wayne Men and Women in the Military
By Linda Luck
Published in News on January 18, 2004 11:03 PM
Jeron Collins
Navy Seaman Apprentice Jeron Collins has been presented a Letter of Commendation for Outstanding Professionalism while serving as a deck seaman on the USS Iwo Jima from August to October 2003 as a member of the Naval Component of Joint Task Force Liberia.
The commendation was presented by the Sixth Fleet commander and was signed by S.A. Fry, vice admiral, U.S. Navy.
Collins was praised for his loyal devotion to duty as a member of the Deck Rigging Team. The seaman assisted in six underway replenishment evolutions receiving over 2 1/2 million gallons of fuel and transferring over 250 pallets of cargo. He also worked long hours during the preservation and painting of over 50,000 square feet of the ships structure.
Collins is a 2001 graduate of Goldsboro High School.
Jeffrey Sutton
Navy Petty Officer 1st Class Jeffrey Sutton, a 1987 graduate of North Lenoir High School, recently made a port visit to Naval Station Rota, Spain, aboard the guided missile destroyer USS Cole, homeported in Norfolk, Va.
While in Rota, Sutton and his shipmates had the opportunity to visit several historical landmarks and shop at various local markets.
The Cole port visit is the ship's first since undergoing $250 million in repairs following a bombing in the port of Yemen, Oct. 12, 2000. The primary mission of Sutton's ship is to provide multi-mission offensive and defensive capabilities. Cole is capable of operating independently or as part of a carrier strike group. Its flexibility provides presence with a purpose and strike power to support joint and allied forces afloat and ashore.
Olin M. Grant
Navy Seaman Recruit Olin M. Grant, son of Marcie L. and Bobby R. Grant of LaGrange, recently completed U.S. Navy basic training at Recruit Training Command, Great Lakes, Ill.
During the eight-week program, Grant completed a variety of training, which included classroom study and practical instruction on naval customs, first aid, fire fighting, water safety and survival, and shipboard and aircraft safety. An emphasis was also placed on physical fitness.
Grant is a 2003 graduate of Spring Creek High School.
Joseph Teachey
Marine Corps Master Sgt. Joseph L. Teachey, son of Arnelia J. Teachey of Dudley, is serving aboard the amphibious assault ship USS Peleliu in the Arabian Gulf.
A 1981 graduate of Southern Wayne Senior High School of Dudley, Teachey joined the Marine Corps in July 2001.
Alan Taylor
Army National Guard Pfc. Alan J. Taylor has graduated from basic combat training at Fort Jackson, Columbia, S.C.
During the nine weeks of training, the soldier studied the Army mission, history, tradition and other related subjects. He also participated in an intensive physical fitness program, foot marches and field training exercises.
Taylor is the son of Scott Taylor of Fremont and Suzette Taylor of Fremont.
Donald Wallace
Army Pvt. Donald R. Wallace has graduated from basic combat training at Fort Jackson, Columbia, S.C.
During the nine weeks of training, the soldier studied the Army mission, history, tradition and other related subjects. He also participated in an intensive physical fitness program, foot marches and field training exercises.
He is a 2003 graduate of Eastern Wayne High School.
Carpaccio Owens
Army Sgt. Carpaccio E. Owens is deployed overseas at a forward operating location is support of Operation Iraqi Freedom.
The sergeant, a squadron leader with three years of military service, is normally assigned to the 407th Forward Support Battalion at Fort Bragg in Fayetteville.
He is the son of Mary and Percy Jones of Goldsboro and is a 1994 graduate of Eastern Wayne High School and a 2000 graduate of Catawba College in Salisbury.
Garland Summen
Army Sgt. 1st Class Garland Summen was honored at the annual Philip A. Connelly Awards Program in Anaheim, Calif., for being one of the winners of the Army dining facilities food preparation competition.
The awards program recognizes active duty, national guard, and reserve soldiers for their food service excellence in advanced culinary food service.
Summen is a food service specialist assigned to the 8th Ordnance Company, Fort Bragg, Fayetteville.
He is the son of Gloria G. Summen of Goldsboro and is a 1984 graduate of Goldsboro High School.
Charles Cypher
Air Force Master Sgt. Charles K. Cypher has been decorated with the Bronze Star Medal for his service in Operations Southern Watch, Enduring Freedom and Iraqi Freedom.
The medal is awarded to an individual who, while serving in the U.S. armed forces, has performed a heroic act, meritorious achievement or distinguished service during armed conflict or ground combat while engaged against an armed enemy of the United States.
Cypher earned the medal while assigned as the ground safety manager for the 379th Air Expeditionary Wing while engaged in ground operations against the enemy at a classified location from December 2002 to May 2003.
The sergeant is a safety superintendent assigned to the 21st Space Wing at Peterson Air Force Base, Colorado Springs, Colo.
His wife, Pornthip, is the daughter of Mark B. and Mukda A. Daniels of Goldsboro.