Archive for June, 2011
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Article source: http://beta.coastalcourier.com/section/35/article/33329/
Two hundred Vanguard soldiers returned to Fort Stewart on June 25, marking the completion of the brigade’s mission in Iraq.
Article source: http://beta.coastalcourier.com/section/35/article/33333/
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Bozicevich sentencing delayed again
Lead defense attorney’s skydiving injuries serious
Denise Etheridge
detheridge@coastalcourier.com
912x2D876x2D0156
June 29, 2011
x3Cpx3EOn Monday, the sentencing phase of a Fort Stewart soldierx26rsquox3Bs prex2Dmeditated murder trial again was delayed, this time until Aug. 8. x3Cbr /x3Ex3Cbr /x3EMilitary Judge Tara Osborn granted the defensex26rsquox3Bs motion for a continuance in the murder trial of Sgt. Joseph Bozicevich because lead defense attorney Charles Gittinsx26rsquox3B skydiving accident was x26ldquox3Bfar more serious than originally thought,x26rdquox3B and to accommodate scheduling for other cases Gittins is working on. x3Cbr /x3Ex3Cbr /x3EGittins, who was not in court Monday, told the Courier by phone that he is a professional skydiver and skydiving instructor who got hurt x26ldquox3Bdoing what I normally do.x26rdquox3B x3Cbr /x3Ex3Cbr /x3Ex26ldquox3BI hadnx26rsquox3Bt done it for 13 weeks,x26rdquox3B he said. Gittins said his chute opened but he x26ldquox3Bmade a mistake over a perfectly good canopyx26rdquox3B and subsequently had a hard landing. The defense attorney fractured his L1, L2 and L3 vertebrae and injured his left knee, left shoulder and right ankle.x3Cbr /x3Ex3Cbr /x3EHe added that he hopes to be walking by Aug. 8.x3Cbr /x3Ex3Cbr /x3EThe sentencing delay will allow Gittins time to recover from his injuries, Osborn said. She added that the start date for a prex2Dmeditated murder trial Gittins is committed to at Fort Campbell, Ky., twice was rescheduled to accommodate the Bozicevich trial here. Therefore, Osborn said, the military judge presiding over the U.S. v. Miller trial at Fort Campbell denied a request to delay that trialx26rsquox3Bs start a third time.x3Cbr /x3Ex3Cbr /x3EShe then informed the jury of the delay in resuming the trial and asked for a show of hands to see which jurors had any personal or professional scheduling conflicts due to the date change.x3Cbr /x3Ex3Cbr /x3EFour of the 12 jurors raised their hands. Osborn dismissed the jury and then called in one by one the four jurors who signaled they had conflicts. She wanted to ascertain what their conflicts were and if their issues could be resolved so the trial could continue next month.x3Cbr /x3Ex3Cbr /x3EOne juror told Osborn he would have to arrange for another staffer to take his place on a prex2Ddeployment site survey in Iraq. x3Cbr /x3Ex3Cbr /x3Ex26ldquox3BItx26rsquox3Bs not the ideal circumstance but I could be here,x26rdquox3B the juror said.x3Cbr /x3Ex3Cbr /x3ETwo other jurors told the court they would have to take temporary duty to return to Fort Stewart, one from a career course and another from a new duty station, to complete the trial. The fourth juror affected by the sentencing date change said he would have to alter longstanding family travel plans.x3Cbr /x3Ex3Cbr /x3EOsborn polled the jurors to ensure they would not be distracted nor hold the delay against either the defense or prosecution once the trial resumes.x3Cbr /x3Ex3Cbr /x3EOsborn said she was trying to balance various concerns, such as ensuring the defendant receives a fair trial and to bring some closure to victimsx26rsquox3B families. x3Cbr /x3Ex3Cbr /x3EBozicevich, 41, was found guilty May 25 of two charges of prex2Dmeditated murder in the deaths of Staff Sgt. Darris Dawson and Sgt. Wesley Durbin. He is accused of shooting and killing the two men Sept. 14, 2008, while deployed to Patrol Base Jurf at Sahkr, Iraq. All three soldiers were assigned to the 3rd Battalion, 7th Infantry Regiment, 4th Brigade Combat Team, 3rd Infantry Division.x3Cbr /x3Ex3Cbr /x3EBozicevich faces life in prison with or without parole, according to Fort Stewart spokesperson Kevin Larson. x3Cbr /x3Ex3Cbr /x3EThe actual trial began in early May after nearly two years of prex2Dtrial hearings. Bozicevich pleaded not guilty in late March.x3C/px3E
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Denise Etheridge
On Monday, the sentencing phase of a Fort Stewart soldier’s pre-meditated murder trial again was delayed, this time until Aug. 8.
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Article source: http://beta.coastalcourier.com/section/35/article/33319/
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Court martial sentencing put off again
By Denise Etheridge
Staff writer
June 27, 2011
x3Cpx3EOn Monday, the sentencing phase of a Fort Stewart soldierx27s prex2Dmeditated murder trial was again delayed, this time until Aug. 8. x3Cbr /x3EMilitary Judge Tara Osborn granted the defensex27s motion for a continuance in the murder trial of Sgt. Joseph Bozicevich because lead defense attorney Charles Gittinsx27 skydiving accident was x22far more serious than originally thought,x22 and to accommodate scheduling for other cases Gittins is working on. x3Cbr /x3EGittins, who was not in court Monday, told the Courier by phone he is a professional skydiver and skydiving instructor who got hurt x22doing what I normally do.x22 x3Cbr /x3Ex22I hadnx27t done it for 13 weeks,x22 he said. Gittins said his chute opened but he x22made a mistake over a perfectly good canopyx22 and subsequently had a hard landing. The defense attorney fractured his L1, L2 and L3 vertebrae and injured his left knee, left shoulder and right ankle.x3Cbr /x3EHe added he hopes to be walking by Aug. 8.x3Cbr /x3EThe sentencing delay will allow Gittins time to recover from his injuries, Osborn said. She added the start date for a prex2Dmeditated murder trial Gittins is committed to at Fort Campbell, Ky., was twice rescheduled to accommodate the Bozicevich trial here. Therefore, Osborn said, the military judge presiding over the U.S. vs. Miller trial at Fort Campbell denied a request to delay that trialx27s start a third time.x3Cbr /x3EShe then informed the jury of the delay in resuming the trial and asked for a show of hands to see which jurors had any personal or professional scheduling conflicts due to the date change.x3Cbr /x3EFour of the 12 jurors raised their hands. Osborn dismissed the jury and then called in onex2Dbyx2Done the four jurors who signaled they had conflicts, to ascertain what their conflicts were and if their issues could be resolved so the trial could continue next month.x3Cbr /x3EOne juror told Osborn he would have to arrange for another staffer to take his place on a prex2Ddeployment sight survey in Iraq. x3Cbr /x3Ex22Itx27s not the ideal circumstance but I could be here,x22 the juror said.x3Cbr /x3ETwo other jurors told the court they would have to take temporary duty to return to Fort Stewart, one from a career course and another from a new duty station, to complete the trial. The fourth juror affected by the sentencing date change said he would have to alter longstanding family travel plans.x3Cbr /x3EOsborn polled each juror, to ensure they would not be distracted nor hold the delay against either the defense or prosecution, once the trial resumes.x3Cbr /x3EOsborn said she was trying to balance various concerns, such as ensuring the defendant receives a fair trial and to bring some closure to victimsx27 families. x3Cbr /x3EBozicevich, 41, was found guilty on May 25 of two charges of prex2Dmeditated murder in the deaths of Staff Sgt. Darris Dawson and Sgt. Wesley Durbin. He is accused of shooting and killing the two men on Sept. 14, 2008, while deployed to Patrol Base Jurf at Sahkr, Iraq. All three soldiers were assigned to the 3rd Battalion, 7th Infantry Regiment, 4th Brigade Combat Team, 3rd Infantry Division.x3Cbr /x3EBozicevich faces life in prison with or without parole, according to Fort Stewart spokesperson Kevin Larson. x3Cbr /x3EThe actual trial began in early May, after nearly two years of prex2Dtrial hearings. Bozicevich plead not guilty in late March.x3C/px3E
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On Monday, the sentencing phase of a Fort Stewart soldier’s pre-meditated murder trial was again delayed, this time until Aug. 8.
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Article source: http://beta.coastalcourier.com/section/35/article/33297/
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Vets deliver relief from heat
Local Vietnam veterans provide free fans to senior vets in need
Denise Etheridge
detheridge@coastalcourier.com
912x2D876x2D0156
June 27, 2011
x3Cpx3Ex0Dx0Ax3Cp alignx3Dx22justifyx22x3EVietnamx2Dera veteran Joe Ward, 60, doesnx26rsquox3Bt have a working airx2Dconditioner in his modest Hinesville home. Instead, Ward x26mdashx3B who is unemployed and recently was hospitalized for kidney disease x26mdashx3B must rely on relief from five fans, one of which was just delivered to him by fellow Vietnam veterans.x3C/px3Ex0Dx0Ax3Cp alignx3Dx22justifyx22x3Ex22There are a lot of people in worse shape than I am,x22 Ward said. x22At least Ix26rsquox3Bve got a place thatx26rsquox3Bs mine.x22x3C/px3Ex0Dx0Ax3Cp alignx3Dx22justifyx22x3EWard admits itx26rsquox3Bs hard to sleep in the sweltering heat and humidity. He said his house doesnx26rsquox3Bt cool down until around 11:30 p.m. and he canx26rsquox3Bt get any rest until after midnight.x3C/px3Ex0Dx0Ax3Cp alignx3Dx22justifyx22x3EWard said he never uses the stove or oven, just the microwave and toaster, because smaller appliances put out less heat.x3C/px3Ex0Dx0Ax3Cp alignx3Dx22justifyx22x3EThe 18x2Dyear Army veteran retired in 1994 and worked as a calibration technician until 2009, when the company he worked for at Warner Robins Air Force Base lost its military contract.x3C/px3Ex0Dx0Ax3Cp alignx3Dx22justifyx22x3Ex22As long as I could work, I was working,x22 Ward said.x3C/px3Ex0Dx0Ax3Cp alignx3Dx22justifyx22x3EHe had rented out his home in Hinesville for two years and returned to find it in disrepair. The aging veteran said that when hex26rsquox3Bs feeling better, he tries to work on some home projects. But, he admits itx26rsquox3Bs a slow process.x3C/px3Ex0Dx0Ax3Cp alignx3Dx22justifyx22x3EWard also lost his job around the time he was diagnosed with multiple health issues, including chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, he said.x3C/px3Ex0Dx0Ax3Cp alignx3Dx22justifyx22x3EStill, Ward doesnx26rsquox3Bt appear to wallow in selfx2Dpity and said hex26rsquox3Bs proud of his familyx26rsquox3Bs military service.x3C/px3Ex0Dx0Ax3Cp alignx3Dx22justifyx22x3Ex22All three of my uncles served,x22 he said. Ward also has a son, Warrant Officer Brian Ward, who currently is deployed to Afghanistan. He is assigned to a Special Forces unit, Ward said. His son is due to redeploy in January 2012.x3C/px3Ex0Dx0Ax3Cp alignx3Dx22justifyx22x3EVietnam Veterans of America Chapter 789 members raised funds to buy 25 box fans to help keep senior Vietnam veterans, like Ward, or their surviving family members cool in the current unbearably hot summer temperatures.x3C/px3Ex0Dx0Ax3Cp alignx3Dx22justifyx22x3EVVA president Chad Chaffee, along with VVA members Paul Spence and Kenneth Clark, brought Ward a fan Wednesday. Spence said the chapter has a list of people who need fans and added that VVA will work with other local groups to help get the fans to those who need them most.x3C/px3Ex0Dx0Ax3Cp alignx3Dx22justifyx22x3EChaffee said the fans cost about $15 each and credits Walmart for allowing VVA members to accept donations outside of the supercenter in Hinesville.x3C/px3Ex0Dx0Ax3Cp alignx3Dx22justifyx22x3EFor more information, call VVA at 369x2D5378.x3C/px3Ex0Dx0Ax3C/px3E
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Denise Etheridge
Vietnam-era veteran Joe Ward, 60, doesn’t have a working air-conditioner in his modest Hinesville home.
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Article source: http://beta.coastalcourier.com/section/35/article/33235/
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Article source: http://beta.coastalcourier.com/section/35/article/33265/
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Gen. Abrams briefs HMAC
Deployments possibly could go longer
Denise Etheridge
detheridge@coastalcourier.com
912x2D876x2D0156
June 24, 2011
x3Cpx3E3rd Infantry Division Commander Maj. Gen. Robert x26ldquox3BAbex26rdquox3B Abrams briefed Hinesville Military Affairs Committee members Tuesday on what to expect from him and the 3rd ID. x3Cbr /x3Ex3Cbr /x3EThe general said the division will focus more on the individual soldier and training for the Armyx26rsquox3Bs modular transformation and emerging role as a contingency force.x3Cbr /x3Ex3Cbr /x3EAbrams also told HMAC members he would be deploying x26ldquox3Bwith 700 of his closest friendsx26rdquox3B to Iraq this fall to complete the U.S. militaryx26rsquox3Bs final drawdown there. Americax26rsquox3Bs troops currently are slated to leave Iraq by Dec. 31. The general stressed that no decision has been made as to how long the deployment will be, but x26mdashx3B in his opinion x26mdashx3B it could last a year.x3Cbr /x3Ex3Cbr /x3Ex26ldquox3BThe government of Iraq is considering asking us to stay longer,x26rdquox3B Abrams said. He added that military leaders must anticipate changing circumstances and plan for them.x3Cbr /x3Ex3Cbr /x3EHMAC, in turn, informed the general of its purpose and programs, including preparations for the annual Independence Day celebration to be held at Fort Stewart. HMAC members and volunteers coordinate the food court portion of the event each year.x3Cbr /x3Ex3Cbr /x3EAbrams said the fabric of the 3rd ID is x26ldquox3Bfrayedx26rdquox3B from backx2Dtox2Dback deployments in the past 10 years, and itx26rsquox3Bs time for division leaders to address the many issues soldiers face due to warx26rsquox3Bs multiple stresses. He specified such issues as suicide, marital strife, substance abuse and misconduct.x3Cbr /x3Ex3Cbr /x3Ex26ldquox3BItx26rsquox3Bs sort of become the landscape of the division,x26rdquox3B the general said. x26ldquox3BIt set me back on my heels a little bit.x26rdquox3Bx3Cbr /x3Ex3Cbr /x3EAbrams intends to initiate a standard Marne duty day and duty week, increase contracts with mentalx2Dhealth providers off post and increase counselors on post, as well as look for more opportunities to help soldiers release stress in positive ways.x3Cbr /x3Ex3Cbr /x3EThe general also informed HMAC members that Col. (promotable) Christopher Hughes has been positioned to serve as the rear division commander during the Headquarters and Headquarters Battalionx26rsquox3Bs upcoming deployment. Hughes currently serves as deputy commander of support. x3Cbr /x3Ex3Cbr /x3EAbrams said Col. Thomas James left Fort Stewartx2DHunter Army Airfield last week for his new assignment. James will serve as the U.S. Army Armor School commandant at Fort Benning, according to a Department of Defense advisory. James most recently served as the 3rd IDx26rsquox3Bs deputy commander of maneuver.x3Cbr /x3Ex3Cbr /x3EAbrams also touched on the Armyx26rsquox3Bs new fiscal prudence, due to the economyx26rsquox3Bs downturn. He said the Army must cut its force by about 22,000.x3Cbr /x3Ex3Cbr /x3Ex26ldquox3BWe do have a fiscal crisis going on,x26rdquox3B the general said. x26ldquox3BWe all have to do our fair share.x26rdquox3Bx3Cbr /x3Ex3Cbr /x3EAbrams said the Army and the installation still will have enough funds to operate efficiently.x3Cbr /x3Ex3Cbr /x3Ex26ldquox3B(You) spend it like you spend your own money,x26rdquox3B he said. x26ldquox3BGet what you need, not what you want.x26rdquox3Bx3Cbr /x3Ex3Cbr /x3EOn a lighter note, the general said communities in Coastal Georgia, especially Hinesville and Liberty County, do not seem to suffer from x26ldquox3Bdeployment fatiguex26rdquox3B as do communities in other parts of the country. Residents here staunchly support soldiers and their families, he said.x3Cbr /x3Ex3Cbr /x3Ex26ldquox3BNone of us take it for granted,x26rdquox3B Abrams said. x26ldquox3BIx26rsquox3Bm blown away by your generosity. Not everyone is this supportive.x26rdquox3Bx3Cbr /x3Ex26ldquox3BI personally am grateful for all your help on the 4th of July,x26rdquox3B he added.x3Cbr /x3Ex3Cbr /x3EHMAC hospitality cox2Dchairman P.J. Schneider briefed Abrams on the committeex26rsquox3Bs efforts for the 4th of July x26ldquox3BWorth Fighting Forx26rdquox3B celebration. The event will culminate July 4 with games and activities from 10 a.m.x2D6 p.m. at Newman Field. x3Cbr /x3Ex3Cbr /x3EA free concert featuring Fantasia and the Zac Brown Band will begin at 6 p.m. at Donovan Field East and fireworks will begin around 10 p.m.x3Cbr /x3Ex3Cbr /x3EHMAC, along with local businesses, civic organizations and some local governments, will serve an estimated 13,000 meals to soldiers and military family members this year. x3Cbr /x3Ex3Cbr /x3ESchneider said food court volunteers once served as many as 23,000 meals during Operation Iraqi Freedom III, circa 2005x2D06.x3Cbr /x3Ex3Cbr /x3EHowever, volunteers still are needed to cook and serve food from 11 a.m.x2D2 p.m. July 4, he said. So far, HMAC has roughly 15x2D20 groups committed to helping with the food court, Schneider said.x3Cbr /x3Ex3Cbr /x3ETo volunteer, call P.J. or Melinda Schneider at 884x2D5599.x3C/px3E
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Denise Etheridge
3rd Infantry Division Commander Maj. Gen. Robert “Abe” Abrams briefed Hinesville Military Affairs Committee members Tuesday on what to expect from him and the 3rd ID.
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Article source: http://beta.coastalcourier.com/section/35/article/33189/
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Locals lobby for Benning’s 3rd HBCT
Leaders suggest Fort Stewart could provide alternative to expansion
Denise Etheridge
detheridge@coastalcourier.com
912x2D876x2D0156
June 22, 2011
x3Cpx3ELocal leaders and supporters of Fort Stewartx2DHunter Army Airfield have recommended an alternative plan to Fort Benningx26rsquox3Bs proposed expansion. Rather than have the Army buy roughly 83,000 acres to expand Fort Benningx26rsquox3Bs training area near Columbus, they suggest the Army consider transferring the 3rd Heavy Brigade Combat Team to Fort Stewart.x3Cbr /x3Ex3Cbr /x3EThis, they say, would save taxpayer dollars and make better use of military resources that readily are available at Fort Stewartx2DHunter Army Airfield.x3Cbr /x3Ex3Cbr /x3EThe Southeast Georgia Friends of Fort Stewart and Hunter recently sent a detailed letter to Fort Benning officials, who currently are accepting public comments on their Draft Environmental Impact Statement regarding the proposed land expansion.x3Cbr /x3Ex3Cbr /x3Ex26ldquox3BWex26rsquox3Bd really like someone to do a cost analysis,x26rdquox3B Paul Andreshak, Southeast Georgia Friends of Fort Stewart and Hunter executive director, told the Courier on Monday. x3Cbr /x3Ex3Cbr /x3EAndreshak added that a significant number of Stewart County residents are not in favor of the Fort Benning expansion. Some people there worry about losing revenue from property taxes and others are concerned about the possible noise produced by heavy military maneuvers during training exercises, according to a report by www.ledgerx2Denquirer.com.x3Cbr /x3Ex3Cbr /x3ESince Fort Stewart previously was slated to receive a 5th brigade two years ago, the Army must have considered the installation adequate enough to receive more troops, Andreshak reasoned. The Department of Defense canceled the promise of a 5th brigade in July 2009.x3Cbr /x3Ex3Cbr /x3Ex26ldquox3BWex26rsquox3Bve been working with Southeast Georgia Friends of Fort Stewart and Hunter to assist in getting our 3rd Brigade here,x26rdquox3B Hinesville Mayor Jim Thomas said. Thomas said he is not convinced Fort Benning will be able to acquire the land. x3Cbr /x3Ex3Cbr /x3Ex26ldquox3BWe provide an easy alternative,x26rdquox3B he said. x3Cbr /x3Ex3Cbr /x3EThomas said Hinesville and Liberty County have infrastructure in place, such as water and sewer, to accommodate additional troops and their families, should another brigade be sent here.x26nbspx3B x3Cbr /x3Ex3Cbr /x3EThe mayor added that local leaders and Andreshakx26rsquox3Bs group are working with congressional representatives to encourage the Army to transfer troops from Europe to Fort Stewartx2DHunter Army Airfield. x3Cbr /x3Ex3Cbr /x3EIn April, U.S. Sens. Johnny Isakson, Rx2DGa., and Saxby Chambliss, Rx2DGa., and Congressman Jack Kingston, Rx2DSavannah, urged Army Secretary John McHugh to consider sending Fort Stewart a heavy brigade combat team that has been slated by the Defense Department to leave Germany and return to the United States in 2015. x3Cbr /x3Ex3Cbr /x3EUnfortunately, Andreshak said, other installations are competing to receive the same troops from Europe, including Texasx26rsquox3B Fort Bliss.x3Cbr /x3Ex3Cbr /x3EAndreshak said his group also is working to have a newly formed artillery brigade sent here. But, bringing the 3rd Brigade to Fort Stewart would, in his opinion, be the best option for both the Army and the Liberty County community, he said.x3Cbr /x3Ex3Cbr /x3Ex26ldquox3BIn a period of declining defense budgets and potential future Army force reductions, adding more real property does not make sense,x26rdquox3B reads Southeast Georgia Friends of Fort Stewart and Hunterx26rsquox3Bs comment letter. x26ldquox3BRelocation of the 3rd HBCT to Fort Stewart would reduce Fort Benningx26rsquox3Bs heavy maneuver training land shortfall by almost 75 percent and avoid many significant environmental impacts. The move would cox2Dlocate the 3rd Brigade with its parent division and provide it better access to Fort Stewartx26rsquox3Bs superior deployment facilities (proximity to ports).x26rdquox3Bx3Cbr /x3Ex3Cbr /x3EAndreshak claims Fort Stewart should be able to accommodate at least twox2Dthirds of the 3rd Brigadex26rsquox3Bs troops, and if exercises on ranges are efficiently scheduled, then the installation could handle the additional training load.x3Cbr /x3Ex3Cbr /x3EHe stressed a decision has not been made and it likely would be x26ldquox3Ba year or two down the roadx26rdquox3B before the Army approves or disapproves Fort Benningx26rsquox3Bs proposed land expansion.x3C/px3E
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Denise Etheridge
Local leaders and supporters of Fort Stewart-Hunter Army Airfield have recommended an alternative plan to Fort Benning’s proposed expansion.
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Article source: http://beta.coastalcourier.com/section/35/article/33135/
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4th IBCT continues return home
More than 500 Vanguard troops redeploy from Iraq
Denise Etheridge
detheridge@coastalcourier.com
912x2D876x2D0156
June 22, 2011
x3Cpx3EMore than 500 Vanguard soldiers returned home this week to loved ones waving flags, holding welcome signs and promising endless hugs on Fort Stewartx26rsquox3Bs Cottrell Field.x3Cbr /x3Ex3Cbr /x3ENinetyx2Dtwo troops hopped off three white buses around noon Monday, braving South Georgiax26rsquox3Bs high heat and haze. This group was followed just after midnight Tuesday by 18 busloads of 4th Infantry Brigade Combat Team soldiers. And Thursday evening, another main body of 4th IBCT troops is expected to return with the unitx26rsquox3Bs colors, according to Fort Stewart spokesman Kevin Larson.x3Cbr /x3Ex3Cbr /x3Ex26ldquox3BI just want to say thanks and congratulations for a job well done,x26rdquox3B 3rd Infantry Division Commander Maj. Gen. Robert Abrams said after saluting returning troops Monday. x26ldquox3BYou have so much to be proud of. Welcome home.x26rdquox3Bx3Cbr /x3Ex3Cbr /x3EThe 4th Brigade deployed to Iraq in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom in July 2010. The brigade witnessed the U.S. military mission transition to Operation New Dawn last September. Vanguard soldiers were tasked with x26ldquox3Bstrengthening the Iraqi security forces and building an enduring strategic partnership,x26rdquox3B according to 4th Brigade Commander Col. Lou Lartigue, who was quoted in the latest issue of Vanguard Voice. Lartigue is scheduled to return with troops Thursday.x3Cbr /x3Ex3Cbr /x3EAlicia Oncale and her daughters, Heather, 8, and Lacey, 1, dressed in red, white and blue sundresses, waited excitedly for husband and father 1st Sgt. Heath Oncale to arrive.x3Cbr /x3Ex3Cbr /x3EAlicia Oncale said x26ldquox3Bjust missing himx26rdquox3B was the hardest part of coping with her husbandx26rsquox3Bs yearlong deployment.x3Cbr /x3Ex3Cbr /x3Ex26ldquox3BWex26rsquox3Bre just glad to have him home,x26rdquox3B she said. Oncalex26rsquox3Bs husband has served four deployments, including Desert Storm in the first Gulf War.x3Cbr /x3Ex3Cbr /x3EVietnam veteran Sherm Uphold held 5x2Dmonthx2Dold grandson Jaxson on his lap as his 4x2Dyearx2Dold granddaughter, Kara, sat beside him during the slow and sweatx2Dfilled minutes before his son, Spc. Jeremy Uphold, was welcomed home.x3Cbr /x3Ex3Cbr /x3EThe elder Uphold traveled to Fort Stewart from his home in Auburn, Ala. A retired first sergeant, Uphold is proud of his sonx26rsquox3Bs service.x3Cbr /x3Ex3Cbr /x3Ex26ldquox3BIt means (Jeremy) is dedicated to his country, to his family, to a better way of life,x26rdquox3B he said.x3Cbr /x3Ex3Cbr /x3Ex26nbspx3BSgt. Nicholas Salentinex26rsquox3Bs motherx2Dinx2Dlaw, Yvonne Wyatt, and niece, Sarah Carr, were among the happy crowd that greeted Salentine on Monday.x3Cbr /x3Ex3Cbr /x3Ex26ldquox3BThis was his second tour,x26rdquox3B Wyatt said. She explained that her sonx2Dinx2Dlawx26rsquox3Bs parents live in Wisconsin and couldnx26rsquox3Bt travel to Fort Stewart to welcome him home on Cottrell Field, but they would be waiting for his return with signs and balloons at their home in the upper Midwest. Wyatt lives in Newnan.x3Cbr /x3Ex3Cbr /x3Ex26ldquox3BWe wanted to give him a big welcome. He deserves it,x26rdquox3B she said.x3Cbr /x3Ex3Cbr /x3EOnce all Vanguard troops return stateside and complete block leave, the brigade will finish moving into its new complex off Highway 144, Fort Stewart Garrison Commander Col. Kevin Milton told community leaders in May.x3C/px3E
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Denise Etheridge
More than 500 Vanguard soldiers returned home this week to loved ones waving flags, holding welcome signs and promising endless hugs on Fort Stewart’s Cottrell Field.
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Three fallen warriors memorialized
Redbud trees added to Warriors Walk
Katie McGurl
Coastal Courier correspondent
June 17, 2011
x3Cpx3EA light breeze ruffled the leaves of trees and flags along Fort Stewartx26rsquox3Bs Warriors Walk on Thursday morning as loved ones, friends and soldiers gathered for the dedication of eastern redbud trees in honor of three fallen 3rd Infantry Division soldiers. Warriors Walk now contains 439 trees.x3Cbr /x3Ex3Cbr /x3ESgt. Brandon S. Hocking, 24, of Seattle, Wash., was killed March 21 in As Samawah, Iraq, when enemy forces attacked his unit with an improvised explosive device. He was assigned to the 87th Combat Sustainment Support Battalion, 3rd Sustainment Brigade.x3Cbr /x3Ex3Cbr /x3EMaj. Wesley J. Hinkley, 36, of Carlisle, Pa., died April 4 in Baghdad, Iraq, as a result of a nonx2Dcombatx2Drelated incident. He was assigned to the 3rd Special Troops Battalion, 3rd Sustainment Brigade.x3Cbr /x3Ex3Cbr /x3ESpc. Gary L. Nelson III, 20, of Woodstock, Ga., died April 5 in Mosul, Iraq, of injuries sustained from a nonx2Dcombatx2Drelated incident. He was assigned to the 6th Squadron, 8th Cavalry, 4th Infantry Brigade Combat Team.x3Cbr /x3Ex3Cbr /x3EAfter the national anthem, a prayer invocation and a poem reading, Maj. Gen. Robert B. Abrams, commanding general of the 3rd Infantry Division, welcomed family members and eulogized the fallen soldiers. x3Cbr /x3Ex3Cbr /x3Ex26ldquox3BThese men were patriots x26hellipx3B and they served their country with pride and honor,x26rdquox3B he said. x26ldquox3BWe should not dwell on how these men died, but rather we should dwell on how they lived and what they stood for when their country needed them.x26rdquox3Bx3Cbr /x3Ex3Cbr /x3EHinkley had 17 years of active military service. He started as an enlisted soldier with a fourx2Dyear commitment and then attended Shippensburg University in Pennsylvania, where he joined the Reserve Officersx26rsquox3B Training Corps. He married x26ldquox3Bthe love of his life,x26rdquox3B Melissa, in 2005, before his first deployment to Iraq. The couplex26rsquox3Bs son, Gregory, is 3 years old. According to Abrams, Hinkley was a very intelligent man with a penchant for history. He had aspired to pursue a masterx26rsquox3Bs degree in business administration at Texas Ax26ampx3BM University. x3Cbr /x3Ex3Cbr /x3Ex26ldquox3BHe was a soldier who lived the values of honor and duty,x26rdquox3B Abrams said. x26ldquox3BHex26rsquox3Bll be sorely missed and will never be forgotten.x3Cbr /x3Ex3Cbr /x3Ex26ldquox3BSgt. Brandon Hocking was a soldier who understood duty and selfless service,x26rdquox3B Abrams continued. x26ldquox3BHe took his job seriously, but he had a big smile with a tremendous sense of humor that would put others around him at ease, even during the worst of times.x26rdquox3Bx3Cbr /x3Ex3Cbr /x3EHocking enjoyed working on cars, collecting and shooting firearms, playing guitar and shooting pool in his free time. His peers often heard him singing Johnny Cash songs. Hocking was interested in becoming a Ranger and joining Special Forces during his military career. He dreamed of starting a carx2Drepair business. Hocking leaves behind a wife and four children. x3Cbr /x3Ex3Cbr /x3Ex26ldquox3BHis devotion to the Army and his family will always be remembered,x26rdquox3B Abrams said.x3Cbr /x3Ex3Cbr /x3ENelson, a supply specialist, was an unsung hero who enjoyed his work, according to the commanding general. x3Cbr /x3Ex3Cbr /x3Ex26ldquox3BProfessionally, he was known as a tireless worker, going the extra mile to help his unit and other soldiers, and always volunteered for missions,x26rdquox3B Abrams said. x26ldquox3BThe impact he made upon his unit was far above that which is normally expected of someone of his age and experience.x26rdquox3B x3Cbr /x3Ex3Cbr /x3ENelson loved music and played guitar often. He hoped to enter college and eventually the business world. x3Cbr /x3Ex3Cbr /x3Ex26ldquox3BWe will forever remember and are grateful for these three menx26rsquox3Bs service,x26rdquox3B Abrams said.x3C/px3E
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A light breeze ruffled the leaves of trees and flags along Fort Stewart’s Warriors Walk on Thursday morning as loved ones, friends and soldiers gathered for the dedication of eastern redbud trees in honor of three fallen 3rd Infantry Division soldiers.
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Article source: http://beta.coastalcourier.com/section/35/article/32999/
