Army Reserve Pvt. Adrian Rodriguez has graduated from basic combat training at Fort Jackson, Columbia, S.C. He is the son of Hiram Rodriguez of Hamilton and the nephew of Libla Alicea of Lakewood.
Air Force Airman Paul T. Coyle Jr., son of Paul Coyle of Rochester, N.H., and Mary Coyle of Howell, graduated from basic military training at Lackland Air Force Base, San Antonio, Texas. During the six weeks of training, the airman studied the Air Force mission, organization, and military customs and courtesies; performed drill and ceremony marches; and received physical training, rifle marksmanship training, field training, and special training in human relations.
Marine Corps Cpl. Stephen M. Gronsky, son of Kathleen Kennedy of Howell and Stephen F. Gronsky of Castle Rock, Colo., recently departed on a six-month deployment while assigned to the 13th Marine Expeditionary Unit (MEU), based out of Camp Pendleton, Calif. Gronsky is one of more than 4,000 Pacific Fleet sailors and Marines aboard the ships of the USS Peleliu Amphibious Ready Group. Gronsky’s unit is an expeditionary intervention force with the ability to rapidly organize for combat operations in virtually any environment. MEUs are composed of more than 2,000 personnel and are divided into an infantry battalion, aircraft squadron, support group and command element. Gronsky joined the Marine Corps in June 1999.
Marine Corps Staff Sgt. Steven Whalen, a 1990 graduate of Howell High School, recently went ashore to Roberts International Airport and the port of Monrovia in Liberia to provide support for West African forces. Whalen is assigned to the 26th Marine Expeditionary Unit (MEU), based at Camp Lejeune, N.C. The unit is currently deployed with the USS Iwo Jima. Whalen is one of more than 4,000 Atlantic Fleet sailors and Marines who are deployed aboard the ships of the USS Iwo Jima Amphibious Ready Group. His MEU established a quick reaction force at Roberts International Airport to provide support for the Economic Community of West African States’ forces, if needed, and assisted in securing the port in an effort to facilitate humanitarian efforts for the Liberian people. Whalen’s unit is an expeditionary intervention force with the ability to rapidly organize for combat operations in virtually any environment, according to the Marine Corps. MEUs are composed of more than 2,000 personnel and are divided into an infantry battalion, aircraft squadron, support group and command element.
Edward H. McCay III, son of Edward H. McCay, and stepson of Lorraine McCay, both of Farmingdale, graduated from the Army Reserve Officer Training Corps’ (ROTC) National Advanced Leadership Camp at Fort Lewis, Tacoma, Wash. The camp provides professional training and evaluation for all cadets in the aspects of camp life, administration and logistical support.