Hometown Military News: Jan. 13, 2012

Hometown Military News for Jan. 13, 2012

Air National Guard Tech. Sgt. October D. Blodgett

Air National Guard Tech. Sgt. October D. Blodgett received the Air National Guards Hometown Heroes Salute award.

The Hometown Heroes Salute Campaign is an Air National Guard program that officially recognizes Airmen for their contributions to overseas missions, according to the Air National Guard’s website. Airmen receive awards based on the duration of their deployments, and many of the 128th Air Refueling Wing’s Airmen received a wood-framed letter of appreciation from the Air National Guard and a center of influence medallion, which is meant as a gift that can be offered to the person who most helped an Airman during his or her deployment.

Blodgett is a combat operations support supervisor assigned to the 128th Air Refueling Wing at General Mitchell Air National Guard Base, Wis. The technical sergeant has served in the military for 11 years.

She is the daughter of Patrina S. Fox of West Second Street, and Fredrick Tappley of Spencer Street, both of Odell.

She is a 1997 graduate of Pontiac High School. She earned an associate degree in 1997 from Lincoln College.

Marine Corps Lance Cpl. Donald B. Shelbourn

Marine Corps Lance Cpl. Donald B. Shelbourn, a 2010 graduate of Bloomington High School, Bloomington, Ill., recently was promoted to his current rank while serving with Marine Wing Support Squadron 172, Detachment A, Okinawa, Japan.

Shelbourn was promoted based on sustained superior job performance and proficiency in his designated specialty.

Shelbourn joined the Marine Corps in November 2010.

Navy Seaman Sarah-Rose C. Van Haintze

Navy Seaman Sarah-Rose C. Van Haintze, daughter of Margaret J C. and David M. Van Haintze of Clinton, Ill., recently completed U.S. Navy basic training at Recruit Training Command, Great Lakes, Ill.

During the eight-week program, Van Haintze completed a variety of training which included classroom study and practical instruction on naval customs, first aid, firefighting, water safety and survival, and shipboard and aircraft safety. An emphasis was also placed on physical fitness.

The capstone event of boot camp is “Battle Stations”. This exercise gives recruits the skills and confidence they need to succeed in the fleet. “Battle Stations” is designed to galvanize the basic warrior attributes of sacrifice, dedication, teamwork and endurance in each recruit through the practical application of basic Navy skills and the core values of Honor, Courage and Commitment. Its distinctly ”Navy” flavor was designed to take into account what it means to be a Sailor.

Van Haintze is a 2009 graduate of Clinton High School of Clinton, Ill.

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