Latest news with #DesertShield
Yahoo
22-05-2025
- General
- Yahoo
Veteran honored with flagpole: Mero's service did not end with enlistment
MINEVILLE — Approximately 60 Veterans, family members and friends gathered around Keith Mero's front yard to witness the raising of a flag pole and stars and stripes to honor the Veteran's service during and after his enlistment, May 17. According to Mero's bio submitted for North Country Honor Flight in 2022, he served in the U.S. Army from 1979 to 1992 in the Desert Shield and Desert Storm operations. 'With the 2nd Combat Army Regiment, Keith realized if trouble started this group would be the first to respond,' the bio read. 'When they were not in the field, they increased their training to be fully prepared. Keith was assigned to the Prisoner of War Team working with Military Personnel and Interrogators. As the first in battle, the Team policed all foot soldiers near the tanks. In constant contact with the commander, their mission was to capture the enemy. Some enemy soldiers laid down their weapons and those who continued to fight lost their lives. The Team processed 2,000 enemies with a sad casualty loss of one Team member.' 'This is dedicated to your service to see that all of those who served under you returned home,' Ceremony emcee Danny Kaifetz said. The flagpole was then erected and Mero had the honor of raising the first flag. Mero responded to the honor being bestowed to him by saying, 'I love you all, every one of you. Thank you.' Keith's youngest son, John, spoke lovingly and with great respect for his father. 'I remember the places we traveled and the things we saw,' John said. Keith persuaded his sons not to follow in his footsteps. 'I realized it was not all good, and you wanted to spare me the sacrifices,' John said. John related the many things his father did for the community such as drive Veterans to the VA for services and initiating the Hometown Heroes banner program for Moriah. Mero had also been a member of the Veterans of the North Motorcycle Association. On one occasion when the group was called upon to show support for a Veteran, he indicated he was not feeling too well, but went anyway. Two days later he had open heart surgery. Keith's dedication towards others was reinforced by former Moriah Town Supervisor Tom Scozzafava. 'Keith came to my office and told me they planned on having 50 to 75 banners for Hometown Heroes. All we had to do was put up the brackets and hang them. Well, we have about 400; the most of any town in Essex County.' At the conclusion, Mero received commendations from Essex County and Adjacent General of NY State Major General Raymond F. Shields. This included the Medal of Merit, a state-level military award presented for exceptionally meritorious service or for heroism by military personnel or Veterans. In 1917 President Woodrow Wilson gave, in part, the following speech which was recited at the ceremony for Mero. 'We meet to celebrate Flag Day because this flag which we honor and under which we serve is the emblem of our unity, our power, our thought and purpose as a nation. It has no other character than that which we give it from generation to generation. The choices are ours. It floats in majestic silence above the hosts that execute those choices, whether in peace or in war. and yet, though silent, it speaks to us. —speaks to us of the past, of the men and women who went before us and of the records they wrote upon it.' The American Heroes Flagpole Association, founded by Danny Kaifetz, himself a U.S. Marine Veteran, is based in Owl's Head, NY. They award hand-crafted 25 foot Northern red oak flagpoles to combat wounded, combat disabled and combat decorated Veterans throughout the Northeast at no cost. On his website Kaifetz said, 'These donations and the accompanying ceremonies, the honor so long overlooked for so many who sacrificed greatly for our freedom, have led to the most rewarding moments of my career.' According to Kaifetz, 'I am now finally in a position to refocus the purpose of my work and my goals in life. With a small group of outstanding officers and other veterans we have created the American Heroes Foundation with one purpose only, to honor great American heroes for their service and sacrifice.' For those interested in submitting the name of a deserving Veteran, donating, or to order a flagpole go to: info@
Kuwait News Agency
21-05-2025
- Business
- Kuwait News Agency
كونا : Amb. Al-Zain Al-Sabah, KPC CEO discuss strategic ties with US Interior Secretary
21/05/2025 LOC10:21 07:21 GMT Kuwait Ambassador to the US and CEO and Deputy Chairman of KPC with US Interior Secretary WASHINGTON, May 21 (KUNA) -- Kuwait Ambassador to the US Sheikha Al-Zain Al-Sabah and CEO and Deputy Chairman of the Kuwait Petroleum Corporation (KPC) Sheikh Nawaf Saud Al-Nasser Al-Sabah held a meeting with US Interior Secretary Doug Burgum, said Kuwait's Embassy. In a statement to KUNA, the embassy affirmed that the meeting discussed ways to strengthen strategic relations between the two countries, including in the energy sector, and the upcoming construction of the Desert Storm and Desert Shield memorial in Washington. The Kuwaiti embassy also said it hosted a roundtable discussion with Sheikh Nawaf Al-Sabah later today in cooperation with the Washington-based Atlantic Council think tank. Sheikh Nawaf highlighted various topics in the discussions, including solar energy, artificial intelligence, carbon recycling, and Kuwait's growing role in the global energy sector, it added. (end) Kuwait Ambassador to the US and CEO and Deputy Chairman of KPC discuss strategic ties with US Interior Secretary Kuwait Ambassador to the US and CEO and Deputy Chairman of KPC with US Interior Secretary Kuwait Ambassador to the US and CEO and Deputy Chairman of KPC discuss strategic ties with US Interior Secretary
Yahoo
15-05-2025
- General
- Yahoo
Decorated Army veteran inspiring next generation after over 2 decades of service
The Brief One U.S. Army veteran with over two decades of experience is inspiring the next generation. Retired Colonel Philip Hoyle played a crucial role in operations like Desert Shield and Desert Storm, earning numerous accolades. Colonel Hoyle initially planned to serve for four years but ended up dedicating 22 years to the military. TAMPA - A retired colonel is inspiring his own son to serve in the military after serving in the U.S. Army for 22 years. Philip Hoyle played a crucial role in operations like Desert Shield and Desert Storm, earning numerous accolades. Hoyle's life has always been centered around service to his country. "My dad: retired Army, myself: retired Army Colonel," said Hoyle. "I have one son who's on active duty now in Germany." He joined the Army after graduating from Georgia Southern University. What they're saying "The biggest thing for me and probably for my dad as well, was the call to serve others, to serve your country," said Hoyle. "You know, it's God, family, country." Colonel Hoyle initially planned to serve for four years but ended up dedicating 22 years to the military. "It was a lot of fun," said Hoyle. "We just did a lot of exciting things. We had a lot of good training. There were some hard times as well, but for the most part, it was an enjoyable experience for me." He served during Desert Shield, Desert Storm, and the liberation of Kuwait. "We were called in to go free Kuwait. That was the liberation of Kuwait, Desert Shield, Desert Storm. So very active in that. That was my real combat tour in the 1990s," Hoyle explained. He received the Bronze Star for his service in Desert Shield and Desert Storm, along with the Meritorious Service Medal and the Defense Meritorious Service Medal. He is also one of the few Army soldiers to have a Naval Unit Commendation Award. "We were the only Army unit with the Marines, so that Marine unit was awarded the Naval Unit Commendation, and because we were part of that unit, we also were awarded that Naval Unit Commendation," Hoyle added. The award did cause some confusion. "So every time I'd have that on my dress uniform, the old sergeants and sergeants majors would come up to me and say, 'Hey sir, you're missing something on that," said Hoyle. "And I'm like, 'No, no. That's the Navy.'" READ: Bay Area veteran helps fellow vets get what they need while highlighting their stories Big picture view Although he enjoyed his time in the military, there was one thing he wished he could change. "My only regret was being away from family at the time, but for the most part, I was very blessed. Every unit I ended up in turned out to be a very high-performing unit. We were always very successful," Hoyle said. He hopes more young people will embrace serving in the military. "We still need people to raise their right hand and swear an oath to the Constitution of the United States and defend our country against all enemies," Hoyle said. It's a commitment he says he will always uphold. CLICK HERE:>>>Follow FOX 13 on YouTube The Source Information for this story was gathered by FOX 13's Bryan Gray. STAY CONNECTED WITH FOX 13 TAMPA: Download the FOX Local app for your smart TV Download FOX Local mobile app: Apple | Android Download the FOX 13 News app for breaking news alerts, latest headlines Download the SkyTower Radar app Sign up for FOX 13's daily newsletter
Yahoo
19-04-2025
- Yahoo
Wayne W. Gamble, Warren, Ohio
WARREN, Ohio (MyValleyTributes) – Wayne W. Gamble, 69, of Covington, Georgia formerly of Warren, Ohio, departed this life Tuesday, April 15, 2025 at Piedmont Newton, following a brief illness. He was born June 15, 1955 in Youngstown, Ohio, the son of Willis and Annie Coleman Gamble. Find obituaries from your high school He was a 1973 graduate of South High School and attended Youngstown State University, before becoming an electrician. Wayne was employed for 38 years at Republic Steel, renamed RG Steel, before retiring. He also was a part-time driver for Covington Ford and worked the election polls. He served honorably for 20 years in the U.S. Army as a Military Police Officer, obtaining the rank of Staff Sergeant. He served during Desert Shield/Desert Storm, receiving, the Army Service Ribbon, Humanitarian Service Medal, Army Reserve Components Achievement Medals, Professional Development Ribbon, Achievement Medal, National Defense Service Medal, Southwest Asia Service Medal with one bronze star, Army Commendation medal, expert marksmanship badge rifle and sharpshooter marksmanship badge pistol. He was a member of Monument of Faith C.O.G.I.C., where he worked security. After moving to Georgia, he attended the Word of Faith Family Worship Cathedral. He enjoyed attending father & daughter dances with Danika and Aniyah, the Gateway Clipper boat in Pittsburgh, taking his wife to the Poconos and taking her on limousine dates. Wayne also enjoyed going to the gun range, grilling for family and friends, traveling and going on vacation. He was past Master of Rising Sun Lodge #90, 32nd Degree of Bezalel Consistory #15, past Potentate and Deputy of Al Asir Temple #210, Excelsior #39 Royal Arch Masons and Eminent Commander of Golgotha Commandery #36. He leaves to mourn his wife, Karen Logan Gamble of Covington, Geogia; his children, Michael (Julie) Gamble of Delaware, OH, Angel Cash of Austintown, Ohio, Danika Windom of Atlanta, Georgia and Aniyah of Covington, Georgia; Goddaughters, Dr. Erica Booker and Empress Blackwell; aunts, Virginia Coleman, Jennie Coleman, Shirley Green and Daisy Mae Oden; uncle, Simmie Coleman; special friends, Marshall Coney and Eric Hall and a host of relatives and friends. Wayne will be remembered as a gentle giant loved by many. He was preceded in death by his parents; grandparents; siblings, Diane Alexander and Dwight Gamble and grandson, Hylan Cash. Funeral Services will be held Saturday, April 26, 2025 at 10:00 a.m. at the Monument of Faith C.O.G.I.C. calling hours will be held Friday, April 25, 2025 from 6:00 – 8:00 p.m. (Masonic Service at 7:00) at the Sterling-McCullough Williams Funeral Chapel. Burial will take place Monday, April 27 at Ohio Western Reserve National Cemetery. Arrangements of comfort were handled by the Sterling-McCullough Williams Funeral Home. To send a flower arrangement or to plant trees in memory of Wayne W. Gamble, please click here to visit our Sympathy 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Yahoo
17-04-2025
- General
- Yahoo
Veteran Salute: Breaking the glass ceiling stateside, volunteering to fight overseas
TOPEKA (KSNT) -Originally from Missouri, Master Sergeant Sherry Sunderman would find a love for the Sunflower State through her time at Forbes Field. Throughout her 20 years of service in the Air National Guard, her leadership skills would be put to the test after volunteering to fight in the Gulf War. Early on into her career with the 190th Air Refueling Wing, Sunderman worked directly with top officials. 'I worked in the Commander's Office for 5 of the base commanders,' Sunderman said. 'Commanders got to know my abilities and knew that they could always depend on me to do any job they wanted and do it well. So I did a major ramp project for civil engineering, I worked in the clinic, I worked in operations.' Veteran Salute: Growing in leadership over three decades with the Air Force Following rising tensions between Iraq and Kuwait in the early 1990's, Sunderman's unit was gearing up for the fight ahead. 'I volunteered to go to war,' she said. 'It was for an unknown time, unspecified. I was on the first plane out of Forbes. Landed on the 10th of August, and the next day we were in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia. Not one thing was set up, there were no books to tell us what to do or anything.' Overseas, Sunderman had a great responsibility, being placed in charge of billeting. 'For 4,500 troops, I'm in charge,' Sunderman said. 'I supervised five young active duty airmen from different bases.' Missing some key resources, Sunderman pushed for a much-needed computer based locator service. 'We had air crews stationed somewhere else, we had so many people on the compound,' she said. 'With guard and reserve rotating in and out every two weeks, it was constant movement, and we had to be able to locate every single person at any point in time.' Alongside some computer savvy soldiers, Sunderman worked around the clock for six weeks straight making that program operational. Veteran Salute: Training others around the globe After Desert Shield and Storm came to a close, Sunderman took on a unique challenge stateside. 'I would form the first all women's VFW post anywhere, here in Topeka,' Sunderman said. 'I was commander of that, and was actually chosen All-American Post Commander for the Veterans of Foreign Wars. The only woman in the state of Kansas who's ever made All-American.' Reflecting on her military accomplishments across the decades, the Master Sgt. encourages others to push themselves wherever possible. 'I totally believe in stepping outside of your box,' Sunderman said, 'don't be afraid to reach out there and do all you can in this world. Make your mark, do as much as you can to make a difference.' Towards the end of her military career, Sunderman served on a federal advisory committee on women veterans in Washington D.C. Even now in retirement, she continues to support fellow veterans anyway she can, approaching over three decades as a lifelong member of the Veterans of Foreign Wars. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
