Grand Island Group Page Form

Grand Islanders
In The Service

This page will be used to post news and addresses of Island
residents who are serving our country in the military.
News and photos may be email to teddy@giecom.net

News and photos may also be dropped off at the Isledegrande.com office
1871 Whitehaven Road (between Hairitage Hair Salon and DeSignet Jewelry)

In The Service - 2005

What Can I Do To Support Our Troops?
Please click What Can I Do To Support Our Troops? for the answer to this question - provided by the Public Affairs Office at the Niagara Falls Air Force Base.

Uplifting Christmas Message To The Marines In Fallujah - 2004
Through the Courtesy of Major Robert F. Buzby, U. S. Marine Corps

U.S. Mailing Address
Maj. R.F. Buzby UIC 42540
FPO-AP 96426-2540
(For Rob's complete biography, scroll down to article below)
The following is a Christmas message sent by Lt. Col. Mark Smith to the Marines in his command over in Fallujah. Major Rob Buzby, U. S. Marine Corps, sent it on to his family and it has been submitted here by Rob's mother, Judy:
"This letter from Lt. Col. Mark Smith made me weep. I talked with Rob yesterday and that also made me weep. Our wonderful Marines continue to make us proud and to keep a wonderful uplifting image of the United States in a war torn area. I am so proud of our men and women in the middle east and hope that you will be able to address the wonderful message that was sent from Fallujah."
Click "Lt. Col. Mark Smith" for the letter.
Posted December 30, 2004

A1C Christopher Wright, USAF

Click photos for larger view
U.S. Mailing Address
A1C Christopher Wright, USAF
376th AEW/ESFS/SFOA
APO AE 09353
ChristopherW@maab.centaf.af.mil
Christopher Wright is stationed in Manas AB, Kyrgyzstan with the United States Air Force,
and stationed at Luke AFB, AZ. Christopher, who has been there
since September 2004, is on deployment with the 376 ESFS and will be here until March 2005.
Grand Island High School Class of 2003
Posted December 30, 2004

STGC (SW)John Cunningham

John Cunningham was raised on Riverdale Drive, Grand Island, where his mother, Rita, still resides. He left Grand Island right after high school and joined the United States Navy. John will be celebrating his 16th year of services next year and celebrating his 15th wedding anniversary on December 22, 2004. According to John's wife, Sherri, "Everyone is very proud of him, especially me!"
Posted December 16, 2004

Major Robert F. Buzby

U.S. Mailing Address
Maj R.F. Buzby UIC 42540
FPO-AP 96426-2540
    Major Robert F. Buzby, United States Marine Corps, is serving in Fallujah and has been there since September 2004. He is the Information Management Officer for the First Marine Expeditionary Force and spends the majority of his time ensuring that the computers and the applications that run on them are up and running properly. Ultimately, it is those systems that the staff of the MEF uses to make informed decisions about problems that they are trying to solve to support the Marines in the Field.
   According to family, "he has been very busy, as you can imagine, for the last month and has not had time to write much about what is going on but he keeps us up to date with articles that are in the news out of Iraq every day. We are thankful that he is in the rear with the gear and pray for his safe return in March."
   Major Buzby, in a letter to family in friends has reported that it is the beginning of winter and really the first time it has rained in Fallujah since March. "We are having one hell of a thunder storm going on right now. Pretty amazing stuff. Other things I have noticed here in Camp Fallallala is that Mr. Husein was into Bougainvillea, the flower. We have a couple of the blooms here and there and they are a welcome site amongst the dust and sand."
   "We (the IMO shop and I) are working to ensure that all of our systems are up and running. We have two major enterprise wide software upgrades to do, have much work going on in our website, and we are rolling out some software to help automate some of the collaboration we do as a staff internally and externally. It's all aboout saving time for these guys so they can bring the fight to the bad guys as fast as these little electrons can. I think we are making a dent in helping them with that effort."
   "I met a Lt.Col today who plays the bagpipes. It was strange. I was walking back from an errand and I thought I heard Amazing Grace being played by the bagpipes in the distance. My first thought was the Muj (short for Mujhaden) are trying some new psyop trick, but as I walked now drawn to the beautiful sound, I realized that this was indeed a Marine. As I finally reached him, the rain started coming down and all the Marines walking around us just stopped for a moment to take it all in. The sound of bagpipes on a rainy day in Fallujah just stirred the warrior spirit in us all, reminded us of how thankful we are for what we have back home in family and friends and finally how proud we are to be Marines here. Oh yeah, and he was in the middle of a garden where some of the Bougainvillea is. Pretty damn good day, I gotta say."
Grand Island High School Class of 1983
Posted December 15, 2004

Lieutenant Colonel David Conboy In Fallujah - November 2004

Click photos for larger view
Left photo: Islander, LTC David Conboy and SSG Kuhn in Fallujah. Kuhn (right) is manning the 50 Caliber machine gun on top of the HMMV, while Conboy has an M16; right photo: LTC David Conboy, SSG Kuhn and SFC Snellings in Fallujah, Iraq. This house was used by the insurgents as a weapons cache. Here are just a few of the weapons found inside. Due to family concerns, it was not reported in the previous entry that Dave was in Fallujah. For more photos and information on LTC Conboy, click "LTC Conboy".

E-5 Kristopher W. Bennett - December 2004

Mr. & Mrs. Scott Bennett are proud to announce that their son, E-5 Kristopher W. Bennett, now stationed in Norfolk, Virginia has been nominated as Seaman of the Year for his Sub, the USS Portsmouth. Click Kristopher Bennett for his biography.

In The Service
More Notes From Our Troops - November 2004
Editor's Note: After writing (11/15/04) to everyone with a listed email address on our "In The Service" page, I found that some emails are no longer working. Family members and troops overseas, please check the information listed and let me know via email any changes in addresses, ranks etc.
SrA Michael J. Golden, US Air Force writes from Iraq
Hi Sir
How are you doing? Thank you for supporting me and what I do. It is people like you that make my time overseas worthwhile. A little about where I am at - It is sandy and usually pretty hot. When we first got here it was 130 degrees. It has cooled down some now and is only about 85 degrees now. The food is not too bad; it could be worse. We have rooms to stay in so we are pretty lucky over here. There is not much to do but we keep ourselves busy with work. We work 6 days a week, 12 hours day which seems like a lot but you get use to it. The page has been helpful. A few people have emailed me to see how I am doing. It is nice to hear from people from back home. Well thanks again for supporting all of us who are deployed and we appreciate your gratitude. Take care. SRA Golden

STS5 Sonar Technician 2nd Class Jeff Wansart, United States Navy writes from Virginia.
Teddy
Thanks for the letter! Everything is going great here in Virginia. My parents just came down for Thanksgiving to see me, Elizabeth (Backlund, that's her old last name) and our 6-month-old son, Gabriel. This month has been filled with good news! We just found out that Liz is pregnant with our second child and I made E-5 which is a petty officer second class. Hopefully December will be just as lucky!! Well, I have to get going but I sure will keep in touch! Hope that you guys don't get too much snow!
Jeff Wansart

In The Service
What Our Troops Have To Say - November 2004
Editor's Note: After writing (11/15/04) to everyone with a listed email address on our "In The Service" page, I found that some emails are no longer working. Family members and troops overseas, please check the information listed and let me know via email any changes in addresses, ranks etc.
   Erinn Erker writes for her husband, Capt. Kevin "Buzz" Erker, U.S. Marine Corps in Iraq
Hi Teddy,
Thanks so much for writing and for thinking of us. Kevin is currently finishing up his second deployment in Iraq. He is stationed in Basrah, Iraq in charge of the 1st Iraqi Air Force Squadron. He is on what they call an "individual augment" so he is not with his squadron. His squadron is still at home in Beaufort, SC. It has been an amazing experience for him. He went over there in July to eight new Iraqi pilots and two brand new surveillance aircraft. He has been training them not only to fly this plane but also teaching them how to run and maintain a squadron on their own. He has come to love these guys like brothers and will miss them when he returns in January. Regardless of what the media portrays; there is a lot of good going on over there; and Kevin has continuously stressed to me to spread the word of all the great things they are accomplishing. Schools, hospitals, jobs, and most importantly freedom and safety for these people. It is so sad we don't hear much about that.
   Well God Bless and please feel free to post whatever you like - I don't email Kevin much; his job requires a TON of work email so most of our contact is thankfully by phone.
   Again we appreciate all that you do to support all the troops -- God Bless, Erinn Erker

   CW2 William J. Tokash Jr., U. S. Army writes from Bamberg, Germany
Teddy
   Thanks for the email. I always appreciate the thanks and support I get from people back home. I have not received any emails from readers of the page yet, but you never know when someone will see it and send a note.

   SPC Bikramjit Singh writes from Iraq:
Hi Sir/Mam
   Thank you for the email. Glad to read it. Everything has been okay. We should be coming back pretty soon now since we have been here for about 8-9 months. Thank You
Sincerely
SPC.Singh
641st ag

Sergeant Jesse Serio

jesse.serio@us.army.mil
Sergeant Jesse Serio joined the Army National Guard in March 1998 and completed his 6-year obligation in March 2004.
"Ironically enough, the same day my unit arrived in Iraq, and due to a stop loss, I have been here since March, 14, 2004."
His unit, Detachment 1 1/156 Field Artillery, out of Rochester, NY, is attached to Bravo Company 2/108 inf. "The platoon
I was attached to is attached to First Platoon, was attached to HHC Company 1-77 Armor. We are known as the Hammer
Platoon." Jesse, a graduate of Buffalo State, is stationed at Camp Anaconda near Balad, Iraq in northern Iraq about 70 miles north of Baghdad. Jesse was married to Kelly Deppa of Amherst just before his deployment to Iraq.
Posted December 1, 2004

In The Service
Add Your Loved One's Address - November 2004
   Readers, we need your help! If you are the parent or spouse of, or closely related to an Islander who is serving his/her country, please forward information to us so that others may write to them and boost their spirits as they fight for our freedom.
   Send us a photo of your serviceperson in uniform with his/her rank and service, full name, where stationed, year graduated from Grand Island High School if this applies, and an address (email and/or U.S. mail) where we may write and let them know how proud we all are that they have volunteered to protect our country. Information may be mailed to teddy@giecom.net or sent through by U.S. mail C/O Teddy Linenfelser - Isledegrande.com, 1871 Whitehaven Road, Grand Island, NY 14072.
   For this column to work, it is also very important that servicemen and women and their families update the biographies and especially the mailing addresses and ranks that have previously been submitted. Changes sent to teddy@giecom.net will be made immediately.
   Scroll down the page to the biographical information and then email any changes to me at teddy@giecom.net.
The following, in alphabetic order, have been submitted to our "In The Service" column since February 2003 when it was first posted:
• Special Agent David Backlund, Air Force
• James D. Baldwin CTRC (SW), United States Navy
• E5 Nuclear Engineer Kristopher W. Bennett, United States Navy
• Major Robert F. Buzby, U.S. Marine Corps
• David Caputi, National Guard
• SrA Rebecca Chamberlain, Air National Guard
• E-3 Seaman Ryanne Clingersmith, United States Navy
• CMSgt. Keith Coffey, U. S. Air Force
• Lieutenant Colonel David Conboy, Army Reserves
• STGC (SW) John Cunningham, United States Navy
• E-5 David DeZutter, United States Navy
• Capt. Kevin "Buzz" Erker, U.S. Marine Corps
• Sgt. Grant J. Farmer, U. S. Army
• PFC Martin R. Finucane, U. S. Army
• SN Ryan M. Francis, Coast Guard
• Erin Fred, U. S. Army Signal Corps
• Specialist Gregory M. Gelz, U. S. Army
• SrA Michael J. Golden, Air Force
• Ssgt. Paul Golembiewski, Air Force
• Michael J. Guagliano, Dept. Of Defense
• Airman First Class Brent M. Helman, Air Force
• A1C Nicholas R. Houck-Piccolo, Air Force
• Stephen Jones, Air Force
• Spc Ronald Larson - United States Air Force
• Anne Linenfelser, Coast Guard
Lance Corporal Michael Mehltretter, U.S. Marine Corps
• 1LT. Jonathan D. Monti (MPAS, PA-C), U. S. Army
• E-5, Staff Sergeant Michelle Elmer Przybyl, Air Force
• Danielle (Bennett) Raffa, United States Air Force
• E3 Cory Clare Rathmann, United States Navy
• Jeremy A. Roberts, United State Marine Corps
• Sergeant Jesse Serio, Army National Guard
• LCPL Matthew Shilling, U.S. Marine Corps
• SPC Andrew Shonitsky, U. S. Army
• Pfc. Bikramjit Singh, U. S. Army
• Bryan T. Smith EOCA, United States Navy
• SrA Krystalore Stegner, Air National Guard
• Lcpl. Joel Stoorza, U.S. Marine Corps
• CW2 William J. Tokash Jr., U. S. Army
• STS3 Sonar Technicians 3rd Class Jeff Wansart, United States Navy
• A1C Christopher Wright, Air Force
• A1C Kristen Zilliox, Air National Guard
Additions to this page will be gladly accepted by emailing information and photos to teddy@giecom.net.

Support Our Troops
Send Us Your Loved One's Address
Update Mailing Addresses - November 2004
   Readers, we need your help! If you are the parent or spouse of, or closely related to an Islander who is serving his/her country, please forward information to us so that others may write to them and boost their spirits as they fight for our freedom.
   Send us a photo of your serviceperson in uniform with his/her rank and service, full name, where stationed, year graduated from Grand Island High School if this applies, and an address (email and/or U.S. mail) where we may write and let them know how proud we all are that they have volunteered to protect our country.
   For this column to work, it is also very important that servicemen and women and their families update the biographies and especially the mailing addresses that have previously been submitted. Changes sent to teddy@giecom.net will be made immediately.

Support Our Troops
Send Us Your Loved One's Address - June 2004
This page was created on February 13, 2003 as a special page for Islanders who are serving in the armed forces overseas. Though we have had good response from families and also from our troops "over there," we want to encourage everyone to continue submit the name, email and/or U.S. mail address, rank and service of their loved one to teddy@giecom.net. We will gladly post a photo along with a short note on where your relative or friend is at this time.
Please take the time to write and tell our troops how proud you are that they have volunteered to protect our country?

SPC4 David Caputi
SPC4 David Caputi is serving with the 152nd Engineer Brigade HHD
(NY National Guard - Connecticut Street Armory) in Iraq.
He has been in the National Guard for two years, served two years in the Reserves,
has active duty time in the Army and will soon begin his 10th year in the service.
He and his wife, Renee' M. Caputi, have been Island residents for over four years.
Posted November 18, 2004

Lieutenant Colonel David Conboy - November 2004

Click photos for larger view - Dave is the tallest!
(left photo) Checking out the view from the roof of the Ministry of Defense with some of the Iraqi workers who are rebuilding the facility.
(right photo) COL Haith (US), COL Taha (Iraq) and me behind the Ministry of Defense next to the Tigris River.

(left photo) COL Haith (US), COL Taha (Iraq), me, a Packers fan, and another Iraqi worker helping to rebuild the Ministry of Defense.
(right photo) COL Haith (US), COL Taha (Iraq) and me next to an armored limousine used by Saddam and his sons.

(left photo) Picture from today on the 14th of July Bridge over the Tigris River. �Green Zone� is behind me. �Red Zone� is to my front.
David Conboy, a lieutenant colonel in the Army Reserves and part of the advisory support team working with the Iraqi Ministry of Defense, sent these photos home to his wife, Karen and young son, David. Mrs. Conboy has graciously shared them with our readers. Dave reports that things are going very well.
Posted November 17, 2004

E-5, Staff Sergeant Michelle Elmer Przybyl Promoted
E-5, Staff Sergeant Michelle Elmer was promoted to her present rank on November 1, 2004.
She was married on July 3, 2004. "I am still a full-timer/ Active Duty at Niagara Falls AFB,
and will continue to update everyone as events occur."
Michelle's Email address is Michelle.przybyl@nyniag.ang.af.mil
Scroll down to read more about Staff Sergeant Michelle Elmer Przybyl
Grand Island High School Class of 2001
Posted November 3, 2004

Anne Linenfelser

Anne Linenfelser, daughter of Michael and Penny Linenfelser of East River Road,
recently graduated basic training in the United States Coast Guard Reserve at Cape May, New Jersey.
Anne will attend "A" school classes at Yorktown, Virginia for Boatswain Mate training
Grand Island High School Class of 1999
Posted October 7, 2004

Ryan M. Francis

Be sure to click photo for a complete view
SLUCadet@yahoo.com
SN Ryan M. Francis will be stationed in Port Clinton, Ohio with the Coast Guard's Port Security Unit 309. The unit's mission is to supply OCONUS (outside the continental United States) security for US Naval missions and assists, as part of the Naval Coastal Warfare Group. SN Francis reported to Training Center Cape May, on May 18th, where he learned basic seamanship, marksmanship, military bearing, and was part of the drill team where he performed 4 times including once for Admiral Breckenridge. SN Francis graduated from basic training on July 9th. He then reported to Training Center Yorktown where he was stationed for just under three months learning counter-terrorism, anti-terrorism, force protection, vessel escorts, vehicle/vessel searches, bomb threat actions, federal and military law enforcement, along with a wide variety of weapons training. SN Francis was currently called down from deployment status, and is training with his unit in Ohio, awaiting further orders.
Canisius High School Class of 2001
Posted September 27, 2004

SrA Michael J. Golden

Be sure to click the right photo for a larger view
MICHAELG@SEYMOURJOHNSON.AF.MIL
GOLDEN MICHAEL J. SrA
379 EMXS/MXMCE
APO/AE 09309
U.S. Mailing Address
SrA Michael J. Golden
823 Paine Street
Goldsboro, NC 27534-5453
Senior Airman Michael J. Golden, 21, stationed at Seymour Johnson Air Force Base in North Carolina, was recently deployed to serve a second tour of duty in Iraq. Although the living conditions have somewhat improved, daily temperatures in the 100's remain a constant challenge. Michael's entire family is proud to lend him in service to our country, and are eagerly anticipating his safe return. "Our thoughts and prayers are with Michael, his wife, Heather, their 2-year-old daughter, Crystal, and Michael's mother, Marlene (Vinovrski) Golden of Grand Island."
Grand Island High School Class of 2001
Posted September 22, 2004

Michael J. Guagliano

Be sure to click the photo for a complete view
michael.guagliano@orha.centcom.mil
U.S. Mailing Address
Michael J. Guagliano - Audit Manager
Office of the Inspector General
Coalition Provisional Authority
The Presidential Palace - S117a
Baghdad, Iraq
Michael J. Guagliano is serving in Iraq as part of the Inspector General's office of Dept. Of Defense.
Grand Island High School Class of 1986
Posted September 20, 2004

PFC Martin R. Finucane

martin.finucane@us.army.mil
U.S. Mailing Address
PFC Martin Finucane
Lyster Army Hospital
Box 14124
Ft. Rucker, AL 36362
PFC Martin R. Finucane, 21, is stationed at Fort Rucker, Alabama. He is a MOS: 91-Sierra Preventive Medicine Specialist. His current duties are to overlook all Preventive Medicine Activities through Fort Rucker's Hospital and throughout the base, such as regulating the water, searching for diseases in insects, and insuring the food served is healthy. Martin was recently promoted to PFC and graduated 4th in A.I.T. at Fort Sam Houston, TX with a 91 average.
Grand Island High School Class of 2002
Posted August 5, 2004

STS3 Sonar Technicians 3rd Class Jeff Wansart
Jeffrow81@aol.com
Jeff Wansart is currently serving his six years in the United States Navy as an STS3 Sonar Technicians 3rd Class. During that time he has been on three six-month Northern Atlantic deployments and one six-month Middle Eastern deployment in the Persian Gulf on the USS Oklahoma City out of Norfolk, Virginia. He is currently working on the Pre Commissioning Unit Texas which is the second of the Virginia Class nuclear submarines working out of the Newport News Shipyards out of Newport News, Virginia.
Grand Island High School Class of 1999
Posted June 28, 2004

Bryan Smith, Junior Sailor of the Quarter - 2004

Bryan Smith, a 2001 graduate of Grand Island High School, has been named Junior Sailor of the Quarter for the Construction Battalion Unit Four Two Seven in San Diego, California. Bryan joined the Navy in May of 2002 and is an equipment operator third class. His commendation states he performed his duties "in an exemplary and highly professional manner" and his "take charge attitude" was instrumental in a park restoration project. It was also noted that "his devotion to the development and mentoring of junior personnel has greatly enhanced" his outfit's readiness and mission capability.

Pfc. Bikramjit Singh
Baghdad, Iraq
bikramjit.singh@us.army.mil

Pfc. Singh is shown on the right with a friend, Spc. Justin Selak in the first photo.
The other photos are of his convoy team from Kuwait to Iraq and the entire platoon.
Click photos for larger view
This is Pfc. Singh from Baghdad, Iraq. I decided to write you after I saw the website for Islanders in Service. I thought I would send you some pictures. Well sir, we got here in February and are here in Camp Cuervo, Baghdad, Iraq. I graduated from high school June 26, 2003 and left for basic training on June 27th, came back from basic and A.I.T. (Advanced individual Training) in December 2003 and left for Iraq in January. I spent a month in Ft. Drum and now I am here, my temporary home for a year. My parents are Brijinder Singh and Amarjeet Kaur Tey who live on Grand Island Blvd. Thanks for all your support from back home. It means a lot to us up here.
Grand Island High School Class of 2003
Posted June 17, 2004

Airman First Class Brent M. Helman Weds Airman Delene L. Collins
May 13, 2004 . . . Airman First Class Brent M. Helman married Airman, Delene L. Collins on February 14, 2004. Delene is currently attending the Security Forces Training School at Lackland AFB, Texas with a graduation date of May, 25, 2004. After completion she will be assigned to the 741st MSFS at Malmstrom AFB. A1C Helman is serving on Senior Airman on June 14, 2004. They wish eveyone here on the Island the best of luck, and send their thanks for all the love and support they have received!
Brent and Delene are Grand Island High School graduates of the classes 2001 and 2003 respectively.

CW2 William J. Tokash Jr.
bcash87@aol.com
The Bronze Star Medal - Presented by Major General Donald Ryder, Commanding General of the U. S. Army Criminal Investigation Command (left), to Chief Warrant Officer Two William J. Tokash Jr., 701st Military Police Group (Criminal Investigation Division) - For exceptionally meritorious achievement while assigned as a personal security officer for the Director, Office of Reconstruction and Humanitarian Assistance in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom. Chief Warrant Officer Two Tokash's subject matter expertise in planning and executing over two hundred protective services operations was essential to the unit's mission success. He ensured his Principal's safety in a combat theatre of operations. Chief Warrant Officer Two Tokash's actions reflect distinct credit upon himself, his unit, and the United States Army.
Period 15 April 2003 to 9 September 2003.
Grand Island High School Class of 1987
Posted May 13, 2004

Click photos for larger view
Capt. Kevin "Buzz" Erker
USMC, F/A 18 Pilot
keverker@earthlink.net
Erinn (Wood) Erker, wife of Capt. Erker, wrote the following:
Kevin "Buzz" Erker just returned home from a 6-month deployment aboard the USS Enterprise in support of Operation Enduring Freedom. Thankfully his deployment was the standard 6-month cruise as I know that there are plenty of troops who have been over there much longer. So we are blessed. It is hard to leave family and friends behind; Kevin left his 11-day old son, Owen, behind but the homecoming was one of the most amazing days of our lives. He is currently stateside again training and ready when duty calls again. "We appreciate all the support and our thoughts and prayers are with all the men and women serving as well as their families! God Bless!"
Grand Island High School Class of 1992
Posted April 26, 2004

Wanted! Our Troops' Correct Mailing Addresses
I first posted this page nearly one year ago, on February 13, 2003. The goal was and is to keep in touch with Islanders who are serving in the armed forces overseas. We continue to encourage everyone to submit the name, email and/or U.S. mail address, rank and service of their loved one to teddy@giecom.net. We will gladly post a photo along with a short note on where your relative or friend is at this time. Change of addresses will also be made to this page for those who submit them.

E-4 / SrA Michelle Elmer To Be Promoted
E-4 / SrA Michelle Elmer has written to say that she is still at Niagara Falls Air Force Base, preparing for a nearing promotion to E-5, Staff Sergeant. Michelle writes, " We have heard many things as far as being deployed, so we are starting to realign our troops, awaiting for any word for orders to Iraq. In the mean time, I am planning on getting married on July 3, 2004. So hopefully, barring any set backs, the wedding will be a successful completion."
Michelle's Email address is Michelle.Elmer@nyniag.ang.af.mil

What To Send To Our Troops - December 2003
   The Task Force 82nd Airborne Division has provided the following advisory for sending mail and packages to our troops of the 82nd Airborne Division serving in Iraq. Letters or "care packages" are to be addressed to CH (LTC) David E. Smith, Division Chaplain, 82nd Abn. Div., APO, AE 09384. CH (LTC) Smith will make the distribution to the troops.
   The following have been requested and would be most appreciated:
• baby wipes with aloe
• bar soap
• deodorant
• foot cream
• foot powder
• sun block
• chap stick
• razors
• shaving cream
• hand lotion
• q-tips
• batteries
• fans
• bug spray
• paper, pens, envelopes, stamps
• nuts, beef jerky
• hard candy, gum, snacks
• powdered drinks
   Please do not send pork or chocolate

A Word From Our Troops - November 13, 2003
By Teddy Linenfelser
   After putting together the Veterans Day story yesterday, I began to wonder how our troops were doing and how I could possibly increase the amount of mail they are receiving. I decided to write to those that I had email addresses for. New responses will be posted here as they come in. The following are the responses so far.

Hello Teddy,
   It's great to hear from an islander. Things are going well for me in the service. I am still stationed at Fort Bragg, NC, but for the second time I am back at Bagram, Afghanistan, in support of Operation Enduring Freedom. We have been really busy. There isn't much media here with the whole Iraq thing going on as well, but we are every bit as busy now as I was last year this time. I got 'in country' here in June, and will be here through Feburary some time. We have been flying a lot, logging as a unit over 500 hours a month, and me as an individual, I have been flying an average of 80 hours a month. We have been moving everything from troops, to supplies, and ammo and doing day and night insertions to very high mountains and very tight valleys. If you would like to know more, just ask, and thanks for all the work on the Grand Island web site. It's a wonderful thing to be able to keep up with "my" island as I tell the guys, and all of the wonderful people who make it so great.
Grant
Grant J. Farmer - Regalrocket@aol.com

Hi,
   I'm back stateside at Fort Polk. I filled out my absentee ballot and have been keeping in touch in with my family.
Greg
GMG
Greg Gelz - GMGelz@ln.amedd.army.mil
"I like life. It's something to do."
- Ronnie Shakes

Hi Teddy,
   I'm still on the USS Anzio (CG-68) out of Norfolk, Virginia. We're in home port right now. I'm coming up on 22 years in the Navy this June and will be retiring in July. I'm sure our Public Affairs Officer will probably write an article about it and forward it to you. I was just back on the Island last weekend. Not much has changed. Thanks for the line, I'll talk to you later.
James
Baldwin, James CTRC(SW) - baldwinj@anzio.navy.mil

Ms. Linenfelser,
   I am now currently stationed at the Niagara Falls Air Force Base, in the 107th Security Forces Squadron. I am working out there full-time (Active Duty), and am waiting any word of further deployment to any forward location.
Thanks,
Michelle
Michelle Elmer - michelle.elmer@nyniag.ang.af.mil

Scroll down for names and addresses of other Islanders who are serving their country. This page is for posting news and addresses of Island residents who are serving in the military.

Cheer Our Troops With Mail
Send Us Your Loved One's Address
Just a month ago, on February 13, 2003, we created a new page especially for Islanders who are serving in the armed forces overseas. We encourage everyone to submit the name, email and/or U.S. mail address, rank and service of their loved one to teddy@giecom.net. We will gladly post a photo along with a short note on where your relative or friend is at this time.
Won't you please take the time to write and tell our troops how proud you are that they have volunteered to protect our country? Come back to this page often, as additional names and addresses are appearing every week.

LCPL Matthew Shilling
July 1, 2003 . . .LCPL Matthew Shilling has returned from Iraq and is resuming his normal duties at Camp Lejeune, NC. Click Shilling for Matthew's photo and information.

Words From Our Troops - A1C Brent M. Helman
June 3, 2003 . . . As of this moment, I am still in MT but I'm very excited about some news I received a few weeks ago. My unit hand picked me to go TDY (Temporary Duty) to Texas for specialized heavy weapons training. It is an intense one week course. As if that wasn't enough, they authorized me three weeks of leave after. Looks like I will be able to see home again! What is even better is that I will be home for the 4th of July, a holiday which has so much more meaning to me now. Thank you once again for all of your support. I show my brothers in arms often. In times like these, we can all get a little down, with the protestors and all. Especially a base like this one, in the middle of nowhere and being a city boy, miles away from the fighting, where some of my best friends are putting their lives on the line (wish I could be there right next to them). Well, I guess the best way to put it is that we get quite frustrated sometimes. But this website brings us all heart, knowing that we are doing some good in the world, even if our mission keeps us here in Montana guarding the missle field. Take care, and keep up the good work. It is a nobel undertaking.
A1C Helman, Brent M
20th Air Force
341st Space Wing
341st MSFG
741st MSFS
SFOF-1
Malmstrom AFB,MT

Specialist Gregory M. Gelz Expresses Appreciation
May 30, 2003
Mrs. Linenfelser,
I want to thank you, the town, the VFW and the Ladies Auxiliary for the care package I was sent. It's nice to know that there are people at home who are thinking of you. I, myself, am not out on the front lines, but I do know many men and women who are. Direct your thoughts and prayers to them and hope they return safe and able. I also would like to add that it is not only when we enter into war zones and hot spots that we, as soldiers, need support. Everyday, all across the world, our sons, daughters, brothers and sisters serve this country with honor so that when the time must come, we can do what needs to be done. Thank you for thinking of me and my fellow servicemembers. I hope to see you all soon.
Editor's Note: The Ladies Auxiliary of VFW Post #9249 are to be commended for their "packages from home" project. The members composed a list of addresses of all Island residents who are serving their country overseas and shipped a package of both goodies and personal items to each of our troops. The Ladies Auxiliary is most appreciative of VFW Post 9249 (postage), and all of the donations that poured in from throughout the community.

E-3 Seaman Ryanne Clingersmith
RKC12Navy@yahoo.com
U.S. Mailing Address
SN Clingersmith, Ryanne, K.
USS Frank Cable AS 40
FPO AP 96657
E-3 Seaman Ryanne Clingersmith is currently stationed with
the United States Navy in Guam aboard the USS Frank Cable.
"I am hoping to strike Cryptotech Intelligent Officer or a Legalman (paralegal).
As I am sitting here on this hot, muggy day, I decided to look up some
hometown news and came across this page dedicated to our military
members and alumni of Grand Island. I graduated from GIHS in 2003
and three weeks later left for Recruit Training Command, Great Lakes
Illinois. After that, I went to Naval Training Command Great Lakes Illinois. Just
dropping a line and saying hello to the Island. I am looking forward to coming back
in December for a few weeks and seeing everyone."
Grand Island High School Class of 2002
Posted March 11, 2004

SPC Andrew Shonitsky
andrew.shonitsky@us.army.mil
   SPC Andrew Shonitsky, an Army Reservist, is deployed at Camp Bondsteel in Kosovo
through October 2004. Andrew is the son of Gary Shonitsky, 2935 Stony Point Road, Grand Island.
Grand Island High School Class of 2002
Posted March 11, 2004

Click photo for larger view
A1C Nicholas R. Houck-Piccolo
   Airman First Class Nicholas R. Houck-Piccolo, serving with the Air Force as Crew Chief Im in charge of all the maintenance for the C-5 Galaxy, has been stationed in Kuwait since last September. The son of Melissa A. Piccolo of Fishkill, NY and Richard Piccolo of Grand Island, NY, Nick entered the Air Force in September 2001.
Grand Island High School Class of 2001
Posted December 18, 2003

Click photo for larger view
Airman First Class Brent M. Helman
nucguard22@yahoo.com
   Airman First Class Brent M. Helman, a member of the 741st
Missile Security Forces Squadron, is currently stationed at
Malmstrom AFB in Montana and is assigned to SFOF-1
(Jackal Fire-Team). A1C Helman, who enlisted shortly after
the 9/11 attacks, specializes in nuclear weapons protection. He
is currently awaiting orders for a PCS to Osan AB in S. Korea.
Grand Island High School Class of 2001
Posted April 24, 2003

Airman Michael J. Golden
michael.golden@auab.aorcentaf.af.mil
Airman Michael J. Golden, 19, is proudly serving in Operation Iraqi Freedom.
He joined the United States Air Force shortly after the terrorist attacks
on 9/11 and was subsequently stationed out of Seymour Johnson Air Force Base
in North Carolina. On January 18, 2003, Michael was deployed to Doha, Qatar.
Grand Island High School Class of 2001
Posted April 10, 2003

LCPL Matthew Shilling
Shillingp@aol.com
U.S. Mailing Address
8th ESB Det B.
"C" Co. Equip. Plt.
Unit 75100
FPO 09509-5100
Duty Station Camp Lejeune, NC
   LCPL Matthew Shilling is currently serving
in the Perisan Gulf with the 1st Marines.
Grand Island High School Class of 2000
Posted April 10, 2003

Stephen Jones
U.S. Mailing Address
487 AEW/107EARS
APO AE 09380
Stephen is deployed to Middle East with the 107th refueling group.
Posted April 3, 2003

Captain Wendy Lynn Mack
wendy.mack@siab.aorcentaf.af.mil
U.S. Mailing Address
384EMDG/Decon
APO AE 09317
Captain Wendy Lynn Mack is stationed at F. E. Warren, AFB, WY,
90th Medical Group. She is currently deployed as the
Patient Decontamination Team Troop Commander
in the Persian Gulf supporting Operation Iraqi Freedom.
LaSalle Senior High School Class of 1991
Posted April 3, 2003

E-4 Michelle L. Elmer
Michelle.Elmer@nyniag.ang.af.mil
E-4, SrA United States Air Force Michelle L. Elmer
is currently stationed at Niagara Falls Air Force Base, NY,
and frequently deploys to places all over the country.
Latest deployment took her to Andrews AFB, MD where
she was part of Presidential Support, and Security
as a Military Police Officer in Washington DC.
Grand Island High School Class of 2001
Posted March 27, 2003

Ssgt. Paul Golembiewski
Ssgt. Golembiewski, who joined the
Air Force in June 1997, is deployed to Middle East.
Grand Island High School Class of 1996
Posted February 27, 2003

Specialist Gregory M. Gelz
slapscore@aol.com or GMGelz@LN.amedd.army.mil
Specialist Gregory M. Gelz, based in
Ft. Polk, LA is currently deployed to
Giebelstadt, Germany, in support of the 72nd Medical Detachment.
Grand Island High School Class of 2000
Posted March 27, 2003

Click photo for larger view
Special Agent David Backlund
backlund_81@yahoo.com
Special Agent David Backlund is a member
of the Air Force Office of Special
Investigations (OSI). He is currently deployed
to the Middle East in support of operations against Iraq.
Grand Island High School Class of 1993
Posted March 27, 2003

E5 Nuclear Engineer Kristopher W. Bennett
kbenn1234@aol.com
E5 Nuclear Engineer Kristopher W. Bennett recently
graduated from Power School at Saratoga Springs, NY.
He is currently stationed in San Diego, California where he is
doing submarine mission aboard the USS Portsmouth.
Bennett has re-enlisted for an additional 4 year term.
Grand Island High School Class of 2000
Posted March 20, 2003

E3 Cory Clare Rathmann
ClareC@Carr.navy.mil or NavyPunk2002@aol.com
E3 Cory Clare Rathmann is in the US Navy
aboard the USS Carr, a Frigut
in the Theodore Roosevelt Battle Group
out of Norfolk and deployed in the Eastern Mediterranean.
Resident 1985-1992
Posted March 13, 2003

Click photo for larger view
Sgt. Grant J. Farmer
Regalrocket@aol.com
Grant J. Farmer, a sergeant in the Army, and currently stationed at Ft. Bragg, NC,
is just recently returned from a six-month tour in Afghanistan.
Click GrantFarmerRacing.com for more information on Sgt. Farmer.
Grand Island High School Class of 1998
Posted March 6, 2003

James D. Baldwin CTRC (SW)
baldwinj@anzio.navy.mil
James, who has been in the US Navy for over 20 years,
is a Chief Petty Officer on the USS Anzio (CG 68), a guided missile
cruiser out of Norfolk VA and currently deployed to the Mediterranean Sea.
Grand Island High School Class of 1981
Officer Baldwin thanks Isledegrande.com for our new
Islanders In The Service column "and giving these young people
the recognition they deserve for serving our country.
As we say in the Navy.. Bravo Zulu!!
For those not familiar with Navy speak... Great Job!!" - Thanks, Jim!
Posted March 6, 2003

E-5 David DeZutter
ddezutter@vinson.navy.mil
AME2 David DeZutter
VFA-146/Unit 25440
FPO/AP 96601-6232
Petty Officer 2nd Class David DeZutter is aboard the
USS Carl Vinson in the Navy and will be gone
for about six months or more to destinations unknown.
Grand Island High School Class of 1989
Posted February 27, 2003

Lcpl. Joel Stoorza
Madise@localnet.com
Lcpl. Joel Stoorza was deployed
January 9, 2003 to Camp Lejeune, NC
where he boarded a ship heading to the middle east.
Grand Island High School Class of 2001
Posted February 20, 2003

Click photo for larger view
Bryan T. Smith EOCA
SMITTYSTYLE50@YAHOO.COM
CBU427
5255 Womble St., Box 63
San Diego, CA 92136-5611
Grand Island High School Class of 2001
Posted February 13, 2003