Grand Island Islanders In The Service

Grand Islanders
In The Service - 2008

Previous In The Service Pages

This page is for the purpose of posting news and addresses of Island
residents who are serving our country in the military.
See previous "In The Service" pages above
To add news and photos to this new page, email to teddy@giecom.net
or drop off at the Isledegrande.com office, 1871 Whitehaven Road (between Hairitage Hair Salon and DeSignet Jewelry)

Service Persons from Grand Island, New York
Click "Service Person From Grand Island"

Returning Soldiers, Send Us Your Stories - 2009
   Isledegrande.com would like to share the stories and photos of Grand Island soldiers returning to the state from overseas in January 2009 as well as other "In The Service" news. Email me at teddy@giecom.net.

Corporal Gary Leckey - 2008
   Corporal Gary Leckey Jr. is currently in his second tour in Iraq, with a rank change of LCpl Gary Leckey Jr. - Marines, to Corporal Gary Leckey Jr. - Marines.

Capt. William Snyder - 2008

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By: Mark Van Treuren
MPRI
    KABUL MILITARY TRAINING CENTER, AFGHANISTAN--Buffalo, New York is a working man’s kind of town and Capt. William Snyder is proud to be one of Buffalo’s own, even those his work can be heard for miles. He is not the quiet type for sure.
   Snyder is a combat engineer officer here at the Kabul Military Training Center (KMTC) and his specialty is blowing things up. “I was the guy who blew up GI Joes growing up,” said the thirty-one year old, twelve year veteran of the New York National Guard now about half way through his tour in Afghanistan. Snyder is a mentor to soldiers learning to be combat engineers in the Afghan National Army (ANA).
   The graduate of Buffalo State College said he loves his work and that he feels the soldiers he mentors will know basic combat engineering when they graduate. “I love it yeah, I get to be with the soldiers and get to play with explosives,” he smiled.
   Snyder left his 8th grade teaching job and his family of six to deploy to Afghanistan. He is a ready example of the sacrifices National Guard soldiers make to serve their country. He left in the middle of a school year and will be returning to the classroom next year in mid year. “A lot of the students were sad because I was leaving in the middle of the year and I had to find my replacement a substitute for his 95 students.”
   As for his own family he said he gets to talk to his wife and kids regularly. “The kids are doing OK for the most part, they are handling it alright. We get to talk to each other a lot on the computer, one of the youngest was going swimming the other day and said goodbye I have to go.” Snyder’s wife Sheara-Lea is an active National Guard readiness NCO so Army life is pretty normal in the Snyder household.
   At KMTC, Snyder teaches classes of around seventy students. Because of their job Snyder says his ANA troops are a bit better educated than the average soldier, being able to read and write a key fundamental. “I am proud just to be able to help them learn their jobs so they can survive in the field and help their army progress,” he said.
   One of the key tasks the students must learn is how to setup an engineering obstacle designed to make a road, or in the case of Afghanistan, a mountain pass unusable to an enemy.
   Snyder said this is usually the first time his soldiers have ever seen explosions with so much power. When the charge goes off, “It’s a feeling of extreme excitement,” he laughed, adding its normal for the students to “clap to show their approval.”
   This is the first time out of North America for the energetic young Buffalo Bills fan and being a student of history he says he is especially proud of his service. “I feel like I need to serve, our country was founded by guys like guard guys.”
   He also had a heart felt thanks for the support from everyone back home.
   For more information contact Lt. Col. Paul Fanning, CJTF Phoenix VII Public Affairs Officer at paul.a.fanning@afghan.swa.army.mil, Cell: 0798010642
   Capt. Snyder and his wife, Sheara-Lea, are parents of James Toney, 16; Brandon, 8; Logan, 5; Liam, 4; and Avery, 2.
Posted Thursday, September 4, 2008

STGCS (SW) John Cunningham - 2008

Senior Chief Sonar Technician (Surface Warfare) John L. Cunningham Jr., United States Navy, will be honored at a Retirement Ceremony on Friday, June 27, 2008, at Jacksonville Beach, FL, as announced by the Commander Destroy Squadron Fourteen.
John has spent 20 years making his family proud while serving his country in the US Navy. He is the son of Rita Class of Riverdale Drive. John, his wife, Sherri, and children, Laura and Nicholas, reside in Florida. John will be joined by friends and family at a reception immediately following the Ceremony.

SSgt Brent Helman - 2008

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SSgt Brent Helman is nearing the end of his six-month deployment to Southern Iraq. While serving with the 887th Expeditionary Security Forces Squadron SSgt Helman was a Truck Commander on daily combat patrols in and around Safwon and Umm Qasr, Iraq as well as a Truck Commander for convoys running to and from the city of Basra, Iraq. While conducting combat patrols, SSgt Helman interacted with the locals, handing out toys donated by Mrs. Beth Boron's Huth Road Elementary School second grade class, school supplies donated by the Cub Scouts of Akron, NY and introduced loganberry donated by TED'S Hot Dogs of Tonawanda, to the locals and many of his troops who "didn't know the joys of WNY's food. "We had some bad days over here, but it was all worth it when you see how much of a difference we make in these families' lives. From handing out food, clothes, toys and seeing the joy in their faces...it will change your view on life in general." SSgt Helman will make a stop back at his home station of Ramstein AB, Germany for demobilization and then make the flight home to spend leave with his family on Grand Island.
SSgt Helman will not be receiving mail for awhile but those who would like to write to other members of his unit are encouraged to use this address:
ANY AIRMAN C/O 1st SGT
887 ESFS
APO AE 09375
Grand Island High School Class of 2001
Posted Thursday, June 26, 2008

SSG Michael Zaremski Jr - 2008

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SSG Michael Zaremski Jr., activated since January 2008, has been serving in Afghanistan with the Army National Guard since April and expects to return home on Grand island around January 2009.
Regarding the little boy in the photo, SSG Zaremski writes: "I found this young boy in front of my area and brought him in to talk. I spent an hour talking with him and found out that his cousin was a burn victim and needed more medical treatment. He also needed some school supplies. We were able visit his village a couple of weeks later and offered medical help, but that day, I was able to give him pens, paper, a visor and a t-shirt."
Email Address:michael.zaremskijr@us.army.mil
Zaremski, Michael
27th BCT HHC 2/101 SECFOR
CAMP PHOENIX
APO AE 09320
Grand Island High School Class of 1994
Posted June 19, 2008

MSG Stephen Bazemore - 2008

(left) Niagara University ROTC Honor Guard; (right) SMSG Steve, wife Sabine and daughter Sarah
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(left) Awarding the Meritorious Service Medal, (from left) Senior Military Instructor MSG Owen Meehan, MSG Steve and Commander LTC Patrick Soos; (right photo) Pining medal
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Friday, May 2, 2008 marked a new beginning for MSG Stephen Bazemore - his retirement from the US Army and his most recent assignment as 1st Sgt at Niagara University's ROTC program. Steve, an Island resident, with his wife, Sabine, daughter, Sarah, and his mother-in-law, Anita Bujak from Germany, along with many of the Post's Veterans and ROTC personnel in attendance chose the Charles N. DeGlopper Memorial VFW Post 9249 for his retirement ceremony. During the ceremony Stephen received the Meritorious Service Medal along with congratulations from ROTC Commander LTC Patrick Soos for the fine service to the US Army and Niagara's ROTC program.

LCpl Gary Leckey Jr. - 2008

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LCpl Gary Leckey Jr. is serving with the U.S Marine Corps and has earned the rank of Lance Corporal. The first photo shows Gary, when he was deployed this past fall (July '07 to Jan. '08), on the AAV OR Tracks which he drives. He was part of 22D MEU(SOC) aboard Ponce, working diligently in the CENTCOM Area of Responsibility (AOR). He is trained with radio, weapons also. He is now back in North Carolina and expects to be deployed again in September or October when he will leave for Iraq or Afghanistan.
Gary is currently based and training at Marine Corps Base Camp LeJeune, North Carolina.
Posted May 8, 2008

CW3 William J. Tokash Jr. - 2008

Left photo bottom of the picture and clockwise are
SSG Sharon Salinas, the Detachment SGT for the unit (equivalent to a 1SG)
CW4 Shemuel A. Rivera, the outgoing Commander
LTC Bobby Atwell, the Battalion Commander of the 1000th Military Police Battalion (CID), Fort Campbell, KY
CW3 William J. Tokash Jr., incoming Commander of the 31st Military Police Detachment (CID)(AASLT), Fort Campbell, KY

CW3 William J. Tokash Jr. saluting the Detachment SGT, SSG Salinas, to dismiss the Detachment to complete the ceremony.
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CW3 William J. Tokash Jr., serving in the United States Army, was recent made commander of the 31st Military Police Detachment (CID) (AASLT). The following is a quote from the Changing of Command Ceremony (passing of the guidon) that took place on Friday, April 25, 2008 at Fort Campbell, KY.
"The senior NCO of the organization is traditionally responsible for maintenance and care of the Colors, therefore the Detachment Sergeant passes the unit guidon to the Outgoing Commander, CW4 RIVERA, signifying the unit’s appreciation for his leadership and guidance. CW4 RIVERA passes the unit guidon to the Battalion Commander, LTC ATWELL, signifying the relinquishing of his command and gratitude for the opportunity to lead soldiers. LTC ATWELL passes the unit guidon to the Incoming Commander, CW3 TOKASH, entrusting him with the responsibility and care of the unit. CW3 TOKASH passes the guidon back to the Detachment Sergeant, signifying his trust and confidence in the leaders and soldiers of the organization."

SSG Michael Zaremski Jr - 2008

Click photo for several other photos
SSG Michael Zaremski Jr. is serving in Afghanistan with the Army National Guard
Michael has served 13 Years in the Army - Active and National Guard - "Missing and Loving My Wife Laina and Daughter Ella Rose!
To My Family and Friends Thank You for the Support!"
Staff Sergeant Michael Zaremski, Jr.
Signal Platoon Sergeant
United States Army
Zaremski, Michael
27th BCT HHC 2/101 SECFOR
CAMP PHOENIX
APO AE 09320
Grand Island High School Class of 1994
Posted May 1, 2008

A1C Brian Judkins - 2008

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A1C Brian Judkins, who is serving our country in the United States Air Force, returned from Camp Bucca, Iraq in February 2008. He had received many letters from Mrs. Linda Zimmerman's 5th grade class at Kaegebein Elementary School at Christmas time and recently visited the students in their classroom and answered their numerous questions about his work overseas. Brian is back at Langley AFB, Virginia until his next tour to Iraq which will possibly be in July or August 2008. "I am so proud of him and all the people fighting for our freedom," his mother said this week. Brian is the son of proud parents are Mary and Jim Judkins.
Grand Island High School Class of 2005
Posted April 3, 2008

SSgt Brent Helman - 2008
SSgt Brent Helman arrived at Camp Bucca, Iraq in January for a 180+ day deployment. He belongs to the 887th Expeditonary Security Forces Squadron, also known as "The Jesters." His duties include Area Security Operations, route security for convoys, and presence patrols as the mission dictates. Areas of operation extend as far north as Basra and as far south as Umm Qasr.
SSgt HELMAN, BRENT
887 ESFS/Jester 2-3
APO AE 09375
Grand Island High School Class of 2001
Posted Thursday, March 6, 2008

2nd Lieutenant Julie Scott, - 2008

2nd Lieutenant Julie Scott of Grand Island, graduated from D’Youville College in 2006, married Christopher Scott also of Grand Island, and went on to Officer training at Ft. Sam Houston in San Antonio, TX. Currently living at Ft. Meade in Maryland, LT Scott is serving as a nurse at Walter Reed Army Medical Center. LT Scott plans on expanding her education in the US Army to become a labor and delivery nurse.
Julie.scott22@gmail.com
Graduate of Holy Angels Academy
Posted Thursday, March 6, 2008

Marine Corps Maj Kevin M. Erker - Jan. 2008

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On December 14, 2007, Marine Corps Maj Kevin M. Erker completed a 10-month course of instruction at the U.S. Naval Test Pilot School in Patuxant River Maryland and was designated a test pilot. He was also presented with a master’s degree in Aeronautical Engineering from the Air Force Institute of Technology in Dayton, OH. During his training in “Pax River," Maj Erker had the opportunity to fly and test over 22 different aircraft including a Russian MIG, seaplanes, gliders, helicopters and an F-4 Phantom which he flew for his final project in Germany. Maj Erker is currently assigned to VX-23 in Patuxant River, MD for the next two to three years and will be flight testing numerous aircraft for the Navy including T-45 Goshawks and the F/A-18 Hornet.
Maj Erker is the son of Daniel and Ann Erker of Grand Island and a graduate of Grand Island High School, Class of 1992. He resides in Great Mills, MD with his wife, Erinn (Wood), also from Grand Island, and their three children.
Posted January 10, 2008

Cheer Our Troops With Mail
Send Us Your Loved One's Address - 2008
It was nearly five years ago, in 2003, that we created this page especially for Islanders who are serving in the armed forces overseas (or in the states). We encourage closely related relatives 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 will be added as they are submitted.

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