Cupec

A Butler area native was recently recognized for his service in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom.

Sgt. 1st Class Clayton Cupec was awarded the Meritorious Service Medal for his commendable work with the 143d Transportation Command while stationed at the port of Ash Shuaybah in Kuwait.

As the non-commissioned officer in charge of night-shift operations at the port, Cupec oversaw personnel, operations and computer based systems.

Cupec is assigned to the Army Reserves 300th Transportation Group in Butler and is an engineer technician with eV PRODUCTS in Slippery Rock.

He is the son of Joseph Cupec of Karns City and Cyndi Behne of York.

———

Chief Petty Officer <B>Thomas</B> <B>Sherych </B>completed 20 years of military service with the Navy on April 30.The aviation maintenance administrationman enlisted aviation warfare specialist is a 1985 graduate of Moniteau High School.During his military career, he has served at VR-58 NAS,Jacksonville, Fla.; NAF, Detroit, Mich.; NAS, South Weymouth, Mass.; HSL-94, Willow Grove, Pa.; VFC-12, NAS Oceana, Va.; and HSL-60 NS Mayport, Fla.The chief is the receipent of six Navy/Marine Corps Achievement Medals, six Good Conduct Medals, two National Defense Service Medals, the Expert Pistol Shot Medal, three Navy Battle "E" Ribbons, the Global War on Terrorism Service Medal, the Meritorious Unit Commendation Ribbon, the Volunteer Service Medal and the Armed Forces Reserve Medal.He has served on the USS Stark, USS Clark, USS Estocian, USS Morrison and the USS Boone.Sherych is the son of Rita Sherych of Harrisville and the late Robert Sherych. He plans to make his home in Harrisville.—-—

Air Force Airman <B>Evan</B> <B>Johnston </B>has graduated from basic training at Lackland Air Force Base, San Antonio, Texas.Johnston is the son of and Monica Dietrich of Mars and Eric Johnston of Poland, Ohio.The airman is a 2005 graduate of Poland Seminary High School.———

Air Force Airman <B>Shannon Sasse </B>has graduated from basic training at Lackland Air Force Base, San Antonio, Texas.The 2004 alumna of Butler High School is the daughter of Jay and Lorraine Sasse of Butler.———

Air Force Airman <B>Eric Edmiston </B>has graduated from basic training at Lackland Air Force Base, San Antonio, Texas.He is the son of Terry Edmiston of Butler and Ronda Leitem of Renfrew.Edmiston is a 2000 graduate of Butler High School.———

Air Force Airman <B>Eric Hepler </B>has graduated from basic training at Lackland Air Force Base, San Antonio, Texas.He is the son of Kris and Susan Hepler of Buford, Ga., and the grandson of Dean and Ann Selfridge of Butler.Hepler is a 2004 graduate of North Gwinnett High School, Suwanee, Ga.———

Air Force Airman <B>Sarah Lunsford </B>has graduated from basic training at Lackland Air Force Base, San Antonio, Texas.She is the daughter of Delana Lunsford of Zelienople.The airman is a 2005 graduate of Seneca Valley High School.