Rinaman

In specialized undergraduate pilot training, Capt. Christopher Rinaman from Mars, won six awards during graduation Sept. 5.

Rinaman won the Distinguished Graduate, Order of the Daedalians Air Education Training Command Commander’s Trophy, Outstanding Officer Award, Flying Training Award and the Top Stick Award.

Rinaman also won the Flying Training Award and Outstanding Officer Award.

Rinaman started his military career in Marine Corps basic training at Parris Island. From there he went on to be a crew chief and enlisted aircrew for Marine Corps helicopters.

After five years in the Marine Corps, Rinaman cross-commissioned into the U.S. Air Force.

Following Air Force Officer Training School, Rinaman then became a navigator on the EC-130 Compass Call.

After serving as a navigator, Rinaman went before a board which allows navigators to attend pilot training and was selected.

Capt. Rinaman will go on to Dover Air Force Base in Dover, Del., to fly the C-5 Galaxy, the largest aircraft in the U.S. Air Force.

–——

Navy Fireman B. John Schettler, son of John B. and Victoria L. Schettler of Valencia, recently completed U.S. Navy basic training at Recruit Training Command, Great Lakes, Ill.

Schettler is a 2014 graduate of Mars High School.

–——

Army Pvt. James J. Kernan graduated from basic combat training at Fort Jackson, Columbia, S.C.

Kernan is the son of Leeann McCartney of Leechburg and the brother of Dan Kernan of Saxonburg.

He is a 2014 graduate of Lenape Tech, Ford City.