Army National Guard Spec.

Thomas Norris has returned to the United States after being deployed to an overseas forward operating location in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom.Norris received several medals including the Purple Heart, the Iraq Combat Medal, the Global War on Terrorism Medal, the Army Good Conduct Medal, the Air Force Reserve Medal and the Combat Infantry Badge.Norris, an infantryman with four years of military service, is assigned to the 112th Infantry Division, Ford City.He is the son of Christopher and Sandra Norris of Butler.The specialist is a 2002 graduate of Butler High School.———

Army National Guard Spec. <b>Edward McGregor</b> has returned to the United States after being deployed to Iraq in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom and has been decorated with the Army Commendation Medal.The medal is awarded to individuals who, while serving in any capacity with the Army, have distinguished themselves by acts of heroism, meritorious achievement or meritorious service.The soldier is regularly assigned to the 1st Battalion, 112th Armor Division, Butler.McGregor, a gunner with three years of military service, is the son of Steven McGregor of Karns City and Shannon Rup of West Sunbury.The specialist is a 2003 graduate of Union High School, Rimersburg.———

Marine Corps Pvt. <b>Charles Davis</b>, son of Cindy Davis and Charles Davis, both of Butler, recently completed basic training at Marine Corps Recruit Depot, Parris Island, S.C.———

Air Force Airman <b>Jason Searight</b> has graduated from basic training at Lackland Air Force Base, San Antonio, Texas.He is the son of Kimberly Searight of Mars.The airman is a 2005 graduate of Mars High School.———

Air Force Airman <b>Michael Lewis</b> has graduated from basic training at Lackland Air Force Base, San Antonio, Texas.Lewis is the son of Dan and Karen Lewis of Butler.The airman is a 2004 graduate of Butler High School.———

On Dec. 9, Pvt. 2nd Class <b>Travis Swidzinski</b> graduated from basic and infantry training with Foxtrot Co., 2nd Battalion, 19th Infantry Division at Fort Benning, Ga.He reported to the Pennsylvania National Guard in Connoquenessing to join his unit, Alpha Co., 112th, on Jan. 15.He is the son of Carl Swidzinski Jr. and the grandson of Carl and Nancy Swidzinski Sr., all of Butler.———

Army National Guard Sgt. 1st Class <b>Paul Snyder</b> has returned home after being deployed to an overseas forward operating location in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom.Snyder, a first sergeant with 21 years of military service, is assigned to the 50th Main Support Battalion, Teaneck, N.J.He is the son of Donna Snyder of Chicora.His wife, Lisa, is the daughter of Walter and Rose Gemski of Woodbridge, N.J.The sergeant, a 1979 graduate of Butler High School, received a bachelor's degree from the New Jersey Institute of Technology, Newark, in 1994 and his master's degree from the Stevens Institute of Technology, Hoboken, N.J., in 1996.———

Army Staff Sgt. <b>David Boyd</b>, son of Nancy Boyd of Butler and thelate William Boyd, recently received the Knowlton Award at the Winter Military Intelligence Ball in San Antonio, Texas.The Knowlton Award, established in 1995 by the Military Intelligence Corps Association, recognizes individuals who have contributed significantly to the promotion of military intelligence.Boyd is a 1986 alumnus of Butler High School and joined the Army in August 1986.He resides with his wife, Panola Torné Boyd and their daughter in San Antonio.———

Marine Corps Pvt. <b>Michael Powell</b>, son of Gina and Michael Powell of Glenshaw, recently completed basic training at Marine Corps Recruit Depot, Parris Island, S.C.———

Marine Corps Pvt. <b>Peter Krol</b>, son of Edward Krol of Kennerdell and Debra Krol of Ladson, S.C., recently completed basic training at Marine Corps Recruit Depot, Parris Island, S.C.