MATTAWAMKEAG – U.S. Marine Staff Sgt. Troy McNeal of Mattawamkeag has received the Bronze Star with Combat V for meritorious achievements in connection with combat operations against the enemy during Operation Iraqi Freedom. McNeal served in northern Iraq as part of the 26th Marine Expeditionary Unit, Special Operations Capable, joint USMC and Navy Explosive Ordinance team, from April 14 to May 2, 2003. McNeal helped clear the Ba’ath Party headquarters in Mosul of explosives to allow Bravo Company to occupy defensive positions. He also executed a weapons of mass destruction sensitive site exploitation. He is the son of Mary Lou McNeal of Lincoln and Frederick McNeal of Springfield.

Army Pfc. Jonathan A. Strout has graduated from basic combat training at Fort Jackson, Columbia, S.C. Strout is the son of Lorraine Strout of Warren.

Army Pfc. Matthew A. Chamberlain has graduated from One Station Unit Training at the U.S. Army Infantry School, Fort Benning, Columbus, Ga. His training consisted of basic military training and advanced individual training.

Chamberlain is the son of Clarence Chamberlain of Hartland.

Army Pvt. Matthew E. Levesque has graduated from One Station Unit Training at the U.S. Army Infantry School, Fort Benning, Columbus, Ga. His training consisted of basic military training and advanced individual training.

Levesque is the son of Cindy Terrell of Old Town.

Army Pvt. Christopher L. Brown has graduated from the light-wheel vehicle mechanic advanced individual training course at Fort Jackson, Columbia, S.C.

Brown is the son of Russell J. Brown of Owls Head and Lisa S. Dean of Concord, N.H.

Army National Guard Pfc. Joshua A. Bowles has graduated from the automated logistical specialist advanced individual training course at Fort Lee, Petersburg, Va.

Bowles is the son of Earl S. and Sheri L. Bowles of Northport.

The chapters of the 82nd Airborne Division Association are starting their membership drive for 2004. Veterans from any Airborne division can become members.

For information, write to Airborne – 2004, 5459 Northcutt Place, Dayton, Ohio 45414, or call (937) 898-5977.