Navy Lt. Cmdr. Eric R. Vosler, son of Leslie and Richard Vosler of Cheyenne, recently received the Air Medal First Strike/Flight Award while serving as the aircraft commander of an SH-60B Seahawk assigned to Helicopter Anti-Submarine Squadron Light 42, deployed aboard USS Yorktown in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom and the global war on terrorism.

President George W. Bush awarded the medal to Vosler for meritorious achievement in aerial flight in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom, successfully completing more than 50 aviation combat missions.

Vosler contributed to the liberation of Iraq, helping ensure victory in the skies and on land.

Vosler is a 1987 graduate of Cheyenne East High School and joined the Navy in January 1990.

Bronze Star

Army Staff Sgt. Michael J. Drake has been decorated with the Bronze Star Medal for supporting the mission of Operation Iraqi Freedom II.

The medal is awarded to an individual who, while serving in the U.S. armed forces, has performed a heroic act, meritorious achievement or distinguished service during armed conflict or ground combat while engaged against an armed enemy of the United States.

Operation Iraqi Freedom is the official name given to military operations involving members of the U.S. armed forces and coalition forces participating in efforts to free and secure Iraq. Mission objectives focus on force protection, peacekeeping, stabilization, security and counter-insurgency operations as the Iraqi transitional governing bodies assume full sovereign powers to govern the peoples of Iraq.

Members from all branches of the U.S. military and multinational forces are also assisting in rebuilding Iraq's economic and governmental infrastructure, and training and preparing Iraqi military and security forces to assume full authority and responsibility in defending and preserving Iraq's sovereignty and independence as a democracy.

Drake, a maintenance shop foreman, is the son of Michael J. and Shanna Drake of Worland. He graduated from Worland High School in 1993.

(with photo bug - Bloomgren)

*DEPLOY TO IRAQ: Army Spc. Leonard O. Bloomgren, son of Denise Bloomgren of Casper and grandson of Kathleen Benton and the late Robert L. Benton of Evansville, has deployed to Iraq for his second tour. He is a field artillery computer specialist with the 3rd Armored Cavalry Regiment in Fort Carson, Colo.

He has earned numerous commendations in service to his country, including The Army Commendation Medal with Valor Device and membership in the Order of the Spur, including full privileges of Fiddlers Green.

He is a 2001 graduate of Kelly Walsh High School.

Air Force Staff Sgt. Geoffrey S. Fraser is currently deployed overseas at a forward operating location in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom.

Fraser, an air transportation journeyman with six years of military service, is normally assigned to the 60th Aerial Port Squadron, Travis Air Force Base, Fairfield, Calif.

He is the son of Mike and Susan Fraser of Middletown, Calif., and is a native of Sundance.

*DEPLOYS TO AFGHANISTAN: Army Sgt. Justin R. Lang is one of approximately 350 soldiers assigned to the 173rd Airborne Brigade based at Caserma Ederle, Vicenza, Italy, who will deploy to Afghanistan to serve as a member of Combined Joint Task Force-76 (CJTF-76).

CJTF-76 is a combined and joint rotation unit supporting Operation Enduring Freedom in Afghanistan. The soldier will join other units that comprise CJTF-76 to help the Afghan people continue on their progress to a free society.

Mission objectives of the combined joint task force include establishing security, defeating Al-Qaida and Taliban forces, and deterring the re-emergence of terrorism. The soldiers are committed to staying the course in Afghanistan and standing firm with the Afghan people against forces actively working to prevent the establishment of a secure environment.

Lang is a team leader with four years of military service.

He is the son of Laura J. Daigle of Saco, Maine, and Kurt A. Lang of Cheyenne.

*PROMOTED: Michael T. Miles has been promoted to the rank of major in the U.S. Air Force.

Miles, a quality assurance chief with the 56th Maintenance Group, Luke Air Force Base, Phoenix, has 10 years of military service.

He is the son of Edward Miles of Miami, Fla., and Suzanne Francis of Cheyenne.

The major graduated in 1994 from Cheyenne Central High School, and received a bachelor's degree in 1995 from the University of Wyoming. He earned his master's degree in 2004 from the University of Oklahoma.

*ADVANCED TRAINING: Army Reserve Pvt. Jason E. Gosselin has graduated from the Automated Logistical Specialist Advanced Individual Training (AIT) course at the U.S. Army Quartermaster Center and School, Fort Lee, Petersburg, Va.

The course is designed to train soldiers to establish and maintain stock records and other documents such as inventory, materiel control, accounting and support reports, automated and manual accounting records; perform stock record/warehouse functions pertaining to receipt, storage, distribution and issue and maintain equipment records and parts; review and verify bills of lading, contracts, and purchase orders; repair and construct shipping crates for equipment and supplies, and perform prescribed loads and shop stock lists in manual and automated supply applications.

Gosselin is the son of Eugene N. Gosselin of Etna and Diana L. Gosselin of Shalimar, Fla.

In 2004, the soldier graduated from Star Valley High School in Afton.

Army Pvt. Eddie D. Pacola has graduated from the Light-wheeled Vehicle Mechanic advanced individual training (AIT) course at Fort Jackson, Columbia, S.C.

The course is designed to train soldiers to perform maintenance, troubleshoot, and repair wheeled vehicles and related mechanical components, including suspension systems, internal combustion engines and power trains, spark- and compression-ignition engines, wheel-hub assemblies, hydraulic brake and steering systems, and operate a wheeled vehicle crane, hoist, and winch assemblies.

Pacola's parents are Debbie G. and Ed D. Pacola of Sundance. He graduated from Sundance High School in 2004.

*GRADUATE FROM BASIC: These Wyomingites recently graduated from their first basic training:

Navy

Navy Seaman Apprentice Michael S. Hinkle, a 2004 graduate of Laramie Senior High School, recently completed U.S. Navy basic training at Recruit Training Command, Great Lakes, Ill.

Airman Apprentice Melissa R. Johnson, daughter of Corinne L. Calhoun of Petersburg, Ind., and Francisco J. Marquez of Wheatland recently completed U.S. Navy basic training at Recruit Training Command, Great Lakes, Ill.

During the eight-week program, Hinkle completed a variety of training which included classroom study and practical instruction on naval customs, first aid, firefighting, water safety and survival, and shipboard and aircraft safety. An emphasis was also placed on physical fitness.

The capstone event of boot camp is "Battle Stations." This exercise gives recruits the skills and confidence they need to succeed in the fleet. "Battle Stations" is designed to galvanize the basic warrior attributes of sacrifice, dedication, teamwork and endurance in each recruit through the practical application of basic Navy skills and the core values of Honor, Courage and Commitment. Its distinctly "Navy" flavor was designed to take into account what it means to be a Sailor.

*ENLISTS: Civilian Alex K. Labilles, son of Maria A. and Ernesto G. Labilles of Cheyenne recently enlisted in the United States Navy under the Delayed Entry Program at Navy Recruiting District, Denver.

Labilles will report for active duty to undergo basic training at the

Navy's Recruit Training Center, Great Lakes, Ill.