Military news 10/17

Culver graduates from basic training

FORT LEONARD WOOD, Mo. -- Army National Guard Pfc. Destiny N. Culver has graduated from basic military training at Fort Leonard Wood in Waynesville, Mo.

Culver is the daughter of David and stepdaughter of Lana Andrews of Cape Girardeau.

Grogg promoted to rank of Army major

FORT DRUM, N.Y. -- This summer, Capt. Douglas Grogg was promoted to the rank of major in the United States Army. He is currently serving on active duty at Fort Drum, N.Y.

He is a 1983 graduate of Perryville High School and a 1990 graduate of Southeast Missouri State University.

Grogg is the son of James and Rosalie Grogg of Perryville, Mo., and the grandson of the late Percy and Sybil Grogg and Irene and John Streiler.

McManaman reports for duty with squadron

CAMPPENDLETON, Calif. -- Marine Corps Lance Cpl. Evan J. McManaman, son of Navy Captain and Mrs. Kenneth C. McManaman of Jackson, recently reported for duty with Marine Wing Support Squadron 372, Marine Wing Support Group 37, 3rd Marine Aircraft Wing, Marine Corps Base, Camp Pendleton, Calif.

McManaman is a 1999 graduate of Jackson High School. He joined the Marine Corps in November 1999.

Hester departs on six-month deployment

CAMPLEJUNE, N.C. --Marine Corps Lance Cpl. Joe Hester, son of Stacia and Cliff Hester of Scott City, recently departed on a six-month deployment to the Mediterranean Sea and Arabian Gulf while assigned to the 24th Marine Expeditionary Unit (MEU), based in Camp Lejeune, N.C.

Hester is one of more than 4,000 Atlantic Fleet Sailors and Marines aboard the ships of the USS Nassau Amphibious Ready Group.

While on deployment, Hester will participate in joint-service, multi-national operations and have the opportunity to visit foreign ports. His unit will be flying the flag of the NY/NJ Port Authority Police Department, which was presented to the 24th MEU during Fleet Week 2002.

Hester joined the Marine Corps in July 2000.

-- From staff reports