Military digest 08/04/05

Dirden now machinist mate second class

Bruce Dirden, son of Linda and Joe Dirden of Cape Girardeau, recently advanced to machinist mate second class in the U.S. Navy. Dirden enlisted in the Navy in July 2001. After graduation from Nuclear Power Training Command, Charleston, S.C., he was assigned to serve aboard the USS Key West in Pearl Harbor, Hawaii, where he is now stationed.

Marine private finishes basic training

Marine Corps Pvt. Derek J. Geringer, son of Bonnie S. and Nell A. Geringer of Perryville, Mo., recently completed 12 weeks of basic training at Marine Corps Recruit Depot, Parris Island, S.C.

Two return to port from Persian Gulf deployment

Navy Seaman Recruit Katherine D. Johnson and Navy Airman Joshua D. Nelson recently returned from deployment to the Persian Gulf while assigned to the aircraft carrier USS Carl Vinson, which is based in Norfolk, Va. Johnson is the daughter of Helen and Roosevelt Johnson of Haywood City, Mo. She is a 2004 graduate of Scott County Central High School in Morley, Mo. She joined the Navy in July 2004. Nelson is the son of Laura A. Haney of East Prairie, Mo., and John D. Nelson of Sikeston. He is a 2001 graduate of Charleston High School. He joined the Navy in June 2003.

-- From staff reports