Military news 02/17/03

Little receives Col. Billy Jack Carter Award

Staff Sgt. Brian Little was awarded the Col. Billy Jack Carter Award recently, while serving at Malmstrom Air Force Base in Montana. Individuals chosen to receive the award must make the most significant contribution in protecting U.S. Air Force personnel or resources over the course of the year. Little is a security forces dog handler.

Little, a 1995 graduate of Central High School, is the son of Dan and Cookie Little of Cape Girardeau. He has a daughter, Taylor, and wife, Cheryl.

Little began a new assignment in Germany after visiting with family for a week in Cape Girardeau.

Son of Cape resident on guided missile destroyer

Petty Officer 1st Class Stacy R. Leone, stationed on board the new guided missile destroyer USS Bulkeley, is one of the many men and women who have sworn to serve and protect fellow Americans.

"Serving in the military is a family tradition," said Leone, son of Sheila Leone of Cape Girardeau. "My grandfather was a gunner's mate."

The USS Bulkeley, based in Norfolk, Va., was commissioned in December 2001.

"The most interesting aspect of being stationed on a newly commissioned ship is setting the tone for those who will follow," said Leone, husband of former Sherry Meddock and father of one.

Within a carrier battle group, the destroyer provides protection to other battle group assets. During an amphibious assault, the ship's weapons help protect against enemy forces at sea and ashore.

-- From staff reports