Military news 09/30/02

Renaud certified as warfare specialist

Quartermaster Second Class John Brian Renaud with the U.S. Navy was recently certified as an enlisted surface warfare specialist. This designation signifies accomplishment beyond that expected in the normal performance of duty.

Renaud demonstrated knowledge of the USS John L Hall's overall mission, engineering plant capabilities, warfare capabilities and basic deck equipment. This designation authorizes Renaud to wear the ESWS insignia, Silver Cutlasses. The Silver Cutlasses provide an additional measure of recognition for superb petty officers of surface forces.

Renaud is the son of John and Shirley Renaud of Cape Girardeau.

Switzer graduates from basic combat training

Army Pvt. William L. Switzer has graduated from basic combat training at Fort Jackson, Columbia, S.C.

During his nine weeks of training, Switzer studied the Army mission and received instruction and practice in drill and ceremony, marching, rifle marksmanship, armed and unarmed combat, map reading, field tactics, military courtesy, military justice system, physical fitness and basic first aid. He also studied Army history, tradition and core values, and received special training in human relations.

He is the son of Mary Lou Switzer of Jackson and a 1985 graduate of Jackson High School.

Three from Cape receive National Guard medals

SPC Brent Armour, SPC Jeffrey Myers and Sgt. Jeffrey Cox, all of Cape Girardeau, were recently awarded medals by the Missouri Army National Guard. All three soldiers are members of Company C, 1140th Engineer Battalion in Sikeston, Mo.

Armour and Myers received the Army Achievement Medal. Cox received the Army Commendation Medal. The men received their awards for the outstanding motivation, service and excellent leadership they displayed at their annual training at Fort Chaffee, Ark.

Company C has detachments in Portageville, Charleston and Caruthersville.

-- From staff reports