Aaron Larsen, son of Gary and Kathy Larsen of Myrtle Point, recently was promoted to lieutenant colonel in the U.S. Army. In a Pentagon ceremony, presided by Col. John Angevine, Larsen was promoted and presented two military awards. Special guests attending the ceremony were: his wife, Carlene, and sons, Raphael and Maximilian, as well as his parents, and family friends Sam and Connie Hunt.   

Larsen has been stationed in Washington, D.C., with duty at the Pentagon since 2004.  He recently graduated from the National Defense University’s Joint Combined Warfighting Course in Norfolk, Va. He was awarded the Defense Meritorious Service Medal for his service at the Pentagon, as well as the Bronze Star Medal for recent service in Afghanistan.

This was his second deployment in support of the Global War on Terrorism, as he deployed to Iraq in 2005.  

Lt. Col. Larsen and family are scheduled to be posted in South America later this summer.  He is a graduate of Myrtle Point High School, Oregon State University and the University of Arizona.

Zosel in special operations forces

Matt Zosel , former football coach at Millicoma, enlisted in the U.S. Army in 2005, and spent several months completing his Arabic studies at the Defense Language School in Monterey. He became an Airborne Ranger in 2007 and is now in special operations forces. Zosel is stationed at Ft. Benning in Georgia.

Zosel is a 1997 graduate of Marshfield High School and a 2004 graduate of Southern Oregon University.

He is the son of Rhonda Zosel, of Myrtle Creek.

Beckner deployed on freedom mission

Air Force Reserve Master Sgt. Eva M. Beckner has deployed overseas to a forward operating base to support the mission of Operation Enduring Freedom.

Operation Enduring Freedom is the official name given to anti-terrorism military operations involving U.S. troops and allied coalition partners. Active duty and reserve component members from all branches of the U.S. armed forces have been deployed to support the war against global terrorism outside the borders of the United States. U.S. troops serve in South, Southwest and Central Asia, the Arabian peninsula, the Horn of Africa, islands in the Pacific and Europe.

Beckner, a suprintendent, with 15 years of military service, is normally assigned to the 940th Air Refueling Wing, Beale Air Force Base, in Marysville, Calif.

She is the daughter of Claudine Y. Beckner of N. Collier St., in Coquille, and David F. Beckner of N. Mesa St., in Carlsbad, N.M.

Beckner graduated in 1988, from Coquille High School, and received a bachelor's degree in 1995, from Portland State University. In 2004, Beckner earned a master's degree from the University of Phoenix, in California.

Hays graduates from basic combat training

Army Pvt. Matthew E. Hays graduated from basic combat training at Fort Jackson, Columbia, S.C.

During the nine weeks of training, the soldier studied the U.S. Army mission, history, tradition and core values, physical fitness, and received instruction and practice in basic combat skills, military weapons, chemical warfare and bayonet training, drill and ceremony, marching, rifle marksmanship, armed and unarmed combat, map reading, field tactics, military courtesy, military justice system, basic first aid, foot marches, and fieldtraining exercises.

Hays is the son of Debra and stepson of Leonard West of North Bend.

Chase graduates from basic military training

 Air Force Airman Damon C. Chase has graduated from basic military training at Lackland Air Force Base in San Antonio, Texas.

 During the six weeks of training, the airman studied the Air Force mission, organization and military customs and courtesies; performed drill and ceremony marches, received physical training, rifle marksmanship,field training exercises and special training in human relations.

In addition, airmen who complete basic training earn credits toward an associate degree through the Community College of the Air Force.  

He is the son of Tom and Deanna Chase of Union Ave., North Bend.

 Chase is a 2005 graduate of North Bend High School.