Maryland Guardsmen drill with real urgency amid Gulf buildup
Maryland Army National Guardsmen train at Eglin Air Force Base and with the Frederick unit as they face potential mobilization for the Persian Gulf conflict. Pvt. Brian Gossard, 17, from Hagerstown, says drills feel like life saving work and that the unit must stay ready for rapid deployment. Staff Sgt. Kevin Cottrell notes heightened seriousness as the Guard can be mobilized, shifting training emphasis toward real world readiness.
MENTIONED IN THIS ARTICLE
Persian Gulf
Maryland Army National Guardsmen
Brian Gossard
Hagerstown
115Th Light Infantry
Frederick
Light Infantry
Europe
Mideast
Kevin Cottrell
Adelphi
Prince George’s County
Eglin’ Air Force Base
Florida
Gulf unit trains hard amid Gulf War jitters
Sgt Mark Brandau, a 36 year old Hagerstown resident and Company A member, notes desert style drills in California and regular weekend trainings. Soldiers worry about families if deployed, but formal pre deployment prep like updated wills inoculations and financial plans eased fears and sharpened focus on combat readiness. Captain Douglas McCoy says the training remains purposeful though the reason may shift while the unit aims to prove itself.
MENTIONED IN THIS ARTICLE
Mark Brandau
Hagerstown
Company A
Persian Gulf
California
Sgt
Brandan
Brandau
Douglas McCoy
Vietnam vet brings Army lessons to local Guard unit
Sgt. Leso, a Hanover Pennsylvania veteran of the 191st Airborne and Paradise School administrator, joins Company A of the 115th Light Infantry in Santa Rosa Island. He mentors younger soldiers, teaches management and discipline, and keeps up his karate and boxing interests while balancing civilian life.
MENTIONED IN THIS ARTICLE
Santa Rosa Island
Fia
115Th Light Infantry
Frederick
Scott Rice
Pvt. Rice
Sgt. Leso
191St Airborne
Vietnam
Guard
Sgt
Leso
Hanover
Paradise School For Boys
Abbottstown
San Jose
Calif
Universtee
Western Maryland College
Westminster
Mark Hollywood Krebbs
U.S
Liew E. Chester
Marines Reunite After Island Training Drills and Rain
Soldiers of Charlie Company endured days of wet bivouac on Santa Rosa Island learning to survive in adverse weather. They built emergency rafts and practiced Zodiac maneuvers before dawn patrols and later returned to Martin State Air Port for gear cleanup. Capt. McCoy and Lt. Ricketts reflect on the comforts of civilian life after the wilderness push.
MENTIONED IN THIS ARTICLE
Santa Rosa Sound
Charlie Company
Martin State Airport
Capt. McCoy
Allan E. Ricketts
Also Mentioned on This Page
Cary Garland
Ace
Dan Reese
Martin’ State Airport
Mike Bennett
Pfc
Daniel Clay
Christina Barnes
Timothy Jacobsen
the News
Frederick, MD
Hawaii Five-0
Maj
Finn
Daniel Hawkins
Sgt. Hawkins
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