Latest news with #ArmyCommendationMedal
Yahoo
14-06-2025
- General
- Yahoo
Daniel 'Dan' Robert Worstell, Youngstown, Ohio
YOUNGSTOWN, Ohio (MyValleyTributes) – Daniel 'Dan' Robert Worstell, 68, of Youngstown, passed away peacefully on Thursday evening, June 5, 2025. Dan was born on March 9, 1957, in Canton, Ohio, the son of Calvin Jennings Worstell and Judith K. (Graham) Simon. Find obituaries from your high school He graduated from Lehman High School in Canton. Following graduation, Dan answered the call of duty and enlisted in the United States Air Force on November 21, 1975. After completing his service, he re-enlisted in the United States Army on July 15, 1980, where he rose to the rank of Sergeant (E-5) and served as a tank operator. His military career included over two years stationed overseas in Korea before returning stateside. Throughout his honorable military service, Dan was awarded several commendations, including the Army Commendation Medal, Army Achievement Medal, Good Conduct Medal (2nd award), NCO Professional Development Ribbon, Army Service Ribbon, Overseas Service Ribbon, Expert Badge with Pistol Bar, Marksman Badge with Auto Rifle Bar, Army Lapel Button, and the Korea Defense Service Medal. Dan was honorably discharged on March 17, 1988. In the early 1990s, Dan settled in the Youngstown area, where he worked for many years as a warehouse manager with Kaleel Brothers. He was a member of various VFW Posts and found joy in staying active on social media, discussing politics, playing the guitar and ukulele and showing his love for animals. He also was an avid sports fan and looked forward to rooting on his favorite teams The Ohio State Buckeyes, the Guardians and Browns. Dan will be remembered as a quiet, generous man who found contentment in the simple things in life. He was an all-American guy who loved his family and was proud of his country. He is survived by his brother Jeff (Danielle) Worstell of Poland, his sister Lisa (Ralph) Moore of Lowellville, his nieces and nephews: Ashley (Robert) Curtis, Emily (Mike) King, Geno Moore, Samantha Moore, and Jacob and Taylor Worstell; as well as several great-nieces and nephews, cousins, and close friends. Dan was preceded in death by his father, Calvin Jennings Worstell, and his mother, Judith K. Simon. Family and friends may pay their respects on Monday, June 16, 2025, from 12:00 – 12:50 p.m. at Rossi & Santucci Funeral Home, 4221 Market St., Boardman. A funeral prayer service will follow at 1:00 p.m., officiated by Pastor Russ Adams. Burial will take place at Forest Lawn Memorial Park in Boardman, where military honors will be provided by the Ellsworth VFW and the United States Army. To send condolences to the family, please visit To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Daniel Worstell, please visit our floral 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Yahoo
13-06-2025
- Yahoo
Army pilot killed in helicopter training accident in Kentucky identified
A 40-year-old Army pilot was killed, and a second pilot was injured, in a helicopter training accident Wednesday evening at Fort Campbell in Kentucky, the Army post said. The soldier killed was identified Friday by the 101st Airborne Division as Chief Warrant Officer 2 Dustin K. Wright. In a post to social media earlier Friday, the 101st Airborne Division said the incident involving an AH-64 Apache helicopter had occurred in "preparation for the Army's 250th birthday," the festival and parade being held in Washington, D.C., to commemorate the Army's 250th anniversary — that also coincides with President Trump's 79th birthday. However, in a follow-up post, the division said it wanted to "clarify" that the incident "occurred during a routine attack aviation training mission inside the Fort Campbell training area. The crew was not in direct support of Week of the Eagles or Army Birthday." A spokesperson for the 101st Airborne Division also told CBS News by phone Friday that the training exercise had "100% nothing to do with the birthday parade in D.C." and was simply "happening while the Army prepares for the 250th birthday date." Week of the Eagles is an annual event that honors the heritage of the 101st Airborne Division. The injured pilot was treated and released from Blanchfield Army Community Hospital for minor injuries, officials said. No further details were provided. The incident is under investigation. Wright joined the Army in 2010 and had served at Fort Campbell since May 2022. He was highly-decorated, having been awarded the Air Medal, the Army Commendation Medal, the Army Achievement Medal and the Army Parachutist Badge, among others, his division said. "The entire 101st Combat Aviation Brigade grieves the loss of CW2 Dustin Wright," Col. Tyler Partridge, commander of the 101st Combat Aviation Brigade, 101st Airborne Division, said in a statement Friday. "A former Infantryman, Dustin cherished every opportunity to be outside and support ground troops. He did so with strength and honor. We will forever cherish the memories of his service, and his legacy will live on in the hearts of all who knew him." Kentucky Gov. Andy Beshear was among those offering condolences to the family of the soldier who died. "No matter how it happens, when we lose someone who has committed to serving our country, I know it hurts that family but it should hurt us all," the Democratic governor said Thursday. Kentucky state Sen. Craig Richardson, whose western Kentucky district includes the Fort Campbell area, said the soldier's death was heartbreaking. "This tragedy is a solemn reminder that the dangers our military faces are not limited to distant battlefields," the Republican lawmaker said. "The call to serve brings risks at home, in training, preparation, and quiet readiness." The sprawling Fort Campbell post straddles the Kentucky-Tennessee line. Video shows Air India plane crashing in Ahmedabad Air India plane crashes shortly after takeoff, carrying more than 240 people Israel ready to launch operation into Iran, U.S. officials say

30-05-2025
- Politics
John Thrasher, former Florida State president and state House speaker, dies at 81
TALLAHASSEE, Fla. -- John Thrasher, a former Florida State University president and longtime state legislator, died on Friday. He was 81. Thrasher, who served as speaker of the Florida House and as a member of the Florida Senate, died Friday morning in Orlando, his family said in a statement. He had been battling cancer, according to a social media post last month from his former lobbying firm. 'John lived a remarkable life — and he made a big difference in the lives of so many in our state,' Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis said in a statement. Thrasher, a Republican, was a member of the Florida House from 1992-2000, serving as speaker during his last two years. After leaving elected office, he went on to co-found The Southern Group lobbying firm. He was elected to the Florida Senate in 2009 and stayed there until 2014. 'Integrity, perseverance, and strength propelled John to success at every level of public service and private industry," Florida Senate President Ben Albritton said in a statement. "His life was rooted in devotion to public service, patriotism, a love of the law, and a passion for education.' Thrasher served as president of Florida State University from 2014 to 2021. He earned a business degree from the school in 1965, before joining the U.S. Army, where he received the Army Commendation Medal and two Bronze Stars for his service in Vietnam. Following his military service, Thrasher returned to Florida State to earn a law degree in 1972. 'John's love for Florida State University was truly inspiring,' current FSU President Richard McCullough said in statement. 'As an alumnus, legislator, trustee, and president, he devoted his life to elevating FSU's national reputation and helping the university reach new heights in student success, academic excellence, and research." A private burial has been planned in Orange Park, near Jacksonville. A celebration of his life is scheduled for Aug. 19 at Florida State in Tallahassee.
Yahoo
30-05-2025
- General
- Yahoo
John Thrasher, former Florida State president and state House speaker, dies at 81
TALLAHASSEE, Fla. (AP) — John Thrasher, a former Florida State University president and longtime state legislator, died on Friday. He was 81. Thrasher, who served as speaker of the Florida House and as a member of the Florida Senate, died Friday morning in Orlando, his family said in a statement. He had been battling cancer, according to a social media post last month from his former lobbying firm. 'John lived a remarkable life — and he made a big difference in the lives of so many in our state,' Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis said in a statement. Thrasher, a Republican, was a member of the Florida House from 1992-2000, serving as speaker during his last two years. After leaving elected office, he went on to co-found The Southern Group lobbying firm. He was elected to the Florida Senate in 2009 and stayed there until 2014. 'Integrity, perseverance, and strength propelled John to success at every level of public service and private industry," Florida Senate President Ben Albritton said in a statement. "His life was rooted in devotion to public service, patriotism, a love of the law, and a passion for education.' Thrasher served as president of Florida State University from 2014 to 2021. He earned a business degree from the school in 1965, before joining the U.S. Army, where he received the Army Commendation Medal and two Bronze Stars for his service in Vietnam. Following his military service, Thrasher returned to Florida State to earn a law degree in 1972. 'John's love for Florida State University was truly inspiring,' current FSU President Richard McCullough said in statement. 'As an alumnus, legislator, trustee, and president, he devoted his life to elevating FSU's national reputation and helping the university reach new heights in student success, academic excellence, and research." A private burial has been planned in Orange Park, near Jacksonville. A celebration of his life is scheduled for Aug. 19 at Florida State in Tallahassee.


Hamilton Spectator
30-05-2025
- Politics
- Hamilton Spectator
John Thrasher, former Florida State president and state House speaker, dies at 81
TALLAHASSEE, Fla. (AP) — John Thrasher, a former Florida State University president and longtime state legislator, died on Friday. He was 81. Thrasher, who served as speaker of the Florida House and as a member of the Florida Senate, died Friday morning in Orlando, his family said in a statement. He had been battling cancer, according to a social media post last month from his former lobbying firm. 'John lived a remarkable life — and he made a big difference in the lives of so many in our state,' Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis said in a statement. Thrasher, a Republican, was a member of the Florida House from 1992-2000, serving as speaker during his last two years. After leaving elected office, he went on to co-found The Southern Group lobbying firm. He was elected to the Florida Senate in 2009 and stayed there until 2014. 'Integrity, perseverance, and strength propelled John to success at every level of public service and private industry,' Florida Senate President Ben Albritton said in a statement. 'His life was rooted in devotion to public service, patriotism, a love of the law, and a passion for education.' Thrasher served as president of Florida State University from 2014 to 2021. He earned a business degree from the school in 1965, before joining the U.S. Army, where he received the Army Commendation Medal and two Bronze Stars for his service in Vietnam. Following his military service, Thrasher returned to Florida State to earn a law degree in 1972. 'John's love for Florida State University was truly inspiring,' current FSU President Richard McCullough said in statement. 'As an alumnus, legislator, trustee, and president, he devoted his life to elevating FSU's national reputation and helping the university reach new heights in student success, academic excellence, and research.' A private burial has been planned in Orange Park, near Jacksonville. A celebration of his life is scheduled for Aug. 19 at Florida State in Tallahassee. Error! Sorry, there was an error processing your request. There was a problem with the recaptcha. Please try again. You may unsubscribe at any time. By signing up, you agree to our terms of use and privacy policy . This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google privacy policy and terms of service apply. Want more of the latest from us? Sign up for more at our newsletter page .