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Powys County Times
5 days ago
- General
- Powys County Times
King's Birthday Honours 2025 for Shropshire RAF sergeant
A RAF serviceman from a Powys-Shropshire border village who has taken part in the nation's most significant ceremonial events as well as extensive operations in the Middle East has been named in the King's Birthday Honours list. Flight Sergeant Robert Pugh, who was raised in Pant, near Llanymynech, was awarded a Meritorious Service Medal on Friday, June 13 for his 'exceptional service'. His wife Kelly said: 'He is incredibly modest, and we are incredibly proud of him'. The 44-year-old son of Oswestry residents Michael and Carol Pugh joined the RAF as a teenager after leaving school aged 17. He has served his country for 27 years and continues to do so with 'unwavering dedication', his wife added. 'Although local he is currently based at RAF Northolt on Force Protection Training Flight, he has served in both the Queen's Colour Squadron (QCS) and the King's Colour Squadron (KCS), taking part in many of the nation's most significant ceremonial events,' Kelly said. 'These included, being in the Tri-Service Guard of Honour for the Coronation of King Charles III. Flight Sergeant Robert Pugh receiving a commendation. (Image: Kelly Pugh) 'He was part of the lining party for Prince William and Catherine's wedding, and in formation at RAF Northolt when Her Late Majesty Queen Elizabeth II arrived at RAF Northolt, returning to the capital following her passing. 'His ceremonial duties over the years have also included several Remembrance services at the Cenotaph, as well as taking part in televised squadron displays at the Royal British Legion Festival of Remembrance at the Royal Albert Hall, and at the Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo. 'In addition to his ceremonial roles, he has undertaken extensive operations throughout the Middle East, demonstrating his courage and commitment in both active duty and state occasions.' Shropshire residents who were also named in the King's Birthday Honours list were Telford-based Bronze Software Labs Ltd founder Richard Howells OBE, Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency (DVSA) publications manager Simon Lusty MBE from Ludlow, and Christine Still MBE, from Newport, for services to gymnastics. Help support trusted local news Sign up for a digital subscription now: As a digital subscriber you will get Unlimited access to the Oswestry Advertizer website Advert-light access Reader rewards Severn Valley Country Park volunteer Donald Bannister BEM, from Bridgnorth, James Diggory BEM, from Shrewsbury, for services to the Nesscliffe community and finally, RAF Cosford training development officer John McGlasson BEM for services to Defence and to charitable fundraising were also given honours. Prime Minister Keir Starmer said: 'This year's Birthday Honours List is a powerful reminder of the extraordinary dedication, compassion, and service that exists in every corner of our country."
Yahoo
14-06-2025
- Yahoo
Mack and Stisher take charge of Decatur Police Department
Jun. 14—Growing up in Birmingham, new Decatur Police Chief Torry Mack and incoming Deputy Chief Eric Stisher were inspired by police officers who served their communities — and after two decades of doing the same, they find themselves in Decatur, eager to continue that mission. "That's the route; that's the foundation right there," Mack said on Friday. Mack was sworn in as the city's new chief June 2 and Stisher will begin his role Monday. But before these men made the decision to serve their local communities, they served their nation. Both enlisted in the U.S. Army at a young age and first met each other while they were stationed at Giessen, Germany, in the same unit. "I was field artillery and he was communications, but we were in the same battalion back in 1989," Mack said. Both men fought in the Gulf War. Mack, 55, served in the U.S. Army for 21 years and achieved the rank of master sergeant. He received the Kuwait Liberation Medal and Meritorious Service Medal. "I just enjoy helping — I did it on a national level in the military," Mack said. "Once I got off active duty, I needed a job. It was going to be in public safety — firefighter or police, whoever called first. Police called first, and I hit the ground running." Stisher, 54, said after he completed his active-duty obligations in the military, he continued serving in the Army Reserves for 24 years and retired as a 1st sergeant. He said by serving in the military and as a police officer, he has accomplished both of his career goals. "Twenty-seven years of military and four combat tours and 27 and a half years with the police department," Stisher said. Mack on March 30 retired as a captain with the Birmingham Police Department after 30 years, where he most recently served as division manager of Special Operations overseeing tactical units such as SWAT, K-9, explosives, snipers and the Crime Suppression Unit, as well as specialized teams focused on enforcement, intelligence, crime reduction and reconnaissance. Stisher retired this year as a lieutenant with the same department, having started his law enforcement career as a corrections officer in 1995 before becoming a police officer in 1997. During their time in Birmingham, Mack and Stisher worked with youth to introduce them to law enforcement and spur interest in potential careers. Instilling a vision of positive policing in the minds of young people is something Mack believes will lead them to become officers one day. He looks forward to Decatur's Explorer program that is scheduled to kick off Monday. It's aimed at educating teenagers who are interested in law enforcement careers, and he lauded the success of the same program in Birmingham. "You wouldn't believe how many participated in our Explorer program that are now sworn officers," Mack said. "That's a good pipeline to a good job." Just as he was preparing to retire after a 30-year law enforcement career, Mack said a friend in Decatur contacted him about the open police chief position left vacant by former Chief Todd Pinion in March, following a third-party review of the Police Department. "I had no idea what was going on in Decatur and I had a friend tell me I should apply," Mack said. "He mentioned some issues that were going on and I was like, 'Why would I want to apply for that?'" In the early morning hours of Sept. 29, 2023, 39-year-old Steve Perkins was shot and killed in his front yard on Ryan Drive Southwest by former Decatur police officer Mac Marquette during a botched attempt to repossess Perkins' truck. Since then, local grassroots organizations like Standing in Power and numerous individuals supporting the Perkins' family have led demonstrations demanding accountability from the Police Department. The Police Department came under scrutiny again April 15 when Decatur resident John Scott Jr., 41, was arrested by police while experiencing an apparent mental health crisis. Scott resisted officers and was tased twice and wrestled to the ground and taken into custody. After an hour in the Morgan County Jail, Scott suffered a medical episode and was taken to Decatur Morgan Hospital and later to Huntsville Hospital where he died a week later. Mack said his friend kept pushing him to apply for the job and he finally did. After watching news reports about Decatur, Mack said he knew he made the right choice. "I said, 'OK, maybe I could be the change agent that is needed,'" Mack said. "I heard about the Perkins incident and other things. The third-party review said it was lacking communication and lacking leadership. I thought that I could bridge the gap between the community and police officers. I know I can be that leader to move this department forward." Stisher said he was sitting at home watching TV when he got the call from his long-time colleague to join him in Decatur as his deputy chief. The position was created Monday by the City Council on a 4-0 vote after Mack requested it. "He said he wouldn't do it unless I came with him and I said, 'I hear you.'" Stisher said. "I'm in, because everywhere he has gone as a leader in Birmingham, he's asked me to come with him. We've done great things together in Birmingham." Stisher said after a brief conversation with his wife about the new job, he was quickly back on the phone with Mack to accept the job. "After that, I started paying attention to the City Council meetings and started reading news and pulling up news clips on social media and I felt like we could truly make a change," Stisher said. Mack said both the Perkins and Marquette families are suffering. "Any time a life is taken, it's sad," he said. He said the Perkins family lost a husband, a father and a brother — "That's a sad occasion." As for Marquette, Mack said the former officer has been impacted as well. "He is not the same since this happened," Mack said. "He's not the husband his wife married prior to this incident. There are no winners in this situation. Prayer on both sides will get them through it." Mack said he spoke with Paulette Tennison Sanders on Monday, the mother of Scott. He plans on providing more mental health training for his officers and will work with mental health liaison Kate Anderson on the direction of the training. "We're going to discuss how to enhance what we've got," Mack said. Mack addressed the frustration of people protesting Decatur police and said it all boils down to transparency and communication, something he aims to perfect during his tenure as chief. "Their perception possibly could have been not caring and not hearing from the leaders in the Police Department and not being informed," Mack said. "I think that's what they are upset about. I guess we turned a deaf ear to it." He said he has spoken with the Decatur police command staff and the members of Standing in Power and said both sides yearn for dialogue with one another. He plans to bring both to the table soon to sort things out. "We're not going to discuss the case or anything that happened yesterday," Mack said. "We're going to talk about where we are today and how we can move forward. That's a start. We need to be intentional. If we want to continue to live like this, then let's not talk. But the people that are suffering are the citizens of Decatur. It's no closure for the loved ones on both ends." — or 256-340-2442.
Yahoo
23-05-2025
- Politics
- Yahoo
Memorial Day observation program returns to Langston
Langston will once again honor the sacrifice of those who gave their lives in service to the country with a Memorial Day observation, 11 a.m. Monday at Wm Conrad Veterans Memorial Gardens, 313 East Turner Street in Langston. According to a news release, 'veterans, their families and friends, and the public are respectfully invited to assemble to observe Memorial Day. 'We will again provide an opportunity for citizens of this area to join the many U.S. Citizens across the nation as we reflect on the countless individuals who served in our military and lost their lives during wars or other military actions since the founding of our nation. Again, this year, we will come together with the families and communities of those who were lost and those who returned,' the release states. The keynote address will be delivered by Dr. Clifford Stanley, a reverend and retired US Marine Corps major general. 'Having completed a 33-year distinguished career with the Marine Corps, our speaker rose to the position of Undersecretary of Defense for Personnel and Readiness; serving as the senior policy advisor to the Secretary of Defense on recruitment, career development, pay and benefits for 1.4 million active duty military personnel, 1.3 million Guard and Reserve personnel, 680,000 DoD civilians, and was responsible for overseeing the overall state of military readiness,' the release reads. 'His last position was as the Deputy Commanding General, Marine Corps Combat Development Command and Commanding General, Marine Corps Base Quantico, Virginia. Additionally, he served as the Marine Corps Principal Representative to the Joint Requirements Board which supported the Chairperson of the Joint Chiefs of Staff in fulfilling his responsibilities, as well as in various other positions.' Stanley is a graduate of South Carolina State University with a master's degree from Johns Hopkins University and a Master of Divinity degree from the United Lutheran Seminary. 'His formal military education includes, in part, Amphibious Warfare School, the Naval War College, Honor Graduate of Marine Corps Command and Staff College and National War College,' the release said. 'Dr. Stanley earned his Doctorate Degree from the University of Pennsylvania and holds Honorary Doctor of Laws degrees from South Carolina State University and Spalding University. Additionally, he holds a Doctor of Science, Honoris Causa, from The Medical University of South Carolina and Honorary Doctorate of Humane Letters from Stillman College. 'Our speaker's military honors include the Defense Distinguished Service Medal, the Legion of Merit Medal, the Meritorious Service Medal (2 awards), the Navy Commendation Medal, and the Navy Achievement Medal. His civilian awards include receiving the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People's (N.A.A.C.P.) Meritorious Service Award, the N.A.A.C.P. Roy Wilkins Award, and the American Legion Award for Inspirational Leadership. He is a Life Member of Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity, Inc.' Stanley is an adviser and assessor with the Worldwide Association of Business Coaches and is an associate minister in Philadelphia. 'The master of ceremony is a fantastic, returning Memorial Day Speaker, Mr. Marlon T. James. A native of Oklahoma City, he attended Langston while simultaneously serving in the Oklahoma National Guard and was a cadet in the Army ROTC Broncho Battalion at the University of Central Oklahoma! He graduated with a Bachelor of Business Administration (BBA) from Langston University in 1995, and days later, he received an active-duty commission as a Second Lieutenant in the United States Army,' the release reads. 'Marlon has been stationed all around the world and throughout his 23 years in the Armed Forces, he has held positions of increased responsibility in leadership, management, operations, and human resources. Marlon was fortunate to command two companies, including one in combat, where he was awarded the Bronze Star due to his actions in combat.' James works at Tinker Air Force base in civil service as an acquisition program manager. He is on the Langston University Foundation Board of Directors. 'The Wm Conrad Veterans Memorial Gardens is pleased to complete the display of flags for each military branch in the Gardens' stately Flag Pavilion. The U.S. Space Force was established on Dec. 20, 2019, creating the first new branch of the armed services since 1947,' the release reads. 'The establishment of the USSF resulted from widespread recognition that space is a national security imperative. With the cooperation of the OSU ROTC Program, U.S. Space Force Cadet Alexander Turner Camacho, will officially raise the U.S. SPACE FORCE FLAG with remarks by WCVMG Trustee Dr. Kermit McMurray and the Space Force Hymn played by U.S. Air National Guard Bugler Vicki Friedemann. 'Stillwater resident, Mr. James Horn, an outstanding Marine and a resolute supporter of the WCVMG will introduce his fellow Marine, Dr. Stanley. It was through his diligent efforts that we are privileged to have this distinguished speaker for our Memorial Day Program.' Music will be provided by vocalists Isaac B Coleman, Jr. and Nalha Casby. 'This year's program will again welcome an Honor Guard from Tinker Air Force Base; Rev. Everett Mack, Sr., New Hope Baptist Church; and the Mistress of Ceremony from our 2024 Veterans Day Program, our own Langston 'Darling' – Ms. LaVonne Lee (Dallas) who will do a tribute to Ms. Rita Graham who penned the signature Memorial Day Poem for the Gardens,' the release said. 'The WCVMG will host a 'Morning Coffee and Pastry Reception' at 10 a.m. to give attendees the opportunity to meet our speaker and other program participants. The program will start promptly at 11 a.m. All guests are invited to fellowship with our Veterans following the program at a Community Picnic with Lunch sponsored by the Gardens and the Town of Langston City.' The observance can also be viewed live on the Wm Conrad Veterans Memorial Gardens Facebook page. 'Army Veteran and Langston native Stewart A. Williams is the founder/developer of the Wm Conrad Veterans Memorial Gardens. He and his wife Maeoma have worked tirelessly to find ways for others to honor our U.S. Veterans. From the official groundbreaking ceremony that was held 10 years ago on July 4, 2015, to the Grand Opening Ceremony held on October 1, 2022, Veterans and the public have been invited to the Gardens to 'Honor all who served,' the release reads. 'To make a Capital Campaign Pledge and/or to request to purchase a Military ID Tag for yourself or your favorite Veteran(s), please email: wmconradveteransmemorialgarden@ or send by US mail to PO Box 27 Langston, OK 73050. Cash donations can be made to Cash App: $wmcveteransmg. All donations are tax deductible.'
Associated Press
20-05-2025
- Business
- Associated Press
Shane Osborn Appointed Chief Operating Officer of Ocean Thermal Energy Corporation
PHILADELPHIA, PA / ACCESS Newswire / May 20, 2025 / Ocean Thermal Energy Corporation (OTE Corp), a leading renewable energy company specializing in Ocean Thermal Energy Conversion (OTEC) and Seawater Air Conditioning (SWAC), is pleased to announce the appointment of Shane Osborn as its new Chief Operating Officer (COO). Shane Osborn brings an exceptional track record of leadership and operational excellence, having previously served as Program Manager for Federal and Commercial Partnerships at OTE Corp. His extensive experience encompasses high-level roles in the military, government, finance, and renewable energy sectors. A decorated U.S. Navy veteran, Osborn earned international acclaim for his courageous leadership when he successfully landed a severely damaged U.S. Navy EP-3 aircraft after a mid-air collision in 2001 and led his crew through 12 days of imprisonment by the Chinese government, earning the Distinguished Flying Cross and the Meritorious Service Medal for his heroism. Following his military career, Osborn served as Nebraska State Treasurer, managing over 27 billion dollars in pension assets and earning recognition for transparency initiatives. Additionally, he founded and led RWH Energy, a Service-Disabled Veteran-Owned Small Business (SDVOSB) recognized as an approved Energy Service Company (ESCO) by the U.S. Department of Energy. In his new role as COO, Osborn will oversee all operational aspects of OTE Corp, driving efficiency, innovation, and strategic growth initiatives. He will play a critical role in scaling OTE's infrastructure projects, strengthening partnerships, and ensuring operational excellence across all company activities, including pivotal contracts with the U.S. Army, U.S. Navy, U.S. Department of Defense, and commercial partners. Jeremy P. Feakins, Chairman and CEO of OTE Corp, stated, 'We are thrilled to announce Shane Osborn's appointment as Chief Operating Officer. Shane's extraordinary leadership skills, organizational expertise, and unwavering commitment to excellence have already significantly advanced our mission. His elevation to COO ensures our continued operational success and positions us for substantial future growth."Osborn's leadership and operational capabilities will enhance OTE Corp's ability to deliver innovative, sustainable solutions that promote energy independence and resiliency, particularly for remote and mission-critical military installations and global communities facing energy and freshwater challenges. About Ocean Thermal Energy Corporation (OTE Corp) OTE Corp is a U.S.-based energy company specializing in Ocean Thermal Energy Conversion (OTEC) and Seawater Air Conditioning (SWAC) systems. OTEC harnesses ocean temperature differentials to produce sustainable, continuous, 24/7 power, vital for U.S. military bases and coastal communities in tropical regions. SWAC systems utilize deep seawater to provide efficient cooling solutions, significantly reducing energy consumption. Safe Harbor Statement Except for historical information contained herein, this release contains forward-looking statements made under the 'safe harbor' provisions of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Actual results may differ materially due to risks and uncertainties detailed in OTE's filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission. Contact Jeremy P. Feakins Chairman and Chief Executive Officer [email protected] +1 917 679 2005 SOURCE: Ocean Thermal Energy Corp. press release
Yahoo
15-05-2025
- General
- Yahoo
Decorated Army veteran inspiring next generation after over 2 decades of service
The Brief One U.S. Army veteran with over two decades of experience is inspiring the next generation. Retired Colonel Philip Hoyle played a crucial role in operations like Desert Shield and Desert Storm, earning numerous accolades. Colonel Hoyle initially planned to serve for four years but ended up dedicating 22 years to the military. TAMPA - A retired colonel is inspiring his own son to serve in the military after serving in the U.S. Army for 22 years. Philip Hoyle played a crucial role in operations like Desert Shield and Desert Storm, earning numerous accolades. Hoyle's life has always been centered around service to his country. "My dad: retired Army, myself: retired Army Colonel," said Hoyle. "I have one son who's on active duty now in Germany." He joined the Army after graduating from Georgia Southern University. What they're saying "The biggest thing for me and probably for my dad as well, was the call to serve others, to serve your country," said Hoyle. "You know, it's God, family, country." Colonel Hoyle initially planned to serve for four years but ended up dedicating 22 years to the military. "It was a lot of fun," said Hoyle. "We just did a lot of exciting things. We had a lot of good training. There were some hard times as well, but for the most part, it was an enjoyable experience for me." He served during Desert Shield, Desert Storm, and the liberation of Kuwait. "We were called in to go free Kuwait. That was the liberation of Kuwait, Desert Shield, Desert Storm. So very active in that. That was my real combat tour in the 1990s," Hoyle explained. He received the Bronze Star for his service in Desert Shield and Desert Storm, along with the Meritorious Service Medal and the Defense Meritorious Service Medal. He is also one of the few Army soldiers to have a Naval Unit Commendation Award. "We were the only Army unit with the Marines, so that Marine unit was awarded the Naval Unit Commendation, and because we were part of that unit, we also were awarded that Naval Unit Commendation," Hoyle added. The award did cause some confusion. "So every time I'd have that on my dress uniform, the old sergeants and sergeants majors would come up to me and say, 'Hey sir, you're missing something on that," said Hoyle. "And I'm like, 'No, no. That's the Navy.'" READ: Bay Area veteran helps fellow vets get what they need while highlighting their stories Big picture view Although he enjoyed his time in the military, there was one thing he wished he could change. "My only regret was being away from family at the time, but for the most part, I was very blessed. Every unit I ended up in turned out to be a very high-performing unit. We were always very successful," Hoyle said. He hopes more young people will embrace serving in the military. "We still need people to raise their right hand and swear an oath to the Constitution of the United States and defend our country against all enemies," Hoyle said. It's a commitment he says he will always uphold. CLICK HERE:>>>Follow FOX 13 on YouTube The Source Information for this story was gathered by FOX 13's Bryan Gray. STAY CONNECTED WITH FOX 13 TAMPA: Download the FOX Local app for your smart TV Download FOX Local mobile app: Apple | Android Download the FOX 13 News app for breaking news alerts, latest headlines Download the SkyTower Radar app Sign up for FOX 13's daily newsletter
