Air Force sergeant retiring for civilian post

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Updated: March 17, 2012 10:05AM

Joliet’s U.S. Air Force Staff Sgt. Richard H. Brower is retiring after serving 16 years of active duty service.

Brower has landed a civilian job as an armed security guard for Chenega Corp at Eielson Air Force Base near Fairbanks, Alaska.

A trained sniper, Brower served a tour in Iraq, where his unit’s mission was to help rebuild Iraq in 2008.

Throughout his military career, he has been assigned to six air bases worldwide, including Osan Air Base, South Korea; Elmendorf Air Force Base in Anchorage, Alaska; Anderson Air Force Base in Guam; Creech Air Force Base in Indian Springs, Nev.

His last duty assignment was with the 354th Security Forces Squadron at Eilson Air Force Base in Alaska.

Brower says he will eventually move back to Joliet to live near his family. His sons Richie and CJ Brower live in Rockdale.

The Herald-News congratulates Brower and wishes him well in his future endeavors!

Vets home opening

MorningStar Mission Ministries Inc. is planning to open their second Veterans Home from 3-4 p.m. Tuesday at 16 Melchior St. in Joliet.

The home provides additional services to our veterans who have served our country and are homeless.

The home’s guests will have case management, vocational training, life skill courses, counseling and assistance with transportation for job interviews and medical appointments; and referrals for other service.

Tuesday’s event includes the Pledge of Allegiance, a house blessing and light refreshments will be offered.

To attend, you must make a reservation by calling 815-722-5780.

Write to military

Show your support by writing to our military men and women from 8 a.m. to noon Feb. 26.

The writing event is sponsored by Military Ministry at the St. Mary Immaculate Parish and will be held in the gym at 15629 S. Route 59 in Plainfield.

For more information, call Maria Prekop at 312-259-6851 or send an email to maria.prekop@navigant.com.

Military graduates

Army Reserve Pvt. Richard S. Carlson, son of Shirley Carlson of New Lenox, graduated from basis combat training at Fort Jackson in Columbia, S.C. He is a 2007 graduate of Lincoln-Way Central High School in New Lenox.

Air Force Airman, Richard A. Wolcott, son of Julie Seelantag of Lockport graduated from basic military training at Lackland Air Force Base in San Antonio.

Deployed

Air Force Tech. Sgt. Scott E. Dickover, son of Robert and Patricia L. Dickover of Crete, has been deployed overseas to a forward operating base to serve in support of Operation Enduring Freedom. Dickover is a helicopter flightline expediter assigned to the 723rd Aircraft Maintenance Squadron at Moody Air Force Base, Ga.

Jean Edwards seeks veterans to write about in this column. Call 815-773-7172 or send an email to jedwards@stmedianetwork.com.