Over There: U.S. Navy petty officer returns from overseas
By Jean Edwards jedwards@stmedianetwork.com January 30, 2013 2:34PM
Michael Petronio stands in front of the U.S.S. Enterprise.
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Updated: March 1, 2013 6:18AM
Navy Petty Officer 2nd Class Michael Petronio, the son of Joseph and Diane Petronio of New Lenox, returned from an eight-month deployment in support of Operation Enduring Freedom while assigned to the aircraft carrier USS Enterprise, which completed her 25th and final deployment after 51 years of service.
This was Petronio’s second deployment on the Enterprise, where he served as the lead petty officer for the ship’s machine repair shop.
While on deployment, Petronio earned his Air Warfare pin and also received his second Navy and Marine Achievement medal.
Petronio has served 4.5 years of his five-year enlistment and plans to re-enlist.
His assignment to the Enterprise will be completed in April.
He is currently stationed at the Norfolk, Va., Naval Station awaiting new orders. Congratulations for a job well done.
Special blessing Mass
U.S. Marine Lance Cpl. Gaston Ruiz Flores of Joliet came home Dec. 20 for rest and relaxation and to attend a special blessing Mass held Jan. 13 in his honor at St. John the Baptist Catholic Church, 404 N. Hickory St., Joliet, with the Rev. Jesus Ramirez and a congregation full of family and friends.
Flores is a graduate of Joliet Central High School. He enlisted in 2010 and has had one seven-month deployment to Afghanistan.
Flores is currently stationed at Camp Lejune in North Carolina. He is the son of Gabriel and Elizabeth Ruiz of Joliet. His siblings are Edgar, Kassandra and Valerie Ruiz.
Triple honors
Dave Culyat of Dignity Memorials has scheduled military honors for three homeless veterans at 2:30 p.m. Thursday at Abraham Lincoln National Cemetery in Elwood.
The Memorial Squad will conduct the ceremonies for A1C Eddie Miller, Air Force 1962-63; Pfc. Daniel Lee Unnuh, Army 1979-81; and Pfc. George Earnest F.armer, Army 1952-54.
Prayer service
The Military Ministry at St. Mary Immaculate Church, 15629 S. Route 59, Plainfield, will hold a prayer service to support military families at 6 p.m. Feb. 15 at the church.
For information, contact Maria Prekop at 312-259-6851 or maria.prekop@navigant.com or Donna Hoban at 815-254-0622 or hobans@sbcglobal.net.
Jean Edwards is always searching for veterans to write about.
She can be reached at 815-773-7172 or jedwards@stmedianetwork.com.
