Pvt. Asle A. Farah, daughter of Zahra Gas of Fisteris Court in Springfield, recently completed basic training at Marine Corps Recruit Depot, Parris Island, S.C.
Navy Seaman Paul L. Friedman, son of Eyre Seicentos and Steve L. Friedman of Gavelwood Court, Springfield, is currently deployed in the Western Pacific and Arabian Gulf while assigned to the aircraft carrier USS Abraham Lincoln.
Marine Corps Lance Cpl. Juan Saldana, son of Martha Saldana of Tributary Court, Springfield, is currently deployed in the 24th Marine Expeditionary Unit.
Marine Corps Pvt. Saud S. Akhtar, son of Shaheeu M. and Syed M. Akhtar of Springfield, was recently called to active duty in support of Operation Enduring Freedom while assigned to 4th Assault Amphibian Battalion, 4th Marine Division, based in Norfolk. Their mission is to land surface assault equipment during amphibious operations and to support operations ashore.
Marine Corps Lt. Col. Richard A. Johnson, Jr., son of Virginia F. and Richard A. Johnson of Springfield, was recently called to active duty in support of Operation Enduring Freedom while assigned to Marine Air Logistics Squadron 49, 4th Marine Air Wing, home based in Newburgh, N. Y.
Johnson is a 1981 graduate of Lee High School and joined the Marine Corps in May 1985. He is a 1985 graduate of U.S. Naval Academy with a BS degree and a 1997 graduate of Fletcher School of Law and Diplomacy with a MALD degree.
Lance Cpl. Alexander Powers, son of Gary and Wendy Powers of Springfield, is on board the Norfolk-based USS Bataan, heading east in support of Operation Enduring Freedom. In 2002, the USS Bataan assisted in the removal of the Taliban regime and the transport of rebels to Guantanamo Bay, Cuba. The crew received orders to return to the ship while on their recent holiday break.
As a member of the 2nd Marine Regiment, Powers is part of the infantry.