Lt. Col Patrick Gaydon

Patrick Gaydon, son of Marie and Lewis Gaydon, Muncy, was promoted to Lieutenant Colonel on March 1, 2009. Colonel Gaydon graduated from Muncy High School in 1990, and the U.S. Military Academy at West Point in 1994.

On Feb. 1, 2009 he assumed command of special troops in Battalion 5th Brigade (Stryker) 2nd Infinity division, Fort Worth Washington.

There are more than 500 soldiers of various specialties and skills within his command.

Army National Guard Sgt. Darrell A. Butler participated in the 56th Presidential Inauguration Jan. 20 as part of the largest ever contingent of National Guard members to serve in Washington, D.C.

More than 7,000 Army and Air National Guard members from 31 states and territories provided the 2009 Presidential Inauguration with military working dogs, consequence management planning, and ceremonial, logistics, and medical support through the Armed Forces Inaugural Committee. National Guard members also assisted local authorities with crowd management, traffic control, and emergency services operations.

Mollybeth Ferari

The Armed Forces Inaugural Committee is established every four years by the Secretary of Defense as a joint service organization to coordinate military ceremonial participation and support inaugural events.

Butler, a truck driver, is a member of the 228th Brigade Support Battalion based in Lock Haven, Pa. The guard member has served in the military for 10 years.

He is the son of Darrell A. and Mary D. Butler of Dennison, Ohio. His wife, Valleen, is the daughter of Pete and Susan Hann of Muncy.

The guardsman graduated in 1994 from Indian Valley High School, Gnadenhutten, Ohio, and received an associate degree in 2004 from Tidewater Technical College, Newport News, Va.

Air Force Airman Ryan J. Hill has graduated from basic military training at Lackland Air Force Base, San Antonio, Texas.

Betty Swank

During the six weeks of training, the airman studied the Air Force mission, organization, core values, and military customs and courtesies; performed drill and ceremony marches, and received physical training, rifle marksmanship, field training exercises, and special training in human relations.

In addition, airmen who complete basic training earn credits toward an associate in applied science degree relating through the Community College of the Air Force.

The son of Ann Phillips of Michael Ave., Hughesville, the airman graduated in 2008 from Hughesville High School.

Air Force Airman Mollybeth C. Ferari has graduated from basic military training at Lackland Air Force Base, San Antonio, Texas.

During the six weeks of training, the airman studied the Air Force mission, organization, core values, and military customs and courtesies; performed drill and ceremony marches, and received physical training, rifle marksmanship, field training exercises, and special training in human relations.

In addition, airmen who complete basic training earn credits toward an associate in applied science degree relating through the Community College of the Air Force.

The daughter of Noel Ferari of S. Market St., Williamsport, and Lauren Balliet of Foust Hill Road, Hughesville, the airman is a 2008 graduate of Hughesville High School.

Air Force Airman Betty W. Swank has graduated from basic military training at Lackland Air Force Base, San Antonio, Texas.

The daughter of Chester Swank Jr. of Egli Hill Road, Muncy, and Roberta Heneks of Cronus Drive, El Paso, Texas, the airman is a 2008 graduate of Chapin High School, El Paso.

Air National Guard Master Sgt. Rod Furman participated in the 56th Presidential Inauguration Jan. 20 as part of the largest ever contingent of National Guard members to serve in Washington, D.C.

Furman, a computer systems administrator, is a member of the 112th Air Operations Squadron based in State College, Pa. The guard member has served in the military for 23 years.

His wife, Evelyn, is the daughter of Ernest and Ruth Rishell of Quaker Church Road, Pennsdale.

The guardsman graduated in 1979 from Loyalsock Township Senior High School, Williamsport.

Army National Guard Pvt. Kyle A. Wagner has graduated from the Petroleum Supply Specialist Advanced Individual Training course at Fort Lee, Petersburg, Va.

The course is designed to train students in receipt, storage, issue, shipping, and distribution of petroleum, oil and lubricant products used by the Army. Training included instruction in petroleum and water accounting, operating equipment associated with fuels and water distribution; and fueling and defueling operations and procedures on vehicles, aircraft and stationary equipment.

Wagner is the son of Christine E. Wagner of Hughesville. His grandparents, Donald and Barbara Phillips, reside on Rabbittown Road, Pennsdale.

The private is a 2008 graduate of Hughesville Junior-Senior High School.

Army Pvt. Colten R. Niklaus has graduated from the Infantryman One Station Unit Training at Fort Benning, Columbus, Ga. The training consists of Basic Infantry Training and Advanced Individual Training.

During the nine weeks of basic combat training, the soldier received training in drill and ceremonies, weapons employment, map reading, tactics, military courtesy, military justice, physical fitness, first aid skills, and Army history, core values and traditions. Additional training included development of basic combat skills and battlefield operations and tactics, and experienced use of various weapons and weapons defenses available to the infantry crewman.

Niklaus is the son of Gregory and Lori Niklaus of Burns Road, Muncy.