CRESTVIEW — U.S. Gold Gymnastics and Cheerleading staffers want to help provide a wheelchair-accessible home for a wounded soldier.

The explosion

 Master Sgt. Joseph Deslauriers lost his left arm and legs in 2011 while serving as a U.S. Air Force explosive ordnance disposal technician in Afghanistan.

The details are hazy, he said.

"I don't really remember what happened during the incident," Deslauriers said. "I just remember what happened afterwards."

His Silver Star medal — considered the third highest honor for bravery during combat — helped fill in the blanks.

Deslauriers gave medical attention to a wounded Marine after clearing a path toward a disabled military vehicle struck by an improvised explosive device, the award citation said. Deslauriers received his injury after clearing a route for additional military personnel. Deslauriers is credited for clearing a landing area for a medical evacuation helicopter and helping others carry the injured Marine to safety.

A new home

After 21 months of recovery and rehabilitation, Deslauriers is still active duty; he serves as an EOD program manager at Hurlburt Field's U.S. Air Force Special Operations Command. 

He said "it's mainly my willingness to give back to my country," that keeps him going despite the exhausting work.

However, life has its challenges. Deslauriers' family — including his wife, Lisa, and their 2-year-old son, Cameron — are living in an apartment that isn't user-friendly, family members said.

"When he returned home, he couldn't get his wheelchair through the front door without help," Lisa said. "Having a new home will alleviate those struggles."

Randy Wise Homes' Building Homes for Heroes program is working on a 3,000-square-foot, four-bedroom, three-bathroom ranch-style house for the Deslaurierses.

U.S. Gold staffers are aiding the effort. Their first Wounded Warrior competition and Kids Night Out is Saturday.  

A portion of the competition's proceeds and all the following Kids Night Out's proceeds will go toward the new home.

"The Kids Night Out is where we are going to be able to make a lot of money for him, because our coaches are working for free," U.S. Gold manager Jennifer King said.

Children ages 5 and older should dress comfortably to play several activities during the event.

Deslauriers said he and his family appreciate the school's efforts.

"It's great that young people of our community care for people in need and that (they) are coming together for a cause," he said.

WANT TO GO?

WHAT: Wounded Warrior Competition, featuring 50 children from the Crestview and Destin U.S. Gold Gymnastics.

WHEN: 3 p.m. 

WHERE: U.S. Gold Gymnastics and Cheerleading, 2118 3rd Ave., Crestview

COST: Donation

WHAT: Kids Night Out

WHEN: 6:30-10 p.m. Saturday

WHERE: U.S. Gold Gymnastics and Cheerleading

COST: $20 per non-member, $15 per member

CONTACT: 306-3298.

Contact News Bulletin Staff Writer Matthew Brown at 850-682-6524 or matthewb@crestviewbulletin.com. Follow him on Twitter @cnbMatthew.

This article originally appeared on Crestview News Bulletin: Gymnasts to present benefit for wounded soldier

CRESTVIEW — U.S. Army Rangers live to serve their country, and locally, that may extend to monthly soup kitchen duties.

"They are just so organized and willing to help with whatever," Crestview First United Methodist Church member Sheila Brown said. "I would love for them to be here every (Saturday)."

Thirty-eight volunteers from the 6th Ranger Training Battalion, stationed at Camp James E. Rudder on Eglin Air Force Base, served 72 needy residents on Saturday at the church's weekly soup kitchen.

Sgt. 1st Class Nate Smith, a regular volunteer, said battalion members offered to step in after a group scheduled to be there had to bow out at the last minute.

"They asked if we could fill in, so I figured this would be a good opportunity to get some of these soldiers out here in the community," Smith said.  

Several soldiers brought pulled pork, Spanish rice, french fries and desserts. In addition to cooking and serving the food, the battalion facilitated a cornhole game and Spc. Dennis White played the piano. The group also cleaned the kitchen afterward.

Smith said he would be interested in having the rangers volunteer at the soup kitchen at least one Saturday a month. 

"A lot of these guys are looking for the opportunity to volunteer … This is a good way to give back to the community," he said.  

Contact News Bulletin Staff Writer Matthew Brown at 850-682-6524 or matthewb@crestviewbulletin.com. Follow him on Twitter @cnbMatthew.

This article originally appeared on Crestview News Bulletin: U.S. Army Rangers considering monthly service at Crestview soup kitchen

Air Force Airmen John R. Redden and Samantha R. Place have graduated from basic military training at Joint Base San Antonio-Lackland, San Antonio, Texas.

Redden and Place completed an intensive, eight-week program with training in military discipline and studies, Air Force core values, physical fitness and basic warfare principles and skills.

Airmen who complete basic training earn four credits toward an associate in applied science degree through the Community College of the Air Force.

Redden, the son of Nicole and John Redden of Crestview, is a 2011 Crestview High School graduate.

Place, the daughter of Janet Place of Shalimar,  is a 2009 Baker School graduate.

This article originally appeared on Crestview News Bulletin: Crestview High, Baker School alumni graduate from military training

Crestview native Rct. Charles Bishop, 18,  is training at Marine Corps Recruit Depot Parris Island, S.C., in hopes of earning the title of United States Marine.

Bishop — training with Platoon 3097, Lima Company, 3rd Recruit Training Battalion — is scheduled to graduate Dec. 13.

“I decided to join the Marine Corps because I have always been competitive in life, and the Marines gave me the challenge of a lifetime. So I accepted that challenge," Bishop, a 2013 Crestview High School graduate, said. "I heard the Marine Corps can give me the discipline and self-confidence I need."

Approximately 20,000 recruits come to Parris Island annually for the chance to become United States Marines. They endure 13 weeks of rigorous, transformative training.

Parris Island is home to entry-level enlisted training for 50 percent of males and 100 percent of females in the Marine Corps.

This article originally appeared on Crestview News Bulletin: Accepting the challenge: Crestview High graduate training for Marines

CRESTVIEW — Pfc. Makayla Martin, with the Emerald Coast Young Marines, has greater appreciation for the Battle of Iwo Jima, having received a first-hand account from a man who lived through it.  

"I learned that Iwo Jima was a crucial battle and that it was a difficult course for (retired Marine Walter Sullivan) to overcome," the 12-year-old said.

See Emerald Coast Young Marine's "Veterans Appreciation Lunch" photos>>

She interviewed Sullivan, who served with an infantry division that invaded the Pacific island in 1945, before the Nov. 16 Young Marines' Veterans Appreciation Lunch at Elks Lodge 2624 in downtown Crestview.

Lance Cpl. Aston Normand, who interviewed World War II veteran William P. Zell, said he learned what motivated Zell during his 31-year career in the U.S. Navy and U.S. Air Force.

"He didn't do it for the money or anything else; he just wanted to serve his country and help his fellow brothers and sisters in the military," he said. 

Zell gave Young Marines some advice after earning an honorary certificate.

"There are three things I always want you to remember: duty, honor and country," he said.

This article originally appeared on Crestview News Bulletin: Young Marines learn about veterans' military service (PHOTOS)

The Department of Veterans Affairs reportedly has reduced the backlog of disability compensation claims from 611,000 to 400,835, or 34 percent, since April.

Additionally, VA improved the accuracy of disability ratings, and provided hundreds of thousands of claims decisions to veterans who have waited the longest.

The Veterans Benefits Administration directed 20 hours of mandatory overtime per month for claims processors, interrupted only during the government shutdown.

VBA will continue its effort son further reducing the backlog, focusing on claims that have been pending the longest.

Filing an electronic Fully Developed Claim at www.benefits.va.gov/fdc is the quickest way for veterans to get a decision on their compensation claim.

This article originally appeared on Crestview News Bulletin: VA processes 34 percent of veteran claims older than one year

CRESTVIEW —  Emily Cassity enlisted in the U.S. Army when she was 25 years old.

She served as a nurse in Tennessee, Colorado, Germany and Fort Benning, Ga., where she treated soldiers wounded in the Korean War.

And Friday, students honored the 88-year-old's service.

See photos from the Davidson Veterans Day celebration>>

Davidson Middle School students and Crestview Mayor David Cadle honored Cassity and all military members, retired or serving, during an assembly in the school's gymnasium. The event featured patriotic performances from the school's band and chorus group.

Cassity, who received a standing ovation, encouraged students considering enlisting "to explore the possibilities."

"There are a lot of advantages to the military, but it is something you have to get into and find," she said.

Contact News Bulletin Staff Writer Matthew Brown at 850-682-6524 or matthewb@crestviewbulletin.com. Follow him on Twitter @cnbMatthew.

This article originally appeared on Crestview News Bulletin: Davidson honors 88-year-old veteran and other service members (PHOTOS)

CRESTVIEW — Residents on Monday showed their gratitude to veterans and active duty members of the armed forces.

The Crestview Veterans Day parade featured student groups, businesses, social clubs and the Loomis Bros. Circus elephants.

See photos from Crestview's Veterans Day Parade here>>

See video footage of the Veterans Day parade>>

Among veterans accepting the crowd's accolades was former 1st Sgt. Thomas Seagle, who served during World War II, the Korean War and the Vietnam War.

Seagle said he narrowly missed storming the Normandy beaches on D-Day when a last-minute reassignment was delivered.

"I got pulled out at the last minute because they formed a new company," Seagle said. "I missed that slaughter. I've been blessed."

Another World War II veteran, former Staff Sgt. Bill Miller, described how he met his wife of 69 years, Kathleen, while she served in the Royal Air Force's Women's Auxiliary Air Force and he was stationed in England with the U.S. Army.

"I backed over her in a jeep," Miller said.

The couple's daughter, City Clerk Betsy Roy, said her dad went the wrong way around an English roundabout and had his mishap when he tried to reverse out.

 Parading organizations included veterans organizations, Cub Scout packs, Girl Scout Troop 625, the Young Marines, the Shoal River Mustang Club, the American Legion Riders motorcycle club, Hadji Shrine from Pensacola, and OC's Towing, which paraded its giant wrecker trucks.

Air Force Brig. Gen. Mark Stogsdill (Ret.), grand marshal, rode in a World War II jeep as the Crestview and Baker High School and Davidson Middle School bands performed patriotic music.

Real estate agents from ERA Realty passed out American flags, which parade goers waved high against a bright, sunny sky as groups, including the Baker and Crestview school ROTC battalions, marched past.

Contact News Bulletin Staff Writer Brian Hughes at 850-682-6524 or brianh@crestviewbulletin.com. Follow him on Twitter @cnbBrian.

This article originally appeared on Crestview News Bulletin: Main Street parade draws Panthers, Bulldogs, Gators, Mustangs and elephants (VIDEO, PHOTOS)

CRESTVIEW — Derek Haws was making up for lost time with daughters Rebecka, 6, and Keyleigh, 7, as the trio ate breakfast on Friday at Bob Sikes Elementary School.

"It's nice to spend time with my kids," he said, wearing his U.S. Army uniform. "They have to put up with a lot, with me being gone." 

See Bob Sikes Elementary School "Bring a Vet to School Day" photos>>

Similarly, Vietnam veteran Rick Martell said he appreciated the school's "Bring a Vet to School Day," which allowed him to spend quality time with grandson Gaige Cook, 7.

About 250 veterans attended the event, which included breakfast, story-swapping and patriotic music. The Patriotic Pups, a school club for students with parents serving in the military, volunteered.

It all left an impression, Martell said.  

"When I was serving, they didn't treat us like this," he said.

Club members Sophia Sullivan, 7, and Carly Hayes, 8, said they appreciated the chance to honor veterans.

"I am happy to serve all of these parents; they are like my parents," Carly said.

Veteran Jesse Ladner — invited by his sons Owen and James McPherson — said seeing children celebrate Veterans Day is rewarding.

"It makes you feel good," he said. "I personally feel that it is a greater honor … the children showing respect, than anything … like receiving a medal."

Contact News Bulletin Staff Writer Matthew Brown at 850-682-6524 or matthewb@crestviewbulletin.com. Follow him on Twitter @cnbMatthew.

This article originally appeared on Crestview News Bulletin: Veteran: 'Bring a Vet to School Day' was 'like receiving a medal'(PHOTOS)