Navy Ensign Angus J. MacDonald, son of Susan T. and Finley F. MacDonald of Colebrook, N.H., was recently commissioned upon graduation from the Naval Reserve Officer Training Corps Program with Naval Reserve Officers Training Corps Unit, Jacksonville University, Jacksonville, Fla.

During college, MacDonald completed naval science courses and academic courses that fulfilled degree requirements. The courses, combined with annual summer training aboard ships and shore installation, served to prepare NROTC graduates for the intellectual, mental and physical challenges of a commissioned officer.

MacDonald is a 1992 graduate of Colebrook Academy of Colebrook, N.H. and joined the Navy in March 1992.



Navy Petty Officer 2nd Class Joseph T. Maddox, son of Bernice E. and Daniel P. Maddox of Hartford, departed on a scheduled deployment as part of the Peleliu Expeditionary Strike Group (ESG) while assigned to the guided-missile cruiser USS Cape St. George, homeported in San Diego.

Prior to deploying, Maddox and more than 5,500 sailors and Marines of the Peleliu ESG successfully completed a composite training unit exercise and a joint task force exercise, the final step in preparing the strike group for deployment. It is designed to test its ability to operate in a complex, hostile environment with other U.S. and coalition forces.

USS Cape St. George is an Aegis-equipped cruiser able to engage in offensive actions against the enemy through employment of long-range anti-shipping missiles and naval gunfire.

Maddox is a 2003 graduate of Buckfield High School and joined the Navy in July 2003.



Army Sgt. 1st Class Jamison R. McAlister has deployed to a forward operating base in Afghanistan to support the missions of Operation Enduring Freedom.

Enduring Freedom is the official name given to anti-terrorism military operations involving U.S. troops and allied coalition partners. Reserve component members from all branches of the U.S. Armed Forces have been mobilized, activated and deployed along with active duty members.

Mission objectives encompass combating the international terrorist network or regime forces outside the borders of the United States. U.S. troops serve in South and Southwest Asia, Central Asia, the Arabian peninsula, islands in the Pacific and other countries.

McAlister, an infantry combat adviser with 19 years of military service, is normally assigned to Fort Riley, Junction City, Kan.

He is the son of Philip C. McAlister Sr. of Buckfield. His wife, Vonnie, is the daughter of Ray and Velma Croley of Elkton, Ky. The sergeant first class graduated in 1989 from Buckfield High School.



Navy Seaman Recruit Kyle Gregory, a 2005 graduate of Lake Region High School, Naples, recently completed U.S. Navy basic training at Recruit Training Command, Great Lakes, Ill.

During the eight-week program, Gregory completed a variety of training, which included classroom study and practical instruction on naval customs, first aid, firefighting, water safety and survival and shipboard and aircraft safety. An emphasis was also placed on physical fitness.