P-G: Marine honored at his old school

Marine Corporal Ben Kiernan, just back from Afghanistan, visited Howe Elementary School in Mt. Lebanon this week, where he was greeted with patriotic songs, flag-waving and lots of high-fives.

Wearing his Marine uniform, Mr. Kiernan listened as administrators, teachers, community members and students thanked him for his service. He used a cane to walk and stand because of injuries he received when an improvised explosive device, or IED, exploded during a routine patrol.

Many Howe students had been writing letters to Mr. Kiernan while he was overseas, said principal Michelle Murray, so they were excited to meet him.

Read the full article:

• www.post-gazette.com/pg/10328/1105655-55.stm (Pittsburgh Post-Gazette)

Operation Troop Appreciation

Chalk this one up as one of those "I had no idea there was an organization like this and I sure as heck didn't know it was based right here in Mt. Lebanon!"

Each Saturday morning, I take the time to travel with my mother around town to visit the various garage sales that our fellow residents hold each week. We stopped at a garage sale on Parkside Avenue on Saturday that had a large sign in front of the house that said "All proceeds benefit Operation Troop Appreciation".

Curiosity got the best of us, so we made sure to ask the homeowner, Kristen Holloway, what the organization was about and she proceeded to tell us everything that we needed to know. She also had a great photo album available which showed the troops opening the care packages that were sent via Operation Troop Appreciation.

Please take the time to learn about this great organization and how you can help support our troops.

Link: www.operationtroopappreciation.org

Rep. Smith To Honor WWII Vets

State Rep. Matt Smith, D-Mt. Lebanon, is sponsoring a ceremony in July to honor World War II veterans living in the 42nd Legislative District. The ceremony will be held at 2 p.m. July 24 at the Bethel Park Community Center.

"I'm excited to have an opportunity to help bring our community together to honor the many patriots who answered our country's call to duty," Mr. Smith said.

World War II veterans who want to attend should respond by visiting Mr. Smith's constituent office at 319 Castle Shannon Blvd. between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m. weekdays or by calling 412-571-2169.

Lebo Grandpa To Serve Second Tour In Iraq

At a time when most people his age are thinking retirement, one local Army reservist has volunteered for a second tour of duty in Iraq.

Command Sgt. Maj. Jim Hill, 58, says part of the reason he's heading back is his commitment to family and the families of every service man and woman who will be in his command. He's already thinking about how to bring everyone home safely for next Christmas.

The Mt. Lebanon resident who grew up in Oakland is no stranger to combat. Forty years ago, he served two years in the jungles of Vietnam - a Marine and scuba diver. But back then he was a single care-free teenager. Now he's a grandfather.

Link: www.kdka.com/local/Grandfather.Iraq.Army.2.618387.html