Hometown News

Army Reserve Spec. Zachary J. Blevins is returning to the U.S. after a deployment to Iraq or Afghanistan in support of Operations Iraqi Freedom or Enduring Freedom, respectively. The soldiers return to Fort Dix, N.J. for debriefing, evaluations and out-processing procedures before returning to their regularly assigned Army Reserve or National Guard units. In addition, Spec. Blevins was decorated with the Army Commendation Medal. Blevins, a motor transport operator, is assigned to the 733rd Transportation Company, located in Reading, Pa. He has served in the military for two years. He is the son of Dennis J. and Rhonda G. Blevins of Beagle Lane, Fries, Va. The specialist graduated in 2008 from Carroll County High School, Hillsville, Va.

Army Reserve Sgt. Ronald D. Simpson is returning to the U.S. after a deployment to Iraq or Afghanistan in support of Operations Iraqi Freedom or Enduring Freedom, respectively. The soldiers return to Fort Dix, N.J. for debriefing, evaluations and out-processing procedures before returning to their regularly assigned Army Reserve or National Guard units. In addition, Simpson was promoted to the rank of Staff Sgt. Simpson, a medium/heavy motor transport operator, is assigned to the 733rd Transportation Company, located in Reading, Pa. He has served in the military for 14 years. He is the son of Patsy Cox of Meadow Creek Road, and Bobby Simpson of Watson Terrace, both of Galax, Va. The staff sergeant graduated in 1986 from Galax High School.

Army Spec. Jesse A. Powers has re-enlisted in the U.S. Army after two years of military service. Powers, a unit supply specialist, is assigned to the 1st Battalion, 79th Field Artillery, Fort Sill, Lawton, Okla. He is the son of Sherri Carrol of Wytheville, Va. His wife, Roxanne, is the daughter of Lester J. and Virginia Bass of Elk Creek Parkway, Independence, Va.

Army Reserve Spec. Don A. Guynn is returning to the U.S. after a deployment to Iraq or Afghanistan in support of Operations Iraqi Freedom or Enduring Freedom, respectively. The soldiers return to Fort Dix, N.J. for debriefing, evaluations and out-processing procedures before returning to their regularly assigned Army Reserve or National Guard units. The specialist served in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom in the Iraq Theater of Operations. Guynn, a motor transport operator, is a member of the 733rd Transportation Company, Reading, Pa. He has served in the military for three years. He is the son of Donald W. Guynn of Maple St., and Betty L. Guynn of Highland Village Drive, both of Sparta, N.C. In 2008, Guynn graduated from Alleghany High School, Sparta.