Air Force

Erik Boal GLENDALE -- o7 In an effort to keep track of local high school players who now compete in college, the News-Press will devote space to a weekly update:f7 Robin Pearce (Village Christian, 2001) freshman outside hitter, Rutgers-Newark University women's volleyball -- It probably came as no surprise that Pearce -- a former News-Press All-Area selection -- was selected as the New Jersey Athletic Conference Rookie of the Year, considering the former Village Christian standout earned conference Rookie of the Week honors three times during the regular season.

Lisa B. Alderrou When I was a little girl I thought my father would live to be 160 years old. He was invincible, just like a Greek god. He gave me strength and made me laugh, and he was the smartest dad I knew. And he had a special way of making me mad. Dad called me his "favorite daughter," and I always had to remind him that I was his only daughter. Then we'd laugh, but not before he'd get that look in his eye that said, "Maybe." I'd hit him on the shoulder, he'd laugh and in the next breath, I would tell him he was my "favorite father."

Erik Boal GLENDALE -- o7 In an effort to keep track of local high school players who now compete in college, the News-Press will devote space to a weekly update:f7 Jenny Rowland (Flintridge Prep, 2001) freshman forward, Air Force Academy women's soccer -- After leading the Falcons to a pair of victories against the University of Nevada-Las Vegas and San Diego State this past week, Rowland became the only individual in the Mountain West Conference this season to earn a second conference player of the week honor.

GLENDALE — For hundreds of local residents who turned out to Memorial Day ceremonies across Glendale, Burbank and La Cañada Flintridge, the hours of tribute — complete with bagpipes, benedictions, names of fallen service members, patriotic hymns and roses — serve as an annual exercise in remembrance. But for Liam McKenna, a second-grader at St. Finbar School, such an exercise takes place weekly. “Every Sunday, I take a marble from the ‘Iraq’ circle and put it in the ‘home’ pile,” said Liam, dressed from head to toe in Army fatigues and wearing his dad’s rank, Sgt. 1st Class.

Josh Kleinbaum Col. Dave Worley stood about three feet from the large blue sport-utility vehicle, with its 20-inch rims and speakers powerful enough to shake all the windows facing the Crescenta Valley High School quad. A student walked up to Worley, who was wearing his blue Air Force uniform, and asked: "Did they have one of these when the Air Force recruited you?" Worley, who retired from the U.S. Air Force in December after 27 years of service and supervises the school's Air Force Junior ROTC, just shook his head.

GLENDALE — The following are updates on area athletes at the collegiate level.   Vinni Lodolo (St. Francis High, 2009) freshman, Air Force Academy men’s tennis: Lodolo, a reigning All-Area member, played a huge role in helping the Falcons post a 4-3 win against service-academy rival Army on Sunday in Orlando, Fla. It marked the ninth win in a row for Air Force, which saw Lodolo clinch the victory with a 6-3, 7-6 (8-6) win against Johnny Lucero.

Florante O. Cazenas, the son of Chita Noblefranca of Burbank, has joined the U.S. Air Force under the delayed entry program. The program gives young men and women the opportunity to enlist and delay going into basic military training for up to one year. Cazenas, a 2003 graduate of John Burroughs High School, has reported for active duty at Lackland Air Force Base in San Antonio. Air Force Airman Brent R. Harrill, the son of Lynn Harrill of Glendale, has graduated from basic military training at Lackland Air Force Base in San Antonio.

Air Force Airman Christine M. Kim has graduated from basic military training at Lackland Air Force Base in San Antonio. She is the daughter of Jay and Jenny Kim, of Burbank, and granddaughter of Saiyong Lee, of Gardena. Kim is a 2006 graduate of Burbank High School. Air Force Airman Tony Ly has graduated from basic military training at Lackland Air Force Base in San Antonio. He is the brother of Nancy Ly, of Glendale, and son of Gana Bui, of Milpitas, Calif.

Air Force Airman Melissa Gutterrez of La Crescenta graduated from basic military training at Lackland Air Force Base in San Antonio, Texas. Gutterrez completed an intensive eight-week program of military discipline training and studies, Air Force core values, physical fitness and basic warfare principles. Gutterrez is a 2010 graduate of Crescenta Valley High School and is the daughter of Angela Regalado of La Crescenta.    

Air Force Airman Sung H. In, son of Heesook Han of Montrose, has graduated from basic military training at Lackland Air Force Base, San Antonio, Tex. During the six weeks of training, the airman studied the Air Force mission, organization, 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 degree through the Community College of the Air Force.