In the Service

Marine Corps Pvt. William N. Kantz, son of Karen N. Kantz of Freehold, has completed 12 weeks of training at Marine Corps Recruit Depot, Parris Island, S.C. In addition to the physical conditioning program, he spent hours in the classroom and on field assignments learning first aid, combat water survival, marksmanship and assorted weapons training. Kantz is a 2003 graduate of Colts Neck High School.

Cadet Edward H. McCay III, has graduated from the Army ROTC (Reserve Officer Training Corps) National Advanced Leadership Camp, Fort Lewis, Tacoma, Wash. The cadet command assesses each cadet’s performance and progress in officer traits, qualities and professionalism while at camp. McCay is the son of Edward H. and the stepson of Lorraine McCay, Farmingdale.

Marine Corps Staff Sgt. Steven Whalen, a 1990 graduate of Howell High School, Howell, recently went to the free port of Monrovia, Liberia, to provide support for West African forces while assigned to the 26th Marine Expeditionary Unit (MEU). The MEU established a quick reaction to provide support for the Economic Community of West African States’ forces, and assisted in securing the free port in an effort to facilitate humanitarian efforts for the Liberian people.

Marine Corps Cpl. Stephen M. Gronsky, son of Stephen F. Gronsky, Castle Rock, Colo., and Kathleen Kennedy of Howell, recently departed on a six-month deployment while assigned to the 13th Marine Expeditionary Unit (MEU), based out of Camp Pendleton, Calif. The unit is an intervention force with the ability to rapidly organize for combat operations in virtually any environment. Gronsky joined the Marine Corps in 1999.