Army Pvt. Brandon E. Getchell recently returned home after enlisting in the U.S. Army this summer. The visit was short, but Brandon was given the opportunity to spend Thanksgiving with his family and do a little hunting!
Brandon began his basic training at Fort Knox, Ky. in July of this year. His Advanced Individual Training took place at Fort Sill, Okla., and he recently graduated from airborne school at Fort Benning, Ga. He has earned his “red beret,” which has been an international symbol of elite airborne forces since World War II. Getchell’s Military Occupational Specialty is 13 Fox (Fire Support Specialist) or FOIV. After the Christmas break, he will be stationed at Fort Campbell, Ky., and is scheduled to be deployed either in April or the fall of 2010.
Brandon has enlisted for four years of service, after which, his future plans include pursuing a college degree in law enforcement as a state trooper, border patrol officer, or to remain in the Army as an officer.
He is the son of proud parents, Louanne Langley and Rick and Tammy Getchell and is a 2009 graduate of Presque Isle High School. Congratulations, Brandon! Not only have you made your family proud, but your community, as well!
Birthdays
Birthday wishes this week go out to Jasmine Ireland, Laurie Christie, Sue Hay, Lisa Brown, Kristi Doyen Greaves, Willie Winslow, Barry Buck, Jennifer Steeves, Brooke Lavway, Tina Tompkins, Alex Bard, Marriane Lafland, Kevin Michaud and Kelsey Steeves.
Anniversary
Happy Anniversary this week to Adam and Kristi Stoutamyer on the 10th.
Christmas Celebration
The Mapleton Ladies Extension will be sponsoring a Christmas Celebration & Carol Sing with a special appearance from Santa Sunday, Dec. 13 at 4:15 p.m. at the Mapleton Gazebo on Main Street. Refreshments will follow at the Mapleton Lion’s Hall. Those wishing to go caroling at the Mapleton Living Easy Apartments are encouraged to meet at the Hall the same day at 3:30 p.m. Together, we can spread some holiday cheer!
Candlelight Service
The Castle Hill Advent Christian Church will hold a candlelight service on Sunday, Dec. 20, beginning at 6 p.m. Everyone is welcome to attend.
Mapleton United Methodist Church Luncheon
The United Methodist Church luncheon will be held Friday, Dec. 11 at 11:30 a.m. All are welcome to attend.
Jennifer Buzza is the correspondent for Mapleton, Castle Hill and Chapman. She can be reached at 760-9115, or by e-mail at jbuzza@ainop.com.
Photo courtesy of Jennifer Buzza
THE YOUNGEST MEMBER of the Getchell family to meet Army Pvt. Brandon Getchell at the Presque Isle Airport was his 1-year-old nephew, Perry Hanning. Pvt. Getchell recently returned home to Mapleton for a brief visit. After his visit, he returned to Fort Benning, Ga. to complete airborne school.
Photo courtesy of Jennifer Buzza
ARMY PVT. BRANDON GETCHELL was met at the Northern Maine Regional Airport in Presque Isle by numerous happy friends and family members! He made a quick trip home from Fort Benning, Ga. for the Thanksgiving weekend. Once graduating from airborne school, he will be stationed at Fort Campbell, Ky. Welcoming Getchell home are, front row, from left: sister, Alexis Getchell and brother, Michael Langley. Back row: sister, Shelby Condon; papa, Jim Butler; mamere, Marilyn Butler; nephew, Perry Hanning; sister, Amber Getchell; friend, Mitchell Hanning; sister, Lacy Condon; father, Rick Getchell; Pvt. Brandon Getchell, mother, Louanne Langley and cousin, Bethany Devoe.
