The Weston Chronicle

Mel was drafted into the Vietnam War on May 20, 1968. He served in Bravo Company, 3rd Battalion, 21st Infantry Regiment of the196th Infantry Brigade stationed out of Landing Zone Center near Tam Ky.
While at the base camp each company pulled guard duty for four days while the other three companies patrolled the mountain trails and jungle. Every four days the companies rotated their duties long enough to rest, shower and get clean laundry.
In July 1969 he had the most field time in the company, was promoted to Sergeant and put in charge of the helicopter resupply pad at LZ Center. He was presented a bronze star for his meritorious service in Vietnam.
He and his wife Mary own Beverlin’s Statuary.

Airman Recruit Rylee Crockett, a native of Weston, Missouri, serves the U.S. Navy assigned to Strike Fighter Squadron (VFA) 143, which operates the U.S. Navy’s F/A-18 Super Hornet.
Crockett graduated from West Platte High School in 2017, where he participated in football and track. He is the son of Carrie Dooley and Karl Crockett.
The skills and values needed to succeed in the Navy are similar to those found in Weston.
“Growing up in a small farm town working in the fields helped me understand the value of hard work,” said Crockett. “I also learned that teamwork is needed to accomplish a bigger goal and that translates perfectly into what the Navy needs.”
Crockett joined the Navy 18 months ago. Today, Crockett serves as an aviation machinist’s mate.
“I joined the Navy because I was living a life that wasn’t productive and making bad decisions that made me realize I needed structure and discipline to turn things around,” said Crockett. “Being on the water and seeing the world also appealed to me so what better option than the Navy?”
The Super Hornet is one of the most advanced aircraft in the world, according to Navy officials. The aircraft take off from and land aboard Navy aircraft carriers at sea and are capable of conducting air-to-air combat as well as striking targets on land.
Navy aircraft carriers are designed for a 50-year service life. When the air wing is embarked, the ship carries more than 70 attack fighter jets, helicopters and other aircraft, all of which take off from and land aboard the carrier at sea. With more than 5,000 sailors serving aboard, the aircraft carrier is a self-contained mobile airport.
Aircraft carriers are often the first response to a global crisis because of their ability to operate freely in international waters anywhere on the world’s oceans.
With 90% of global commerce traveling by sea and access to the internet relying on the security of undersea fiber optic cables, Navy officials continue to emphasize that the prosperity of the United States is directly linked to recruiting and retaining talented people from across the rich fabric of America.
Crockett serves a Navy that operates far forward, around the world and around the clock, promoting the nation’s prosperity and security.
“We will earn and reinforce the trust and confidence of the American people every day,” said Adm. Lisa Franchetti, chief of naval operations. “Together we will deliver the Navy the nation needs.”
Crockett has many opportunities to achieve accomplishments during military service.
“Getting my Plane Captain Qualification is my biggest accomplishment so far,” said Crockett. “Having a hand in making sure that plane is safe to fly and no one gets hurt makes me very proud.”
Crockett is grateful to others for helping make a Navy career possible.
“My father instilled my work ethic and he has been very supportive,” added Crockett. “Even though he needed me back home when he was starting up his business, he still encouraged me to join the Navy.”