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Military news

By Times Staff Writer
Published July 20, 2005

Army Lt. Col. David H. Dodson, son of Barbara L. and Carsie H. Dodson of Lecanto, formerly of St. Petersburg, has taken command of the 1st Battalion, 40th Field Artillery at Fort Sill, Okla. Dodson began his military career in 1986 when he was commissioned as a second lieutenant of field artillery. He was assigned to Fort Sill in July 2001, where he has served as executive officer for the 2nd Battalion, 2nd Field Artillery; training and operations staff officer of the 30th Field Artillery Regiment; and assistant Training and Doctrine Command system manager, Field Artillery Tactical Data Systems. His decorations include the Meritorious Service Medal with two oak leaf clusters, the Army Commendation Medal with three oak leaf clusters, the Army Achievement Medal with two oak leaf clusters and the Korean Defense Service Medal. He is a 1978 graduate of Dixie Hollins High School and a 1986 graduate of the University of South Florida.

Army Capt. Hideyoshi C. Johnson, son of Mie and Norman Johnson of St. Petersburg, recently returned from Kandahar, Afghanistan. He was promoted in April to his current rank and is stationed at Schofield Barracks, Hawaii, where he is executive officer of A Battery, 1st Battalion, 62nd Air Defense Artillery. He is a 1997 graduate of Northeast High School and a 2001 graduate of the University of Florida.

Pfc. Jonathan S. O'Connor, son of Judie and retired Col. Jack O'Connor of St. Petersburg, has graduated from basic training at Fort Benning, Ga., and has reported to Fort Gordon, Ga., for Satellite/Communications training. He is a 2000 graduate of St. Petersburg High School and earned his associate's degree from St. Petersburg College.

Coast Guard Ensign Steven Puffer II, son of Ann and Jeff Puffer of St. Petersburg, has graduated from the Coast Guard Officer Candidate School, New London, Conn. He received the Chief Petty Officer's Award for Physical Fitness. He is currently assigned to vessel inspections at the Marine Safety Office, Morgan City, La. He is a 1997 graduate of Northeast High School and a 2001 graduate of the University of Florida.

[Last modified July 20, 2005, 00:57:15]