IN SERVICE

                         Roanoke Times
                 Copyright (c) 1995, Landmark Communications, Inc.

DATE: THURSDAY, April 15, 1993                   TAG: 9304150343
SECTION: NEIGHBORS                    PAGE: W-2   EDITION: METRO 
SOURCE: 
DATELINE:                                 LENGTH: Short
IN SERVICE
NAVY SEAMAN APPRENTICE TROY W. GOWEN, son of David M. and Carolyn M. Thackston of 1176 Hannah Circle, has returned from a six-month deployment to the Western Pacific and Indian Ocean. Gowen served aboard the destroyer USS Kinkaid, which also was sent to the Persian Gulf and Somalia.
Gowen is a 1990 graduate of Patrick Henry High School.
\ NAVY SEAMAN LAWRENCE A. SIMPSON, son of Charles and Mildred S. Jackson of 2851 Gum Springs Road, Salem, has returned from a six-month deployment to the Western Pacific and Indian Ocean. Simpson served aboard the USS Kinkaid, which also was sent to the Persian Gulf and Somalia.
He is a 1987 graduate of Glenvar High School.
\ THE CITY OF SALEM recently received the Pro Patria award from the Virginia Committee for Employer Support of the Guard and Reserve.
Salem was honored for its management and personnel policies that make it easier for employees to participate in the National Guard and Reserve.
Seven Salem employees are long-term members of the Guard or Reserve. Two were mobilized during Operation Desert Shield/Desert Storm.
Among actions the city took in their support were: establishing a program to make up the difference in military and civilian pay; continuing employment benefits to include health and pension plans, with full reinstatement upon return from active duty; and maintaining communications with employees to keep them updated on changes.
Salem employee James R. Bryant, who also is a sergeant major in the Marine Corps Reserve, made the nomination.

by Bhavesh Jinadra by CNB