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War claims another hero By John Seney and Kellie Geist
clermont@communitypress.com
Gregory J. Missman had served his country during a three-year stint in the Army in the 1990s. He left the service and returned to civilian life for 11 years. Last fall, the Pierce Township resident decided he wanted to get back in uniform again. He reenlisted Veterans Day, Nov. 11. Missman, 36, died June 8 of wounds sustained while fighting in Afghanistan. Missman’s father, Jim Missman of Pierce Township, said his son “was very proud of what he did” in re-enlisting. Missman becomes the first Clermont County serviceman to die in Afghanistan. Six others have died in Iraq. A Department of Defense news release said Spec. Missman died of wounds sustained when enemy forces attacked his unit using small arms fire. He was assigned to the 704th Brigade Support Battalion, 4th Brigade Combat Team, 4th Infantry Division in Fort Carson, Colo. Jim Missman and other family members traveled to Dover Air Force Base, Del., July 9 for the return of his son’s body to the United States. In addition to his father, Greg Missman is survived by his mother Donna Missman Turner, 4-yearold son Jack Missman, brother Michael Missman, step-sister Dawn Puccini, and ex-wife Brooke Missman. Missman said the Army conducted a very dignified ceremony for Greg’s arrival back on U.S. soil at Dover. He said the Army assigned three people to accompa-
Spec. Greg Missman ny the Missman family, and “they couldn’t have been nicer.” “It was just overwhelming,” Missman said of the ceremony at Dover. E.C. Nurre Funeral Home in Amelia will handling arrangements when Greg’s body arrives back in the Cincinnati area this week. A visitation is planned for the Union Township Civic Center. Funeral services will be held at Mt. Moriah United Methodist Church in Withamsville. However, plans have not been finalized. Information about funeral can be found as it develops on Cincinnati.com/uniontownship. Jim said his son was a 1993 graduate of Amelia High School. During his first enlistment in the Army, he served two years in Korea.
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The father said his son had worked as a systems analyst while out of the military. He said he was very good with computers. “I don’t know who I’m going to get to fix my computer,” the father said. Greg left for Afghanistan June 5. A recent photograph taken while Missman was home on leave shows him holding his gray cat, “Buddy.” Jim said Greg was very fond of the cat. Jim said the cat is living at his home. “The cat will be taken care of, as will my grandson,” Jim Missman said. Missman said both he and his son were members of American Legion Post 72 in Union Township. Norman Nedeau, a member of the post, said he mostly knew
Greg as Jim’s son. He said Jim is a long-time member of the post and past president. Nedeau said Jim Missman would come by the post almost every day. Occasionally he would come by with his son. He remembers Greg being very good with computers, even at a young age. “He was a pretty nice boy,” he said. Nedeau pointed out that Missman was the third member of the post to be killed in action in recent years. Members Matt Maupin and Mark Anthony “Tony” Wojciechowski were killed in Iraq. “We’ve been hit pretty hard out here,” he said. Clermont County Commissioner Bob Proud, who works to bring veterans into the commissioners meetings to recognize them for his service, said, “All of Clermont County’s thoughts and prayers go out to the family. As a county, we stand ready to support Greg’s family in any way they need. We will never allow his service and sacrifice to be forgotten.” Proud is founder of the Whole in My Heart support group for the families and friends of men and women serving in Iraq or Afghanistan, “As president of the Amelia High School Alumni Association,” Proud said, “I want to express our deepest sympathy. We’re proud to have Greg as one of ours.” Volunteers of the Yellow Ribbon Support Center started hanging new yellow ribbons across Pierce and Union townships July 9, Proud said. Also, he is asking those with flags to fly them at half-staff in honor of Greg.
New playground a hit in Pierce Twp. By John Seney jseney@communitypress.com
Children in Pierce Township have something new this summer at the township park. The new playground was dedicated July 4 after the township’s Fourth of July Children’s Parade. It was an immediate hit with most of the kids who participated in the parade. “We’re thrilled,” said Township Trustee Bonnie Batchler. She the playground replaces a small playground at the park that was about 20 years old and in need of repair. The total cost of the new playground was about $81,000, but the township received grants and
donations that paid about $51,000 of the cost. Batchler said she and Township Service Director Daryl Berry looked at several playgrounds in the area before deciding on the design and equipment. She said the playground is not finished. The township has received an additional grant of $20,000 to add a tiny tot playground designed for children ages 1 to 4. The township also plans to add benches for parents to sit on while their kids play. “I love it. It’s great,” said Kelly Sininger of Pierce Township about the new playground as her 5year-old son Tyler climbed on the new equipment.
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Army Spec. Gregory J. Missman
Diana Deimling
Vol. 29 No. 27 © 2009 The Community Press ALL RIGHTS RESERVED
B E C A U S E C O M M U N I T Y M AT T E R S
JOHN SENEY/STAFF
Children enjoy the equipment at the new playground at Pierce Township Park.