Local man's sister deployed to Iraq

Air National Guard Master Sgt. Veronica A. Menzel has deployed overseas to a forward operating base in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom.

Operation Iraqi Freedom is the official name given to military operations involving members of the U.S. armed forces and coalition forces participating in efforts to free and secure Iraq.

Members from all branches of the U.S. military and multinational forces are also assisting in rebuilding Iraq's economic and governmental infrastructure, and training and preparing Iraqi military and security forces to assume full authority and responsibility in defending and preserving Iraq's sovereignty and independence as a democracy.

Menzel, an air traffic controller with 19 years of military service, is regularly assigned to the Stanly County Airport, New London, N.C.

She is the daughter of Tom and Jackie Cunningham of Laurel Drive, Glenshaw, Pa., and sister of Tom Cunningham of Burnt Mill Road, Blacksburg, S.C.

Her siblings are Kristen Race of Springwood Drive, Waxhaw, N.C., and Steve and Shawn Cunningham of Laurel Drive, Glenshaw, Pa.

The sergeant is a 1982 graduate of Shaler Area High School, Glenshaw.