Active duty

Published 10:59 pm Sunday, May 2, 2010

Air Force Maj. Robert Carden, son of Bob and Debbie Carden of Granite Falls, is serving in South Korea, where he recently participated in an annual series of major exercises, focusing on defending South Korea and training Korean forces. Carden graduated in 1999 from California State University at Fresno.

Air Force Senior Master Sgt. Roderick A. Schwald has been named the U.S. Air Force Academy’s 2009 First Sergeant of the Year. Selection was based on the individual’s exemplary duty performance, job knowledge, leadership qualities, teamwork, significant self-improvement, personal achievements, notable accomplishments and community service and support. Schwald, a first sergeant with 25 years of military service, is regularly assigned to the Commandant of Cadets, U.S. Air Force Academy, Colorado Springs, Colo. He is the son of Mickey Schwald of Mountlake Terrace and Bob Schwald of Bothell. The first sergeant graduated in 1984 from Mountlake Terrace High School.

Air Force Airman Joshua A. Small graduated from basic military training at Lackland Air Force Base, San Antonio, Texas. He is the son of Shelley Dove of Lynnwood, and is a 2007 graduate of Emerald Ridge High School, Puyallup.

Air Force Senior Airman Ryan D. Ford has arrived for duty at the 361st Recruiting Squadron in North Bend, Ore. Ford, an enlisted accessions recruiter, has served in the military for four years. He is the son of Colleen and Rick D. Ford of Oak Harbor, and is a 2002 graduate of Oak Harbor High School.

Army Pfc. Sidney A. Taylor has graduated from basic infantry training at Fort Benning, Columbus, Ga. Taylor is the son of Majel Taylor of Tacoma, and brother of Michael Taylor of Monroe.

To submit news for the Active Duty column, contact reporter Gale Fiege: 425-339-3427, gfiege@heraldnet.com.