In Service: Neil A. Hoag

Age: 22

Rank: Specialist

Branch of service: Army

Hometown: Ripon

High school: Ripon High School, Class of 2004

Specialty: Gunner

Currently serving in: Iraq

Family: Parents, Jay and Connie Hoag of Lynden, Wash.

Of note: Hoag will serve a one-year tour with the 81st Brigade of the Army National Guard. He previously served along the Arizona/Mexico border and with flood relief and evacuation in Washington. He graduated from basic training at Fort Knox in 2005.