Columbia newsmakers

Naval promotion

Navy Chief Petty Officer Cindy L. Marks, daughter of Yolanda C. and Kenneth C. Marks of Evans, was recently promoted to her current rank while serving aboard the multi-purpose amphibious assault ship USS Wasp.

Scholarship recipient

Punam Patel of Evans recently received a Dean's Scholarship and Eckerd Scholarship during a ceremony at Mercer University's Southern School of Pharmacy. Patel is the daughter of Heksh and Pushpa Patel of Evans.

Marine duty

Marine Corps Sgt. William T. Smith Jr., whose wife, Shannon, is the daughter of cindy J. and Robert S. Smith of Augusta, recently reported for duty with Marine Wing Support Sqaudron 273, 2nd Marine Aircraft Wing, Marine Corps Air Station, Beaufort, S.C.