Matthew J. Bishop

Navy Seaman Recruit Matthew J. Bishop, son of Janet F. Harris of Pinehurst, and Robin W. Bishop of Apex, recently completed U.S. Navy basic training at Recruit Training Command, Great Lakes, Ill.

During the eight-week program, Bishop completed a variety of training which included classroom study and practical instruction on naval customs, first aid, firefighting, water safety and survival, and shipboard and aircraft safety. An emphasis was also placed on physical fitness.

The capstone event of boot camp is "Battle Stations." This exercise gives recruits the skills and confidence they need to succeed in the fleet. "Battle Stations" is designed to galvanize the basic warrior attributes of sacrifice, dedication, teamwork and endurance in each recruit through the practical application of basic Navy skills and the core values of honor, courage and commitment. Its distinctly "Navy" flavor was designed to take into account what it means to be a sailor.

Bishop is a 2008 graduate of Middle Creek High School, Apex.

Thomas Cleaver

The Marine Corps University Foundation presented the 2007 Alfred M. Gray Trophy for Outstanding Command and Communications Leadership to Capt. Thomas Cleaver of the 8th Communications Battalion at the fifth annual C4 Awards Dinner. Cleaver is the son of Susan and Tom Cleaver, of Pinehurst, and the grandson of Mary Ann and Paul Beck, of Southern Pines.

The Alfred M. Gray Trophy, established in 2000, is awarded each year to a Marine captain serving active duty in a Military Occupational Specialty (MOS) 0602 billet within the Operating Forces or Supporting Establishment. Officers recommended for this award are recognized by seniors, contemporaries, and subordinates as the officers who best exemplify outstanding leadership within the communications environment.

Cleaver was born in Port Jefferson, N.Y., and graduated from the U.S. Naval Academy in Annapolis, Md., in 1998 with a bachelor's degree in history. On May 23, 1998, he was commissioned a second lieutenant. After graduation from the Basic School and the Communication Information Systems Officer Course in September 1999, he was ordered to 2nd Marine Air Wing to serve with Marine Wing Communication Squadron 28 as a single-channel radio platoon commander, multi-channel radio platoon commander, company operation and executive officer, and company commander.

While at MWCS-28, Cleaver was the MAGTF ACE S-6 for two combined arms exercises and the MEF ACE S-6 for a dynamic exercise. Additionally, he participated in three weapons and training instructor exercises and also performed as a guest instructor. In July 2002, Cleaver returned to Quantico and served as an instructor at Communication Information Systems Officer Course. From October 2004 to July 2005, Cleaver served as the aide-decamp to the commanding general , training and executive command. Cleaver then attended Expeditionary Warfare School, finishing in May 2006, whereupon he was assigned to 8th Communication Battalion where he served as company executive and operations officer. He is currently the operations officer for the communications detachment in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom 06-08.

Cleaver's awards include the Navy and Marine Corps Commendation Medal with gold star and the Navy and Marine Corps Achievement Medal. He also earned an MSCIS from Boston University.

On Oct. 1 of this year he was made a major at Camp LeJeune, where he lives with his wife, Alicia, and their children, Megan and Kevin.

Michael E. Cook

Air Force Reserve Airman 1st Class Michael E. Cook has graduated from basic military training at Lackland Air Force Base, San Antonio, Texas.

During the six weeks of training, the airman studied the Air Force mission, organization, and military customs and courtesies; performed drill and ceremony marches, and received physical training, rifle marksmanship, field training exercises, and special training in human relations.

In addition, airmen who complete basic training earn credits toward an associate in applied science degree through the Community College of the Air Force.

Cook is the son of Greg and Margie Black, of Vass, and is a 2007 graduate of Union Pines High School.

Robert M. Douglas

Army Pfc. Robert M. Douglas has graduated from basic combat training at Fort Jackson, Columbia, S.C.

During the nine weeks of training, the soldier studied the Army mission, history, tradition and core values, physical fitness, and received instruction and practice in basic combat skills, military weapons, chemical warfare and bayonet training, drill and ceremony, marching, rifle marksmanship, armed and unarmed combat, map reading, field tactics, military courtesy, military justice system, basic first aid, foot marches, and field training exercises.

He is the son of Michelle Lornson, of Charlotte, and Robert Douglas, of Cameron.

Douglas is a 2008 graduate of Myers Park High School, Charlotte.

Pat Eagle

Army National Guard Pfc. Pat Eagle has graduated from basic combat training at Fort Jackson, Columbia, S.C.

During the nine weeks of training, the soldier studied the Army mission, history, tradition and core values, physical fitness, and received instruction and practice in basic combat skills, military weapons, chemical warfare and bayonet training, drill and ceremony, marching, rifle marksmanship, armed and unarmed combat, map reading, field tactics, military courtesy, military justice system, basic first aid, foot marches, and field training exercises.

She is the daughter of Roger Eagle, of Cameron, and Pana Eagle, Vass.

Eagle is a 1994 graduate of the high school program at Central Carolina Community College, Sanford.

Roger W. Hancock

Army Reserve Pfc. Roger W. Hancock has graduated from basic military training at Fort Jackson, Columbia, S.C., under the split-option enlistment program to serve as a member of the Army National Guard or Reserve.

The program allows students between their junior and senior years of high school to attend basic training during the summer after their junior year. After completing basic training, the recruits will attend National Guard or Reserve weekend drills while still in school. The summer following graduation, the guardsmen or reservists attend advanced individual training in the career specialty they selected at the time they enlisted.

During the nine weeks of training, the soldier studied the Army mission, history, tradition and core values, physical fitness, and received instruction and practice in basic combat skills, military weapons, chemical warfare and bayonet training, drill and ceremony, marching, rifle marksmanship, armed and unarmed combat, map reading, field tactics, military courtesy, military justice system, basic first aid, foot marches, and field training exercises.

He is the son of Teresa Henry, of Cameron, and is a student at Overhills High School.

Courtney L. Highfield

Army Reserve Pvt. Courtney L. Highfield has graduated from basic combat training at Fort Jackson, Columbia, S.C.

During the nine weeks of training, the soldier studied the Army mission, history, tradition and core values, physical fitness, and received instruction and practice in basic combat skills, military weapons, chemical warfare and bayonet training, drill and ceremony, marching, rifle marksmanship, armed and unarmed combat, map reading, field tactics, military courtesy, military justice system, basic first aid, foot marches, and field training exercises.

Highfield is the daughter of Steven Lull, of Aberdeen.

Brandon K. Hood

A native of Pinehurst, Chaplain Brandon K. Hood graduated cum laude and Phi Beta Kappa in 2003 with a bachelor's degree in political science from Davidson College, Davidson.

In 2006, he graduated from Columbia Theological Seminary in Atlanta; having earned a masters of divinity degree. During seminary, he was appointed the president of the Evangelical Student Association.

Commissioned in September 2007, he recently concluded his studies at Officers' Development School, Newport, R.I., Oct. 3, and is currently attending Naval Chaplains' School, Newport, from which he graduated Nov. 21.

Upon completing his training, Hood will serve at Naval Air Station, Atsugi, Japan, providing ministry to the men and women of Carrier Air Wing Five, beginning in December.

Hood is an ordained minister of the Presbyterian Church (USA), who previously served congregations in North Carolina, Arizona, and New Jersey. His parents are Tootie Hood, of Pinehurst, and Roger Hood, of Fayetteville.

Quavadis Y. Jones

Army Reserve Pvt. Quavadis Y. Jones has graduated from basic combat training at Fort Jackson, Columbia, S.C.

During the nine weeks of training, the soldier studied the Army mission, history, tradition and core values, physical fitness, and received instruction and practice in basic combat skills, military weapons, chemical warfare and bayonet training, drill and ceremony, marching, rifle marksmanship, armed and unarmed combat, map reading, field tactics, military courtesy, military justice system, basic first aid, foot marches, and field training exercises.

She is the daughter of Lorraine McDougald Jones, and sister of Amber E. Cain, both of Southern Pines.

Jones is a 2005 graduate of Pinecrest High School.

Antinain D. Knight

Air Force Airman 1st Class Antinain D. Knight has graduated from basic military training at Lackland Air Force Base, San Antonio, Texas.

During the six weeks of training, the airman studied the Air Force mission, organization, and military customs and courtesies; performed drill and ceremony marches, and received physical training, rifle marksmanship, field training exercises, and special training in human relations.

In addition, airmen who complete basic training earn credits toward an associate in applied science degree through the Community College of the Air Force.

He recently received the outstanding honor grad award.

He is the son of Anita Miller of Southern Pines

Knight graduated in 2003 from Pinecrest High School, and in 2007 from Sandhills Community College.

David G. McLean

Army Sgt. David G. McLean has graduated from basic combat training at Fort Jackson, Columbia, S.C.

During the nine weeks of training, the soldier studied the Army mission, history, tradition and core values, physical fitness, and received instruction and practice in basic combat skills, military weapons, chemical warfare and bayonet training, drill and ceremony, marching, rifle marksmanship, armed and unarmed combat, map reading, field tactics, military courtesy, military justice system, basic first aid, foot marches, and field training exercises.

He is the son of Allison and Steve McLean, of Southern Pines. McLean graduated in 2002 from Pinecrest High School, and received a bachelor's degree in 2006 from Columbia College, Chicago, Ill.

Uniqua L. Monroe

Army Reserve Pvt. Uniqua L. Monroe has graduated from basic combat training at Fort Jackson, Columbia, S.C.

During the nine weeks of training, the soldier studied the Army mission, history, tradition and core values, physical fitness, and received instruction and practice in basic combat skills, military weapons, chemical warfare and bayonet training, drill and ceremony, marching, rifle marksmanship, armed and unarmed combat, map reading, field tactics, military courtesy, military justice system, basic first aid, foot marches, and field training exercises.

Monroe is the daughter of Cathy Monroe, of Southern Pines. In 2003, the private graduated from Pinecrest High School.

Richard Motes

Richard Motes graduated from Officer Candidate Class 50 on Aug. 23. He joined the National Guard after the 9/11 attack. He had previously served in the Navy for six years and was in the Gulf War.

After getting out of the Navy, he graduated from Central Carolina Community College, and got married and had three children. He was sent to Iraq for 15 months in 2004 and has orders for a second deployment. Motes graduated from Pinecrest High School in 1987.

He is the son of Janet McKenzie and Joseph Motes, both of Pinehurst.

Joseph Olmstead

MSG Joseph Olmstead, United States Army, recently returned from a 15-month tour of duty in Iraq.

Upon completion of this assignment, Olmstead has been awarded his second Bronze Star Medal for exceptionally meritorious service to the United States as the 243rd Engineer Detachment Sergeant Major and the 20th Engineer Brigade (Combat Airborne), Multi-National Corps (MNC) Baghdad, Iraq during Operation Iraqi Freedom.

Olmstead successfully conducted a route reconnaissance of the main supply route (MSR), Tampa in Iraq. The mission covered over 1860 kilometers and gathered critical information on every culvert, blast crater and overhead obstruction. His expertise allowed for the first clear traffic ability assessment from the most southern tip of the MSR to Mosul in northern Iraq.

In December 2007, Olmstead moved from LSA Anaconda to FOB Warhorse in support of combat operations to root out Anti-Iraqi Forces in the Diyala River Valley (DRV). His expertise in engineering construction was instrumental in the joint-service approach to construct four combat outposts in the DRV.

His work, in conjunction with the Air Force Redhorse engineers, directly contributed to the successful completion of the combat outposts ahead of schedule, allowing 1st Armored Division to continue to take the fight to the enemy. His actions were instrumental in the 4th BDE, 2nd Infantry Division's ability to clear and hold ground and allow Iraqi security forces to secure and hold what was once an insurgent "safe haven."

His technical knowledge was essential in coordinating for repairs, using both vertical and horizontal engineer assets, at six Joint Combat Outposts (JCOP) in the DRV. His timely inspections and quick assessment of what was needed allowed coalition forces to maintain the pace of combat operations while the construction of the JCOPs were being completed. He was also in charge of a team formed and directed by MNC-I to conduct a site assessment and provide critical information for upgrades badly needed at several Points of Entry (POE) along the Iraq-Iran border. The data collected was critical in the future of commerce between the two countries.

Olmstead has also been awarded the Army Commendation Medal (ARCOM). His performance as a member of the CASTLE TAC directly impacted the successful execution of Operation Raider Harvest. His relentless efforts ensured that the Multi-Division North main effort, involving nine battalion level task forces, had the neccessary construction assets to provide assured mobility through route repair for clearance of Al Qaeda strongholds in the Diyala River Valley, Iraq.

His persistence and initiative directly impacted the successful execution of JCOP Himbis and construction of the critical Five Point Bridges. He worked unceasingly to provide 2/23 IN and the 5th Iraqi Army Division with the force protection, life support areas and freedom of manuever necessary to deliberately clear and control the Diyala River Valley. His actions resulted in freedom of access and control of this area for the people and government of Iraq.

Olmstead's actions are in keeping with the finest traditions of military service and reflect distinct credit upon himself, the Multi-National Corps-Iraq and the United States Army.

He is the son of Clif and Carol Johnson, of Pinehurst, and Richard and Georgie Olmstead, of Nichols, N.Y.

Cameron M. Parent

Army Reserve Pvt. Cameron M. Parent has graduated from Basic Combat training at Fort Sill, Lawton, Okla.

During the nine weeks of training, the soldier studied the Army mission and received instruction and training exercises in drill and ceremonies, Army history, core values and traditions, military courtesy, military justice, physical fitness, first aid, rifle marksmanship, weapons use, map reading and land navigation, foot marches, armed and unarmed combat, and field maneuvers and tactics.

Parent is the son of Glenn and Barbara Parent, of Whispering Pines.

Traci M. Person

Army Pvt. Traci M. Person has graduated from basic combat training at Fort Jackson, Columbia, S.C.

During the nine weeks of training, the soldier studied the Army mission, history, tradition and core values, physical fitness, and received instruction and practice in basic combat skills, military weapons, chemical warfare and bayonet training, drill and ceremony, marching, rifle marksmanship, armed and unarmed combat, map reading, field tactics, military courtesy, military justice system, basic first aid, foot marches, and field training exercises.

She is the daughter of David and Kay Fowler, of Aberdeen.

Rachel M. Russell

Army National Guard Pvt. Rachel M. Russell has graduated from basic military training at Fort Jackson, Columbia, S.C., to be a member of the Army National Guard or Reserve Split-option Program.

The program allows students between their junior and senior years of high school to attend national guard or reserve weekend drills while still in school and pursue a military career specialty after they graduate from high school.

During the nine weeks of training, the soldier studied the Army mission, history, tradition and core values, physical fitness, and received instruction and practice in basic combat skills, military weapons, chemical warfare and bayonet training, drill and ceremony, marching, rifle marksmanship, armed and unarmed combat, map reading, field tactics, military courtesy, military justice system, basic first aid, foot marches, and field training exercises.

Russell is the daughter of Lori Russell of Goldston, and James Russell, of Carthage. She is a student at Chatham Central High School, Bear Creek.

Matthew L. Sharp

Air Force Airman 1st Class Matthew L. Sharp has graduated from basic military training at Lackland Air Force Base, San Antonio, Texas.

During the six weeks of training, the airman studied the Air Force mission, organization, core values, and military customs and courtesies; performed drill and ceremony marches, and received physical training, rifle marksmanship, field training exercises, and special training in human relations.

In addition, airmen who complete basic training earn credits toward an associate in applied science degree relating through the Community College of the Air Force.

In 2006, the airman graduated from Western Harnett High School.

Sharp is the son of Edward Sharp, of Cameron, and nephew of Erin Martin, of Manchester, Conn.

Terra D. Williams

Army Pfc. Terra D. Williams has graduated from basic combat training at Fort Jackson, Columbia, S.C.

During the nine weeks of training, the soldier studied the Army mission, history, tradition and core values, physical fitness, and received instruction and practice in basic combat skills, military weapons, chemical warfare and bayonet training, drill and ceremony, marching, rifle marksmanship, armed and unarmed combat, map reading, field tactics, military courtesy, military justice system, basic first aid, foot marches, and field training exercises.

She is the daughter of Kermit Brower Jr., of Cameron. Williams is a 1988 graduate of Union Pines High School.