Jay M. Baker

Air Force Airman Jay M. Baker 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 degree through the Community College of the Air Force.

He is the son of Mona Hall of Vass, and is 2004 graduate of Union Pines High School.

William J. Barber

Marine Corps Sgt. William J. Barber, son of Sarah E. Kelly of Carthage, and William J. Barber Sr., of Pinehurst, recently reported for duty with Marine Wing Headquarters Squadron One, 1st Marine Aircraft Wing, Okinawa, Japan.

Barber is a 2002 graduate of Union Pines High School who joined the Marine Corps in January 2005.

Kevin G. Bolton

Air Force Airman Kevin G. Bolton 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 degree through the Community College of the Air Force.

Bolton earned distinction as an honor graduate.

He is the son-in-law of Jim Travis of Cameron, and is a 2005 graduate of Western Harnett High School, Lillington.

Ryan C. Burton

Army Pvt. Ryan C. Burton has graduated from basic infantry training at Fort Benning, Columbus, Ga.

During the nine weeks of training, the soldier received training in drill and ceremonies, weapons, map reading, tactics, military courtesy, military justice, physical fitness, first aid, and Army history, core values and traditions. Additional training included development of basic combat skills and battlefield operations and tactics, and experiencing use of various weapons and weapons defenses available to the infantry crewman.

He is the son of Amy and Jeffrey Bopp of Cameron.

Jennifer L. de Mello

Army Pfc. Jennifer L. de Mello has graduated from the Unit Supply Specialist Advanced Individual Training course at the Quartermaster Battalion, Fort Lee, Petersburg, Va.

The course is designed to train students to receive, inspect, segregate, store, inventory, issue, deliver and turn-in organizational and installation supplies and equipment; maintain automated supply systems for accountability with use of unit computers; issue and receipt of small arms, and secure and control weapons and ammunition supplies.

A 2001 graduate of Pinecrest High School, de Mello is the daughter of John C. de Mello of Southern Pines.

Joshua D. Fernandez

Joshua D. Fernandez has joined the United States Army under the Delayed Entry Program. The program gives young men and women the opportunity to delay entering active duty for up to one year.

The enlistment gives the new soldier the option to learn a new skill, travel and become eligible to receive as much as $50,000 toward a college education. After completion of basic military training, soldiers receive advanced individual training in their career job specialty prior to being assigned to their first permanent duty station.

The recruit qualifies for a $6,000 enlistment bonus.

Fernandez, a graduate of Western Harnett High School, will report to Fort Sill, Lawton, Okla., for basic training in July.

He is the son of Claudio R. Fernandez of Cameron.

Kyle Gomes

Air National Guard Airman 1st Class Kyle Gomes 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 degree through the Community College of the Air Force.

He is the son of Antone Gomes of Fairhaven, Mass., and Rebecca Gomes of Pinehurst.

Spencer J. Harris

Army Pvt. Spencer J. Harris 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 Michael Harris of Aberdeen, and Jean Harris of Durham. Harris is a 2000 graduate of Northern High School, Durham.

James J. Haywood

Marine Corps Pvt. James J. Haywood, son of Tammy S. and James R. Haywood of Aberdeen, recently completed 12 weeks of basic training at Marine Corps Recruit Depot, Parris Island, S. C.

Haywood and fellow recruits began their training at 5 a. m., by running three miles and performing calisthenics. In addition to the physical conditioning program, Haywood spent numerous hours in classroom and field assignments which included learning first aid, uniform regulations, combat water survival, marksmanship, hand-to-hand combat and assorted weapons training. They performed close order drill and operated as a small infantry unit during field training.

Haywood and other recruits also received instruction on the Marine Corps' core values --honor, courage and commitment, and what the core values mean in guiding personal and professional conduct.

Haywood and fellow recruits ended the training phase with "The Crucible," a 54-hour, team evolution culminating in an emotional ceremony in which recruits are presented the Marine Corps Emblem, and addressed as "Marines" for the first time in their careers.

Brandon J. Huggins

Army Pvt. Brandon J. Huggins 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.

Huggins is the son of Lisa Polson of Cameron.

Quavadis Jones

Private Second Class Quavadis Jones, of Southern Pines, successfully completed U.S. Army basic training at Fort Jackson, S.C.

She is the daughter of Lorraine Jones, of Southern Pines, and the late Benjamin Jones. She is a 2005 graduate of Pinecrest High School.

Savannah D. Kochel

Air Force Airman 1st Class Savannah D. Kochel 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 degree through the Community College of the Air Force.

She is the daughter of Paul and Cheryl Bunce of Seven Lakes West and is a 2005 graduate of Pinecrest High School.

Erica L. McNair

Air Force Master Sgt. Erica L. McNair has been promoted to the rank of master sergeant in the U.S. Air Force.

McNair, a services mortuary superintendent with 16 years of military service, is assigned to the 43rd Services Squadron, Pope Air Force Base, Fayetteville.

She is the daughter of Debra Washington of Raleigh, and the granddaughter of Julia Washington of Cameron. Her husband, Tony, is the son of Alberta Sherman of Mt. Olive, Miss.

The sergeant is a 1991 graduate of Western Harnett High School, Lillington.

Dustin M. Oakes

Marine Corps 2nd Lt. Dustin M. Oakes, son of Cheri A. and Keith E. Oakes of Southern Pines, recently graduated from the United States Naval Academy in Annapolis, Md., and was commissioned as an officer in the United States Marine Corps.

Oakes successfully completed four years of intensive academic, physical and professional military training, resulting in a bachelor of science degree. The mission of the United States Naval Academy is to develop its Midshipmen morally, mentally and physically, in order to prepare combat leaders of character for the Navy and Marine Corps.

Considered one of the top institutions in the country, the U.S. Naval Academy was founded in 1845. Of its 60,000 alumni, Naval Academy graduates include 4,000 admirals and generals, one president, 200 members of Congress, three governors, 73 Medal of Honor winners, one Nobel Prize winner and 40 astronauts. The Naval Academy currently has more than 4,000 students who comprise the Brigade of Midshipmen, and who come from every state in the union. Each year, nearly 15,000 young men and women apply, but less than 1,300 are accepted.

Oakes is a 2003 graduate of Lumpkin County High School of Dahlonega, Ga.

Patrick F. Poss

Air Force Airman Patrick F. Poss has arrived for duty at Malmstrom Air Force Base, Great Falls, Mont.

Poss is a tactical response force apprentice assigned to the 741st Missile Security Forces Squadron.

He is the son of Maureen Poss of Southern Pines and is a 2006 graduate of Pinecrest High School.

Jeremiah A. Rickman

Marine Corps Reserve Pvt. Jeremiah A. Rickman, son of Merry Rickman of Aberdeen, recently completed 12 weeks of basic training at Marine Corps Recruit Depot, Parris Island.

Rickman and fellow recruits began their training at 5 a. m., by running three miles and performing calisthenics. In addition to the physical conditioning program, Rickman spent numerous hours in classroom and field assignments which included learning first aid, uniform regulations, combat water survival, marksmanship, hand-to-hand combat and assorted weapons training. They performed close order drill and operated as a small infantry unit during field training.

Rickman and other recruits also received instruction on the Marine Corps' core values--honor, courage and commitment, and what the core values mean in guiding personal and professional conduct. Rickman and fellow recruits ended the training phase with "The Crucible," a 54-hour, team evolution culminating in an emotional ceremony in which recruits are presented the Marine Corps Emblem, and addressed as "Marines" for the first time in their careers.

Brandon W. Ricks

Army Pvt. Brandon W. Ricks 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.

Ricks is the son of Patty Ricks of Cameron.

Honoring Vets

Whe local Marine Joe Riley read a story about 19 Marines from a detachment in Columbus, Ohio, who were killed in Iraq, he discovered that the Marines were from L Co., 3rd Bn, 25th Marines, 4th Marines Division -- the same outfit with which he had served in World War II.

Riley was severely wounded in Iwo Jima in 1945.

Riley wrote letters of condolence to the families. The Greater Marine Foundation of Columbus invited him to be the main speaker at the 232nd birthday ball of the Marine Corps. More than 800 people were in attendance.

"The Rileys returned home very proud of being invited to Columbus, but more proud of the Marines now serving in Iraq, many of whom have already spent two and three tours of duty," says a family spokesman.

Marcus D. Salters

Army Pvt. Marcus D. Salters 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 Linda Cheatham of Aberdeen.

Brandon W. Scott

Air Force Airman 1st Class Brandon W. Scott 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 degree through the Community College of the Air Force.

He is the son of Debra Fisher of Vass, and Ken Scott of Embassy Drive, Summerville, S.C. Scott is a 2006 graduate of Union Pines High School.

Stephen C. Sherman

Navy Reserve Seaman Stephen C. Sherman, son of Debby F. and Robert O. Sherman of Southern Pines, recently completed U.S. Navy basic training at Recruit Training Command, Great Lakes, Ill.

During the eight-week program, Sherman 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.

Shayne E. Shockley

Army Pfc. Shayne E. Shockley 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.

Shockley is the son of Owen and Brenda Shockley of Cameron.

Robert G. Swigart

Air Force Airman Robert G. Swigart 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 degree through the Community College of the Air Force.

Swigart is the son of Gary Swigart of Seven Lakes North.

Michael E. Tem

Navy Ensign Michael E. Tem, son of Barbara and Edward Tem of Pinehurst, recently graduated from the United States Naval Academy in Annapolis, Md., and was commissioned as an officer in the United States Navy.

Tem successfully completed four years of intensive academic, physical and professional military training, resulting in a bachelor of science degree. The mission of the United States Naval Academy is to develop its Midshipmen morally, mentally and physically, in order to prepare combat leaders of character for the Navy and Marine Corps.

Considered one of the top institutions in the country, the U.S. Naval Academy was founded in 1845. Of its 60,000 alumni, Naval Academy graduates include 4,000 admirals and generals, one president, 200 members of Congress, three governors, 73 Medal of Honor winners, one Nobel Prize winner and 40 astronauts. The Naval Academy currently has more than 4,000 students who comprise the Brigade of Midshipmen, and who come from every state in the union. Each year, nearly 15,000 young men and women apply, but less than 1,300 are accepted.

Tem is a 2004 graduate of Union Pines High School.

Leilani Thompson

Air Force Airman Leilani Thompson 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 degree through the Community College of the Air Force.

She is the daughter of Daliah Covington of Lynn Haven, Fla., and granddaughter of Phyllis Covington of Vass.

Thompson is a 2007 graduate of Mosley High School, Lynn Haven, Fla.

Douglas B. Waldorf

Army Pfc. Douglas B. Waldorf has graduated from the Infantryman One Station Unit Training at Fort Benning, Columbus, Ga. The training consists of basic infantry training and advanced individual training.

During the nine weeks of basic combat training, the soldier received training in drill and ceremonies, weapons employment, map reading, tactics, military courtesy, military justice, physical fitness, first aid skills, and Army history, core values and traditions. Additional training included development of basic combat skills and battlefield operations and tactics, and experienced use of various weapons and weapons defenses available to the infantry crewman.

The advanced individual training course is designed to train infantry soldiers to perform reconnaissance operations; employ, fire and recover anti-personnel and anti-tank mines; locate and neutralize land mines and operate target and sight equipment; operate and maintain communications equipment and radio networks; construct field firing aids for infantry weapons; and perform infantry combat exercises and dismounted battle drills, which includes survival procedures in a nuclear, biological or chemical contaminated area.

Waldorf is the son of Raymond Waldorf of Arlington Drive, Cameron. He is a 2007 graduate of Overhills High School.

Thomas C. Walz

Air Force Airman Thomas C. Walz 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 degree through the Community College of the Air Force.

He is the son of Janine and Allen Blanchette of Cameron and is a 2007 graduate of Western Harnett High, Lillington.