Zachary N. Anderson

Air Force Cadet Zachary N. Anderson has entered basic cadet training at the U.S. Air Force Academy, Colorado Springs, Colo., in preparation to enter the first academic year at the academy.

The six-week, two-phased orientation program must be successfully completed by the cadets prior to entering their freshman year. The training prepares men and women to meet the rigorous mental and physical challenges experienced by new cadets.

Phase one involves personal in-processing, orientation, and training in the fundamentals of being a cadet. Cadet trainees are prepared to adjust from civilian to military life and disciplines, and learn proper wear of the uniform, saluting policies and procedures, drill and ceremony, marching, and living quarters standards.

During phase two, cadets train outdoors living in tents while learning to function in field conditions. Cadets apply and practice team work, cohesion and learn to deal with physically and mentally demanding situations. They complete the obstacle, confidence, assault, and leadership reaction courses, and participate in a rescue mission termed Operation Warrior.

He is the son of Renee Anderson, of Southern Pines, and Eric N. Anderson, of Aberdeen.

Anderson is a 2009 graduate of Pinecrest High School.

Kevin M. Brown

Army Pfc. Kevin M. Brown 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.

He is the son of Bonnie Brown, of Aberdeen. The private is a 2008 graduate of Pinecrest High School.

April R. Cheek

Marine Corps Cpl. April R. Cheek, a 2005 graduate of Calvary Christian School, Southern Pines, received a Certificate of Commendation for her outstanding performance of duty while serving as an aviation operations specialist in support of exercise Foal Eagle 2009 while attached to Marine Aircraft Group 12, 1st Marine Aircraft Wing, III Marine Expeditionary Force, Iwakuni, Japan.

Cheek provided critical operational support to the senior watch officer and subordinate commands participating in the exercise. She was also responsible for ensuring all mission commander and air tasking orders were received and disseminated in a timely manner. Cheek's devotion to duty and attention to detail directly contributed to the mission's ability to execute over 120 sorties and 230 flight hours.

Cheek joined the Marine Corps in October 2005.

Andrew L. Correll

Marine Corps Lance Cpl. Andrew L. Correll, a 2006 graduate of Pinecrest High School, Southern Pines, has been deployed with fellow Marines and sailors of the 3rd Battalion, 8th Marine Regiment (Reinforced), Camp Lejeune, N. C., assigned as the ground combat element of Special Purpose Marine Air Ground Task Force - Afghanistan (SPMAGTF-A), Islamic Republic of Afghanistan.

The Marines recently graduated 150 Afghan national policemen from an eight-week training program that focuses on security, weapons handling, marksmanship, advanced first aid, non-lethal weapons techniques and human rights.

With the Afghan national police (ANP) in the lead, Marines conducted search of a high-interest village resulting in the discovery of 150 pounds of explosive materials, rocket-propelled grenades and improvised explosive device materials. The Marines also found evidence leading to the identification of suspected insurgents. The Biometric Automated Toolset or BATS system was used to record fingerprints, photographs, background information and iris scans to be added to an international database accessible by any federal agency for future identification of individuals.

Dustin M. Craven

Army Pvt. Dustin M. Craven 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.

Craven earned distinction as an honor graduate of the course.

He is the son of Holli Hoffman, of Seven Lakes and is a 2006 graduate of Rockingham Christian Academy.

Kurt W. Derespino

Army Pvt. Kurt W. Derespino 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 Robin Derespino, of Whispering Pines and is a 2008 graduate of Calvary Christian School.

John A. Garrison

Army Pvt. John A. Garrison 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 Lisa Maness, of Carthage and is a 2006 graduate of Union Pines High School.

Justin S. Hamlin

Army Pfc. Justin S. Hamlin 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 Juanita Smoot, of Southern Pines, and is a 2004 graduate of Pinecrest High School.

Stephen P. Hannon

Army Pvt. Stephen P. Hannon 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.

He is the son of Morris Hannon, of West End, and is a 2005 graduate of Union Pines High School.

Richard T. Hill

Army 2nd Lt. Richard T. Hill has graduated from the Infantry Basic Officer Leader Course at Fort Benning, Columbus, Ga.

The course is designed to produce physically fit, competent, and confident infantry platoon leaders who are proficient in basic infantry skills. Lieutenants learn adaptive skills and to train and lead soldiers in infantry platoons to accomplish mission objectives in any environment.

Combat arms tactics covered in the course include tactical doctrine and operations, air assault operations, military operations on urban terrain, and field training exercises. Officers also learn artillery, engineer, and nuclear, biological, and chemical operations.

Hill, an infantry officer, is the son of Peter A. Hill, of Southern Pines, and Leslie A. Lovett of Arlington, Texas. The lieutenant graduated in 2004 from Pinecrest High School, and received a degree in 2008 from N.C. State University.

Michael P. Hoffman

Michael P. Hoffman graduated from the Army ROTC (Reserve Officer Training Corps) Leader Development and Assessment Course, also known as "Operation Warrior Forge," at Fort Lewis, Tacoma, Wash.

The 32 days of training provide the best possible professional training and evaluation for all cadets in the aspects of military life, administration and logistical support. Although continued military training and leadership development is included in the curriculum, the primary focus of the course is to develop and evaluate each cadet's officer potential as a leader by exercising the cadet's intelligence, common sense, ingenuity and physical stamina. The cadet command assesses each cadet's performance and progress in officer traits, qualities and professionalism while attending the course.

Cadets in their junior and senior years of college must complete the leadership development course. Upon successful completion of the course, the ROTC program, and graduation from college, cadets are commissioned as second lieutenants in the U.S. Army, National Guard, or Reserve.

The cadet is a student at Appalachian State University. He is the son of Philip and Maggie Hoffman, of Carthage, and a 2006 graduate of Union Pines High School.

Kimberly N. Kearns

Army Reserve Pfc. Kimberly N. Kearns 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 Pinkney Kearns, of Marston, and niece of Tessie Taylor, of Aberdeen.

Kearns is a 1995 graduate of a high school program at Sandhills Community College.

Jonathan R. Lee

Air Force Airman Jonathan R. Lee graduated from basic military training at Lackland Air Force Base, San Antonio, Texas.

The airman completed an intensive, eight-week program that included training in military discipline and studies, Air Force core values, physical fitness, and basic warfare principles and skills.

Airmen who complete basic training earn four credits toward an associate in applied science degree through the Community College of the Air Force.

He is the son of Mary McLeod and grandson of Lucille McLeod, of Vass, and is a 2008 graduate of Union Pines High School.

Daniel C. Lemonds

Army Pvt. Daniel C. Lemonds 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 Joyce Lemonds, of Jackson Springs, and is a 2005 graduate of East Montgomery High School.

Thomas Z. Lemonds

Army Spec. Thomas Z. Lemonds 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.

Lemonds is the son of Paula Love, of High Falls, and Randell Lemonds, of Robbins, and is a 2005 graduate of North Moore High School.

Davis A. McKew

Army Pfc. Davis A. McKew 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.

He is the son of David and Angie McKew, of Foxfire, and is a 2002 graduate of Pinecrest High School.

Chandler J. Moore

Army National Guard Pfc. Chandler J. Moore 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.

He is the son of Jackie Clark, of Pinehurst, and grandson of Rosa Richardson, of Rockingham. He is a 2008 graduate of Pinecrest High School.

Bryan E. Sees

Air Force Airman Bryan E. Sees graduated from basic military training at Lackland Air Force Base, San Antonio, Texas.

The airman completed an intensive, eight-week program that included training in military discipline and studies, Air Force core values, physical fitness, and basic warfare principles and skills.

Airmen who complete basic training earn four credits toward an associate in applied science degree through the Community College of the Air Force.

He is the son of Phoebe Gleave, of Lexington, and Richard Sees, of West End, and is a 2008 graduate of Union Pines High School.

Christopher J. Stallings

Air Force Airman Christopher J. Stallings 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.

He is the son of Janet Stallings, of West End, and is a 2008 graduate of Pinecrest High School.

Julian R. Britton-Steinbac

Navy Seaman Recruit Julian R. Britton-Steinbac, son of Lisa M. and Richard T. Steinbacher, of Pinehurst, recently completed U.S. Navy basic training at Recruit Training Command, Great Lakes, Ill.

During the eight-week program, Britton Steinbac 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.

Britton-Steinbac is a 2008 graduate of Pinecrest High School.

George Stonecipher III

Army Pfc. George C. Stonecipher III graduated from the Land Combat Electrician Advanced Individual Training course at Redstone Arsenal, Huntsville, Ala.

The course is designed to train soldiers to operate and perform unit and direct and general support level maintenance on land combat support systems and operate test stations.Soldiers also are trained to troubleshoot, repair, and test land combat electronic missile systems, including tube launched, optically sensed, wire guided (TOW) missiles, Dragon weapon systems and associated components; perform quality control measures, and inspect, adjust, repair and replace defective assemblies, sub-assemblies, and related components and parts on missile systems, which includes instruments, equipment, navigational controls and simulators.

He is the son of George C. Stonecipher Jr., of Carthage. His wife, Marlene, is the daughter of Ricky M. and Kimberley B. Gaines of Bear Creek.

David N. Talsma

Air Force Airman David N. Talsma graduated from basic military training at Lackland Air Force Base, San Antonio, Texas.

The airman completed an intensive, eight-week program that included training in military discipline and studies, Air Force core values, physical fitness, and basic warfare principles and skills.

Airmen who complete basic training earn four credits toward an associate in applied science degree through the Community College of the Air Force.

He is the son of David Talsma, of Vass, and is a 2007 graduate of Union Pines High School.

Jonathan M. Thompson

Marine Corps 1st Lt. Jonathan M. Thompson, son of Cynthia McCaskill Thompson and Michael C. Thompson of Southern Pines, was recently designated a Naval Aviator while serving with Training Squadron 21, Naval Air Station, Kingsville, Texas.

Thompson was presented with the coveted "Wings of Gold," marking the culmination of months of flight training.

Thompson followed a training curriculum that included basic studies in engineering and navigation, training flights in simulators, aircraft familiarizations, basic and advanced instrument training, extended navigation flights, and landings and takeoffs aboard an aircraft carrier.

Thompson is a 2001 graduate of The O'Neal School and joined the Marine Corps in September 2005. He is a 2005 graduate of North Carolina State University.

Elyssa B. Vest

Army Pvt. Elyssa B. Vest 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 Susan Carbone, of Robbins, and granddaughter of Christina Vaughan, of Smithtown, N.Y.

The private is a 2007 graduate of North Moore High School.

Dustin P. White

Army Pvt. Dustin P. White 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.

He is the son of Johnny White, of Carthage, and Pamela Clark, of Sanford.

The private received a degree in 2008 from Central Carolina Community College.

Allen H. White

Army Spec. Allen H. White 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.

He is the son of Allen White. of Pinehurst. The specialist is a 2005 graduate of Jay M. Robinson High School, Concord.

William C. Willcox

Air Force Airman William C. Willcox graduated from basic military training at Lackland Air Force Base, San Antonio, Texas.

The airman completed an intensive, eight-week program that included training in military discipline and studies, Air Force core values, physical fitness, and basic warfare principles and skills.

Airmen who complete basic training earn four credits toward an associate in applied science degree through the Community College of the Air Force.

He is the son of Roberta and Perry Gathing,s of Burlington, and William and Joann Willcox, of Carthage.

Willcox is a 2004 graduate of Williams High School, Burlington.