Currently browsing: Navy
Family sees benefits from joining Sea Cadets
October 28, 2009 by Nicki Faulk
Courtesy of this week’s North Jefferson News:
Stephen Duncan probably did not know that his enlistment in the U.S. Navy was going to inspire almost his whole family to join a version of the military.
But it did just that when the Hayden family traveled to Great Lakes, Ill., to see Duncan, now 24, graduate from boot camp.
“We saw kids in their dress whites when we went to Great Lakes,” said Karla Duncan. That was her family’s first exposure to the U.S. Naval Sea Cadet Corps.
The Sea Cadets program is for children ages 14-17 and is one of the closest things to the military that kids can join.
Mark and Karla’s three youngest children — Seaman Apprentice Joshua Duncan, 16; Seaman Apprentice Micah Duncan, 14; and Apprentice Cadet AnnaMarie Duncan, 12 — all joined the Valor Division unit of the Sea Cadets in the past year.
The Valor Division, which recently moved from Leeds to Trussville, also includes Navy League Cadets for kids ages 11-13.
In August, the parents got involved by becoming instructors in the Valor Division. Mark is the unit’s public affairs specialist, while Karla handles supply.
Lt. JG Kenneth Youngblood is the commanding officer.
Mark Duncan said he decided to get involved partly because the unit needed help and also because he wanted to contribute.
“You wake up one day and realize you’re 46 and you wonder, ‘What have I done?’”, he said.
He and his wife believe wholeheartedly in the program. They say it has changed them and their kids for the better.
Their involvement has inspired Mark and Karla to lose a total of 53 pounds since August. The Sea Cadets enforce the same height and weight restrictions as the U.S. Navy, so the couple could not wear the Sea Cadets uniform until they met those standards.
As for the kids, the Duncans hardly recognize their children when the family goes to drill every month.
“They walk differently, they carry themselves differently,” Mark said. “When they’re in uniform, they’re so patriotic and eager to help. They just transform.”
The Duncans said the Sea Cadets is not for the faint of heart.
“It is just like being in the military,” Karla said. “If they forget part of their uniform, they do the push-ups, not their parents. They’re learning responsibility.”
The unit drills every month. Cadets learn marching and facing movements and military courtesy such as saluting.
They also have opportunities to earn awards, ribbons and advance their rank.
“They don’t hand them out like candy,” said Mark. “You really have to earn them.” The Duncan children have earned six ribbons each.
Cadets are required to live up to the unit motto of “Honor, Courage and Commitment.”
Cadets have numerous options to train with actual military units in fields such as SEAL training, scuba school, photojournalism, naval intelligence, marksmanship training, mine warfare ops, JAG legal training, aviation flight training and more.
Mark and Karla Duncan are thrilled with the way Sea Cadets is shaping their family.
“We love it,” said Karla. “This is one of the best things that has happened to our family.”
Wow, congratulations to the Duncans!!
Wounded warriors get heroes’ greeting at Lakeshore Foundation
September 25, 2009 by Nicki Faulk
Printed in yesterday’s Birmingham News:
Sandy Ballard waved a flag outside the Lakeshore Foundation tonight to give a group of veterans the greeting she said her loved ones did not receive when they came home from Vietnam.
“They need to see that people support them,” Ballard said.
About 450 people joined Ballard, a Bessemer resident, in welcoming a motorcade of classic cars carrying 35 veterans who suffered war injuries or have other disabilities, said Damian Veazey of the Lakeshore Foundation.
The former soldiers will be taking part in Lima Foxtrot — a program that includes activities such as rock climbing and scuba diving designed to help disabled military personnel.
The veterans said they were thrilled to be greeted by the flag-waving crowd.
“They say across America patriotism is dead. Actually, it’s not,” said Robert Silvia, a U.S. Navy petty officer 3rd class who served in the first Gulf War.
A genetic condition cost Silvia about 60 percent of his sight. His wife and two kids came from their home near Palm Springs, Calif., for the event, Silvia said.
Silvia said he was excited about the opportunity to fish and rock climb. “I’ve been gearing up for this for about four months,” Silvia said.
Marine Col. Don “Doc” Ballard, a Medal of Honor recipient who serves on a board of veterans who aid Lakeshore in fundraising, said soldiers today are more likely to survive war wounds, but as a result those injuries are often more severe.
“Life is what they want to make of it,” Ballard said. “The only disability they have is the one in their minds. It’s up to them to look for ways to re-enter society and be more active.”
In the news this weekend
August 11, 2009 by Nicki Faulk
The following announcements were printed in the Montgomery Advertiser and Times Daily:
Air Force Airman Aleisha Golson graduated from basic military training at Lackland Air Force Base, San Antonio, Texas. She is the daughter of Murphy and Stella Golson, both of Prattville. Golson is a 2008 graduate of Autaugaville High School.
Congratulations, Aleisha!
Forrest C. Hull has been promoted to Army sergeant. Hull is the son of Bob and Jannah Bailey of Montgomery. He is a 2004 graduate of St. James High School and attended Auburn University before enlisting in the Army.
He is attached to the 1-25 Stryker Brigade, K-9 Division and is stationed at Ft. Wainwright, Alaska. Hull and his dog Flopper have been assisting the brigade in searching out bombs and hidden weapons during their deployment to Baq Qu Bah, Iraq. Hull will return in September from his second Iraq deployment.
Congratulations, Forrest!
Air Force Airman Shaun L. Norman graduated from basic military training at Lackland Air Force Base, San Antonio, Texas. He is the son of Shannon Norman of Montgomery and Patrick Norman of Tallassee. Norman is a 2007 graduate of Tallassee High School.
Congratulations, Shaun!
Coast Guard Seaman Denver C. Moore, a 2009 graduate of Chapman Christian Academy, Millbrook, recently graduated from the U.S. Coast Guard Recruit Training Center in Cape May, N.J.
Congratulations, Denver!
Emily T. Carl has graduated from the Army ROTC (Reserve Officer Training Corps) Leader’s Training Course at Fort Knox, Ky. The cadet is a student at Florida State University, Tallahassee. Carl is the daughter of Col. John W. and Jennifer S. Carl of Montgomery.
Congratulations, Emily!
Air Force Airman Matthew S. Lathan graduated from basic military training at Lackland Air Force Base, San Antonio, Texas. He is the son of Tracey and Shirley Lathan of Montgomery. Lathan is a 2005 graduate of Robert E. Lee High School, Montgomery.
Congratulations, Matthew!
Air Force Reserve Airman Amanda N. Harris graduated from basic military training at Lackland Air Force Base, San Antonio, Texas. She is the daughter of Jeff Harris of Millbrook, and Peggy Smothers of Dahlonega, Ga. Harris is a 2008 graduate of Forsyth Central High School, Forsyth County, Ga.
Congratulations, Amanda!
Air Force Airman 1st Class Daniel O. Ochoa graduated from basic military training at Lackland Air Force Base, San Antonio, Texas. He is the son of Nancy Ochoa and Oscar Ochoa, both of Florence. He graduated in 2004 from Bradshaw High School, Florence, and received a bachelor’s degree in 2008 from Faulkner University, Montgomery.
Congratulations, Daniel!
Army Pvt. Matthew H. Butler has graduated from basic combat training at Fort Jackson, Columbia, S.C. He is the son of Sonya Wallace, of Lexington, and is a 2001 graduate of Lexington High School.
Congratulations, Matthew!
Department of the Army Civilian Joan Poma has received the Superior Civilian Service Award while serving as a member of the 402nd Army Field Support Brigade Headquarters at Joint Base Balad, Iraq. The Superior Civilian Service Award is the third highest award presented to civilians, and is comparable to the military’s Meritorious Service Medal. She received the award for exceptionally meritorious performance of duty as an information technology supervisor from May 5, 2008 to April 17, 2009. She has 15 years of federal service. She is the sister of Beverly D. Waldran, of Rogersville, Ala.
Congratulations, Joan!
Army Pfc. Austin W. Grissom has graduated from basic combat training at Fort Jackson, Columbia, S.C. He is a 2003 graduate of Lauderdale County High School, Rogersville.
Congratulations, Austin!
Air National Guard Airman 1st Class Phillip D. Brown graduated from basic military training at Lackland Air Force Base, San Antonio, Texas. He is the son of Jackie Brown of Millbrook. Brown is a 1993 graduate of Stanhope Elmore High School.
Congratulations, Phillip!
Air Force Airman Jasmine D. Logan graduated from basic military training at Lackland Air Force Base, San Antonio, Texas. She is the daughter of Sofia Griffith of Montgomery.
Congratulations, Jasmine!
Army Capt. Terry L. Joiner has arrived for duty in Richmond, Va. Joiner is a commander for Richmond Company, U.S. Army Recruiting Command. He is assigned to the Command’s Beckley Battalion. Joiner has served in the military for 14 years. He is the son of Delois Joiner Montgomery.
Joiner graduated in 1996 from G.W. Carver High School, Montgomery, and received a bachelor’s degree in 2003 from Morgan State University, Baltimore, Md. He earned a master’s degree in 2006 from Webster University, St. Louis, Mo.
Way to go, Terry!
Air Force Reserve Airman Michael R. Holmes graduated from basic military training at Lackland Air Force Base, San Antonio, Texas. He is the son of Charlotte Gentry of Millbrook.
Congratulations, Michael!
Air Force Airman Derrick C. Franklin graduated from basic military training at Lackland Air Force Base, San Antonio, Texas. He is the son of David Franklin of Greensboro, and brother of David Franklin Jr. of Montgomery. Franklin is a 2006 graduate of Greensboro West High School.
Congratulations, Derrick!
Navy Seaman Apprentice Shericka L. Brantley, a 2008 graduate of Luverne High School, Luverne, recently completed U.S. Navy basic training at Recruit Training Command, Great Lakes, Ill.
Congratulations, Shericka!
Navy Reserve Seaman Amanda Billups, a 1998 graduate of Holtville High School, Deatsville, recently completed U.S. Navy basic training at Recruit Training Command, Great Lakes, Ill.
Congratulations, Amanda!
Army Pvt. Juan C. Sifuentez has graduated from Basic Combat Training at Fort Sill, Lawton, Okla. Sifuentez is the brother of Juan Sifuentez Jr., and Elisa Washburn, both of Millbrook.
Congratulations, Juan!
Army Pfc. Cassini Wiley has graduated from basic infantry training at Fort Benning, Columbus, Ga. He is the son of Nora Wiley of Montgomery. Wiley is a 2004 graduate of Brantley High School.
Congratulations, Cassini!
Army Pvt. Jesse R. Richards 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. Richards is the son of Bert Richards of Prattville. The private is a 2007 graduate of Prattville High School.
Congratulations, Jesse!
Air National Guard Airman 1st Class Nicole L. Williams graduated from basic military training at Lackland Air Force Base, San Antonio, Texas. She is the daughter of Haywood L. and Elizabeth S. Williams of Montgomery. Williams is a 2004 graduate of Taylor Road Academy High School.
Congratulations, Nicole!
Army National Guard Pvt. Wesley Gilbert 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. He earned distinction as an honor graduate. Gilbert is the son of Virginia Gilbert of Elmore.
Congratulations, Wesley!
In the news this weekend
June 8, 2009 by Nicki Faulk
Printed in this weekend’s Tuscaloosa News:
Navy Seaman Shanna D. Grover, daughter of Carolyn L. Grover of Livingston, recently completed U.S. Navy basic training at Recruit Training Command, Great Lakes, Ill. Grover is a 2004 graduate of Livingston High School
Congratulations, Shanna!
Air Force Airman Tiffany N. Spencer graduated from basic military training at Lackland Air Force Base, San Antonio, Texas. She is the daughter of Reginald Spencer of Tuscaloosa. The airman is a 2007 graduate of Northridge High School.
Congratulations, Tiffany!
Air Force Airman 1st Class Christopher G. Taylor graduated from basic military training at Lackland Air Force Base, San Antonio, Texas. He is the son of Celeste Williams of Tuscaloosa.
Congratulations, Christopher!
Air Force Airman LaDarren M. Banks graduated from basic military training at Lackland Air Force Base, San Antonio, Texas. Banks is the son of Sandra Banks of Tuscaloosa and Sherwin Prior of Rochester Hills, Mich. The airman is a 2007 graduate of Central High School.
Congratulations, LaDarren!
Russell W. Stone, son of Opal and Wayne Stone, was promoted to command sergeant major at Camp Shelby, Miss., on June 1. He is married to the former Sherry Capps and has two daughters and one grandson. Command Sgt. Maj. Stone’s military and civilian education include all levels of the noncommissioned officer’s education system. He has an honorary doctorate of humanities, a bachelor’s degree of specialized training in military science and bachelor’s degree of specialized training in emergency disaster preparedness and response management, all from the National Consortium Staff College. Stone is the recipient of the Army Meritorious Service Medal, Army Commendation Medal Fourth award, Army Achievement Medal third award, Good Conduct Medal, Noncommissioned Officer Development Ribbon, Army Service Ribbon, National Defense Service Ribbon second award, Army Reserve Components Achievement Medal, Armed Forces Reserve Medal, Humanitarian Service award second award, and Military Outstanding Volunteer Service Medial second award.
Congratulations, Russell!
Gulf Shores area recruit completes basic training
November 29, 2008 by Nicki Faulk
Courtesy of Fleet Hometown News:
Navy Seaman Recruit Charles H. Brockett, son of Kathy M. and Holmes H. Brockett of Elberta, recently completed U.S. Navy basic training at Recruit Training Command, Great Lakes, Ill.
During the eight-week program, Brockett 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.
Congratulations, Charles!
More in the news this weekend
August 10, 2008 by Nicki Faulk
The Huntsville Times reports that a Scottsboro businessman established an account at Regions bank to help the family of Nick Bradley, a Scottsboro soldier seriously wounded in Afghanistan.
Bradley, 25, a staff sergeant in the Air Force’s 96th Wing (security forces), was injured by a roadside bomb last Sunday. He was flown Tuesday to Walter Reed Army Medical Center in Washington, D.C., where his father-in-law, Scottsboro Police Chief Ralph Dawe, said he’s in stable condition.
Donations to the Nick Bradley Fund may be made at Regions Bank, located at 510 E. Laurel St. in Scottsboro. For more information, call the bank at 256-259-1516.
Michael J. Parham, son of Doretha Parham and Michael J. Johnson, both of Tuscaloosa, completed Navy basic training at Recruit Training Command, Great Lakes, Ill. Parham is a 2008 graduate of Central High School.
Congratulations, Michael!
The Birmingham News reports an Alabama Guard initiative that is helping troops who return from war duty via the state’s Army Guard’s Yellow Ribbon reintegration program.
The Yellow Ribbon help included information about job opportunities and insurance and veterans benefits, plus activities and baby sitters for soldiers’ children. It also sought to give the soldiers and their loved ones a chance to discuss with chaplains and counselors what they face as they seek to resume the way of life they knew before deployment.
For more information, call 2nd Lt. Matthew Spivey at 334-558-4132.
In the news this weekend
August 9, 2008 by Nicki Faulk
The Madison County Record writes that the Redstone Arsenal is honoring military retirees with Military Retiree Appreciation Day going on September 5th and 6th. Huntsville Mayor Loretta Spencer and Madison Mayor Arthur “Sandy” Kirkindall will proclaim September 6th as Military Retiree Appreciation Day in their respective cities.
Me personally, I would greatly love to see that happen elsewhere in Alabama!
Event information:
September 5th: the event will be at the Redstone Officers and Civilians Club (ROCC) from 7 a.m. to 4 p.m. Throughout the day special MWR activities will be held at various locations across Redstone Arsenal with bus tours leaving from the ROCC.
September 6th: the event begins with a pay-as-you-go breakfast buffet at 7 a.m. in the ROCC. The event finishes out with dinner at The Soldatenstube ending at 10 p.m.
For more information, call: (256) 876-2022
The Anniston Star had a flurry of happenings printed this morning:
Warrant Officer candidate Bill Braxton of Jacksonville, above, participated in a 10K road march on July 13. Braxton had to successfully complete the road march within two hours while carrying a weapon and a 35- to 40-pound rucksack. The road march is a requirement for the Warrant Officer Candidate School at the National Guard Training Center at Fort McClellan. Braxton currently works in the ROTC department at Jacksonville State University.
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Warrant Officer candidate Matthew Otwell of Anniston, above, participated in a 10K road march on July 13. Otwell had to successfully complete the road march within two hours while carrying a weapon and a 35- to 40-pound rucksack. The road march is a requirement for the Warrant Officer Candidate School at the National Guard Training Center at Fort McClellan. Otwell is following in his father’s footsteps. Retired Chief Warrant Officer Randy Otwell, Matthew’s father, retired from the Alabama Army National Guard with more than 40 years of service.
* * *
Tabatha L. Burris recently joined the U.S. Army under the Delayed Entry Program. She also went for Advanced Individual Training at Fort Leonard Wood in Waynesville, Mo. She is the daughter of Teresa Burris of Villa Rica, Ga., and John Burris of Anniston.
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Army Reserve Pvt. Sonya Y. Smith has graduated from Basic Combat Training at Fort Jackson in Columbia, S.C. She is the daughter of Earline Penn of Anniston and is a 2003 graduate of Anniston High School.
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Army Reserve Pvt. Haleem R. Santiago recently graduated from Basic Combat Training at Fort Sill in Lawton, Okla. He is the son of Hector R. and Belinda G. Santiago of Anniston and is a graduate of Saks High School.
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Navy Seaman Landon M. Ford, son of Judy L. Davis of Jacksonville, recently completed U.S. Navy Basic Training at Recruit Training Command in Great Lakes, Ill.
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Navy Ensign Nicholas F. Vilardi, whose wife, Cynthia, is the daughter of Sharon D. Downing of Salem and Jonathan C. Mattox of Ashland, recently completed the Navy Nuclear Power Training Unit course at Naval Nuclear Power Training Command at Goose Creek, S.C.
Congratulations, soldiers!!
Tuscaloosa native graduates from Naval Academy
June 15, 2008 by Nicki Faulk
Per the Tuscaloosa News:
Navy Ensign Spencer D. Suarez, son of Teresa and Adrian Suarez of Tuscaloosa, graduated from the Naval Academy in Annapolis, Md., and was commissioned as an officer in the Navy. Suarez is a 2004 graduate of Hillcrest High School.
Congratulations, Spencer!
Jackson native to attend US Naval Academy
June 4, 2008 by Nicki Faulk
Courtesy of The South Alabamian:
Jackson High School Valedictorian Jordan Englert will embark on a new journey July 2, when he begins training at the U.S. Naval Academy in Annapolis, MD.
Englert, who boasted a 4.2 grade-point average upon graduation, said he feels it is a great honor to be selected to attend the academy.
Congratulations, Jordan!
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