Newsmakers
Jasmine Streeter, a rising 10th-grader at Harlem High School, was one of 25 students chosen nationwide to attend Tuskegee University's Summer Veterinary Medicine Institute for rising ninth- and 10th-graders. VET-STEP I is a college preparatory summer
enrichment program that exposes selected students with an interest in veterinary medicine to the college experience. It is a one-week-residential program held on Tuskegee University's campus in Tuskegee, Ala., and sponsored by the College of Veterinary Medicine. To be selected, students had to have high grade-point averages, turn in a narrative and application and recommendations from school counselors and teachers.
Photo by Valerie Rowell
Navy Senior Chief Petty Officer Timothy F. Roberts, whose wife, Constance, is the daughter of Cheryl and Terry Williams of Evans, recently participated in the funeral services of former U.S. President Ronald Wilson Reagan, while serving as a member of the U.S. Navy Band in Washington, D.C.
Roberts performed various musical pieces throughout the services, alongside vocalists, marching units and various participants.
All branches of the U.S. military participated in the ceremony, culminating in a joint musical performance by the Armed Forces Chorus.
Army Pvt. Randall D. Link Jr. has graduated from basic infantry training at Fort Benning, Columbus, Ga.
During the eight 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.
Link, the son of Evelyn Link of Grovetown, is a 2004 graduate of Harlem High School.
Army Reserve Pfc. Verlincia C. Brinson has graduated from the network switching systems operator-maintainer advanced individual training course at Fort Gordon.
The soldier was trained to install, initialize, operate and perform unit level and direct support maintenance on electronic switching assemblies, systems and ancillary communications equipment; use computers to perform system-network operations; interpret computer error codes to correct fault systems; perform unit level preventive maintenance checks and services on associated communications security devices; also, operate, install, trouble shoot and repair power generators and assigned vehicles.
She is the daughter of Osmond L. and Verlo C. Brinson of Evans. She graduated in 1999 from Evans High School and received a bachelor's degree in 2003 from Albany State University.
Cory A. Kemble has been commissioned as a second lieutenant in the U.S. Air Force after graduating from Officer Training School at Maxwell Air Force Base, Montgomery, Ala.
At OTS, cadets undergo a demanding 12-week course that trains them to be Air Force officers through an extensive curriculum comprised of classroom work, lectures and exercises to develop leadership, team building and officer skills. Cadets receive instruction in military training and application, professional knowledge, human behavior, defense studies, leadership studies and management, communication skills, physical fitness and field training exercises.
Kemble is a pilot assigned to the 315th Air Lift Squadron, Charleston Air Force Base, S.C.
He is the son of Harold E. and Sherlene K. Kemble of Lexington Place, Myrtle Beach, S.C. His wife, Heather, is the daughter of David and Sandra Roberts of Cumberland Drive, Evans.
Navy Seaman Recruit Randy L. Johnson, son of Gloria C. Johnson of Harlem, recently completed U.S. Navy basic training at Recruit Training Command, Great Lakes, Ill.
During the eight-week program, Johnson 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.
Army Spec. Samuel P. Watkins II has graduated from the U.S. Army Ranger School at Fort Benning, Columbus, Ga., with authorization to wear the Ranger Tab.
During the 61-day course, the Ranger proved that he could successfully accomplish all required tasks during the three phases of training. The course is designed to assess and develop military skills, physical and mental endurance, stamina and confidence of the soldier to successfully accomplish small unit combat missions.
Watkins is an imagery analyst assigned to the 76th Ranger Regiment, Fort Benning. He is the son of Cheryl L. Adams of Grovetown.
Navy Lt. j.g. Jason N. Lester, son of Michele P. and David L. Lester of Evans recently graduated from the Advanced Steam Chief Engineer course at Surface Warfare Officer School, Newport, R.I.
During the six-week course, Lester received instruction on steam engineering theory, systems, operations, casualty control and administration programs.
The course culminates in an oral board in which students must demonstrate their understanding of system drawings, theory and integrated plant operations.
Lester is a 1995 graduate of Lakeside High School and joined the Navy in November 2000. He is a 2000 graduate of Valdosta State University, Valdosta, Ga. with a BS degree.
Army National Guard Pvt. Michael A. Sibert 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.
Sibert is the son of Angela Sibert of Martinez.