Military Newsmakers

Reports for duty

Marine Corps Lance Cpl. Erica F. Felger, daughter of Janet R. and Keith A. Felger, of Martinez, recently reported for duty with Marine Wing Support Squadron 273, 2nd Marine Aircraft Wing, Marine Corps Air Station, Beaufort, S.C. Felger is a 1998 graduate of Lakeside High School and joined the Marine Corps in October 2003.

Army training participant

Army Spec. Martin E. Sullivan, a member of the 48th Brigade Combat Team, recently participated in a scenario offered by the U.S. Army at the National Training Center, Fort Irwin, Calif. The Georgia National Guard soldier is a member of Headquarters and Headquarters Company, Infantry Brigade based in Macon. The center, in southern California in the Mojave Desert, is the premier combat training center for desert warfare. Sullivan, a military security specialist, has served six years in the Army. He is the son of Joe H. Sullivan, of Augusta, and Bernice Michaels, of Evans.

Coast Guard graduate

Coast Guard Seaman Michael Stapleton, son of Suzanne and William G. Stapleton, of Evans, recently graduated from the U.S. Coast Guard Recruit Training Center in Cape May, N. J. During the eight-week training program, Stapleton completed a vigorous training curriculum consisting of academics and practical instruction on water safety and survival, military customs and courtesies, seamanship skills, first aid, fire fighting and marksmanship. A major emphasis also is placed on physical fitness, health and wellness. Stapleton is a 1998 graduate of Greenbrier High School.

Soldier deployment

Army Spc. Jimmy Chong is deploying to Afghanistan to serve as a member of Combined Joint Task Force-76 (CJTF-76). The soldier is regularly assigned to the 173rd Airborne Brigade based at Caserma Ederle, Vicenza, Italy. CJTF-76 is a combined and joint rotation unit supporting Operation Enduring Freedom in Afghanistan. Chong will join other units that make up CJTF-76.

Chong, a personnel administrator with three years of military service, is the son of Elton M. and Suk C. Chrisp, of Harlem, and is a 1999 graduate of Harlem High School.

ROTC scholarship recipient

Nathan A. Whitelaw and Alisha C. Simmons have been awarded an Air Force ROTC college scholarship. The cadets were selected on the basis of comprehensive tests scores, high school scholastic achievement, school officials' evaluations, extra-curricular activities, and community involvement. Upon graduating from college and completing the ROTC program, the cadets are commissioned as second lieutenants in the Air Force. The new lieutenants select and enter various career fields to train as pilots, navigators, engineers, medical, personnel, business management fields, and special operations. Whitelaw is the son of Susan K. Whitelaw, of Evans. Simmons is the daughter of Alfred and Christy Simmons, of Evans, and is a 2005 graduate of Greenbrier High School.

Marine course graduate

Marine Corps Pvt. Leslie N. Heidman, daughter of Robert J. Heidman, of Grovetown, recently graduated from the Ammunition Technician Specialist Course while assigned to Marine Corps Detachment Redstone Arsenal, Ala. During the course, Heidman was instructed on the basics of automated accountability, receipt, storage, issue, handling and inventory of ammunition. Heidman is a 2004 graduate of Evans High School.

Basic training graduate

Army Pfc. Joshua D. Scott has graduated from basic infantry training at Fort Benning, Columbus, Ga. During the eight weeks of training, the soldier received instruction in drill and ceremonies, weapons, map reading, tactics, military courtesy, military justice, physical fitness, first aid, and Army history, core values and traditions. He is the son of David Scott, of Martinez, and Penny Barlow, of Blythe.

Army training participant

Army National Guard Spc. Tim Steed is a member of the 48th Brigade Combat Team who recently participated in a scenario offered by the U.S. Army at the National Training Center, Fort Irwin, Calif. The Georgia National Guard soldier is a member of the 1st Battalion, 121st Infantry Regiment with units based in Lawrenceville and Winder. Steed, a driver with seven years of military service, is the son of Willie L. Steed, of Harlem, and is a 1989 graduate of Harlem High School.

Army training course

Army Pvt. Aaron M. Hill has graduated from the Signal Support Systems Specialist Advanced Individual Training course at Fort Gordon. The 10-week course is designed to train students in the skills, knowledge and responsibilities required to provide telecommunications, signal support systems and terminal devices, and integrating signal systems and networks to combat units on the battlefield. He is the son of Randy L. Hill, of Evans, and Dee Dee H. Kurilla, of North Augusta. His wife, Anna, is the daughter of Al LaFavor, and Kim LaFavor, both of North Augusta.

Basic combat training

Army Pvt. Montrez L. Holloway has graduated from basic combat training at Fort Knox, Ky. During the nine-week training period, the trainee received instruction in drill and ceremony, weapons, rifle marksmanship and bayonet training, chemical warfare, field training and tactical exercises, armed and unarmed combat, military courtesy, military justice, physical fitness, first aid, and Army history, traditions, and core values. He is the son of Paula and Willie Holloway, of Hephzibah. The soldier graduated in 2002 from Evans High School and received an associate degree in 2004 from Middle Georgia College.