Military Matters

Xiomara E. Ricardo has graduated from Officer Candidate School (OCS) at Fort Benning, Columbus, Ga., and was commissioned as a second lieutenant in the U.S. Army.
During the 14 weeks of training, the officer candidate received "basic soldiering" instruction in leadership, professional ethics, soldier team development, combined arms tactics, weapons defense, combat water survival, squad drill, intelligence, field training exercises, and navigation, maintenance, communications, staff and general military subjects, and physical training and conditioning.
The candidate was tested on leadership skills and team work abilities required of a commissioned officer. The student utilized acquired skills to function in "leader and follower" positions in squad and platoon sized elements in a stressful and demanding field environment.
Ricardo is the daughter of Elba C. Sierra and Frank R. Ricardo, both of Philadelphia.
She graduated in 2000 from Little Flower Catholic High School and received a bachelor’s degree in 2004 from Pennsylvania State University, University Park.

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Army Pvt. Christopher M. Miller 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.
Miller is the son of Terrence E. Miller, of Philadelphia, and a 2002 graduate of Archbishop Ryan High School.

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Air Force Airman 1st Class Sean A. Dougherty and Air Force Airmen Leo O. Hernandez and Glenn R. LaBadie have graduated from basic military training at Lackland Air Force Base, San Antonio, Texas.
During the six weeks of training, the airmen 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.
Dougherty is the son of Anthony Dougherty of Souderton, and Debra Cichetti of Philadelphia. Dougherty is a 2004 graduate of Souderton Area Senior High School.
Hernandez is the son of Eneida Sierra and brother of Antonio Valentin, both of Philadelphia.
LaBadie, the son of Glenn LaBadie and nephew of Art Weir, both of Philadelphia, is a 2002 graduate of Frankford High School.

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Army Reserve Pvt. Aaron A. Burton and Army Pvt. Joseph A. Banach have graduated from Basic Combat Training at Fort Knox, Ky.
During the nine-week training period, the trainees 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.
Burton, the son of Lillie Burton of Philadelphia, is a 2005 graduate of City Center Academy.
Banach is the grandson of Linda Morris of Keansburg, N.J. and brother of Jessica Banach of Philadelphia.

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Army National Guard Pfc. Lakeysha B. Williams, Army National Guard Pvt. LaJuana L. Tate, Army Reserve Spec. Mirela Zecevic and Army Spec. Jonathan Nguyen have graduated from basic combat training at Fort Jackson, Columbia, S.C.
During the nine weeks of training, the soldiers 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.
Williams is the daughter of Cynthia Hayes and granddaughter of Barbra Hundley, both of Philadelphia, Pa. Williams is a 1995 graduate of Simon Gratz High School.
Tate is the granddaughter of Juanita Chalmus and great granddaughter of Maybelle Baldwin, both of Philadelphia. Tate is a 2006 graduate of William Penn High School.
Zecevic is the daughter of Ajsa Zecevic and niece of Aida Pipic, both of Philadelphia. Zecevic, a 2002 graduate of Abraham Lincoln High School, received a bachelor’s degree in 2006 from Rosemont College.
Nguyen is the son of Xuan Nguyen of Philadelphia. Nguyen received a bachelor’s degree in 2006 from Buffalo State College, N.Y.

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Air Force Airman 1st Class Daniel S. O’Brien has graduated from the Ground Radar Systems Apprentice Course at Keesler Air Force Base, Biloxi, Miss.
The course is designed is designed to train airmen in generic knowledge required to support installation, maintenance, and repair of fixed or mobile air traffic control, weather, ground aircraft control, warning and automatic tracking radar systems; electronic combat systems and associated closed circuit television display equipment and related radar operator training devices, beacon and identification systems; and communications systems, including receivers, transmitters, digital signal processors and related ancillary equipment.
The airman, the son of Larry J. O’Brien, is a 2003 graduate of Archbishop Ryan High School. ••