Military Matters

Air Force Staff Sgt. Jamie G. Wiesner is in the process of completing pre-deployment training at Fort McCoy, Sparta, Wis. The airman is a member of the Air Force REDHORSE (Rapid Engineer Deployment Heavy Operational Repair Squadron Engineer) unit preparing for an overseas deployment to support the mission of Operation Iraqi Freedom.
The training includes weapons training, reflexive live-fire exercises with M-9s and M-16s, ground assault convoy lanes training exercises, convoy operations and checkpoint training, combative (hand-to-hand, self-defense combat) training, nuclear, biological and chemical training, combat lifesaver, and leader training in numerous individual events conducted in a combat environment setting.
Wiesner, a civil engineer craftsman with seven years of military service, is normally assigned to the 820th Red Horse Squadron, Nellis Air Force Base, Las Vegas, Nev.
He is the son of Hortensia Ortega of Philadelphia, and a 1999 graduate of Central High School.

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Army Reserve Pvt. Bernadette Boginsky, Army National Guard Pvt. Jose M. Velez, Army Reserve Pvt. Kristi L. Jonas and Army Pfc. Raynesha L. Sharpe 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.
Boginsky, the daughter of Theresa Boginsky and niece of Mary Teal, both of Philadelphia, is a 2004 graduate of Northeast High School.
Velez, son of Jose Velez Sr. of Philadelphia, is a 2006 graduate of the Franklin Learning Center.
Jonas is the daughter of James and Patti Jonas of Philadelphia.
Sharpe is the niece of Thelma Baggett and the daughter of Michael Sharpe, both of Philadelphia.

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Air Force Airmen Carley M. Puntel, Michael R. Brennan, Inocencio J. Perez and Tabitha M. Welch, and Air National Guard Airman 1st Class Wilfredo Gonzalez, have 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, 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.
Puntel is the daughter of Frank Puntel of Philadelphia.
Brennan, son of Mary Alice Brennan and grandson of Alice Owens, both of Philadelphia, is a 2006 graduate of Archbishop Ryan High School.
Perez, son of Maria Zourelias of Philadelphia, is a 1998 graduate of Olney High School.
Welch, daughter of Marie Welch and granddaughter of Robert and Ann Welch, all of Philadelphia, is a 2002 graduate of Cardinal Dougherty High School.
Gonzalez, son of Wilfredo Gonzalez of Philadelphia, is a 2005 graduate of Lincoln High School.

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Army National Guard Pvt. Vincent F. Young has graduated from basic combat training at Fort Benning, Columbus, Ga., and has shipped to Fort Sam Houston, Texas for medic training.
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.
Young is the son of Frank and Carol Young, older brother of Carol and Fran, and a 2005 graduate of Academy at Ivy Ridge, New York.

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Army Pfc. Richard A. Brooks 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.
Brooks, the son of Susan Brooks of Philadelphia, is a 1997 graduate of George Washington High School.

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Air Force Airman 1st Class Sean A. Dougherty has graduated from the Communications-Computer Systems Operations Apprentice Course at Keesler Air Force Base, Biloxi, Miss.
The course is designed to give students a solid foundation in microcomputer principles, including basic operation and processes relating to configuration, maintenance, and repair. Trainees received instruction in specific hardware and software configuration, use of application software, communications-computer systems security, network principles and management of related equipment and multi-user systems concepts and operations.
Dougherty, the son of Anthony J. Dougherty of Souderton and Debra A. Cichetti of Philadelphia, is a 2004 graduate of Souderton Area High School. ••