Military Matters

Army Pvts. Monique C. Washington and Asiah O. Velasquez 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.
Washington is the sister of Sonya Okolosi of Chester, and Tiffany Washington of Philadelphia.
Velasquez, a 2005 graduate of Central High School, is the son of Sonia Rodriguez of Philadelphia.

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Nicholas E. Bixby has entered Basic Cadet Training at the U.S. Air Force Academy, Colorado Springs, Colo., in preparation to enter the first academic year at the academy.
The six-week, two-phased orientation program must be successfully completed by the cadets prior to entering their freshman year. The training prepares men and women to meet the rigorous mental and physical challenges experienced by new cadets.
Phase one involves personal in-processing, orientation, and training in the fundamentals of being a cadet. Cadet trainees are prepared to adjust from civilian to military life and disciplines, and learn proper wear of the uniform, saluting policies and procedures, drill and ceremony, marching, and living quarters standards.
During phase two, cadets train outdoors living in tents while learning to function in field conditions. Cadets apply and practice team work, cohesion and learn to deal with physically and mentally demanding situations. They complete the obstacle, confidence, assault, and leadership reaction courses, and participate in a rescue mission termed Operation Warrior.
The son of Irene and Gary Bixby of Philadelphia, Bixby is a 2007 graduate of Calvary Christian Academy.

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Marine Corps Sgt. Derrick D. Love, whose wife, Angelique, is the daughter of Evelyn and David Diaz of Philadelphia, recently received a black belt in the Marine Martial Arts Program (MCMAP) while assigned to Marine Medium Helicopter Squadron 161, Forward Operating Base Al Taqaddum, Iraq.
Love has met all the requirements and has successfully completed the syllabus prescribed for the black belt in MCMAP.
MCMAP provides every Marine with the ability and confidence to fight in hand-to-hand combat using any weapon available. The techniques learned by the Marines give them the self-discipline necessary to understand the responsible use of force, both on and off the battlefield.

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Navy Reserve Petty Officer 1st Class Beau J. Borkowski, son of Walter Borkowski of Philadelphia, recently reported for duty with Fleet Logistics Support Squadron 64, Naval Air Station, Willow Grove.
Borkowski joined the Navy Reserve in May 1999.

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Brian M. Wallen has graduated from the Army ROTC (Reserve Officer Training Corps) Leader Development and Assessment Course, also known as "Operation Warrior Forge," at Fort Lewis, Tacoma, Wash.
The 33 days of training provide the best possible professional training and evaluation for all cadets in the aspects of military life, administration and logistical support.
Although continued military training and leadership development is included in the curriculum, the primary focus of the course is to develop and evaluate each cadet’s officer potential as a leader by exercising the cadet’s intelligence, common sense, ingenuity and physical stamina.
The cadet command assesses each cadet’s performance and progress in officer traits, qualities and professionalism while attending the course.
Cadets in their junior and senior year of college must complete the leadership development course. Upon successful completion of the course, the ROTC program, and graduation from college, cadets are commissioned as second lieutenants in the U.S. Army, National Guard, or Reserve.
Wallen, a 2004 graduate of Central High School, is the son of Raymond L. and Arleen E. Wallen of Philadelphia.

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Navy Seaman Recruit Shawn P. Riley, son of Colleen S. Ippoliti of Philadelphia, and Robert J. Hillen of Glenside, recently completed U.S. Navy basic training at Recruit Training Command, Great Lakes, Ill.
During the eight-week program, Riley 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.
Riley is a 2003 graduate of Abington High School. ••