Kevin J. Gorbsky has graduated from the Army ROTC (Reserve Officers’ Training Corps) Leader Development and Assessment Course, also known as "Operation Warrior Forge," at Fort Lewis, Tacoma, Wash. The ROTC cadet has been commissioned as a second lieutenant in the Army.
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.
Gorbsky, the son of Charles J. Gorbsky of Feasterville, and Lois N. Gorbsky of Philadelphia, is a 2004 graduate of George Washington High School.
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Army Pvt. Sandra L. Maggiani, Army Reserve Pvt. Eric G. Christensen and Army National Guard Pfc. Crystal A. Garcia 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.
Maggiani is the daughter of Martin Maggiani and Lynn Richetti, both of Philadelphia.
Christensen is the son of Brenda Christensen of Sparks, Okla., and the brother of Victoria Smith of Philadelphia.
Garcia, the daughter of Patricia Garcia and sister of Shannon Sierra, both of Philadelphia, is a student at Simon Gratz High School.
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Air National Guard Airman 1st Class Felicita M. Custer, Air Force Airman Adolfo Morales and Air Force Reserve Airman Marcia Triana Martinez have graduated from basic military training at Lackland Air Force Base, San Antonio, Texas.
During the six weeks of training, they 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.
Custer is the daughter of Theresa Fugess of Philadelphia.
Morales, the cousin of James Kelly and Adrian Torres, both of Philadelphia, is a 2007 graduate of Swenson Arts and Technology High School.
A 2005 graduate of Girls High School, Martinez is the daughter of Gladys Martinez-Izzi of Philadelphia.
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Sgt. Gregory D. Scott, with the Army National Guard assigned to the 128th Chemical Company, has been deployed to Iraq to support the mission of Operation Iraqi Freedom.
He completed his pre-deployment training at Camp Shelby, Mississippi from July to September 2007.
Scott, a nuclear, biological and chemical NCO, has six years of military service with his unit based on Southampton Road in Philadelphia.
Scott is married to Beth and has a 4-year old daughter, Caela. He is the son of Dave and Terri Scott, brother of Aileen, and is a 2001 graduate of Father Judge High School. Prior to his deployment, he was employed at Sunoco in South Philadelphia and attended Drexel University working toward a degree in emergency management and planning with a special interest in hazardous materials.
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Army Pvt. Robert A. Pomroy 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.
Pomroy is a 2004 graduate of George Washington High School. ••