Military Matters

Navy Seaman Recruit Anthony C. Anderson, son of Stephanie C. and Gary J. Williams of Philadelphia; Navy Seaman John D. Brewster, III, son of Debra J. and John D. Brewster of Philadelphia; and Navy Seaman Wadly J. Merisier, a 2000 graduate of Olney High School, recently completed U.S. Navy basic training at Recruit Training Command, Great Lakes, Ill.
During the eight-week program, Anderson, Brewster and Merisier 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.
Anderson is a 2004 graduate of Abraham Lincoln High School.
Brewster is a 2003 graduate of St. Joseph Preparatory High School.

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Army Pvt. Jessica K. Fields has graduated from basic combat training at Fort Jackson, Columbia, S.C.
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.
Fields is the daughter of Wendy Caison of Wilmington, N.C., and sister of Tamika Tarboro of Philadelphia.

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Air National Guard Airman 1st Class Jonathan J. Green has 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.
The son of Joseph and Sylvia Green of Philadelphia, he is a 2004 graduate of Father Judge High School.

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Civilian Akeem R. Smith, a 2004 graduate of Samuel S. Fels High School, recently enlisted in the United States Navy under the Delayed Entry Program at Navy Recruiting
District, Pittsburgh, Pa.
The program allows recruits to enter the Navy and take up to one year to complete prior commitments such as high school. Using recruiters as mentors, this program helps recruits ease into the transition from civilian to military life.
Smith will report for active duty to undergo basic training at the Navy’s Recruit Training Center, Great Lakes, Ill.

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Army National Guard Pvt. Jontavius B. McDowell 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.
McDowell is the grandson of Marie Statham of Philadelphia. ••