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Army National Guard Pvt. Joseph E. Thomas and Army National Guard Spec. Terrence Welsh have graduated from Basic Combat training at Fort Sill, Lawton, Okla.
During the nine weeks of training, the soldiers 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.
Thomas is the grandson of Robert Sharpe of Philadelphia and a 2006 graduate of Mastbaum Area Vocational Technical School.
Welsh, the son of Eileen Welsh of Philadelphia, is a 1992 graduate of Abraham Lincoln High School.
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Kevin L. Brady has received an Air Force ROTC (Reserve Officer Training Corps) college scholarship offer to attend a selected host college or university.
The cadet was selected to receive the scholarship certificate on the basis of comprehensive tests, high school scholastic achievement, and extra-curricular activities. The majority of Air Force ROTC scholarships cover full college/university tuition, provide textbook allowance, and pay most laboratory or incidental fees. In addition, at least a $300 tax-free monthly allowance is paid to recipients during the academic year. The estimated value of the scholarship depends on the student’s choice of school and type of scholarship offered.
Upon graduation from college and completion of the ROTC program, the cadet will receive a bachelor’s degree and a commission of second lieutenant in the Air Force.
The son of Kevin Brady, of Philadelphia, the cadet is a 2008 graduate of Archbishop Ryan High School.
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Navy Ensign Phillip M. Foster, son of Kathleen A. and Roger S. Foster of Philadelphia, Pa., recently graduated from the United States Naval Academy in Annapolis, Md., and was commissioned as an officer in the United States Navy.
Foster successfully completed four years of intensive academic, physical and professional military training, resulting in a bachelor of science degree. The mission of the United States Naval Academy is to develop its Midshipmen morally, mentally and physically, in order to prepare combat leaders of character for the Navy and Marine Corps.
Considered one of the top institutions in the country, the U.S. Naval Academy was founded in 1845. Of its 60, 000 alumni, Naval Academy graduates include 4, 000 admirals and generals, one president, 200 members of Congress, three governors, 73 Medal of Honor winners, one Nobel Prize winner and 40 astronauts.
The Naval Academy currently has more than 4, 000 students who comprise the Brigade of Midshipmen, and who come from every state in the union. Each year, nearly 15, 000 young men and women apply, but less than 1, 300 are accepted.
Foster is a 2004 graduate of Father Judge High School.
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Navy Seaman Carmellia K. Brown, a 2004 graduate of Central High School Of Philadelphia, Philadelphia, Pa., recently completed U.S. Navy basic training at Recruit Training Command, Great Lakes, Ill.
During the eight-week program, Brown 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.
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Air National Guard Airman 1st Class Cierra L. Melleski 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.
Melleski, the daughter of Joseph Melleski and Kimberly Paschal, both of Philadelphia, is a 2006 graduate of Bensalem High School. ••