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Navy Seaman Tia M. Zouande, son of Konia P. and Sigui D. Zouande of Philadelphia, was recently promoted to his current rank upon graduation from recruit training at Recruit Training Command, Great Lakes, Ill.
Zouande received the early promotion for outstanding performance during all phases of the training cycle. 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.
Zouande is a 2006 graduate of South Philadelphia High School.
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Army National Guard Pvt. David J. Rodriguez, Army Pvt. Anthony L. Campbell and Army Pvt. Peter Majerick IV have graduated from the Infantryman One Station Unit Training at Fort Benning, Columbus, Ga. The training consists of Basic Infantry Training and Advanced Individual Training.
During the nine weeks of basic combat training, the soldiers received training in drill and ceremonies, weapons employment, map reading, tactics, military courtesy, military justice, physical fitness, first aid skills, and Army history, core values and traditions. Additional training included development of basic combat skills and battlefield operations and tactics, and experienced use of various weapons and weapons defenses available to the infantry crewman.
The Advanced Individual Training course is designed to train infantry soldiers to perform reconnaissance operations; employ, fire and recover anti-personnel and anti-tank mines; locate and neutralize land mines and operate target and sight equipment; operate and maintain communications equipment and radio networks; construct field firing aids for infantry weapons; and perform infantry combat exercises and dismounted battle drills, which includes survival procedures in a nuclear, biological or chemical contaminated area.
Rodriguez is the son of Elsa Sharawi of Philadelphia. Campbell is the son of Kathleen Barcoski of Philadelphia and Anthony Rosales of Deptford, N.J. Majerick is the son of Richard K. and Elsa Majerick of Philadelphia.
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Army National Guard Pvt. Thomas M. Rodgers 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.
Rodgers is the son of Blondina Rodgers of Philadelphia.
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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. ••