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Locals starting military careers
AP Richard Hobbs
Airman Richard Hobbs - photo by USAF photo
Kevin H. Sudsberry has graduated from the Army Reserve Officer Training Corps Leader Development and Assessment Course, also known as “Operation Warrior Forge,” at Fort Lewis, Tacoma, Wash:
He is the son of Steve H. and HoMi H. Sudsberry of Ludowici.
The 33 days of training and evaluation shows ROTC cadets military life, administration and logistical support. Although continued military training and leadership development is included in the curriculum, the focus is to develop cadets’ officer potential as a leader by exercising the cadet’s intelligence, common sense, ingenuity and physical stamina.
Cadets in their junior and senior year of college must complete the course. Upon completion of the course, ROTC and graduation from college, cadets are commissioned as second lieutenants in the U.S. Army, National Guard or Reserve.
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Six area youths have graduated from basic military training at Lackland Air Force Base, San Antonio, Texas:
• Air National Guard Airman 1st Class Angel T. Lewis is the daughter of David and Nelean Lewis of Hinesville. She is a 2005 graduate of Liberty County High School.
• Jonathan Jermaine Fleming is the son of Mitchell and Cheryl Bailey. He is a 2007 graduate of Liberty County High School.
• Air Force Airman Joshua D. Bergin is the son of Ronald Bergin of Hinesville. He Bergin is a 2004 graduate of the Bradwell Institute.
• Air Force Airman Richard G. Hobbs is the son of Michelle Hobbs of Hinesville. He is a 2007 graduate of Bradwell Institute.
• Air Force Airman Matthew T. Peil is the son of Deneen Peil of Hinesville. He is a 2006 graduate of Liberty County High School.
• Air Force Airman Nicole L. Gilmore is the daughter of Hazel and David Gilmore of Allenhurst. She is a 2007 graduate of Long County High School.
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 and field exercises.
In addition, airmen who complete basic training earn credits toward an associate degree through the Community College of the Air Force.
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Navy Seaman Recruit Felicia R. Gennings, daughter of Hilary A. Gennings of Hinesville, recently completed U.S. Navy basic training at Recruit Training Command, Great Lakes, Ill.
During the eight-week program, she completed 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.
Gennings is a 2006 graduate of Bradwell Institute.
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Jake McLaughlin, a member of the 3rd Infantry Division, has a role in the upcoming movie, “In the Valley of Elah.”
McLaughlin served as a dismount infantry squad automatic weapons gunner during the invasion of Iraq. He won the Army Commendation Medal and four Army Achievement Medals for his service in Operation Iraqi Freedom. He has since been discharged from the Army because of a back injury.
The movie is about a career officer, played by Tommy Lee Jones, and his wife, played by Susan Sarandon, who work with a police detective, played by Charlize Theron, to uncover the truth behind their son’s disappearance following his return from a tour of duty in Iraq.
The movie is to open in theaters Sept. 21.
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