Military

Army Reserve Pfc. Michael A. Anicito 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.

He is the of Connie and Joseph Mina of Sycamore Lane, Hillsville, Va.

Anicito is a 2003 graduate of Carroll County High School, Hillsville.

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Army Reserve Pvt. Bradley S. Bobbitt 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.

Bobbitt is the son of Rhonda Smith of Warren Lane, and Steven Whitaker of Water Wheel Road, both of Galax, Va.

In 2006, the private graduated from Grayson County High School, Independence, Va.

  Army Spec. Alton W. Propst is currently deployed as a member of Task Force Marne, one of more than 20,000 soldiers from the Fort Stewart, Ga.-based 3rd Infantry Division and elements of the 101st Airborne Division from Fort Campbell, Ky.  The soldier is serving a 15-month tour in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom.

    With more than 53 patrol bases within their area of operation, the task force has made significant strides in enhancing security in the region.  Since the arrival of the task force more than a year ago, violence in the region has been reduced by more than 75 percent.

    The decrease in violence has allowed the task force to focus on rebuilding efforts, including local governance and economic development, along with medical treatment missions, providing fresh drinking water and working with local security forces and volunteers to provide a broad blanket of stability to the region.

Army Pvt. Alesha R. Johnson has graduated from the Ammunition Specialist Advanced Individual Training course at Redstone Arsenal, Huntsville, Ala.

The course is designed to train soldiers to assist in receipt, storage, issue, maintenance, modification, destruction, and demilitarization of conventional ammunition, munitions and explosive components according to technical and safety directives; perform ammunition supply stock control and accounting duties using automated and manual procedures, and operated material handling equipment to maneuver ammunition.

Johnson is the daughter of Melissa M. Blackburn, and grandson of Roy W. Martin, both of Trantham Drive, Lexington, N.C. Her husband, Matthew, is the son of Kenneth D. and Pam S. Johnson of Ennice, N.C. The private is a 2002 graduate of Central Davidson High School, Lexington.

Army Pvt. Kevin L. Black 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.

Black is the son of Randolph Black of Carrollton Pike, Woodlawn, Va.

Army Reserve Spec. Rodney A. Pugh has been awarded the Army Achievement Medal for participating in Operation Iraqi Freedom.

The medal is awarded to soldiers who have served in any capacity in an area authorized by the Secretary of the Army. The recipients must have distinguished themselves by meritorious service or achievement while acting on behalf of the Army.

Pugh, an ammunition specialist, is assigned to the 811th Ordnance Company, Rainelle, W.Va. He has three years of military service.
He is the son of Walter L. Pugh of Rural Route 1, Crumpler, N.C., and Carol S. Hash of Fox Creek Road, Independence, Va.

The specialist is a 2003 graduate of Grayson County High School, Independence.

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.

Hodges earned distinction as an honor graduate. He is the son of Richard B. Hodges of Magnolia Farms Lane, Mooresville, N.C., and Barbara J. Cason of Preacher Field Road, Elkin, N.C. In 2007, he graduated from Lake Norman High School, Mooresville.

[img_assist|nid=350|title=Kevin A. White|desc=|link=none|align=left|width=75|height=100] Air Force Airman Kevin A. White 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.
He is the son of Judy Jenkins of Bullhead Road, Sparta, N.C.
White is a 2005 graduate of Alleghany High School, Sparta.