Air National Guard Airman 1st Class Joseph S. Vestal 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.

His wife, Melissa, is the daughter of Janie Waller of Waller Lane, Elkin, N.C.

Vestal graduated in 1994 from Elkin High School, and received an associate degree in 1998 from Surry Community College, Dobson, N.C.

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.

Though AFN-Afghanistan doesn’t have every song ever recorded, the Freedom Radio music vault contains over 50,000 titles, representing top-40, country, R&B and classic rock. When possible, the radio jocks will pull dedications from the mail box, read your short message and play the dedication.

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.

A Proclamation by the President of the United States of America
    On National Maritime Day, America honors our highly skilled mariners who sail the high seas, support those on the front lines of the war on terror, and promote commerce around the world.
    Since 1775, the United States Merchant Marine has served our country, helping America become a great maritime power. During the Second World War, courageous mariners were among those who suffered greatly -- hundreds of ships were lost to enemy action, and many mariners made the ultimate sacrifice. We pay tribute to these heroes who answered the call to serve when our Nation needed them most. Today, our merchant mariners continue to protect our homeland, including by supporting our troops in Iraq and Afghanistan.