10/23/05 — Military news

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By News-Argus Staff
Published in News on October 23, 2005 2:01 AM

Capt. Kenneth Karcher has been named the Marine Aviation Command Control Officer of the year for 2005.

The Marine Corps Aviation Association presented the award to Karcher for "meritorious service as detachment officer in charge, weapons and tactics instructor and assistant operations officer from May 4, 2004 to April 2005."

Karcher's Commanding Officer wrote, "Captain Karcher completely dedicated himself to the mission at hand, be it combat operations in Iraq prosecuting the ongoing Global War on Terrorism during Operation Iraqi Freedom II or in garrison preparing Marines for pending real world deployments."

The officer also noted that "Captain Karcher's sustained superior performance and exceptional professionalism reflected great credit upon himself and were in keeping with the highest traditions of the Marine Corps and the United States Naval Service."

Karcher is the son of Wayne and Brenda Karcher. He is 1996 graduate of Eastern Wayne High School and a 2000 graduate of North Carolina State University. He lives in Yuma, Ariz., with his wife, Caroline, and their daughter, Chandler.

Army National Guard Pfc. James A. Jones Jr. has graduated as an E-2 from basic combat training at Fort Leonard Wood, Mo.

During the nine weeks of training, the soldier studied the Army Mission, history, tradition and core values, participated in physical fitness and field training exercises, and received instruction and practice in basic combat skills, military weapons, chemical warfare and rifle marksmanship..

He is a 2005 graduate of Eastern Wayne High School and is the son of James and Delois Jones of Goldsboro and the grandson of L.V. and Vertie Jones of Goldsboro.

Air National Guard Airman 1st Class Jenna L. Hall 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.

She is the daughter of Cindy L. Hall of Virginia Beach, Va., and granddaughter of Kay Earnest of Goldsboro .

Army National Guard Pfc. Shannamae A. Lawson 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.

She is the daughter of Josephine Lawson of Goldsboro and a 2005 graduate of Goldsboro High School.

Navy Seaman David R. Phelps, son of Jeannie M. Phelps of Goldsboro, recently completed U.S. Navy basic training at Recruit Training Command, Great Lakes, Ill.

During the eight-week program, Phelps 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.

Phelps is a 2005 graduate of Southern Wayne High School.

Navy Constructionman Brian D. Reeves, son of Verlie D. and Robert T. Reeves of Mount Olive, participated in Hurricane Katrina and Rita relief efforts while assigned to Naval Mobile Construction Battalion 40 homebased in Port Hueneme, Calif.

His unit helped a private school in Jefferson Parish, La., recover from damage caused by the hurricanes.

Reeves is a 1999 graduate of Southern Wayne High School of Dudley and joined the Navy in 2004.

Navy Seaman Terrence C. Campbell, son of Barbara N. and Mintus L. Campbell of Pikeville, was recently promoted to his current rank upon graduation from recruit training at Recruit Training Command, Great Lakes, Ill.

Campbell 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.

He is a 2005 graduate of Fike High School in Wilson.

Marine Corps Pvt. Allen K. Williams, stepson of Theresa C. and son of Ronald A. Williams of Fremont, recently completed 12 weeks of basic training at Marine Corps Recruit Depot, Parris Island, S. C.

He and fellow recruitsu nderwent strenuous physical training, spent numerous hours in classroom and field assignments which included learning first aid, uniform regulations, combat water survival, marksmanship, hand-to-hand combat and assorted weapons training. They performed close order drill and operated as a small infantry unit during field training. Williams and other recruits also received instruction on the Marine Corps' core values--honor, courage and commitment, and what the core values mean in guiding personal and professional conduct.

Jeremy T. Marczyk has joined the United States Army under the Delayed Entry Program. The program gives young men and women the opportunity to delay entering active duty for up to one year. The enlistment gives the new soldier the option to learn a new skill, travel and become eligible to receive as much as $50,000 toward a college education. After completion of basic military training, soldiers receive advanced individual training in their career job specialty prior to being assigned to their first permanent duty station. The recruit qualifies for a $20,000 enlistment bonus.

He is a 2003 graduate of Belfast Academyand the son of Francis N. and Bettly L. Marczyk of Mount Olive and has reported to Fort Benning, Columbus, Ga., for active duty.

Michael D. Russell has joined the United States Army under the Delayed Entry Program. The program gives young men and women the opportunity to delay entering active duty for up to one year.

The enlistment gives the new soldier the option to learn a new skill, travel and become eligible to receive as much as $50,000 toward a college education. After completion of basic military training, soldiers receive advanced individual training in their career job specialty prior to being assigned to their first permanent duty station.

Russell, a 2003 graduate of Goldsboro High School, has reported to Fort Benning, Columbus, Ga., for active duty.

He is the son of Dorothy Russell of Goldsboro.