Kirsten K. Laning, daughter of Richard and Karin Laning of the New Egypt section of Plumsted, is currently serving her swab summer at the U.S. Coast Guard Academy in New London, Conn. Kirsten joins the "long blue line" along with 310 other appointees out of more than 4,000 applicants. Her training will be designed to challenge and exercise her talents, leadership, intelligence and personal integrity. After four years at the academy, Laning will graduate as a commissioned officer. She graduated from New Egypt High School in 2004. Her leadership skills there included two years as captain of field hockey and one in lacrosse in addition to many extracurricular activities in Girl Scouts, youth group, band, choir, plays, Girls State, National Honor Society and others.
Marine Corps Lance Cpl. Trevor R. Kuusalu, son of Laura Ostroff of Toms River and Thomas Kuusalu of Lakewood, and more than 2,200 Marines and sailors assigned to the 24th Marine Expedi-tionary Unit (MEU) recently deployed to Iraq. The unit will stop at March Air Reserve Base in Southern California for specialized training in patrolling, operating vehicle checkpoints and responding to threats. Kuusalu’s unit is an expeditionary intervention force with the ability to rapidly organize for combat operations in virtually any environment.
Air Force Airman Eric Bergery Jr. 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. Bergery is the son of Eric Bergery Sr. of Jackson.
Air Force Reserve Airman 1st Class Jamahl A. Cunningham 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. He is the son of Gail Cunningham and Goldsmith Cunningham, both of Lake-wood. Cunningham is a 1991 graduate of Lakewood High School.