Army National Guard Pvt. David J. Palmer Jr., son of Steffie Sullivan of South River and David Palmer Sr. of Sayreville, recently graduated from basic combat training at Fort Jackson, Columbia, S.C. During nine weeks of training, he studied the Army mission, history, tradition and core values; received training and practice in physical fitness, basic combat skills, military weapons, chemical warfare, bayonet use, drill and ceremony, marching, rifle marksmanship, armed and unarmed combat, map-reading, field tactics, military courtesy, the military justice system, basic first aid and foot marches; and participated in field-training exercises.
Air Force Airman Lance A. Delplato, son of Anita Delplato of Old Bridge, recently 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 training in physical fitness, rifle marksmanship, field exercises and human relations. Delplato is a 2002 graduate of Old Bridge High School.
Marine Corps Pvt. Neil C. Bennette of Old Bridge recently completed 12 weeks of basic training at Marine Corps Recruit Depot, Parris Island, S.C. In addition to taking part in a physical conditioning program, he spent numerous hours in classroom and field assignments that included learning first aid, uniform regulations, combat water survival, marksmanship, hand-to-hand combat and assorted weapons training. Bennette and his fellow recruits performed close-order drill, operated as a small infantry unit during field training and received instruction on the Marine Corps values. He is a 2004 graduate of Old Bridge High School.
Air Force Airman Jessica L. Milligan, daughter of Katrina and James Milligan of the Parlin section of Sayreville, recently 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 training in physical fitness, rifle marksmanship, field exercises and human relations.
Navy Seaman John E. Horan, son of Diane and John Horan of Old Bridge, is in the middle of a scheduled deployment while assigned to the aircraft carrier USS Theodore Roosevelt, homeported in Norfolk, Va. Horan’s unit conducted more than 4,000 sorties and provided surveillance, reconnaissance and close-air support to ground forces in Iraq. The Theodore Roosevelt Carrier Strike Group participated in Operation Steel Curtain and Maritime Security Operations (MSO). Operation Steel Curtain provided aerial support for U.S. Marine and Iraqi forces. Carriers like Theodore Roosevelt are deployed throughout the world to maintain U.S. presence and provide rapid response in times of crisis.
Navy Airman Apprentice Samuel R. Gonzalez, son of Carmen and Sinecio Gonzalez of Old Bridge, recently completed U.S. Navy basic training at Recruit Training Command, Great Lakes, Ill. During the eight-week program, he completed a variety of training including 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. Gonzalez is a 2004 graduate of Old Bridge High School.