Army National Guard Pvt. Shardae R. Ethridge, the sister of Latoya Ethridge of Freehold, 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 and 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, the military justice system, basic first aid, foot marches and field training exercises.
Air National Guard Airman Jason M. Cullen, son of Stella Cullen of Jackson and Mikael Cullen of Manalapan, 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 in applied science degree through the Community College of the Air Force. Cullen is a 2005 graduate of Manalapan High School.