Army National Guard Pvt. David Wood Jr., son of David and Kathy Wood of the New Egypt section of Plumsted, has graduated from basic infantry training at Fort Benning, Columbus, Ga. The soldier received training in drill and ceremonies, weapons, map reading, tactics, military courtesy, military justice, physical fitness, first aid, and Army history, core values and traditions. Additional training included development of basic combat skills and battlefield operations and tactics, and experiencing the use of various weapons and weapons defenses available to the infantry crewman. Wood is a 2001 graduate of Allentown High School.
Air Force Airman Eric P. Wolchko, son of George and Laura Wolchko of Jackson, graduated from basic military training at Lackland Air Force Base, San Antonio. The airman completed an eight-week program that included training in military discipline and studies, Air Force core values, physical fitness, and basic warfare principles and skills. Airmen who complete basic training earn four credits toward an Associate in Applied Science degree through the Community College of the Air Force. Wolchko is a 2006 graduate of Jackson Memorial High School.
Army Pfc. Eduardo Rodriguez, son of Marilyn Rodriguez of Lakewood, has completed the Warrior Transition Course at Fort Sill, Lawton, Okla. The course teaches basic skills necessary for integration into the Army for all prior-service service members to fully prepare them for Advanced Individual Training or on to their first assignment. Soldiers undergo much of the same training developed in basic combat training, except it is developed in a program of instruction that lasts five weeks instead of nine. To complete the course, soldiers must complete the Army physical fitness test, with a minimum of 60 points in each event, M-16 weapon qualification, tactical foot marches, tactical field and situational training, and the land navigation course. Rodriguez graduated from Lakewood High School in 1998.
Air Force Airman Mark A. Wiedemann, the son of Gary Wiedemann of the New Egypt section of Plumsted, graduated from basic military training at Lackland Air Force Base, San Antonio, Texas. The airman completed an eight-week program that included training in military discipline and studies, Air Force core values, physical fitness, and basic warfare principles and skills. Airmen who complete basic training earn four credits toward an Associate in Applied Science degree through the Community College of the Air Force. Wiedemann is a 2006 graduate of MATES (Marine Academy of Technology and Environmental Science) Ocean County Vocational Technical School, Manahawkin.