Military news

staff reports
Published: August 27, 2008

Mathison promoted to higher rank
Donette L. Mathison has been promoted to the rank of technical sergeant in the U.S. Air Force. Mathison, a medical service craftsman with 10 years of military service, is assigned to the 440th Airlift Wing, Pope Air Force Base, Fayetteville, N.C. The sergeant is a 1997 graduate of West Craven High School in Vanceboro, N.C.
She is the daughter of John W. Adams of New Bern, N.C., and Memorie Sullivan of Fredericksburg.

North Stafford grad receives honor
Marine Corps Lance Cpl. Braxton Russell, a 2005 graduate of North Stafford High School, recently received a certificate of commendation while assigned to Task Force 2nd Battalion, 3rd Marine Regiment, Marine Corps Base Kaneohe Bay, Hawaii.
While deployed to Iraq in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom, Russell’s squad was attacked. Russell gained positive identification and returned fire while leading the squad to the insurgent position. Russell’s quick actions led to the detention of three Anti-Iraqi Force members. Russell joined the Marine Corps in September 2005.

Colonial Forge grad completes combat training
Army National Guard Pfc. Timothy M. St. John has graduated from basic combat training at Fort Jackson, Columbia, S.C. During the nine weeks of training, he studied the Army’s mission, history, tradition and core values. He also studied physical fitness, and received instruction and practice in basic combat skills, military weapons, chemical warfare and bayonet training, as well as 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. He earned distinction as an honor graduate.

St. John is a 2006 graduate of Colonial Forge High School and the son of Steve and Rose St. John of Stafford.

— Press releases