Military News

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Published: October 10, 2008

Local graduate finishes seven-month deployment

Marine Corps Lance Cpl. Braxton Russell, a 2005 graduate of North Stafford High School, in Stafford, along with fellow Marines and sailors of 2nd Battalion, 3rd Marine Regiment, 3rd Marine Division, Marine Corps Base, Kaneohe Bay, Hawaii, recently completed a seven-month deployment to Al Anbar province, Iraq, in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom and the Global War on Terror.

The “Island Warriors” performed security operations in the regions of Karma and Zaidon as well as conducting partnered operations with Iraqi Security Forces. As part of the operations, the Marines lived with and taught the Iraqi Police and Provincial Security Forces on professionalism in preparation to become an independent force. Additionally, the battalion conducted more than $10 million in civil military projects from repairing schools and clinics, to paving roads and rebuilding bridges.

Russell joined the Marine Corps in September 2005.

For more information on 2nd Battalion 3rd Marine Regiment, visit mcbh.usmc.mil.

Local woman graduates from basic training

Army National Guard Pvt. Amanda R. Bolden has graduated from basic combat training at Fort Jackson, Columbia, S.C. During the nine weeks of training, she studied the Army mission, history, tradition and core values. She 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.

She is the daughter of Patsy Murray of Howard Circle in Fredericksburg and Randolph Fiel of Manassas.

Bolden is a 2002 graduate of Stafford Senior High School.

Soldier graduates from training

Army Pfc. Robert J. Adrion has graduated from the Direct Fire Infantryman One Station Unit Training at Fort Benning in Columbus, Ga.  The training consisted of Basic Combat Training and Advanced Individual Training.

During the nine weeks of Basic Combat Training, the soldier received training in drill and ceremonies, weapons, map reading, tactics, military courtesy, military justice, physical fitness, first aid and Army history. It also included ore values and traditions.  Additional training included development of basic combat skills and battlefield operations cand tactics and experiencing use of various weapons and weapons defenses available to the infantry crewman.

The Advanced Individual Training course is designed to train indirect fire infantry soldiers to employ, fire and recover anti-personnel and anti-tank mines; locate, neutralize and extract mines; map reading and ground navigation; operate and maintain communications equipment and radio networks; construct and camouflage mortar firing positions; operate and maintain mortars and fire control equipment for individual/crew served weapons firing positions.

Adrion graduated in 2003 from Great Bridge High School in Chesapeake. He is the son of Robert J. Adrion of Red Cedar Circle in Stafford.

Airman graduates from basic military training

Air National Guard Airman 1st Class Jennifer D. McGrath has graduated from basic military training at Lackland Air Force Base in 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. Airmen who complete basic training earn credits toward an associate’s in applied science degree through the Community College of the Air Force.

McGrath, who graduated from Cathedral High School in Springfield, Mass., is the daughter of David McGrath of Fredericksburg and Dawn McGrath of Westfield, Mass.

Air Force airman graduates from training

Air Force Airman Justin M. Poe has graduated from basic military training at Lackland Air Force Base in 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. Airmen who complete basic training earn credits toward an associate’s in applied science degree through the Community College of the Air Force.

Poe earned distinction as an honor graduate. He is the son of Timothy Poe of Fredericksburg, and a 2005 graduate from Stafford High School.

— Press releases