July 23, 2010
Army Reserve Staff Sgt. Martin A. Taylor is returning to the U.S. after a deployment to Iraq or Afghanistan in support of Operations Iraqi Freedom or Enduring Freedom, respectively. The soldiers return to Fort Dix, N.J. for debriefing, evaluations and out-processing procedures before returning to their regularly assigned Army Reserve or National Guard units. The specialist served in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom in the Iraq Theater of Operations. While deployed, he received the Meritorious Service Medal, and Army Commendation Medal. Taylor, a psychological operations specialist, is assigned to the 346th Psychological Operations Company, Columbus, Ohio. The staff sergeant has served in the military for nine years. He is the son of Wally C. Taylor of Riss Drive, Normal, Ill. In 2001, he graduated from Normal Community High School, and received an associate degree in 2007 from Heartland Community College, Normal.
Air Force Airman Joshua E. Feasley
July 23, 2010
Air Force Airman Joshua E. Feasley graduated from basic military training at Lackland Air Force Base, San Antonio, Texas. The airman completed an intensive, 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. He is the son of Deanne and Robert Feasley of Berkshire Road, Mackinaw, Ill. Feasley is a 2009 graduate of Dee Mack High School, Mackinaw.
Air Force Cadet trainee Cole D. Rosenbaum
July 23, 2010
Cole D. Rosenbaum has entered Basic Cadet Training at the U.S. Air Force Academy, Colorado Springs, Colo., in preparation to enter the first academic year at the academy. The six-week, two-phased orientation program must be successfully completed by the cadets prior to entering their freshman year. The training prepares men and women to meet the rigorous mental and physical challenges experienced by new cadets. Phase one involves personal in-processing, orientation, and training in the fundamentals of being a cadet. Cadet trainees are prepared to adjust from civilian to military life and disciplines, and learn proper wear of the uniform, saluting policies and procedures, drill and ceremony, marching, and living quarters standards. During phase two, cadets train outdoors living in tents while learning to function in field conditions. Cadets apply and practice team work, cohesion and learn to deal with physically and mentally demanding situations. They complete the obstacle, confidence, assault, and leadership reaction courses, and participate in a rescue mission termed Operation Warrior. He is the son of Douglas and Sandra Rosenbaum of Creotmoor Cove, Normal, Ill. Rosenbaum is a 2010 graduate of the University High School, Normal.
Air Force Airman Tyler D. Bonack
July 23, 2010
Air Force Airman Tyler D. Bonack graduated from basic military training at Lackland Air Force Base, San Antonio, Texas. The airman completed an intensive, 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. He is the son of Jennifer Bonack of Everrett Drive, Gridley, Ill. Bonack is a 2008 graduate of El Paso Gridley High School, Ill.
Army Capt. Thomas E. Enterline
July 16, 2010
Army Capt. Thomas E. Enterline recently graduated from the Intermediate Level Education Course at the U.S. Army Command and General Staff College, Fort Leavenworth, Leavenworth, Kan. Approximately 1,000 students graduated from the 10-month course designed to develop warfighting and leadership skills necessary for military officers to be proficient in full spectrum operations. The majority of graduates were Army officers, but also included officers from the Air Force, Navy, and Marine Corps as well as 67 international officers and 14 individuals from other U.S. government agencies. The Honorable Karl W. Eikenberry, U.S. Ambassador to Afghanistan, was the guest speaker at the U.S. Army Command and General Staff College's graduating class at the main parade. Enterline has served in the military for 16 years. He is the son of Thomas B. Enterline of Parkside Drive, Goodfield, Ill., and Denise L. Greenleaf of Wood Road, Dewitt, Mich. His grandmother, Elaine Enterline, resides on Gwen Drive, York, Pa. The captain's wife, Jacqueline, is the daughter of Lillie M. Freeman of W. Cass St., St. Johns, Mich. Enterline graduated in 1991 from West York Area Senior High School, York, and received a bachelor's degree in 2001 from Michigan State University, East Lansing. He earned a master's degree in 2010 from Central Michigan University, Mount Pleasant.
Navy Seaman Apprentice Joseph C. Grusy
July 9, 2010
Navy Seaman Apprentice Joseph C. Grusy, son of Jennifer A. and Timothy J. Grusy of Gridley, Ill., recently completed U.S. Navy basic training at Recruit Training Command, Great Lakes, Ill. During the eight-week program, Grusy completed a variety of training which included 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. The capstone event of boot camp is "Battle Stations". This exercise gives recruits the skills and confidence they need to succeed in the fleet. "Battle Stations" is designed to galvanize the basic warrior attributes of sacrifice, dedication, teamwork and endurance in each recruit through the practical application of basic Navy skills and the core values of Honor, Courage and Commitment. Its distinctly ''Navy'' flavor was designed to take into account what it means to be a Sailor. Grusy is a 2007 graduate of El Paso Gridley High School of El Paso, Ill.
Army National Guard Spec. Joseph R. Gibbens
June 25, 2010
Army National Guard Spec. Joseph R. Gibbens 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, 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, military justice system, basic first aid, foot marches, and field training exercises. He is the son of Roger and Janet Gibbens of N. Wildlife Drive, Hopedale, Ill. Gibbens graduated in 1995 from Olympia High School, Stanford, Ill., and received a bachelor's degree in 2000 from Missouri University of Science and Technology, Rolla.
Army National Guard Spec. Katherine M. Forbes
June 25, 2010
Army National Guard Spec. Katherine M. Forbes 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, 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, military justice system, basic first aid, foot marches, and field training exercises. Forbes is the daughter of David and Karen Forbes of E. Jefferson St., Morton, Ill. The specialist graduated in 1997 from Morton High School, and received a bachelor's degree in 2001 from Taylor University, Upland, Ind.