Military News

Biting
Navy Seaman Robert M. Bitting, a 2008 graduate of Colonial Forge High School in Stafford, recently completed U.S. Navy basic training at Recruit Training Command, Great Lakes, Ill.

During the eight-week program, Bitting completed a variety of training that included classroom study and practical instruction on naval customs, first aid, firefighting, water safety and survival, physical fitness and shipboard and aircraft safety.
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.

Brecht
Army Pvt. Kevin D. Brecht 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.

Brecht is the son of Candy Brecht of Elizabeth Drive in Fredericksburg, and a 2003 graduate of Stafford Senior High School in Falmouth.

Cain
Marine Corps Pvt. David S. Cain, son of Kim Hill of Fredericksburg and Micheal Cain of Stafford, recently completed 12 weeks of basic training at Marine Corps Recruit Depot, Parris Island, S. C. designed to challenge new Marine recruits both physically and mentally.

Cain and fellow recruits began their training at 5 a. m., by running three miles and performing calisthenics. Cain spent numerous hours in classroom and field assignments that included learning first aid, uniform regulations, combat water survival, marksmanship, hand-to-hand combat and assorted weapons training. He performed close order drill and operated within a small infantry unit during field training. Cain also received instruction on the Marine Corps’ core values — honor, courage and commitment. He ended the training phase with The Crucible, a 54-hour, team evolution culminating in an emotional ceremony in which recruits are presented the Marine Corps Emblem, and addressed as “Marines” for the first time in their careers.

Thompson
Army National Guard Pfc. Charles M. Thompson 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. Thompson earned distinction as an honor graduate.

He is the son of Marilyn Thompson and the brother of Cheryl Morrisset, both of Fredericksburg. The private first class is a 2001 graduate of Stafford High School in Falmouth.

— Staff report