By Staff
June 5, 2002
Air National Guard Airman William C. Briggs Jr. 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 customs; performed drill and ceremony marches; and received physical training and special training in human relations.
In addition, airmen who complete basic training earn credits toward an associate degree through the Community College of the Air Force.
He is the son of Margaret Scruggs of Lauderdale and grandson of Rose Griffith of Meridian.
Briggs is a 2001 graduate of Northeast High School.
Army Pfc. Claudia D. Loftin has graduated from basic combat training at Fort Jackson, Columbia, S.C.
During the nine weeks of training, the soldier studied the Army mission and received instruction and practice in drill and ceremony, marching, rifle marksmanship, armed and unarmed combat, map reading, field tactics, military courtesy, military justice system, physical fitness, basic first aid and Army history, tradition and core values, along with special training in human relations.
Loftin is the daughter of Gloria Bonner of Meridian.
Army Pvt. Joseph F. Konkle has graduated from the mortuary affairs specialist course at Fort Lee, Petersburg, Va.
The student was trained in search and recovery operations, disinterment, identification, evacuation, and disposition of remains and personal effects; inventory and safeguarding records and personal effects,
and assist in mass casualty burials.
Konkle is the son of Deborah L. and stepson of Jerry L. Taggart of Meridian.
He is a 1997 graduate of Indian Valley High School, Gnadenhatten, Ohio.
Air National Guard Airman 1st Class Nena R. Brown 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 customs; performed drill and ceremony marches, and received physical training and special training in human relations.
In addition, airmen who complete basic training earn credits toward an associate degree through the Community College of the Air Force.
She is the daughter of Gizell and William Brown and granddaughter of Orsenia and William Brown, all of Meridian.
Brown is a 2000 graduate of Northeast Lauderdale High School.
Navy Seaman Recruit Frenchie K. Johnson recently began the Cooperation Afloat Readiness and Training Exercise in Brunei while assigned to the guided missile cruiser USS Vincennes, homeported in Yokosuka, Japan.
Johnson is one of more than 1,400 sailors, Marines and Coast Guard sailors participating in the bilateral training with the Royal Brunei Armed Forces. CARAT is the U.S. Navy's premier exercise that takes place throughout Southeast Asia each May through August.
Johnson is a 2001 graduate of Northeast Lauderdale High School.