Marine Corps
Pvt. Brandon W. Brock, son of Teresa L. Parsons of Hustonville, 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.
Brock and fellow recruits began their training at 5 a. m., by running three miles and performing calisthenics. In addition to the physical conditioning program, Brock spent numerous hours in classroom and field assignments which included learning first aid, uniform regulations, combat water survival, marksmanship, hand-to-hand combat and assorted weapons training. They performed close order drill and operated as a small infantry unit during field training.
Brock and other recruits also received instruction on the Marine Corps’ core values—honor, courage and commitment, and what the core values mean in guiding personal and professional conduct.
Brock and fellow recruits 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.
Air Force
Juan D. Vargas has been promoted to the rank of senior master sergeant.
Vargas is the first sergeant assigned to the 59th Medical Wing at Lackland Air Force Base, Texas. The new senior master sergeant has served in the military for 22 years.
He is the son of Carmen Edwards and stepson of Jeff Edwards of Liberty.
Vargas graduated in 1997 from Del City High School, Okla., and received an associate degree in 2006 from the Community College of the Air Force, Maxwell Air Force Base, Ala. He also earned a second associate degree in 2009 from the Community College of the Air Force.
