<i>To have military news listed in Centre View, mail to 7913 Westpark Drive, McLean, VA 22102, e-mail to <a href=mailto:centreview@connectionnewspapers.com> centreview@connectionnewspapers.com</a> or fax to 703-917-0991. Photos, especially color, are encouraged. Deadline is one week before publication. Call Steve Hibbard at 703-917-6434 with any questions.</i>
SN Gilbert Blandon, a 2006 graduate of Westfield High School, graduated April 11, from basic training at the U.S. Coast Guard Training Center in Cape May, NJ. His training included intense physical conditioning, seamanship, water survival, marksmanship, firefighting, emergency drill, first aid, ethical conduct and core values, military drill, and customs and courtesies. He served as the Catholic Petty Officer for his company, Golf 179. He has recently reported for duty station "Operational Afloat" aboard the USCGC Gallatin, out of Charleston, SC. Blandon is the son of Gilberto and Sylvia Blandon of Centreville, and the brother of Carmen and Anna Karina.
Army 1st Lt. Kathrin T. Brinn is currently deployed as a member of Task Force Marne, one of more than 20,000 soldiers from the Fort Stewart, Ga.-based 3rd Infantry Division and elements of the 101st Airborne Division from Fort Campbell, Ky. The soldier is serving a 15-month tour in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom.
Brinn, a signal officer and platoon leader, is assigned to the 3rd Signal Company, Special Troops Battalion, 3rd Infantry Division. She has served in the military for less than two years.
She is the daughter of Rufus T. and Kim A. Brinn of Sand Rock Court, Chantilly. The lieutenant graduated in 2002 from Chantilly High School, and received a bachelor's degree in 2006 from James Madison University, Harrisonburg, Va.
Coast Guard Reserve Seaman Ronald S. Kim, a 2003 graduate of Centreville High School, recently graduated from the U.S. Coast Guard Recruit Training Center in Cape May, N.J. During the eight-week training program, Kim completed a vigorous training curriculum consisting of academics and practical instruction on water safety and survival, military customs and courtesies, seamanship skills, first aid, fire fighting and marksmanship. A major emphasis is also placed on physical fitness, health and wellness.
Army Pvt. Gregory A. Madden has graduated from basic combat training at Fort Jackson, Columbia, S.C. He is the grandson of Joyce and Jim Frost of Norman Ave., Fairfax, and son of Christy Crosby of Coppermine Road, Front Royal, Va. Madden is a 2006 graduate of Skyline High School, Front Royal.
Marine Corps Pvt. Matthew R. Gollaway, son of Judy and John Gollaway of Fairfax, 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. Gollaway and fellow recruits began their training at 5 a.m., by running three miles and performing calisthenics. In addition to the physical conditioning program, Gollaway spent numerous hours in classroom and field assignments.
Marine Corps 2nd Lt. Daniel R. Kohli, son of Cheri K. Combs of Centreville, and Peter R. Kohli of Pottstown, Pa., recently received his commission as an officer in the Marine Corps after completing Officer Candidate School (OCS) in Quantico. During the 10-week-long training program, Kohli received extensive instruction on a variety of specialized subjects including Marine Corps history, tactics, operations and organization, land navigation and other military subjects. Kohli also completed a demanding daily physical fitness program that involved running, pullups, obstacle and endurance courses and calisthenics. Kohli is a 2003 graduate of Pottsgrove Senior High School of Pottstown, Pa. and joined the Marine Corps in January 2008.
Army National Guard Spec. Elizabeth J. Kailey 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. Kailey is the daughter of William Kailey of Burke View Court, Burke, and Judy B. Kailey of Fairfax.
Air Force Airman Nampyo Hong has graduated from basic military training at Lackland Air Force Base, 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. 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 Soon Hong of Lakewood Drive, Harrisonburg, and nephew of Sunyoung Kim of Fairfax. Hong is a 2007 graduate of Spotswood High School, Penn Laird.