Staff Sgt. Jeremiah Johnson, left, fires an M-240 weapon while Senior Airman Arthur Sgruggs fires an M-16 during a deployment exercise at the Air Force Academy, Colo. Known as Global Engagement, the exercise lays the foundation to lead, fight and win in a dynamic and diverse global environment. (U.S. Air Force photo/Tech. Sgt. Larry A. Simmons)

Jesse was killed in Iraq on April 9th by a roadside bomb. He served with the 429th Brigade Support Battalion of Roanoke. Last year when his wife's unit was to be redeployed, Jesse took her place. Jesse had just returned from emergency leave to be with his wife for the birth of their daughter Rachel.

Army Pvt. Alesha R. Johnson has graduated from the Ammunition Specialist Advanced Individual Training course at Redstone Arsenal, Huntsville, Ala.

The course is designed to train soldiers to assist in receipt, storage, issue, maintenance, modification, destruction, and demilitarization of conventional ammunition, munitions and explosive components according to technical and safety directives; perform ammunition supply stock control and accounting duties using automated and manual procedures, and operated material handling equipment to maneuver ammunition.

Johnson is the daughter of Melissa M. Blackburn, and grandson of Roy W. Martin, both of Trantham Drive, Lexington, N.C. Her husband, Matthew, is the son of Kenneth D. and Pam S. Johnson of Ennice, N.C. The private is a 2002 graduate of Central Davidson High School, Lexington.

Army Pvt. Kevin L. Black has graduated from Basic Combat Training at Fort Knox, Ky.

During the nine-week training period, the trainee received instruction in drill and ceremony, weapons, rifle marksmanship and bayonet training, chemical warfare, field training and tactical exercises, armed and unarmed combat, military courtesy, military justice, physical fitness, first aid, and Army history, traditions, and core values.

Black is the son of Randolph Black of Carrollton Pike, Woodlawn, Va.

Army National Guard Pvt. Daniel C. Montgomery has graduated from Basic Combat training at Fort Sill, Lawton, Okla.
During the nine weeks of training, the soldier studied the Army mission and received instruction and training exercises in drill and ceremonies, Army history, core values and traditions, military courtesy, military justice, physical fitness, first aid, rifle marksmanship, weapons use, map reading and land navigation, foot marches, armed and unarmed combat, and field maneuvers and tactics.
Montgomery is the grandson of L.V. Eldridge of Highway 21 N, Sparta, N.C.
The private is a 2005 graduate of Alleghany High School, Sparta.

Air Force Airman Thomas H. Hanks 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 Blake Hanks of Lawn Acres Loop, and Aletta Hanks of Partner Lane, both of Galax, Va.
The airman is a 2005 graduate of Grayson County High School, Independence, Va.

Army Reserve Spec. Rodney A. Pugh has been awarded the Army Achievement Medal for participating in Operation Iraqi Freedom.

The medal is awarded to soldiers who have served in any capacity in an area authorized by the Secretary of the Army. The recipients must have distinguished themselves by meritorious service or achievement while acting on behalf of the Army.

Pugh, an ammunition specialist, is assigned to the 811th Ordnance Company, Rainelle, W.Va. He has three years of military service.
He is the son of Walter L. Pugh of Rural Route 1, Crumpler, N.C., and Carol S. Hash of Fox Creek Road, Independence, Va.

The specialist is a 2003 graduate of Grayson County High School, Independence.

Richard R. Hodges Air Force Airman Richard R. Hodges 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.

Hodges earned distinction as an honor graduate. He is the son of Richard B. Hodges of Magnolia Farms Lane, Mooresville, N.C., and Barbara J. Cason of Preacher Field Road, Elkin, N.C. In 2007, he graduated from Lake Norman High School, Mooresville.

Kevin A. White Air Force Airman Kevin A. White 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 Judy Jenkins of Bullhead Road, Sparta, N.C.
White is a 2005 graduate of Alleghany High School, Sparta.

For immediate release.

Army Pvt. Joseph D. Jordan has graduated from Basic Combat training at Fort Sill, Lawton, Okla.
During the nine weeks of training, the soldier studied the Army mission and received instruction and training exercises in drill and ceremonies, Army history, core values and traditions, military courtesy, military justice, physical fitness, first aid, rifle marksmanship, weapons use, map reading and land navigation, foot marches, armed and unarmed combat, and field maneuvers and tactics.
Jordan is a 2004 graduate of Carroll County High School, Hillsville, Va.