PENSACOLA — The University of West Florida received recognition from the U.S. Veterans Magazine's 2014 “Best of the Best” lists.

UWF, among other competitive U.S. institutions, ranks in the “Top Veteran-Friendly Schools" category.

U.S. Veterans Magazine polled hundreds of Fortune 1000 companies to determine this year’s Best of the Best recipients. DiversityComm, U.S. Veterans Magazine's publisher, had agents and affiliates compile categorized lists from market research, independent research, diversity conference participation and survey responses.

View U.S. Veterans Magazine's 2014 Best of the Best list>>

UWF also received recognition in the “Top Military-Friendly Schools” list in the 2014 Guide to Military Schools.

To emphasize the university’s support of military and veteran students as they pursue higher education, the UWF Military Veteran Resource Center is helping military and veteran students make the transition from the military to college.

The UWF MVRC provides resources such as academic advising, tutoring, counseling, accommodations for disabilities, GI Bill education benefits and referral to state and federal resources and services.

For additional information about ways in which UWF supports military and veteran students, visit the MVRC website.

This article originally appeared on Crestview News Bulletin: UWF among U.S. Veterans Magazine's 'Best of the Best'

U.S. Air National Guard Airman 1st Class Megan L. Stokes graduated from basic military training at Joint Base San Antonio-Lackland, San Antonio, Texas.

She completed an eight-week program that included training in military discipline and studies, Air Force core values, physical fitness, and basic warfare principles and skills.

Airmen who complete basic training earn four credits toward an associate in applied science degree through the Community College of the Air Force.

Stokes earned distinction as an honor graduate.

She is the daughter of Jason W. Stokes of Holt and Jennifer L. Vanlandingham of Milton, granddaughter of Gloria D. and Joel W. Stokes, and daughter-in-law of Lois V. and Aubrey G. Pittman, all of Holt.

She is a 2007 Milton High School graduate and earned an bachelor's degree from the University of West Florida in Pensacola. 

This article originally appeared on Crestview News Bulletin: Holt woman completes basic military training

Graduating ROTC cadets, including a Crestview man, were awarded commissions as officers in the U.S. Air Force.

John-Michael William Grice earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Mathematics and was commissioned as a Second Lieutenant during recent ceremonies at Florida State University.

While in college, Grice was a member of the Air Force ROTC program. He completed field training during the summer of 2011, earning the distinction of Superior Performer.

He will enter active duty on Oct. 1 at Randolph AFB in San Antonio, Texas, where he will get training in remotely piloting aircrafts.

His parents are Mark G. and Joanna B. Grice of Crestview. His paternal grandparents are Bobbie Grice and the late John W. Grice of Crestview.

His maternal grandparents are the late Mr. John H. and Sarah I. Bius.

This article originally appeared on Crestview News Bulletin: Grice graduates, earns U.S. Air Force commission

Army Pvt. Allen-Jarvee Thomas graduated from basic infantry training at Fort Benning, Columbus, Ga.

For nine weeks, the soldier received training in drill and ceremonies, weapons, map reading, tactics, military courtesy, military justice, physical fitness, first aid, and Army history, core values and traditions.

Additional training included development of basic combat skills and battlefield operations and tactics, and experiencing use of various weapons and weapons defenses available to the infantry crewman.

Thomas, the son of Danielle Powell and brother of Brandon Shields of Crestview, is the grandson of Inell Shields of Warrensburg, Mo.

He is a 2014 graduate of Penn Foster High School, Scranton, Ohio.

This article originally appeared on Crestview News Bulletin: Thomas completes U.S. Army basic training

Air Force Airman Paige M. Goodrich graduated from basic military training at Joint Base San Antonio-Lackland, San Antonio, Texas.

Goodrich completed an eight-week program that included training in military discipline and studies, Air Force core values, physical fitness, and basic warfare principles and skills.

Airmen who complete basic training earn four credits toward an associate in applied science degree through the Community College of the Air Force.

Goodrich's parents are Renee and Shawn  Goodrich of Crestview; her brother is Aaron Goodrich of Savannah, Ga.

She is a 2013 Crestview Senior High School graduate.

This article originally appeared on Crestview News Bulletin: Goodrich completes Air Force basic training

Pfc. Charles Dylon Brown, 22, of Crestview, is among United States Marine Corps boot camp graduates.

Brown successfully completed 13 weeks of intensive basic training at Marine Corps Recruit Depot Parris Island as a recruit in Training Platoon 2033. While training he achieved the Sharpshooter Rifle Marksmanship Badge.

Following 10 days at home on leave, he was selected for participation in the Recruiter Assistance Program.

Upon completing the RA program, Brown reported to Camp LeJeune, Jacksonville, N.C., where he will complete three months at Infantry Training Battalion.

He will then begin the requirements to become a Reconnaissance Marine.

This article originally appeared on Crestview News Bulletin: Crestview man graduates from U.S. Marine Corps Boot Camp

CRESTVIEW — Winning the Drug Enforcement Administration's Enrique "Kiki" Camarena Award is quite the feat, Emerald Coast Young Marines Unit Cmdr. Lynn Dominique says.

The local group is one of six units nationwide to win the award.

“This is obviously quite an honor, especially for a young unit that was formed back in 2010,” Dominique said.

The ECYM, which has 40 enlisted members, were within the top six young marine units to exemplify community drug abuse awareness and peer-to-peer role modeling.

In addition, the ECYM unit is No. 1 in the category for division three, which covers the country's southeastern portion.

The division, all together, has 55 young marine units, Dominique said.

 “The biggest thing is that it's youth talking to other youth,” he said. 

Dominique accepted the award, on behalf of the unit, during a Young Marines annual adult leaders conference June 5 in Washington D.C.

The award's namesake, Camarena, was a DEA special agent who was abducted and murdered in 1985 at age 37.

Email News Bulletin Staff Writer Matthew Brown, follow him on Twitter or call 850-682-6524.

This article originally appeared on Crestview News Bulletin: Drug abuse awareness award 'quite an honor,' unit commander says