Air Force Airmen 1st Class Krisdon A. Stetson, Thomas R. Miller and Airman 1st Class Zachery A. Miller graduated from basic military training at Joint Base San Antonio-Lackland, San Antonio, Texas.

They completed an intensive, 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.

Stetson, a 2008 Crestview High School alumna who earned distinction as an honor graduate, is the daughter of Donna Jones of Crestview.

Thomas Miller's parents are Daniel and Zenaida Miller of Crestview. Zachery Miller is a 2012 Crestview High School graduate.

This article originally appeared on Crestview News Bulletin: Residents complete Air Force basic training

BAKER — Josh Long wants to face his fears.

"Rappelling off a 45-foot tower is nerve-racking to me, considering I have a fear of heights," he said.

The 17-year-old headed to Hawaii last weekend to do just that during a junior ROTC competition.

In addition to spending two weeks touring the island of Oahu in Honolulu, Long will take part in the JROTC Cadet Leadership Challenge at the Schofield Barracks. For four days, 72 cadets will compete in day and night land-navigation activities, rope rappelling and obstacle courses.

It'll be a packed schedule, Baker JROTC instructor Michael Ramirez said.

"…These kids will have their days planned out for them from early in the morning until the evening," he said. 

JCLC is a JROTC requirement that gives cadets confidence-building military training, Ramirez said. 

"You will see kids starting out who will be very insecure and then after they go through (JCLC), you will see their heads held high and … they are very proud of their accomplishments," he said.

Usually, Baker's JROTC, like several county JROTC programs, has JCLC in the summer at Camp James E. Rudder on Eglin Air Force Base, Ramirez said.

 The opportunity to send Long to Hawaii occurred when an open slot became available for a Baker student to attend with JROTC students from Hillcrest High School in Evergreen, Ala.

Hillcrest JROTC instructor Michael Phipps approached Ramirez about sending one of the Baker cadets. 

Long's interest in pursuing a military career in the U.S. Air Force, his leadership skills and maturity level make him an ideal Baker representative, Ramirez said.

"I am very confident that he is going to do great things there," he said.

This will be Long's first JCLC experience. The student, who has been involved with JROTC since eighth grade, has received financial support to help cover travel expenses and accommodations.

Long knows it's a big deal. 

"This is a once-in-a-lifetime experience for me," he said. "I am very excited."

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

This article originally appeared on Crestview News Bulletin: Baker student heads to Hawaii for 'once-in-a-lifetime' JROTC competition

Northwest Florida State College's new VetSuccess Office is now open.

The office provides a full-time, on-campus VA counselor to help veterans, service members and qualified dependents through a coordinated delivery of benefits assistance and counseling.

This allows them to complete their education and prepares them to enter the labor market in viable careers, a spokesperson said following a May 14 grand opening ceremony.

Contact Randy Lanier, lanierr@nwfsc.edu, randall.lanier@va.gov or 678-5111, ext. 6752 for more details.

This article originally appeared on Crestview News Bulletin: VetSuccess Center offers benefits assistance, counseling

CRESTVIEW — Memorial services can meaningfully connect Americans to U.S. soldiers, Crestview Mayor David Cadle said.

And services in small towns — like the Disabled American Veterans Auxiliary Crestview Unit 57's Memorial Day observance — call to mind our service members' sacrifice, he said.

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More than 500 small American flags quivering in the breeze Monday morning at Liveoak Park Memorial Cemetery marked headstones of men and women who died in combat.

Annually reflecting on those who died in service is important, Cadle said.

 “I just appreciate the people of this community for not letting this tradition die, because we owe those soldiers our honor and our gratitude," he said.  

During the ceremony, individuals walked across the cemetery, placing wreaths to honor fallen soldiers.

Greg and Cindi Smith presented a wreath with other Okaloosa Republican Precinct Captains representatives and their 9-year-old granddaughter, Taylor.

Current generations across the country have lost the reason behind Memorial Day, Greg Smith,retired Air Force and current Civil Service, said.

But that's not the case in Okaloosa County, which has a dense military population, Cadle said.

“When I spoke … about connecting the American people to the American soldier, I’m really not directing that at this community …

"This community is connected to American soldiers."

This article originally appeared on Crestview News Bulletin: Residents recognize military's sacrifice during Memorial Day service

CRESTVIEW — Harmon Ferguson believes few people, especially civilians, know the true meaning of Memorial Day.

"I think it's a damn shame," he said. "Many (people) just go to the beach."

But the 90-year-old Crestview resident knew where he would be.

Today, Ferguson and Frances, his wife of 50 years, attended the Disabled American Veterans Auxiliary Unit 57 of Crestview's observance at Liveoak Park Memorial Cemetery. 

Proud veteran

The Mississippi native, who has lived in Crestview the past 33 years, was drafted into the U.S. Army in 1943 during  World War II.

 "I was with the heavy weapons infantry and I weighed 130 pounds at the time," Ferguson said.

 During the war, he served in the South Pacific, including the Philippines and New Guinea. He left the U.S. Army after more than nine years and then joined the U.S. Air Force, working in supply management for 11 years.

Falling second to raising a family ─ eight children, 19 grandchildren and 11 great grandchildren ─ being in the military, he'll tell you, is the best part of his life. 

"I can honestly say that I have truly enjoyed all of my military life," Ferguson said.

Asked if he would change a thing about his military career, he said, "Never."

Grateful for service

It's difficult to remember fallen soldiers he served with in his 20-year military career and, as the years have passed, he said it has grown increasingly difficult to keep in touch with fellow service members.

Recovering from a broken hip, which has left him unable to walk, hasn't helped matters. However, it has not kept him from celebrating a holiday that he holds close.

"I have not missed a Memorial Day," Ferguson said.

He remains thankful to service members who defend our freedom — among them, his grandson, Nicholas Patterson, who serves in the Air Force. 

"I thank them for all of their service; I appreciate it," he said.

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

This article originally appeared on Crestview News Bulletin: NO BEACH MONDAY: While others relax, Crestview couple will remember war dead

CRESTVIEW — Community members showed their thanks for local military service personnel and their families on Armed Forces Day.

Saturday's annual event is a time for families to relax, have fun, eat free food and enjoy a spring day in Old Spanish Trail Park, Bob Lynn, chairman of the Military Appreciation Recognition Celebration committee, said.

It was also a time for ceremony.

Five Crestview-based Emerald Coast Young Marines members earned promotions: Rollin Cluff to sergeant; Lily Harris, Dalton Templeton and Bailee Joy to lance corporal; and Richelle Teets to private, first class.

Static displays included military vehicles and weapons, while bounce houses, the National Guard's rock climbing wall, go-carts and inflatable slides were among recreational opportunities.

Email News Bulletin Staff Writer Brian Hughes at brianh@crestviewbulletin.com, follow him on Twitter @cnbBrian or call 850-682-6524.

This article originally appeared on Crestview News Bulletin: Making a MARC on the community: Crestview thanks military families on Armed Forces Day

The Disabled American Veterans Auxiliary Unit 57 of Crestview's Memorial Day observance at 10 a.m. May 26 at the Liveoak Park Memorial Cemetery, 112 E. North Ave., Crestview.

The public may place a wreath at the memorial during the program. Flags will be placed on all veterans' graves at 7 a.m. May 24.

Contact Merallyn McDonald, 682-3666, for details.

This article originally appeared on Crestview News Bulletin: Memorial Day observance is May 26 in Crestview

Cumulus Media and Logan’s Roadhouse are serving up free steak lunches, in conjunction with Lee Automotive Group and Eglin Federal Credit Union, for local military members. 

The free feast takes place 10:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. May 22 at Liza Jackson Park in honor of “Military Appreciation Month.”

On-air personalities from NASH FM 105.5, 99ROCK, Z96, Coast 93.3 and News Talk 1260 will serve the free sirloin steaks, tossed salad, over-loaded mashed potatoes and rolls to the first 500 current or past military service members.  

Buffalo Rock Pepsi and Blue Bell Ice Cream will round out the menu, and military members can register to win $100 VISA gift cards and other prizes

This article originally appeared on Crestview News Bulletin: Free steak lunch available for military May 22