Lake City Military News for Feb. 10

Gaskins graduates One Station Unit Training

Army Pvt. Collis K. Gaskins has graduated from One Station Unit Training (OSUT) at Fort Knox, Ky., which consisted of basic military training and advanced individual training (AIT).

During the first nine weeks of initial entry training, or basic combat training, the trainee received instruction in drill and ceremony, weapons, rifle marksmanship qualification, bayonet combat, chemical warfare, field training and tactical exercises, marches, military courtesy, military justice, physical fitness, and first aid as well as Army history, traditions, and core values.

During AIT, the soldier completed the seven-week cavalry scout course. The training included subjects and instructions to operate, maintain and fire M2/M3 Bradley fighting vehicles; call and adjust fire on enemy targets; recognize friendly and threat vehicles; conduct reconnaissance and security missions; perform foot patrols; conduct land navigation; locate and neutralize mines; and operate and maintain scout vehicles.

Gaskins is the son of Coll and Francina Gaskins of Lake City and a 2009 graduate of Lake City High School.

McFadden deploys for Operation Enduring Freedom

Air Force Tech. Sgt. Jonell E. McFadden has deployed overseas to a forward operating base to serve in support of Operation Enduring Freedom.

Operation Enduring Freedom is the official name given to anti-terrorism military operations involving U.S. troops and allied coalition partners. Active duty and reserve component members from all branches of the U.S. armed forces have been deployed to support the war against global terrorism outside the borders of the United States. U.S. troops serve in south, southwest and central Asia; the Arabian Peninsula; the Horn of Africa; Pacific islands; and Europe.

McFadden is the passenger service agent regularly assigned to the 437th Aerial Port Squadron, Charleston Air Force Base. The technical sergeant has served in the military for 14 years.

McFadden is the son of Jonell and Florence K. McFadden of Olanta and is a 1995 graduate of Lake City High School.

Brown completes Marines basic training

Marine Corps Pvt. Richard G. Brown II, son of Richard G. Brown of Johnsonville, recently completed 12 weeks of basic training at Marine Corps Recruit Depot, Parris Island, designed to challenge new Marine recruits physically and mentally.

Brown and fellow recruits began their training at 5 a. m. by running three miles and performing calisthenics. In addition to the physical conditioning program, Brown spent 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.

Brown 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.

Brown and fellow recruits ended the training phase with The Crucible, a 54-hour team evolution culminating in an emotional ceremony during which recruits are presented the Marine Corps Emblem and addressed as “Marines” for the first time in their careers.