Dennis graduates from infantryman training

COLUMBUS, Ga. — Army National Guard Pfc. Albert D. Dennis has graduated from the Infantryman One Station Unit Training at Fort Benning, Columbus, Ga. The training consists of Basic Infantry Training and Advanced Individual Training.

During the nine weeks of basic combat training, the soldiers received training in drill and ceremonies, weapons employment, map reading, tactics, military courtesy, military justice, physical fitness, first aid skills and Army history, core values and traditions.

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

The Advanced Individual Training course is designed to train infantry soldiers to perform reconnaissance operations; employ, fire and recover anti-personnel and anti-tank mines; locate and neutralize land mines and operate target and sight equipment; operate and maintain communications equipment and radio networks; construct field firing aids for infantry weapons and perform infantry combat exercises and dismounted battle drills, which includes survival procedures in a nuclear, biological or chemical contaminated area.

Dennis is the son of Claudia and Albert J. Dennis of Ferguson St., Woodville.

The private is a 2008 graduate of Wilkinson County High School in Woodville.

Nelson graduates from basic infantry training

COLUMBUS, Ga. — Army National Guard Pvt. Gary Nelson Jr. has graduated from basic infantry training at Fort Benning, Columbus, Ga.

During the nine weeks of training, 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.

He is the son of Eunice and Gary Nelson of Maple St., Natchez.

Nelson is a 2008 graduate of the Mississippi Youth Challenge Academy, Hattiesburg.

Ellis receives George C. Marshall award at VMI

LEXINGTON, Va. — TyAndre D. Ellis has received the George C. Marshall Award for 2009 during a ceremony at the Marshall Center, Virginia Military Institute in Lexington, Va. The award is named in the honor and legacy of General of the Army George C. Marshall, who served in World War II as the Army Chief of Staff and in the post-war era served as secretary of state and secretary of defense.

The award is presented annually to the most outstanding senior Army ROTC (Reserve Officer Training Corps) cadets in military science studies and leadership values in each battalion at host universities or colleges. Top cadets from each cadet battalion represent the very best of a highly selective organization. This is a national award and the highest award an ROTC cadet can receive.

The cadets participate in focus groups and round table discussions and lectures on the theme of the national security of the U.S. and the Army’s security role in the international arena.

Cadets receive formal speeches from the highest echelons of the U.S. Army’s leadership ranks, scholars and experts in the area of national defense.

He is the son of Lula M. Ellis of Fayette.

Ellis is a 2003 graduate of Jefferson County High School, Fayette.

Christopher graduates from basic training

COLUMBIA, S.C. — Army Pvt. Kelli A. Christopher 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.

She is the daughter of William and Lori Christopher of Woodland Ave., Ferriday.

The private is a 2006 graduate of Jefferson State College, Birmingham, Ala.