1/11/07

Hometown kids finding success in U.S. military

Air National Guard Airman 1st Class William T. Floyd 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 Tammy Floyd of Turbeville.

Floyd is a 2004 graduate of East Clarendon High School.

Army National Guard Pvt. Janelle L. Blanding has graduated from basic combat training at Fort Jackson, Columbia.

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 Jerry Blanding and niece of Emma Hilton, both of Manning.

Blanding is a 2006 graduate of Manning High School.

Army National Guard Pvt. Ronnie Dawsey II has graduated from the Metal Worker Advanced Individual Training course at Aberdeen Proving Ground, Aberdeen, Md.

The student was trained in all phases of welding including ferrous and nonferrous metals using oxyacetylene, electric, arc, and inert gas welding equipment. Class training included repairing, repainting, installing and inspecting metal body components, radiators, fuel tanks, and modification of related items. The trainee also learned to repair hulls and accessories of Army watercraft.

Dawsey is the son of Ronnie Dawsey Sr. of Cordova, S.C., and Francine P. Clowers of Manning.

The private graduated in the year 2000 from Wil Lou Gray Military Academy in West Columbia.