military news

Bartman wins competition
    CANAAN – Sgt. Kyle B. Bartman of Canaan was named Noncommissioned Officer (NCO) of the Year at the Battalion level, Maine Army National Guard. He is a distinguished member of the 11th Civil Support Team (WMD) based in Waterville. Bartman has demonstrated exceptional expertise, professionalism, and advanced skills, while supporting the mission of the Maine Army National Guard.     Bartman is the son of Ralph and Cindy Bartman of Merrill. He attended Northern Maine Community College in Presque Isle, and now lives in Canaan with his wife, April.
    Competitors for NCO of the Year are tested on military subjects that include Army history, land navigation, first aid, physical fitness, leadership, weapons and military justice. In April, Bartman competed to be the Maine National Guard representative at the New England Regional Competition.
Cleaves graduates
    During the nine weeks of training, Army Pfc. Jared A. Cleaves 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.
     He is the son of Paula and stepson of Steffin Gallupe, of Blaine, and Melvin Cleaves, of Easton.
     Cleaves graduated in 1998 from Easton High School and received an associate degree in 2006 from McIntosh College, Dover, N.H.
Alger graduates
    COLUMBIA, S.C. – Army Pvt. Leland R. Alger 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.
    He is the son of Darlene Hammond and stepson of Edward Vanderlofski of Masardis.
    Alger is a 2007 graduate of the Loring Job Corps Center in Limestone.
    National Guard Promotions
    Major General John W. Libby, the Adjutant General, Maine National Guard announces the promotion to the grade and rank specified below for the following Maine Army National Guard Soldiers.
    These soldiers are assigned to the 133rd Engineer Battalion. The 133rd has nine armories across the state and resembles a large construction company with ability to build roads, airfields and buildings.
    David Guiggey, E2, Mars Hill; Nicole Irish, E2, Benedicta; Justin Theriault, E2, Fort Kent; Randie Davenport, E6, Staff Sergeant, Presque Isle.
Martin graduates
    Marine Corps Pvt. Brandon T. Martin, son of Debra A. Dorsey, of Fort Fairfield, and Timothy P. Martin of, Fort Fairfield, recently completed 12 weeks of basic training at Marine Corps Recruit Depot, Parris Island, S. C., designed to challenge new Marine recruits both physically and mentally.
    Martin and fellow recruits began their training at 5 a. m. by running three miles and performing calisthenics. In addition to the physical conditioning program, Martin spent numerous 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.
    Martin 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.
    Martin and fellow recruits ended the training phase with The Crucible, a 54-hour, team evolution culminating in an emotional ceremony in which recruits are presented the Marine Corps Emblem and addressed as “Marines” for the first time.
Osgood graduates
       Air Force Cadet Michael T. Osgood has graduated from the U.S. Air Force Academy in Colorado Springs, Colo. The graduate received a bachelor of science degree and was commissioned as a second lieutenant.
       The academy offers a four-year educational program of instruction and experience designed to provide cadets the knowledge and character essential for air and space leaders, and the motivation to serve as Air Force career officers. The curriculum provides a balanced program of military training, academics, physical training, athletic conditioning, and character and ethical development. The courses of study allow cadets to acquire a broad education in the basic and engineering sciences, social sciences, the humanities, including additional elective courses needed to complete requirements for one of 25 major areas of study.
       The new lieutenants go on to serve as pilots, navigators, engineers, maintenance officers, professionals in various management and technical fields, and some attend medical or graduate school with special scholarships, while others go directly to non-rated Air Force-wide assignments.
       Osgood is scheduled to attend undergraduate pilot training at Vance Air Force Base, Enid, Okla. He received a degree in management, with a minor degree in French at the academy.
       The new lieutenant is the son of Thomas and Ann Osgood of Easton.     He is a 2004 graduate of Easton Junior-Senior High School.