Military digest 12/19/02

Hester completes Dynamic Response '02

Marine Corps Lance Cpl. Joe C. Hester, son of Stacia and Cliff Hester of Scott City, recently completed Dynamic Response '02 while assigned to the 24th Marine Expeditionary Unit, based in Camp Lejeune, N.C.

Hester is one of more than 4,000 Atlantic Fleet sailors and Marines deployed aboard the ships of the USS Nassau Amphibious Ready Group.

After transiting the Suez Canal from the Mediterranean Sea following its month-long operation in Kosovo, Hester's unit shifted from the U.S. Sixth Fleet Area of Responsibility to that of the U.S. Naval Forces Central Command/U.S. Fifth Fleet in the Indian Ocean and Arabian Sea.

Hester is a 2000 graduate of Jacksonville High School of Jacksonville, Ark.

He joined the Marine Corps in July 2000. For more information or to view photographs, visit the 24th MEU Web site at www.24meu.usmc.mil.

Martin graduates from basic training

PERRYVILLE, Mo. -- Air Force Airman Joel A. Martin has graduated from basic military training at Lackland Air Force Base in San Antonio, Texas.

During his six weeks of training, Martin studied the Air Force mission and organization, as well as its military customs and courtesies; performed drill and ceremony marches; and received physical training, field training, rifle marksmanship training and special training in human relations.

Airmen who complete basic training earn credits toward an associate degree through the Community College of the Air Force.

Martin is the son and stepson of Joseph and Kate Martin of Perryville, Mo., and Penny and Tim Thompson of Brunswick, Ga. Martin is a 2002 graduate of Perryville High School.-- From staff reports