Military news 03/24/03

Jackson grad finishes advanced training

Army National Guard Pfc. Blake A. Ackman, son of David M. and Janet M. Ackman of Jackson, has graduated from the light-wheel vehicle mechanic advanced individual training course at Fort Jackson, Columbia, S.C. Ackman graduated from Jackson High School in 2000.

He was trained to perform maintenance, troubleshoot, and repair wheeled vehicles and related mechanical components, including suspension systems, internal combustion engines and power trains, wheel-hub assemblies, hydraulic brake and steering systems, and operate a wheeled vehicle crane, hoist and winch assemblies.

Brown joins U.S. Army under Delayed Entry

Glenn D. Brown has joined the U.S. Army under the Delayed Entry Program. He is the son of Lori J. Black of Benton, Mo., and Dale K. Brown of Buffalo, Mo. Brown is a student at Buffalo High School.

The program gives young men and women the opportunity to delay entering active duty for up to one year. The enlistment gives the new soldier the option to learn a new skill, travel and become eligible to receive as much as $50,000 toward a college education.

After completion of basic military training, soldiers receive advanced individual training in their career job specialty prior to being assigned to their first permanent duty station. Brown qualifies for a $2,000 enlistment bonus.

He will report for basic training at Fort Sill, Lawton, Okla.

-- From staff reports