Military News

Air Force Airman Jody C. Kemper graduated from basic military training at Lackland Air Force Base, San Antonio, Texas.

The airman completed an intensive, eight-week program that included training in military discipline and studies, Air Force core values, physical fitness, and basic warfare principles and skills.

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

He is the son of Ronnie Kemper of Damascus and grandson of Harden Kemper of Vilonia.

Kemper is a 2007 graduate of Mount Vernon High School.

Army Pvt. Erica K. Brayboy 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 Susan Boyer of Vilonia.

Brayboy graduated in 2008 from Arkansas High School in Little Rock.

With the departure of nearly 70 Civil Air Patrol cadets from Arkansas and several other states, the Civil Air Patrol's annual cadet encampment at Little Rock Air Force Base closed Saturday. Conrad Murphy, Joshua Flake and Brandon Neugebauer, all of Vilonia, are members of the Civil Air Patrol's 42nd Composite Squadron of Little Rock.

The week-long encampment focused on providing CAP cadets with an intense short-term training program in skills useful in their CAP career. Among the highlights were tours and demonstrations by the base fire and security police departments and a visit to the C-130 simulator.

Boys and girls age 12 to 18 can join the Civil Air Patrol cadet program. Joining the Civil Air Patrol does not place any obligation upon the cadet to enlist in the military, it offers the opportunity for those that achieve certain goals in the cadet program to enlist in one of the Armed Services at a higher rank than they would otherwise be granted.

For more information, call 888-876-1729 or visit the Civil Air Patrol website www.arwingcap.org