Airman Philpot graduates

Air Force Airman, Taylor B. Philpot recently graduated from basic military training at Lackland AFB in San Antonio, Texas.

Philpot was awarded Most Physically Fit Male Airman out of 816 graduates, with a 1.5 mile run time of 8:50, 73 push ups per minute, 72 sit ups per minute and 22 pull-ups per minute. He also attained war-hawk fitness standards, was one of five team leaders in his flight of 55 airmen, an expert marksman and was awarded a squadron coin by his squadron commander.

He is the son of Bill and Terri Philpot of Kimberly. He is the grandson of Floyd and Brenda Philpot of County Line and David and Vivian Chatham of Morris. He is a 2009 graduate of Mortimer Jordan High School.

Airman Baez graduates

Air Force Airman Brandon M. Baez 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.

Baez is the son of Scott Waite of Gardendale. He is a 2005 graduate of Gardendale High School.

Prince completes basic training

 Army National Guard Pvt. James A. Prince has graduated from One Station Unit Training (OSUT) at Fort Knox, Ky., which consisted of basic military training and advanced individual training (AIT).

During AIT, the soldier completed the seven-week cavalry scout course. The training included subjects and instructions to operate, maintain and fire M2/M3 Bradley fighting vehicles; call and adjust fire on enemy targets, recognize friendly and threat vehicles; conduct reconnaissance and security missions, perform foot patrols, conduct land navigation, locate and neutralize mines; and operate and maintain scout vehicles.

He is the son of James A. and Sherry A. Prince of Warrior.

Russell returns from deployment

Army Sgt. Wesley N. Russell has returned to Fort Richardson, Anchorage, Alaska, after being deployed to Afghanistan for one year.  The soldier is one of 3,500 members of the 4th Airborne Brigade Combat Team (Airborne), 25th Infantry Division stationed at Fort Richardson.  Airborne combat team members included soldiers assigned to one of six battalions and regiments of the 25th Infantry Division.

Soldiers improved roads, provided vocational training in construction and civics, improved and re-opened 29 schools, remodeled six medical clinics and improved three district courthouses.

Russell, a sniper section leader with five years of military service, is regularly assigned to the 1st Battalion, 40th Cavalry Regiment.

He is the son of Kim N. Russell of Pinson.