Lamar D. Byrd
Army National Guard Pfc. Lamar D. Byrd has graduated from the Direct Fire Infantryman One Station Unit Training at Fort Benning, Columbus, Ga. The training consists of Basic Combat Training and Advanced Individual Training.
During the nine weeks of Basic Combat Training, the soldier received training in drill and ceremonies, weapons, map reading, tactics, military courtesy, military justice, physical fitness, first aid, and Army history, core values and traditions. Additional training included development of basic combat skills and battlefield operations and tactics, and experiencing use of various weapons and weapons defenses available to the infantry crewman.
The Advanced Individual Training course is designed to train indirect fire infantry soldiers to employ, fire and recover anti-personnel and anti-tank mines; locate, neutralize and extract mines; map reading and ground navigation; operate and maintain communications equipment and radio networks; construct and camouflage mortar firing positions; operate and maintain mortars and fire control equipment for individual/crew served weapons firing positions.
Byrd is the son of Karen Watson of Montezuma Circle, Ellenwood, and Kadijah Edwards of Upland Ridge Drive, Conyers.
The private is a 2009 graduate of Rockdale County High School.
Eric B. Bagley
Eric B. Bagley graduated from the Army Reserve Officer Training Corps Leader Development and Assessment Course, also known as "Operation Warrior Forge," at Fort Lewis, Tacoma, Wash.
The 32 days of training provide the best possible professional training and evaluation for all cadets in the aspects of military life, administration and logistical support. Although continued military training and leadership development is included in the curriculum, the primary focus of the course is to develop and evaluate each cadet's officer potential as a leader by exercising the cadet's intelligence, common sense, ingenuity and physical stamina. The cadet command assesses each cadet's performance and progress in officer traits, qualities and professionalism while attending the course.
Cadets in their junior and senior year of college must complete the leadership development course. Upon successful completion of the course, the ROTC program, and graduation from college, cadets are commissioned as second lieutenants in the U.S. Army, National Guard or Reserve.
The cadet is a student at North Georgia College and State University, Dahlonega.
He is the son of Chris J. and Renee M. Bagley of W. Shore Drive, Conyers.
Bagley is a 2006 graduate of Salem High School.
Cecilia Kelsey
Air Force Airman Cecilia J. Kelsey 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.
She is the daughter of Jackie and Cecil Kelsey of Phillips Court, Conyers.
Kelsey is a 2006 graduate of Rockdale County High School.
Christopher A. Essue
Air Force Airman Christopher A. Essue 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 Franklyn and Michelle Essue of Riverclift Drive, Covington.
Essue is a 2009 graduate of Salem High School, Conyers.
