WITH THE MILITARY
Air Force Airman Thomas W. Swenson, son of David Swenson, Motley, and Margaret Kurowski, Little Falls, graduated from basic military training at Lackland Air Force Base, San Antonio, Texas.
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Army National Guard Spec. Justin S. Taylor, a member of the 1st Battalion, 194th Combined Arms Battalion based in Brainerd, participated in the 56th Presidential Inauguration Jan. 20 as part of the largest ever contingent of National Guard members to serve in Washington, D.C.
Army National Guard Sgt. Kyle A. O'Connor, son of Brian E. and Melody M. O'Connor, Crosby, and member of the 1st Combined Arms Battalion, 194th Armor based in Brainerd, participated in the 56th Presidential Inauguration Jan. 20 as part of the largest ever contingent of National Guard members to serve in Washington, D.C.
Thomas Swenson
Air Force Airman Dustin L. Franklin, son of Edwin and Arlene Franklin, Wadena, recently graduated from basic military training at Lackland Air Force Base, San Antonio, Texas.
Army National Guard Sgt. Philip K. Johnson, son of Connie L. Olgilvie, Brainerd, and James G. Johnson, Champlin, participated in the 56th Presidential Inauguration Jan. 20 as part of the largest ever contingent of National Guard members to serve in Washington, D.C.
The Secretary of the Navy has awarded the Navy and Marine Corps Achievement Medal to Aviation Structural Mechanic Airman Erik B. Jenson, United States Navy, for professional achievement as plane captain in Fleet Logistics Support Squadron Four Zero from January to December 2008, which led to his selection as plane captain of the year for 2008. Although new to the line division, Airman Jenson displayed superb initiative and leadership skills in qualifying as both ashore and afloat plane captain in less than six months. His ability to adapt and excel in fast-paced, dynamic situations earned him the full confidence and trust of all squadron aircrew and maintenance chiefs, thus enabling the safe and successful launch and recovery operations for 49 shipboard sorties.
Dustin Franklin
Air Force Airman Lucas J. Keppers, son of Dennis and Karmon Keppers, Pillager, recently graduated from basic military training at Lackland Air Force Base, San Antonio, Texas.
Additionally, his meticulous attention to detail in performing aircraft daily and turn-around inspections and superior training provided to personnel in the plane captain qualification program led to the discovery and repair of 117 discrepancies prior to aircrew manning aircraft. Airman Jenson's exceptional professionalism, unrelenting perseverance and loyal devotion to duty reflected credit upon himself and were in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service. Jenson is the son of Brad and Connie Jenson, Nisswa.
Navy Seaman Apprentice Kelsi A. Goodrich, daughter of Kim A. Lindner-Slagter, Baxter, and Wallace R. Goodrich, Breezy Point, was recently promoted to her current rank upon graduation from recruit training at Recruit Training Command, Great Lakes, Ill.
Maj. Eric Pikula, Task Force 34 INTEL analyst from Brainerd, recently received a Bronze Star at an award ceremony at Joint Base Balad, Iraq, on April 20. The Bronze Star is given to individuals who display bravery, acts of merit or meritorious service.