James R. Breitling

Army National Guard Sgt. James R. Breitling has returned to the 1st battalion, 131st Cavalry, Daleville, after being deployed to an overseas forward operating base in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom.

Operation Iraqi Freedom is the official name given to military operations involving members of the U.S. armed forces and coalition forces participating in efforts to free and secure Iraq. Mission objectives focus on force protection, peacekeeping, stabilization, security and counter-insurgency operations as the Iraqi transitional governing bodies assume full sovereign powers to govern the peoples of Iraq.

Members from all branches of the U.S. military and multinational forces are also assisting in rebuilding Iraq's economic and governmental infrastructure, and training and preparing Iraqi military and security forces to assume full authority and responsibility in defending and preserving Iraq's sovereignty and independence as a democracy.

Breitling is a medic with eight years of military service.

He is the son of Rose M. Breitling of Moss Lane, Gallion and grandson of Winston Stringer of Thomasville.

His wife, Jessica, is the daughter of John K. Hays of Mobile, and Joann Benefield of Loxley.

The sergeant is a 1991 graduate of Demopolis Academy.

Chester M. Martin

Army National Guard Pvt. Chester M. Martin has graduated from basic infantry training at Fort Benning, Columbus, Ga.

During the nine weeks of 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.

Martin is the son of Louise Martin of Ross Drive in Alberta.

The private is a 2006 graduate of Wilcox Central High School in Camden.

Brandon C. Matthews

Marine Corps Pvt. Brandon C. Matthews, grandson of Lucille V. Robinson of Dixons Mills, recently completed 12 weeks of basic training at Marine Corps Recruit Depot, Parris Island, S.C. designed to challenge new Marine recruits both physically and mentally.

Matthews and fellow recruits began their training at 5 a. m., by running three miles and performing calisthenics. In addition to the physical conditioning program, Matthews spent numerous hours in classroom and field assignments, which included learning first aid, uniform regulations, combat water survival, marksmanship, handto hand combat and assorted weapons training. They performed close order drill and operated as a small infantry unit during field training.

Matthews and other recruits also received instruction on the Marine Corps' core values - honor, courage and commitment - and what the core values mean in guiding personal and professional conduct.

Matthews and fellow recruits ended the training phase with The Crucible, a 54-hour, team evolution culminating in an emotional ceremony in which recruits are presented the Marine Corps Emblem, and addressed as "Marines" for the first time in their careers.

Mia V. Benjamin

Mia V. Benjamin has joined the United States Army under the Delayed Entry Program. 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.

The recruit qualifies for a $6,000 enlistment bonus.

Benjamin, a 1997 graduate of Thomasville High School, has reported to Fort Jackson, Columbia, S.C., for basic training in July 2008.

She is the daughter of Al and Wynderlyn Benjamin of Danzy Settlement Road in Thomasville.