Patterson completes Air Force basic training
Air Force Airman Travis S. Patterson 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.
The son of Cecelia Patterson of Kannapolis, Patterson is a 2008 graduate of South Rowan High School, China Grove.
Hildebrandt returnsfrom Iraq deployment
Army Reserve Spec. Matthew S. Hildebrandt has returned to Joint Base McGuire-Dix-Lakehurst, N.J., after being deployed to Iraq serving in support of Operation New Dawn.
Members from all branches of the U.S. military and multinational forces were 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.
Operation New Dawn officially came to an end Dec. 15, 2011.
Hildebrandt is a military policeman with the 805th Military Police Company, Cary. He has served four years in the military.
The son of Kathryn E. Sherry of Salisbury and the grandson of Richard W. Perry of Kannapolis, the sergeant is a 2007 graduate of A.L. Brown High School, Kannapolis.
Airman Burleyson completes training
Air Force Airman Rodney A. Burleyson graduated from basic military training at Lackland Air Force Base, San Antonio, Tex.
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.
Burleyson is the godson of Chris Cromwell of Salisbury.
Petrone promoted to lieutenant colonel
TRAVIS AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. — Major Nicholas R. Petrone has been promoted to the rank of lieutenant colonel in the U.S. Air Force.
Petrone is the Inpatient Surgical Unit Flight Commander, 60th Inpatient Operations Squadron, 60th Air Mobility Wing.
Lt. Colonel Petrone is married to Christine Petrone. They are the proud parents of a daughter, Isabell Grace Petrone.
Petrone is the son of Bill and Rosemary Hall of Salisbury, N.C., and Ron and Sharon Petrone of Topeka, Kan.
Ryan Walton promoted twice while at MOS
Christopher “Ryan” Walton just completed Military Occupational School in Merdian, Miss., as an Aviation Supply Specialist. He was promoted to PFC Feb. 1, 2012. Walton finished first in his class, making him the honor graduate.
He graduates from MOS on March 6, 2012, and will be meritoriously promoted to Lance Corporal. Walton will now be stationed at Quantico, Va., in the HMX1, Presidential Unit.
A 2011 honor graduate of East Rowan High School, Ryan is the son of Harlan and Kim Walton of Gold Hill and the grandson of Jr. and Helen Walton of Salisbury.
Stacy Walser earns Air Force promotion
Stacy E. Walser of Salisbury was promoted to Lieutenant Colonel in the U.S. Air Force on March 1.
A 1997 graduate of the U.S. Air Force Academy, he is currently assigned to McDill Air Force Base in Tampa, Fla., working in the Special Operations Command (SOUCOM).
Stacy is the son of Stacy and Renee Walser of Salisbury.
McKinney completes Abrams training
NCARNG PV2 Kodi T. McKinney of Granite Quarry graduated Feb. 24 from OSUT training at Fort Benning, Ga.
He was trained as an M1 Armor Crewman to operate the M1 Abrams main battle tank, with additional training on tank weaponry, rifles, machine guns and pistols. Additional training received was infantry tactic, first aid, vehicle ID and MOUT training.
McKinney was awarded the Sharpshooter badge for rifles and the Expert badge for pistols and hand grenades.
A 2005 graduate of East Rowan High School, Kodi is the son of Barry and Annette McKinney of Granite Quarry and Christie McKinney of Traphill.
Simmons training in Combat Engineering
Jonathan David Simmons of Salisbury joined the U.S. Marine Corps Aug. 28, 2011, graduating Nov. 23, 2011, from boot camp at Parris Island, S.C., as a PVT.
Following a short leave at home, he went to Camp Geiger, N.C., for Marine Combat Training, graduating there Jan. 3, 2012. He is currently at Camp Lejeune for his Marine Occupational Schooling in the field of Combat Engineering. He is scheduled to graduate March 30, 2012.
Originally from Manaus, Brazil, Jonathan is a 2011 honor graduate of Salisbury Christian School and is the adopted son of Billy and Sheila Simmons and the brother of Joyana Simmons of Salisbury.