OUR TROOPS
Crane becomes Ironman of Kilo Company

Coggins

Jeffrey Crane, 19, son of John and Kathy Crane recently graduated from Recruit Depot, Parris Island Marine Boot camp, South Carolina. He scored the highest of all 425 graduates in Kilo Company of the 3rd battalion. On January 11, he led all recruits on a 4 mile run carrying the 3rd battalion flag. After the motivational run Crane pinned on the "Eagle, Globe and Anchor". On Friday, Private First Class Crane received a plaque as the "Iron man" of the 3rd Battalion.

Crane has reported to North Carolina for Marine Combat Training for three weeks and will receive his job assignment upon completion of MCT.

Crane's parents and sisters traveled to Parris Island to attend both ceremonies. Crane graduated from Pace High School in 2005.

COGGINS

Air Force Airman Guy W. Coggins has graduated from basic military training at Lackland Air Force Base, San Antonio, Texas.

During the six weeks of training, the airman studied the Air Force mission, organization, and military customs and courtesies; performed drill and ceremony marches, and received physical training, rifle marksmanship, field training exercises, and special training in human relations.

In addition, airmen who complete basic training earn credits toward an associate degree through the Community College of the Air Force.

He is the son of Lenor Coggins of Robar Tesora St., Navarre. Coggins is a 2005 graduate of Navarre High School.

MATZ

Army Pvt. Robert D. Matz 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.

He is the son of Timothy Matz of Victoria Place, Crestview and Virginia Briggs of Parker Lake Circle, Navarre. Matz is a 2001 graduate of Crestview High School.

NASH Army 2nd Lt. Erin Nash received honors at the Korean- American Friendship Association (KAFA) Thanksgiving and Year-End Party in Seoul, South Korea. The KAFA is an organization whose sole purpose is to promote friendship between the peoples of South Korea and the United States.

Honorees are selected by unit commanders for outstanding military performance, accomplishments, and/or contributions to promote positive Korean- American relations. The event, sponsored by the KAFA, was established in 1976 to strengthen bonds of friendship and show appreciation to U.S. Forces for their contributions to peace and freedom in South Korea.

U.S. Forces Korea military members from throughout the peninsula were treated to a huge buffet dinner and entertainment at the annual Thanksgiving and Year-End Party. The party is also a small token of the Korean people's appreciation and gratefulness for the U.S. service members' sacrifices that have been made to preserve stability in South Korea.

The lieutenant is a treatment platoon leader assigned to the 168th Medical Battalion, Yongsan, Seoul, South Korea.

She is the daughter of Barry and Michele Bitters of Robar Tesora St., Navarre. Nash graduated in 2000 from Navarre High School, and received a bachelor's degree in 2005 from Florida State University, Tallahassee.