Nevada County Picayune and Gurdon Times Newspaper Archive

Military News

Navy Petty Officer 1st Class Shalalia Dunbar, daughter of Robert J. and Floydia L. Fulks of Prescott, recently was promoted to her present rank while serving at Naval Computer and Telecommunications Area Master Mediterrean near Naples, Italy.

Dunbar was promoted based on sustained superior job performance and proficiency in her designated speciality.

The 1985 graduate of Prescott High School joined the U.S. Navy in January 1986.

Marine Pfc. Aaron D. Burke, son of Robert D. and Debbie L. Burke Prescott recently completed basic training at Marine Corps Recruit Depot, San Diego, Calif.

Burke successfully completed 12 weeks of training designed to challenge new marine recruits both physically and mentally.

Burke and fellow recruits began their training at 5 a.m. by running three miles and performing calisthenics.

In addition to the physical conditioning program, Burke spent numerous hours in classroom and field assignments which included learning first aid, uniform regulations, combat water survival, marksmanship, hand-to-hand combat and assorted weapons training. They performed close order drill and operated as a small infantry unit during field training.

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

They ended the training phase with the crucible, a 54-hour team effort, problem solving evolution which culminated with an emotional ceremony in which the recruits were presented the Marine Corps Emblem, and were addressed as Marines for the first time since boot camp began.

Burke joins 41,000 men and women who will enter the U.S. Marine Corps this year from all over the country.

He is a 1996 graduate of Prescott High School.