Nevada County Picayune and Gurdon Times Newspaper Archive

Military News

1st Lt. Richard C. Sanford of Prescott has been appointed as Public Affairs Officer for the 917th Wing, U.S. Air Force Reserve Command, Barksdale AFB, Louisiana. The appointment was made recently by Col. Jack Ihle, 917th Wing Commander.

U.S. Marine Pvt. Jason L. Simpson, son of Charlene A. Lawrence of Prescott, recently completed basic training at U.S. Marine Corps Recruit Depot, San Diego, Calif.

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

Simpson and fellow recruits began their training at 5 a.m. by running three miles and performing calisthenics. In addition to the physical conditioning program, Simpson 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.

Simpson 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.

Simpson and fellow recruits 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 U.S. Marine Corps Emblem, and were addressed as 'marines' for the first time since boot camp began.

He is a 1998 graduate of Prescott High School.