Meridian enlistees complete basic training

By Staff
Dec. 14, 2001
Air Force Airman 1st Class Matthew B. Pope has graduated from basic military training at Lackland Air Force Base in San Antonio, Texas.
During the six weeks of training, the airman studied the U.S. Air Force mission, organization, and customs; performed drill and ceremony marches; completed physical training; and received special training in human relations.
Airmen who complete basic training earn credits toward an associate's degree through the Community College of the Air Force.
Pope is the son of Randy Pope of Meridian and Patrice Box of Hattiesburg. He is a 1996 graduate of Clarkdale High School and a 2001 graduate of Mississippi State University.
Army National Guard Pvt. De'Ontae Coleman has graduated from basic combat training at Fort Jackson in Columbia, S.C.
During the nine weeks of training, the soldier received instruction and practice in drill and ceremony, marching, rifle marksmanship, armed and unarmed combat, map reading, field tactics, military courtesy, the military justice system, physical fitness, basic first aid and Army values, principles and traditions.
Coleman is the son of Eola and Roosevelt Coleman of Meridian, and a 2001 graduate of Meridian High School.
Air National Guard Airman 1st Class Eric V. Graves has graduated from basic military training at Lackland Air Force Base in San Antonio, Texas.
During the six weeks of training, the airman studied the U.S. Air Force mission, organization, and customs; performed drill and ceremony marches; completed physical training; and received special training in human relations.
Airmen who complete basic training earn credits toward an associate's degree through the Community College of the Air Force.
Graves is the son of Paul Graves and the nephew of Larry Beddingfield, both of Meridian. He is a 2000 graduate of Clarkdale High School.