Military Briefs
By Staff
April 1, 2002
Army Pvt. Clayton B. Bivens has graduated from basic combat training at Fort Jackson, 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, military justice system, physical fitness, basic first aid, and Army values, principles and traditions.
Bivens, the son of Jerry Bivens of Meridian and Martie Capittela of Newton, is a 1998 graduate of Choctaw County High School in Butler.
Air Force Staff Sgt. Calvin Thornton has been named noncommissioned officer of the quarter.
Selection was based on the individual's exemplary duty performance, job knowledge, leadership qualities, significant self improvement and other accomplishments.
Thornton is the plans and implementation assistant supervisor assigned to the 352nd Operations Support Squadron at RAF Mildenhall, England. He has served in the military for 14 years.
Thornton, the son of Mattie Thornton of Jackson and the nephew of Rose Hampton of Meridian, is a 1983 graduate of Meridian High School.
Air National Guard Airman 1st Class Kamario S. Granger 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 customs; performed drill and ceremony marches; and received physical training 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.
Granger, the son of Evelyn King and Micheal Granger of Meridian, is a 2001 graduate of Southeast Lauderdale High School.
Maria "Mimie" Miranda has been named a staff sergeant in the 1st Battalion, 1st Brigade of the Mississippi State Guard. Sgt. Miranda is the first person born in the Philippines to enlist in the Mississippi State Guard. She was granted advanced rank because of her impressive educational credentials, including a degree in pharmacy.
The Mississippi State Guard welcomes applicants with or without military experience to serve the state in case of emergencies such as floods, hurricanes, tornadoes and civil unrest. The governor of the state is the commander-in-chief of the State Guard. To learn more about the State Guard, call 1st Lt. Billy Ethridge at 986-2233.
