Specialist (SPC) Andrew Brock, son of Greg and Jil Brock, graduated from the U.S. Army’s Ranger Assessment and Selection Program (RASP) on Nov. 2, 2012 at Fort Benning, Ga.
Brock graduated from basic training and advanced individual training in late June and then graduated from Airborne School in late July. After Airborne school, Andrew entered the Pre-RASP program which lasted for four weeks. He was then selected to attend RASP starting in early September.
RASP candidates train on physical fitness, marksmanship, small unit tactics, medical proficiency and mobility. Training is fast-paced and intense, ensuring Ranger candidates are prepared to employ their skills in both continued training and worldwide operations upon reaching their assigned Ranger unit. Throughout the course all candidates are continually screened to ensure that only the best soldiers are chosen for service in the 75th Ranger Regiment.
Brock is being assigned to the 2nd Ranger Battalion, stationed at Joint Base Lewis-McChord near Seattle, Wash. The 2nd Ranger Battalion is one of three Ranger Battalions that makes up the 75th Ranger Regiment. The 75th Ranger Regiment is the world’s premier light infantry fighting force, specializing in raids and assault missions deep inside enemy held territory.
The Ranger Regiment is also the nation’s premier choice for forced entry operations. The Ranger Regiment’s capability to conduct airborne operations into hostile territory is strategically essential to our offensive military power and reach. An expert in short-notice combat deployments, the Ranger Regiment is a rapidly deployable strike force and is the largest special operations combat element in the U.S. Army.
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Air Force Reserve Col. Lori J. Stender has been promoted to the rank of colonel in the U.S. Air Force Reserve. Stender has served in the military for 24 1/2 years.
She is the daughter of JoAnn and the late John Stender of McMinnville.
The colonel is a 1975 graduate of Coconut Creek High School, Fla. She earned a bachelor's degree in 1981 from the University of Florida, Gainesville, Fla.
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Navy seaman recruit Devin A. Crabtree, grandson of Beverly L. Keith of McMinnville, recently completed U.S. Navy basic training at Recruit Training Command, Great Lakes, Ill.
During the eight-week program, Crabtree completed a variety of training which included classroom study and practical instruction on naval customs, first aid, firefighting, water safety and survival, and shipboard and aircraft safety. An emphasis was also placed on physical fitness.
The capstone event of boot camp is Battle Stations. This exercise gives recruits the skills and confidence they need to succeed in the fleet.
Battle Stations is designed to galvanize the basic warrior attributes of sacrifice, dedication, teamwork and endurance in each recruit through the practical application of basic Navy skills and the core values of honor, courage and commitment. Its distinctly Navy flavor was designed to take into account what it means to be a sailor.
Crabtree is a 2011 graduate of Warren County High School.
Marine Corps Pvt. Rodrigo Barboza, a 2010 graduate of Warren County High School, Mc Minnville, Tenn., earned the title of United States Marine after graduating from recruit training at Marine Corps Recruit Depot, Parris Island, S. C.
For 13 weeks, Barboza stayed committed during some of the world's most demanding entry-level military training in order to be transformed from civilian to Marine instilled with pride, discipline and the core values of honor, courage and commitment. Training subjects included close-order drill, marksmanship with an M-16A4 rifle, physical fitness, martial arts, swimming, military history, customs and courtesies.
One week prior to graduation, Barboza endured The Crucible, a 54-hour final test of recruits' minds and bodies. Upon completion, recruits are presented the Marine Corps emblem and called Marines for the first time.
