Commonly known as TOPGUN, the eight-week course is comprised of a rigid three-week academic syllabus followed by five weeks of intense air events at naval Air Station Fallon, Nev.
TOPGUN is designed to train students in the most advanced air to air combat tactics in the world and give them the instructional ability to return to the fleet and spread their knowledge.
Lt. Redman is a naval flight officer with the VAW-121 Bluetails home-based at Naval Station Norfolk. He was selected as the top candidate from the squadron and began applying for a highly competitive slot at the school while on deployment in support of Operation Enduring Freedom last spring. Upon graduation, Lt. Redman returned to the squadron where he will serve as the air intercept control offic er, training the rest of the squadron in new tactics and proper technique.
Lt. Redman graduated form the U.S. Air Force Academy in 2005 and cross-commissioned as an ensign in the U.S. navy. After primary flight school at Naval Air Station Pensacola, he was transferred to Norfolk, where he began flying the Navy’s premiere command and control platform, the E-2C Hawkeye. He is currently deployed once again with VAW-121 in support of Operation Enduring Freedom.
Lt. Redman is the son of Renee Brogden and the late Allen Redman. He is the stepson of Don Brogden of Calhoun.
Amelia D. Garrett
Air Force Airman Amelia D. Garrett graduated from basic military training at Lackland Air Force Base, San Antonio, Texas.
The airman completed an intensive, eight-week program that included training in military discipline and studies, Air Force core values, physical fitness, and basic warfare principles and skills.
Airmen who complete basic training earn four credits toward an associate in applied science degree through the Community College of the Air Force.
She is the daughter of Jeff and Linda Garrett of Cleveland.
Garrett graduated in 2008 from Bradley Central High School and received an associate degree in 2009 from Cleveland State Community College.
Ethan J. Wyatt
Air Force Airman Ethan J. Wyatt graduated from basic military training at Lackland Air Force Base, San Antonio, Texas.
The airman completed an intensive, eight-week program that included training in military discipline and studies, Air Force core values, physical fitness, and basic warfare principles and skills.
Airmen who complete basic training earn four credits toward an associate in applied science degree through the Community College of the Air Force.
He is the son of Harold Wyatt of Selma, Ala., and grandson of Jack Jackson of Charleston.
Wyatt is a 2008 graduate of John T. Morgan Academy, Selma.
Alex W. West
Navy Seaman Recruit Alex W. West, son of Saundra K. and Charles W. West of McDonald, recently completed U.S. Navy basic training at Recruit Training Command, Great Lakes, Ill.
During the eight-week program, West 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.
West is a 2008 graduate of Bradley Central High School of Cleveland.
Jennifer Norwood
Jennifer Norwood of Lenoir City has been awarded an Air Force ROTC scholarship to attend a host college or university. High school seniors from across the United States are selected after a competitive application process based on comprehensive tests scores, scholastic achievement, school officials’ evaluations, extra-curricular activities, and community involvement.
The majority of scholarships cover full college tuition, provide a textbook allowance and pay most laboratory or incidental fees. The scholarship program also pays a $350 tax-free monthly allowance to each student during the academic year, which increases to $500 by his or her senior year. The value of a scholarship may exceed $100,000, depending on the student’s choice of school and the type of scholarship offered.
Upon graduating from college and completing the ROTC program, the cadets are commissioned as second lieutenants in the Air Force. The new lieutenants select and enter various career fields to train as pilots, navigators, engineers, medical, personnel, business management fields, and special operations.
She is the daughter of Henry and Teresa Norwood of Lenoir City, granddaughter of T.J. and Gracie Alexander of Paducah, Ky. Her sister is Alexandra E. Fesmire of Athens. Her grandparent, Avis Norwood Ballew, resides in Etowah.
She is currently a student at Lenoir City High School.
Richard King II
Master Sgt. Richard L. King II has retired from the U.S. Air Force after 20 years of faithful and honorable service to the nation.
Prior to retiring, King served as superintendent of the 26th Operations Support Squadron at Lackland Air Force Base, San Antonio, Texas. The squadron is a sub-unit of the 26th Network Operations Group and the 67th Network Warfare Wing, America’s first operational wing dedicated to flying, fighting, and winning in cyberspace. The 26th NOG operates, manages, and secures the network battlespace as part of the Air Force Network Operations.
The group trains, certifies, deploys, sustains, and assesses network operations forces for Warfighting Headquarters and combatant commanders.
King enlisted in the Air Force in August 1990, graduated from basic military training and then attended technical training school to be a secure communications systems maintenance specialist. He has served in various facets of the communications career field from installation and maintenance, computer operations, cyber security and communications management in support of Air Force flying, space, and cyber operations.
During his career, King served at numerous military installations performing in various duty title positions. He served at Keesler Air Force
Base, Biloxi, Miss.; Spangdahlem Air Base Germany; Cheyenne Mountain Air Force Station, Colo.; National Reconnaissance Office, Chantilly, Va.; and Lackland Air Force Base, San Antonio.
His major military decorations include the Defense Meritorious Service Medal, Meritorious Service Medal, two Air Force Commendation Medals, two Joint Service Achievement Medals, and the Air Force Achievement Medal.
King is the son of Richard L. King of Decatur and Frances L. Beene of Cleveland.
His wife, Rochele, is the daughter of Oscar and Rebecca Soliz of Creek Crossing, San Antonio.
He graduated in 1989 from Meigs County High School, Decatur, and received a associate in applied science degree in 1999 from the Community College of the Air Force, Maxwell Air Force Base, Ala. King received a bachelor’s degree in 2009 from Strayer University, Washington, D.C.
