Air Force Airman Marco A. Jimenez graduated from basic military training at Lackland Air Force Base, 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.

He is the son of Samuel Jimenez of Guadalupe.

Jimenez is a 2008 graduate of Righetti High School.

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Army Reserve Staff Sgt. Jeff P. Azores has returned to the United States after being deployed overseas at a forward operating base in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom.

Operation Iraqi Freedom is the official name given to military operations involving members of the U.S. armed forces and coalition forces participating in efforts to free and secure Iraq.

 Azores, a division operations noncommissioned officer with the 425th Civil Affairs Battalion in Encino, has more than seven years of military service.

He is the son of Gloria P. Azores of Santa Maria and brother of Fermin P. Azores of Oxnard.

The sergeant is a 2001 graduate of Santa Maria High School.

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Army Reserve Sgt. Joel V. Curiel has returned to the United States after being deployed overseas at a forward operating base in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom.

Curiel, a supply sergeant with the 425th Civil Affairs Battalion in Encino, has 12 years of military service.

He is the son of Elena Valadez of Santa Maria.

The sergeant is a 1997 graduate of Righetti High School.

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Army National Guard Pvt. Russell L. Crenshaw has graduated from the Infantryman One-Station Unit Training at Fort Benning, Columbus, Ga.

During the nine weeks of basic combat training, the soldier received training in drill and ceremonies, weapons employment, map reading, tactics, military courtesy, military justice, physical fitness, first aid skills, and Army history, core values and traditions. Additional training included development of basic combat skills and battlefield operations and tactics, and experienced use of various weapons and weapons defenses available to the infantry crewman.

The advanced course is designed to train infantry soldiers to perform reconnaissance operations; employ, fire and recover anti-personnel and anti-tank mines; locate and neutralize land mines and operate target and sight equipment; operate and maintain communications equipment and radio networks; construct field firing aids for infantry weapons; and perform infantry combat exercises and dismounted battle drills, which includes survival procedures in a nuclear, biological or chemical contaminated area.

Crenshaw is the brother of David Shull of Denver, Colo., and grandson of Leah Fox of Arroyo Grande.

“In the Military” notices primarily come from the military’s hometown news centers and run Sundays.

For information, call Janene Scully at 739-2214 or

janscully@santamariatimes.com.

November 29, 2009