Air National Guard Airman Jason D. Townsend graduated from basic military training at Lackland Air Force Base in 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 Shirley Holman of Greenhill Road, Gainesville, and Jason Townsend Sr. of Pate Road W., Jacksonville, Fla.

 n

Army Pvt. William C. Lyon has graduated from the Infantryman One Station Unit Training at Fort Benning in Columbus. The training consists of Basic Infantry Training and Advanced Individual Training.

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 Individual Training 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.

He is the son of Debra and stepson of Gary Franklin of Shirley Road, Gainesville.

Lyon graduated in 2010 from North Hall High School.

 n

Graduating cadets from North Georgia College & State University in Dahlonega were awarded commissions as second lieutenants in the U.S. Army in ceremonies held at the end of spring semester.

John M. Kishimoto earned a Bachelor of Science degree and commissioned into the Army's Military Intelligence branch. He is the son of Mike and Karen Kishimoto of Gainesville and he is engaged to Kristina Mimbs of Flowery Branch. He graduated from Robert Wood Johnson High School in 2007. He graduated magna cum laude and received the Distinguished Military Student and Distinguished Military Graduate Awards.

Jonathan L. Whitmire earned a Bachelor's degree in business administration and commissioned into the Army's Infantry branch. He is the son of Norman Whitmire and Angela Weck of Flowery Branch. He graduated from Flowery Branch High School in 2007. During his time at North Georgia he served as the company commander of Foxtrot Company and the vice president of the Pi Kappa Alpha fraternity.

Nicholas P. Etheridge earned a Bachelor of Science degree in criminal justice and commissioned into the Army's Military Police branch. He is the son of Jan and Tamela Etheridge of Cleveland and he is married to Tasha Etheridge. He graduated from Central Heights Christian School in 2005.

North Georgia is one of only six senior military colleges in the nation. Participation in the Corps of Cadets, also known as the Boar's Head Brigade, offers the opportunity to acquire a degree on a chosen field of study while simultaneously earning an officer's commission in the U.S. Army, either active, guard or reserve.

Col. Michael Pyott awarded the Army Achievement Medal to 2nd Lt. Samuel I. Flohr during spring semester. Flohr, who graduated in August 2010, is the son of COL Douglas and Christina Flohr. He worked at the university's Cadet Recruiting Center for four months as a Gold Bar Recruiter.

According to the citation signed by Pyott: "2LT Flohr's performance of duty contributed significantly to the successful accomplishment of the mission and reflects great credit upon himself, North Georgia College & State University, Cadet Command and the United States Army."

Flohr is completing Infantry Officer's Basic Course and will become a platoon leader in the active duty Army.

n

The son of a Gainesville woman has been appointed to the rank of brigadier general in the U.S. Army Reserve.

Allan W. Elliott, son of Marion and stepson of Neil Steele, Simmons St., Gainesville, is slated to receive his first star after serving 27 years in the military. The new rank brings a new assignment for Elliott as deputy commanding general, 108th Training Command, Charlotte, N.C. He had been serving as the assistant chief for plans, operations and force projection with the Logistics Directorate, U.S. Army Forces Command at Fort McPherson in Atlanta.

He and his wife, Sharon, reside at Fort Bragg, N.C. Elliott is the son-in-law of Jack and Molly Beasley, Briarwood Place, Stockbridge.

In 2009, Elliott earned a master of science degree from the U.S. Army War College, Carlisle, Pa., He previously received a bachelor of arts degree in 1984 from North Georgia College in Dahlonega.