McNeely graduates from Air Force BMT

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Airman Shaina McNeely

February 2, 2009

Our Neighbors

LACKLAND AFB, San Antonio, Texas — A Somerset woman cleared her first hurdle here last week en route to a career in the U.S. Air Force. Airman Shaina McNeely graduated Friday, Jan. 23, from the U.S. Air Force Basic Military Training (BMT) course at Lackland AFB located southwest of San Antonio, Texas.

“I am so excited to be a part of the U.S. Air Force,” Airman McNeely, 20, told family and friends after joining 776 other Airman on the parade field following their graduation ceremony.

More than 39,000 new Airman are expected to enlist in the Air Force and complete BMT this year. The initial training period was increased by two weeks last fall primarily to accommodate additional field and battle training as the Air Force markets its new “Warrior First” motto.

Some of the highlights during her BMT experience were: drill and ceremony, weapons qualification, physical fitness, first aid, self defense, the gas chamber and obstacle course. “I can’t think of anywhere else I’d rather be right now,” said Airman McNeely. “The Air Force has given me the structure I need to build a solid foundation to my life while offering me the opportunity to serve my country.”

Airman McNeely enlisted for six years. She will remain at Lackland AFB for 13 weeks as she completes her Security Forces training. Then, she will likely return to Somerset and work with the U.S. Air Force recruiter for two weeks prior to shipping out to her permanent duty base. She will receive her permanent duty orders after her ninth week of tech school training. Airman McNeely likely will serve oversees at one of several Air Force

bases in Europe, including Germany, Italy or The Netherlands. Her family, meanwhile, applauded Airman McNeely’s efforts. “We are so proud of her accomplishments over the past 8 ½ weeks,” said her father, Jack McNeely. “Even though it was very difficult not having her home for the Holidays, we understood the magnitude of the Air Force’s impact on our daughter’s life. We are so proud of her.”

Airman McNeely, who celebrated her 20th birthday Friday, Jan. 30, is the daughter of Jack and Nora McNeely of Somerset. She also has one sister, Brandi, 13.