What some of our local service members are doing

U.S. Navy
Two local Navy Seaman recruits recently completely U.S. Navy basic training at Recruit Training Command in Great Lakes, Ill. The recruits, Khampasong Somsouthi, of West Hempstead, and Matthew M. Fiorito, of Malverne, participated in an eight-week training program that 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.

Matthew Fiorito

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.

Somsouthi, who completed training in September, is a 1998 graduate of West Hempstead High School. Fiorito, who completed training in May, is a 2008 graduate of St. Mary’s High School in Manhasset.

U.S. Air Force
Air Force Reserve Airmen Sidonie J. Revels and Kyle E. Pacheco graduated last month from basic military training at Lackland Air Force Base, San Antonio, Texas.

The airmen 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 degree in applied science through the Community College of the Air Force.

Revels, 24, is the daughter of Dave Revels, of West Hempstead, and Sophia Revels, of Alpharetta, Ga. She is a 2005 graduate of Malverne Senior High School.

Sidonie Revels

“She’s doing very well,” Dave Revels told the Herald when asked about his daughter. “I’m very proud of her. She’s a disciplined and ambitious person and it makes me proud to see her excel at something she really wants to do. She’s a go-getter. She’s not shying away from the work that’s involved and so I’m very proud of what she’s accomplished.”

Pacheco is the son of Dulce and Dennis Ferington, of West Hempstead. He is a 2010 graduate of West Hempstead High School.

Kyle Pacheco

“We’re proud as proud can be,” Dennis Ferington told the Herald when asked about his son, who is slated to come home later this month to celebrate the holidays with his family. Pacheco, who turns 21 on Jan. 25, is now a certified EMT medic. His younger brother, Justin, is a sophomore at West Hempstead High School.