5 Crestview High graduates complete basic military training

CRESTVIEW — Two Crestview High School graduates have completed U.S. Army basic training, and three have completed U.S. Air Force and USAF Reserves basic training.

U.S. Army Pvts. Labresha Paschall and Travis Andrew Slentz graduated from basic military training at Fort Jackson, South Carolina, and Fort Sill in Lawton, Oklahoma, respectively.

Over 10 weeks they learned basic tactical and survival skills, along with how to shoot, rappel and march. They learned the basics of Army life and military customs, including the Seven Core Army Values.

Paschall is now attending advanced individual training in Fort Gordon, Georgia, to become an information technology specialist. The 2017 Crestview High School graduate's parents are Elkeya and LaBaron Paschall of Crestview.

Slentz is now attending advanced intensive training as a drone pilot at Fort Huachuca, Arizona. The Crestview High School Class of 2017 member's parents are Andrew and Jennifer Slentz of Fort Worth, Texas. His siblings are Halley Robinson of Nebo, North Carolina, and Grace Slentz of Fort Worth.

USAF basic training graduates are Airman Joseph J. Gelzer, Airman 1st Class Deatric J. Herring, and Reserve Airman 1st Class Stephanie Russano. They completed an 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 also earn four credits toward an associate in applied science degree through the Community College of the Air Force.

Gelzer is the son of Jodi L. Gelzer of Crestview. He is a 2017 graduate of Crestview High School. Herring is the son of Deanna and Steve Tanner of Crestview. He is a 2017 graduate of Crestview High School.

Russano is the daughter of Iris Miller of Crestview, and Karl Miller of Fort Walton Beach. She is the stepdaughter of Angela Miller of Fort Walton Beach, and David Velez of Crestview. Her husband is Christopher Russano.

Airman Russano graduated in 2010 from Crestview High School, and earned a bachelor's degree in 2014 from the University of West Florida in Pensacola.