MILITARY BRIEFS

NORTHWEST ARKANSAS — Pvt. Matthew Phillips of Rogers recently enlisted into the Arkansas Army National Guard under the Active First option. He will attend basic training followed by advanced individual training. Phillips will serve on active duty for three years. After active duty, he can return to Arkansas and continue his military service in the Army National Guard while receiving additional education benefits. He is the son of Todd and Carla Phillips and the husband of Hollie Phillips.

Private First Class Brandon Alford of Fayetteville recently enlisted into the Arkansas Army National Guard as an officer candidate and has earned education benefits valued at $64,612. He will attend basic training followed by officer candidate school.

After successfully completing officer candidate school, Alford will be commissioned as a second lieutenant.

Pvt. Josue Tovias of Fayetteville recently enlisted into the Arkansas ArmyNational Guard. He will attend basic training followed by advanced individual training at Aberdeen Proving Ground, Md., as a wheeled vehicle mechanic. Upon returning to Arkansas, Tovias will serve with Detachment 1, 1st Battalion 142nd Forward Support Company in Harrison.

Pvt. Joshua Baxter of Winslow recently enlisted into the Arkansas Army National Guard. He will attend basic training followed by advanced individual training at Fort Lee, Va., as a petroleum vehiclespecialist. Upon returning to Arkansas, Baxter will serve with Alpha Company 217th Brigade Support Battalion in Lincoln.

Pvt. Justin Cain of Gravette recently enlisted into the Arkansas Army National Guard. He will attend basic training followed by advanced individual training. He is the son of Richard and Amy Cain.

Juliana N. Lestina has entered basic cadet training at the U.S. Air Force Academy, Colorado Springs, Colo., inpreparation to enter the first academic year at the academy. The six-week, two-phased orientation program must be successfully completed by the cadets prior to entering their freshman year. The training prepares men and women to meet the rigorous mental and physical challenges experienced by new cadets.

Lestina is the daughter of Daniel and Debbie Lestina of Bentonville and is a 2010 graduate of Bentonville High School.