Spc. Kevin Shumaker, 24, a cook for the 615th Military Police Company, died tragically on Aug. 31, 2011, from  wounds he received while deployed to Afghanistan. His injury didn’t come from a bullet wound or shrapnel from an improvised explosive device, or from a mortar attack. In truth his injury didn’t come from a battle at all. His injuries came from a dog.

Capt. Dameion Brown of Columbus is the commander of the 289th Vertical Construction Company, headquartered in Bruce. The unit conducted weapons qualification at Camp Shelby Joint Forces Training Center from April 23- 27.

As commander, his job is to lead a company of plumbers, carpenters, electricians and masons. The unit has already completed their pre-mobilization training at CSJFTC.

Alex Lott has been chosen to represent his hometown, state and country as a Student Ambassador with the People to People program on a 3 week journey through Europe.  He is the 16 year old son of CW3 Jason and Penny Lott, of Beaumont, MS, and is a junior at Richton High School.  He is currently completing the Mississippi Scholars' curriculum, as established by the MS Economic Development Council, is a left handed varsity pitcher for the Rebels, and a member of First Baptist Church of Richton.