Big Bear’s sons and daughters continue to enter into military service, and the Army and Air Force Hometown News Service has shared with us news of three recent graduations. Miranda Johnson-Bathurst, daughter of Dan Bathurst of Big Bear City and a 2008 graduate of Big Bear High School, and Stefania Thomas, former ward of Helen Brunson of Big Bear City, have completed their intensive eight-week training course at Lackland Air Force Base in San Antonio, Texas, earning them credits toward an Associate in Applied Science degree through the Community College of the Air Force. Chautauqua High School graduate Eric Riley, brother of Jason Cryder and Chris Washebek of Big Bear City, is now Army Private Riley, given his graduation from Basic Combat Training at Fort Sill, in Lawton, Oklahoma; Private Riley’s nine-week training included the study of Army history, core values and traditions, as well as first aid, rifle marksmanship, map reading and land navigation, and military justice.
