Recruit Akeem Hendrickson adjudged best overall recruit

SKNIS Photo: His Excellency the Governor General observes the recruits march past.

SKNIS Photo: Private A. Hendrickson receives one of his awards from Ambassador Rosalyn Hazelle.

Basseterre, St. Kitts, June 22, 2012 (SKNIS): On Thursday 21 June 2012, the St Kitts-Nevis Defence Force (SKNDF) welcomed 24 soldiers to its ranks in an impressive and emotional passing out parade held at Camp Springfield, St Kitts.

Lt. Col. Wallace beamed with pride at the freshly minted soldiers on parade.

BRC 01/2012 started training on January 31 in Antigua, with 35 civilians, two of whom were females. This number whittled down to 24 due to the rigourous and physically demanding intense military training. For the recruits who managed to stay the course however, the passing out parade was a final show of the strength, discipline and precision training they had received.

Recruit Akeem Hendrickson was adjudged best overall recruit having earned awards for Best at Military Knowledge and Best at Map Reading and Navigation. Recruit Melissa Michael was selected most outstanding in Physical Fitness, while Recruit Bevon Francis was adjudged Best at Skill at Arms.

“I’m really excited now that I have passed out,” the new Private Hendrickson stated. “I can surely say that it has been tough but I survived and have made it through to the end. I will be the best soldier that I can be.”

“I am extremely proud because he came a long way,” said Private Hendrickson’s mother. She noted that growing up Akeem was a bit of a challenge and is pleased to see that he has transformed his life and made a 12 year commitment to the highly professional SKNDF.

After a weekend of rest and relaxation, the new soldiers report for duty 0600 Monday morning (June 25).