The Department of Defense, in cooperation with Yahoo! Inc., today announced the winners of the "Yahoo! Fantasy Careers in Today's Military Contest." Each of the military Services, Army, Navy, Marine, Air Force and Coast Guard, selected one winner to experience one of the challenging careers available in today's military.
The winners and their corresponding fantasy are listed below:
Army: Rosalyn S. Smith, 18, from Marietta, Ga., will train with an Apache helicopter pilot, airborne paratroopers and experience an actual tandem jump with the world-renowned Army Golden Knights. Smith is currently a full-time student at Kennesaw State University. For additional information contact Dean Sprague at (703) 697-5756.
Navy: Joseph W. Blondo, 31, from Budd Lake, N.J., will fly to an Atlantic Fleet aircraft carrier, join in flight operations and observe operations in the combat director's center aboard this veritable floating city. Blondo is an 8th grade U.S. history teacher at South Plainfield Middle School, South Plain, N.J. For additional information contact the Navy press desk at (703) 697-5342.
Air Force: Dale E. Zimmerman, 22, from Junction City, Ore., will experience a two-day adventure as an honorary F-15 pilot-in-training. Zimmerman is a customer service representative for United Airlines. For additional information contact 1st Lt. Lars Anderson at (212) 784-0142.
Marines: Richard A. Castanet, 47, from Richmond, Va., will test his physical and mental capabilities by going through The Basic School (TBS) of the U.S. Marine Corps and be taught how the Marines translate leadership instincts into action. Castanet is a professional sales engineer and account manager. For additional information contact Capt. Steve O'Connor at (703) 614-5102.
Coast Guard: Stephanie Kelley, 22, from Stow, Mass., will experience the many facets of search and rescue operations, including training as a rescue swimmer, riding in a 47-foot self-righting boat and studying the skills of helicopter rescue. Kelley recently graduated from Duke University with a degree in Biology. For additional information contact Chief Warrant Officer Rob Wyman or Petty Officer James Dillard at (281) 481-3880.
This contest enabled Internet users the opportunity to experience a "day in the life" of either a soldier, sailor, airman, Marine or Coast Guardsman. The contest generated 3,355 essays that were considered by the Services in determining the ultimate winners. The contest is part of a broader awareness initiative to inform Internet users of career opportunities available in the military.
News media inquiries may be directed to Army Lt. Col. Catherine Abbott, (703) 697-5134 or Army Maj. Tim Blair (703) 697-5133.
