COUSIN

Navy Master Chief Petty Officer Eric E. Cousin has deployed to eastern Africa to serve as member of the Combined Joint Task Force-Horn of Africa at Camp Lemonnier in Djibouti as part of Operation Enduring Freedom.

CJTF-HOA includes service members from all branches of the U.S. military and allied coalition partners. Together they detect, disrupt and defeat transnational terrorist groups operating in the region and enhance the long-term stability in the Horn of Africa by combating terrorism. Tasks involve working with residents, governments and security forces to help improve economic opportunity, promote stability and security and create an environment that deters transnational terrorists from operating in the Horn of Africa. The area of responsibility includes land and airspace over six African countries and Yemen and the Arabian Peninsula. Civil affairs and civil military operations provide humanitarian assistance and training to people in areas susceptible to transnational terrorist influence. Additional tasks include digging wells, rebuilding schools and clinics, treating patients and animals, employing local workers and contractors in the region, and conducting military-to-military training in counterterrorism.

Cousin is a surgeon cell senior enlisted leader assigned to the Combined Joint Task Force at Camp Lemonnier, Djibouti, Africa. The master chief petty officer has served in the military for 22 years.

He is the son of Deloris P. Beard of Slidell and the late Ellis L. Beard. The master chief petty officer graduated in 1984 from Slidell High School and received a master’s degree in 2009 from Touro University International, Cypress, Calif.

DEES

Army Reserve Pvt. Erika R. Dees has graduated from basic combat training at Fort Jackson, Columbia, S.C.

During the nine weeks of training, the soldier studied the Army mission, history, tradition and core values, physical fitness and received instruction and practice in basic combat skills, military weapons, chemical warfare and bayonet training, drill and ceremony, marching, rifle marksmanship, armed and unarmed combat, map reading, field tactics, military courtesy, military justice system, basic first aid, foot marches and field training exercises.

Dees is the daughter of Kathy Hunter of Slidell and is a 2008 graduate of Covington High School.

GUNTER

Anne B. Gunter has been promoted to the rank of Colonel in the U.S. Air Force.

She is the 4th Air Force Inspector General assigned at March Air Reserve Base, Calif. The colonel has served in the military for 22 years.

Gunter is the daughter of Agnes Simpson of Slidell and Lisa D’Aunoy of Gulfport, Miss. Her siblings are Michael Simpson and Theresa Stanley, both of Slidell.

The colonel graduated in 1984 from Pope John Paul II High School and received a bachelor’s degree in 1987 from Loyola University, New Orleans. In 1995, Gunter earned her master’s degree from Webster University, Albuquerque, N.M.

MORA

Navy Lt. Cmdr. Christopher D. Mora has been decorated with the Army Commendation Medal. The medal is awarded to individuals who, while serving in any capacity with the Army, have distinguished themselves by acts of heroism, meritorious achievement or meritorious service.

He is an officer in charge assigned to the Region Legal Service Office Southeast, branch office New Orleans at the Naval Air Station Joint Reserve Base New Orleans. The lieutenant commander has served in the military for 11 years.

Mora is the son of Claudette Mora of Abita Springs and grandson of Mr. and Mrs. Peter Mora Jr. of Jeanerette. His wife, Filomena, is the daughter of Angelo and Rosa Ricciardi of Covington.

The lieutenant commander graduated from St. Paul’s School and received a bachelor’s degree in 1992 from the University of New Orleans. In 1999, Mora earned his law degree from the University of Pennsylvania Law School and a master’s degree in 2005 from Harvard University. The commander graduated in 2008 from the Naval War College, Newport, R.I.