Gary Bostic Jr. is shown front and center above during a ceremony at the state capitol with Governor Sonny Perdue (at left). Gary S. Bostic Jr. of Washington- Wilkes has earned his commission as Lieutenant at Georgia Military Academy i n Milledgeville.

Bostic also received an associate degree in general studies and was named to the dean's list. He has membership in the Alpha Phi Omega fraternity; Airborne Qualified; Distinguished Order of the Sargent Leader; Distinguised Order of the Centurion; and completed the Army Ranger Challenge Course.

The lieutenant is recognized as the only student to progress through every rank attainable from private to regimental commander. As regimental commander, he is in the senior ranking position which makes him the first African-American to achieve this honor since the school's founding.

During the commissioning ceremony, another Wilkes Countian, Petty Officer Third Class Nick Crago, Bostic's childhood friend, was present to render Gary's first salute as an officer.Crago is stationed at the Naval Base in Norfolk, Va., where he was recently named "Soldier of the Year."

Lt. Bostic expresses appreciation to everyone whose leadership and influence led to these achievements, including his parents, relatives, his church members, friends, teachers, fellow students and the community as a whole.