SN Thomas Army, First Lieutenant
National Defense Service and Armed Forces Expeditionary Medals. In 1963, SN and his brother Clifton met in Washington, DC for the Kennedy funeral procession, while both were serving in the military.
SN and his wife Priscilla live on Quail Run Rd.
“I have lived in neighborhood 61 years and enjoy the friendly neighbors.”
Thomas Wiley Air Force, Medical Officer
1981-1985 Dyess AFB Abilene Texas. Keesler AFB Biloxi Mississippi
Thomas and his wife Merrie live on Lake Circle and have four children and nine grandchildren. They love the neighborhood for the “quietness and great neighbors.”
Eric Nix Marine Corps, Corporal in the Marine Corps Infantry
Received a certificate of commendation for outstanding performance of duty while in Afghanistan.
Eric and his wife Mariclaire have two children, Mary Myron (8) and Haynes (4). They reside on Twin Lakes Circle. They love seeing all the kids play together and “having neighbors who feel like family.”
Bernard Booth Navy 2000-2007 Lieutenant
Newport, RI; Guam; Naples, Italy; New Orleans, LA
Meritorious Service Medal (2 wards);Navy Achievement Medal (3 awards); Meritorious Unit Commendation; Kosovo Service Award; NATO Service Award; Overseas Service Award; Humanitarian Service Award; National Defense Award
Bernard and his wife Liza live on Greenbriar Dr. and love the great sense of community of Eastover.
Benjamin Branning Air Force, Airman Basic Montana Air Guard Security Forces, 2025-present
He joined the military to serve his country and study aviation in Montana. Benjamin is the son of Mary Kelly and Jason Branning and lives on Twin Lakes Circle.
Drew Cleek Active Duty Army Special Operations, 17 years of service; currently deployed.
He has served in Middle East, Europe, South America
Advice to those considering the military:
“You must be a balanced person that is both prepared physically and mentally for emerging challenges.”
Drew and his wife Jane live on Twin Lakes Circle with their four children. Drew says that one of the reasons they love living in Eastover is the neighbors that support my family while I am deployed.”
Major Quin
A Look Inside a Cadet’s First Year Serving in the Military
Eastover resident Major Quin completed his freshman year at the U.S. Air Force Academy in May. Known as the Cadet 4th Class year, his first year was both demanding and rewarding.
Major reported to Colorado Springs in June 2025 for six weeks of Basic Cadet Training, which included tear gas exposure, obstacle courses, crawling under barbed wire, and long days of marching in formation. After completing basic training, Major and his classmates were formally accepted into the Corps of Cadets.
Once the school year began, Major balanced academics, military responsibilities, and football. A typical day included morning classes, followed by hours of football training, film review, practice, dinner, and homework. Through it all, Major has met every challenge, built lasting friendships, and continued to thrive in an environment that demands discipline, toughness, and commitment.
This summer, Major will remain in Colorado Springs for additional training and coursework. He will complete SERE training, take an electrical engineering class, and continue preparing for the upcoming football season.
Major will wear #30 for the Air Force Falcons this fall as a slot receiver and return specialist. Falcon football games are broadcast nationwide, and we’ll be cheering him on. Fly! Fight! Win! Go Falcons!
Military Quotes
“No man is entitled to the blessings of freedom unless he be vigilant in its preservation.” — Gen. Douglas MacArthur
“This will remain the land of the free so long as it is the home of the brave.” — Elmer Davis
“Word to the Nation: Guard zealously your right to serve in the Armed Forces, for without them, there will be no other rights to guard.” — President John F. Kennedy
“We sleep safely at night because rough men stand ready to visit violence on those who would harm us.” — Winston S. Churchill
“What counts is not necessarily the size of the dog in the fight — it’s the size of the fight in the dog.” — Gen. Dwight D. Eisenhower
