Freshman apologizes for protest

COLUMBUS - A 19-year-old honors student apologized and was spared a prison sentence for trespassing on Fort Benning during a protest against a training academy for Latin American soldiers and police. <br> <br> Kelly L. Simmons, who traveled to Columbus with a group of Jesuit priest and students from Creighton University in Omaha, Neb., walked across the military post&#39;s boundary during the Nov. 17 protest. <br> <br> ``It was an impulsive decision, but I did it of my own free will,&#39;&#39; Simmons said. ``I did not expect it to go this far and create as much hassle for myself, the state of Georgia and the military base.&#39;&#39; <br> <br> Simmons changed her plea to guilty, and U.S. Magistrate G. Mallon Faircloth Jr. sentenced her to 12 months probation and a $1,000 fine. She assured the judge she would not return to Columbus to protest again. <br> <br> Eight-five protesters were arrested during the two-day protests 78 of whom are awaiting a trial.

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