Army National Guard Pfc. Matthew Kirkham

January 15, 2010

Army National Guard Pfc. Matthew J. Kirkham has graduated from One Station Unit Training (OSUT) at Fort Knox, Ky., which consisted of basic military training and advanced individual training (AIT). The first nine weeks of initial entry training, or basic combat training, the trainee received instruction in drill and ceremony, weapons, rifle marksmanship qualification, bayonet combat, chemical warfare, field training and tactical exercises, marches, military courtesy, military justice, physical fitness, first aid, and Army history, traditions, and core values. During AIT, the soldier completed the seven-week cavalry scout course. The training included subjects and instructions to operate, maintain and fire M2/M3 Bradley fighting vehicles; call and adjust fire on enemy targets, recognize friendly and threat vehicles; conduct reconnaissance and security missions, perform foot patrols, conduct land navigation, locate and neutralize mines; and operate and maintain scout vehicles. Kirkham is the son of Denise Riggio of Meadowlark Lane, Washington, Ill., and grandson of Ellis Kirkham of Powell, Wyo. The private graduated in 2003 from Morton High School, Ill.

Army National Guard Private Joshua Scott

January 15, 2010

Army National Guard Pvt. Joshua T. Scott 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. He is the son of Carla Cook of Bethany Lane, Pontiac, Ill., and Gale Scott of E. Fourth St., Glasford, Ill. Scott graduated in 2005 from Illini Bluffs High School, Glasford.

Navy Fireman Christian Strebe

January 15, 2010

Navy Fireman Christiana M. Strebe, daughter of Karen A. and Harold H. Strebe of Bloomington, Ill., recently completed U.S. Navy basic training at Recruit Training Command, Great Lakes, Ill. During the eight-week program, Strebe completed a variety of training which included classroom study and practical instruction on naval customs, first aid, firefighting, water safety and survival, and shipboard and aircraft safety. An emphasis was also placed on physical fitness. The capstone event of boot camp is "Battle Stations". This exercise gives recruits the skills and confidence they need to succeed in the fleet. "Battle Stations" is designed to galvanize the basic warrior attributes of sacrifice, dedication, teamwork and endurance in each recruit through the practical application of basic Navy skills and the core values of Honor, Courage and Commitment. Its distinctly ''Navy'' flavor was designed to take into account what it means to be a Sailor. Strebe is a 2003 graduate of Bloomington High School of Bloomington, Ill.

Army National Guard Pvt. Garrett Davis

January 8, 2010

Army National Guard Pvt. Garrett M. Davis has graduated from the Infantryman One Station Unit Training at Fort Benning, Columbus, Ga. The training consists of Basic Infantry Training and Advanced Individual Training. During the nine weeks of basic combat training, the soldier received training in drill and ceremonies, weapons employment, map reading, tactics, military courtesy, military justice, physical fitness, first aid skills, and Army history, core values and traditions. Additional training included development of basic combat skills and battlefield operations and tactics, and experienced use of various weapons and weapons defenses available to the infantry crewman. The Advanced Individual Training course is designed to train infantry soldiers to perform reconnaissance operations; employ, fire and recover anti-personnel and anti-tank mines; locate and neutralize land mines and operate target and sight equipment; operate and maintain communications equipment and radio networks; construct field firing aids for infantry weapons; and perform infantry combat exercises and dismounted battle drills, which includes survival procedures in a nuclear, biological or chemical contaminated area. He is the son of Mike Davis of Mandi Court, East Peoria, Ill., and grandson of Georgianna Kiefner of Grebner Road, Metamora, Ill. The private is a 2009 graduate of Metamora High School.

Air Force Airman Seville C. Montgomery

December 31, 2009

Air Force Airman Seville C. Montgomery graduated from basic military training at Lackland Air Force Base, San Antonio, Texas. The airman completed an intensive, eight-week program that included training in military discipline and studies, Air Force core values, physical fitness, and basic warfare principles and skills. Airmen who complete basic training earn four credits toward an associate in applied science degree through the Community College of the Air Force. She is the daughter of Craig and Vera Montgomery of Clearwater Ave. 1, Bloomington, Ill. Montgomery is a 2009 graduate of Normal Community High School, Ill.

Army Pvt. Scott Hilliard

December 31, 2009

Army Pvt. Scott Hilliard 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. He is the son of Ron Hilliard of Marion, North Pekin, Ill. Hilliard is a 2009 graduate of Pekin Community High School.