From the Armed Forces
• Benjamin E. Monson, son of Edward M. and Katrina Monson of Arlington Heights, graduated from the Army ROTC (Reserve Officer Training Corps) Leader Development and Assessment Course, also known as "Operation Warrior Forge," at Fort Lewis, Tacoma, Wash.
The 33-day training provides the best possible professional training and evaluation for all cadets in the aspects of military life, administration and logistical support. Although continued military training and leadership development is included in the curriculum, the primary focus of the course is to develop and evaluate each cadet's officer potential as a leader by exercising the cadet's intelligence, common sense, ingenuity and physical stamina. The cadet command assesses each cadet's performance and progress in officer traits, qualities and professionalism while attending the course.
Cadets in their junior and senior year of college must complete the leadership development course. After successful completion of the course, the ROTC program, and graduation from college, cadets are commissioned as second lieutenants in the U.S. Army, National Guard or Reserve.
Monson is a student at Truman State University in Kirksville, Mo., and a 2004 graduate of Buffalo Grove High School.
• Army Pvt. Michael J. Pulice, son of Mary Pulice of Arlington Heights, graduated from basic combat training at Fort Jackson, Columbia, S.C., and earned distinction as an honor graduate.
During the nine weeks of training, he 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.
Pulice is a 2006 graduate of Prospect High School in Mount Prospect.
• Marine Corps Reserve Pfc. Marcos W. Brightwell, son of Terri L. and Daniel J. Brightwell of Rolling Meadows, recently completed basic training at Marine Corps Recruit Depot, Parris Island, S.C., and was promoted to his current rank.
Brightwell completed 12 weeks of training designed to challenge new Marine recruits both physically and mentally. In addition to the rigorous physical conditioning program, he spent numerous hours in classroom and field assignments which included learning first aid, uniform regulations, combat water survival, marksmanship, hand-to-hand combat and assorted weapons training. The recruits performed close order drill and operated as a small infantry unit during field training. They also received instruction on the Marine Corps' core values -- honor, courage and commitment, and what the words mean in guiding personal and professional conduct.
The training phase ended with The Crucible, a 54-hour team effort, problem solving evolution which culminated with a ceremony in which the recruits were presented the Marine Corps Emblem.
Brightwell is a 2004 graduate of Rolling Meadows High School.
• Navy Seaman Winston De Leon, son of Margaret M. De Leon of Shorewood, Ill., and Mark A. De Leon of Arlington Heights, recently completed U.S. Navy basic training at Recruit Training Command, Great Lakes, Ill.
During the eight-week program, De Leon completed training which included classroom study and practical instruction on naval customs, first aid, fire fighting, water safety and survival, and shipboard and aircraft safety. An emphasis was also placed on physical fitness.
The capstone event is "Battle Stations," an exercise that gives recruits the skills and confidence they need to succeed in the fleet. It was 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.
De Leon is a 2001 graduate of Hersey High School of Arlington Heights.