From the Armed Forces

• Air Force Airman Adam L. Brazionis has graduated from basic military training at Lackland Air Force Base, San Antonio, Texas.

During the six weeks of training, the airman studied the Air Force mission, organization and military customs and courtesies; performed drill and ceremony marches; and received physical training, rifle marksmanship, field training exercises and special training in human relations.

In addition, airmen who complete basic training earn credits toward an associate degree through the Community College of the Air Force.

Brazionis, the son of Peter and Asta Brazionis of North Barrington, is a 2003 graduate of Libertyville High School.

• Marine Corps Sgt. Michael A. Cooley, son of Sandra and Michael Cooley of Carpentersville, recently graduated from the Marine Enlisted Commissioning Education Program Preparatory School located aboard Marine Corps Recruit Depot in San Diego.

This nine-week course of study is designed to ensure the successful transition of Marines from the operating forces to the academic environment.

The course prepares Marines for college level academic work, focuses on continued professional development and emphasizes extensive physical conditioning to meet the challenges of the Officer Candidate School.

Cooley, a 1998 graduate of Jacobs High School in Algonquin, joined the Marine Corps in September 2000.

• Navy Seaman Recruit Francisco J. Fregoso, son of Yolanda and Francisco Fregoso of Elgin, recently completed U.S. Navy basic training at Recruit Training Command, Great Lakes.

During the eight-week program, Fregoso completed a variety of training that included classroom study and practical instruction on naval customs, first aid, firefighting, water safety and survival and shipboard and aircraft safety. An emphasis also was 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.

Fregoso is a 2002 graduate of Elgin High School.

• Charles M. Mann, son of Judith Setmeyer of Elgin and Charles Mann of Elgin, recently enlisted in the United States Navy under the Delayed Entry Program at Navy Recruiting District, New Orleans, La.

The program allows recruits to enter the Navy and take up to one year to complete prior commitments such as high school. Using recruiters as mentors, this program helps recruits ease into the transition from civilian to military life.

Mann will report for active duty to undergo basic training at the Navy's Recruit Training Center, Great Lakes.

Mann is a 2003 graduate of Elgin High School.

• David C. Mulay has graduated from the Army Reserve Officers' Training Corps Leader Development and Assessment Course, also known as "Operation Warrior Forge," at Fort Lewis, Tacoma, Wash. The ROTC cadet has been commissioned as a second lieutenant in the Army.

The 33 days of training provide 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. Upon 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.

Mulay, the son of Craig Tessmer and Veronica Mulay, both of Barrington, is a 2003 graduate of the Loyola Academy, Wilmette.

• Carly M. Olsowski has entered Basic Cadet Training at the U.S. Air Force Academy, Colorado Springs, Colo., in preparation to enter the first academic year at the academy.

The six-week, two-phased orientation program must be successfully completed by the cadets prior to entering their freshman year. The training prepares men and women to meet the rigorous mental and physical challenges experienced by new cadets.

Phase one involves personal in-processing, orientation and training in the fundamentals of being a cadet. Cadet trainees are prepared to adjust from civilian to military life and disciplines and learn proper wear of the uniform, saluting policies and procedures; drill and ceremony; marching; and living quarters standards.

During phase two, cadets train outdoors living in tents while learning to function in field conditions. Cadets apply and practice team work, cohesion and learn to deal with physically and mentally demanding situations.

They complete the obstacle, confidence, assault, and leadership reaction courses and participate in a rescue mission termed Operation Warrior.

Olsowski, is the daughter of Kenneth and Karen Olsowski of Elgin, is a 2007 graduate of Elgin High School.

• Marine Corps Pvt. Jorge A. Reza, son of Iris Rivera of Hoffman Estates and Jorge Reza of Carpentersville, recently completed 12 weeks of basic training at Marine Corps Recruit Depot, San Diego, Calif., designed to challenge new Marine recruits both physically and mentally.

Reza and fellow recruits began their training at 5 a. m. by running three miles and performing calisthenics. In addition to the physical conditioning program, Reza 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.

They performed close order drill and operated as a small infantry unit during field training.

Reza and other recruits also received instruction on the Marine Corps' core values of honor, courage and commitment, and what the core values mean in guiding personal and professional conduct.

Reza and fellow recruits ended the training phase with The Crucible, a 54-hour, team evolution culminating in a ceremony in which recruits are presented the Marine Corps Emblem and addressed as "Marines" for the first time in their careers.

• Air Force Airman Mallory L. Schuman has graduated from basic military training at Lackland Air Force Base, San Antonio, Texas.

During the six weeks of training, the airman studied the Air Force mission, organization and military customs and courtesies; performed drill and ceremony marches; and received physical training, rifle marksmanship, field training exercises and special training in human relations.

In addition, airmen who complete basic training earn credits toward an associate degree through the Community College of the Air Force.

Schuman, the daughter of Joseph Schuman of Elgin, is a 2005 graduate of Larkin High School, Elgin.

• Army National Guard Pvt. Corinna Soto has graduated from the Food Service Specialist Advanced Individual Training course at Fort Lee, Petersburg, Va.

The course is designed to train service members to perform preliminary food preparation procedures according to Army production schedules and recipes; cook, bake and serve food in large and small quantities, field and garrison kitchen operations; and general operation of Army dining facilities, including cleaning and housekeeping, sanitation measures and storage of subsistence items.

Soto is the daughter of Arturo Soto and niece of Javier Reyes, both of Elgin. The private is a 2007 graduate of Larkin High School, Elgin.

• Marine Corps Pvt. Adam Vaca, son of John Vaca of Elgin, recently completed 12 weeks of basic training at Marine Corps Recruit Depot, San Diego, Calif., designed to challenge new Marine recruits both physically and mentally.

Vaca and fellow recruits began their training at 5 a.m., by running three miles and performing calisthenics. In addition to the physical conditioning program, Vaca spent numerous hours in classroom and field assignments that included learning first aid, uniform regulations, combat water survival, marksmanship, hand-to-hand combat and assorted weapons training.

They performed close order drill and operated as a small infantry unit during field training.

Vaca and other recruits also received instruction on the Marine Corps' core values of honor, courage and commitment and what the core values mean in guiding personal and professional conduct.

Vaca and fellow recruits ended the training phase with The Crucible, a 54-hour, team evolution culminating in a ceremony in which recruits are presented the Marine Corps Emblem, and addressed as "Marines" for the first time in their careers.