From the Armed Forces

• Army National Guard Pvt. Alyssa N. Eastman graduated from basic combat training at Fort Jackson, Columbia, S.C.

During the nine weeks of training, she 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.

Eastman is the daughter of Janet Noble, Vernon Hills, and Brent Eastman, Des Plaines. She is a 2007 graduate of Vernon Hills High School.

• Pvt. Isaac Joseph Dickman, son of Mark and Priscilla Dickman of Elk Grove Village, graduated Oct. 12 from the Marine Corps Recruit Depot, San Diego, Calif. He is currently continuing with Marine Combat Training at Camp Pendleton, Calif. The 17-day field course teaches the basics of combat marksmanship, grenades, grenade and rocket launcher, machine gun, improvised explosive devices, defending a position, convoy operations, combat formations, fire team assaults, patrolling, military operations on urban terrain, and radio communication. It also includes reporting Intel and land navigation, Marine Corps martial arts training and physical conditioning. Upon completion, he will have the knowledge and ability to operate as a basic rifleman and perform his primary duties under fire in a combat environment.

After combat training, Pvt. Dickman, a 2007 graduate of Elk Grove High School, will report to Camp Lejeune, N.C., for Military Occupational Specialty training as a heavy vehicle mechanic.

• Air National Guard Airman Dane M. Christensen, a 2007 graduate of Elk Grove High School, graduated from basic military training at Lackland Air Force Base, San Antonio, Texas.

During the six weeks of training, he 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.

He is the son of Jerry Christensen and Elaine Christensen, both of Elk Grove Village.

• Air Force Airman Gabriel Caldas-Fuentes, son of Norma Fuentes of Des Plaines, graduated from basic military training at Lackland Air Force Base, San Antonio, Texas.

During the six weeks of training, he 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.

Caldas-Fuentes is a 2005 graduate of Maine East High School, Park Ridge.

• Air Force Airman James P. Charydczak, son of John and Jong Charydczak of Elk Grove Village, graduated from basic military training at Lackland Air Force Base, San Antonio, Texas. Charydczak is a 2005 graduate of J.B. Conant High School, Hoffman Estates.

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.

• Army Pvt. Bryan K. Wolfe, son of Rose Wolfe of Des Plaines, 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.

Wolfe is a 2005 graduate of Maine West High School, Des Plaines.