From the Armed Forces
From the armed services
• Army Pvt. Michael Nixon, a 2006 graduate of Wheeling High School, graduated from Basic Combat Training at Fort Knox, Ky.
During the nine-week training period, Nixon received instruction in drill and ceremony, weapons, rifle marksmanship and bayonet training, chemical warfare, field training and tactical exercises, armed and unarmed combat, military courtesy, military justice, physical fitness, first aid, and Army history, traditions, and core values.
He is the son of NaVerris Nixon of Arlington Heights, and Julie Nixon-Handy, Des Plaines.
• Donicio B. Silva graduated from Officer Candidate School (OCS) Phase III training at North Fort Lewis, Tacoma, Wash., and was commissioned as a second lieutenant in the U.S. Army National Guard.
The two-week Phase III training is the final phase of a three-phased, 14-month training period. The national guard officer candidate received "basic soldiering" instruction in leadership, professional ethics, soldier team development, combined arms tactics, weapons defense, squad drill, intelligence, land navigation, maintenance, communications, staff and general military subjects, field training exercises, and physical training and conditioning.
Officer candidates are tested and evaluated in leadership skills and teamwork abilities required of a commissioned officer. Students utilize acquired skills to function in "leader and follower" positions in squad and platoon-sized elements in a stressful and demanding field environment involving various tactical situations.
OCS students are selected and considered from colleges, active-duty enlisted ranks, and direct commissions.
Silva was formerly assigned to the 129th Regional Training Institute at Camp Lincoln with the Illinois Army National Guard in Springfield. He has served in the military for eight years.
He is the son of Olivia T. Silva of Schaumburg, and brother of David A. Silva, Chicago. His wife, Christine, is the daughter of Paul Figaro, and Charlene Figaro, both of Elk Grove Village.
The lieutenant graduated in 1985 from Gordon Technical High School, Chicago, and received a degree in 2001 from Columbia College, Chicago.