From the Armed Forces
• Eric S. Anderson, son of Steve and Beth Anderson of Schaumburg, was promoted to the rank of first lieutenant in the United States Army Nov. 27, 2007.
Lieutenant Anderson, a 2002 graduate of Schaumburg High School and a 2006 graduate of Illinois State University, is currently platoon leader of D Troop, 1st Battalion (Airborne), 509th Infantry at Fort Polk, La.
The 1st Battalion (Airborne), 509th Infantry conducts combat operations as a dedicated, capabilities-based Opposing Force (OPFOR) to provide realistic, stressful, and challenging combat conditions for JRTC rotational units. It serves as the world's premier opposing force for light infantry and Special Operations Forces.
• Air Force Airman Christopher D. Norwood, son of Willie Smith, Chicago, and Gloria Norwood, Streamwood, 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.
Airmen who complete basic training earn credits toward an associate degree through the Community College of the Air Force. Norwood is a 2006 graduate of Best High School, Chicago.
• MIDN 1st Class Colleen R. Praxmarer of Palatine was selected as Battalion Commanding Officer (BCO) of the George Washington University Navy ROTC battalion for the 2008 spring semester. She was selected from a highly competitive field of midshipmen for her excellence in team leadership, academics and physical fitness.
As BCO, she will be responsible for ensuring proper execution of the battalion's mission and the performance and conduct of all midshipmen from George Washington, Georgetown, Maryland, Catholic and Howard universities. This battalion, totaling 170 members, is the fifth largest in the country.
Praxmarer graduated from Fremd High School in 2004 who will graduate from George Washington University in May 2008 and be commissioned as an Ensign in the United States Navy.
• Navy Seaman Recruit Najee T. Shockley, a 2006 graduate of Hoffman Estates High School, recently completed U.S. Navy basic training at Recruit Training Command, Great Lakes.
During the eight-week program, Shockley completed a variety of training including 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," an exercise that 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 through the practical application of basic Navy skills and core values of Honor, Courage and Commitment.
• Army National Guard Pfc. Travis C.D. Hilligoss, son of Jeffrey D. and Carlene K. Hilligoss of Hanover Park, has been mobilized and activated for a future deployment to an undisclosed overseas location in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom. The private is a radio operator maintainer normally assigned to the 708th Medical Company in North Riverside. He has served in the military for one year and is a 2005 graduate of Bartlett High School.
Operation Iraqi Freedom is the name given to military operations involving members of the U.S. armed forces and coalition forces participating in efforts to free and secure Iraq. Its objectives focus on force protection, peacekeeping, stabilization, security and counter-insurgency operations as the Iraqi transitional governing bodies assume full sovereign powers to govern the Iraqi people. Members of all branches of the U.S. military and multinational forces are also assisting in rebuilding Iraq's economic and governmental infrastructure, and training and preparing Iraqi military and security forces to assume full authority and responsibility in defending and preserving Iraq's sovereignty and independence as a democracy.
• David C. Mulay, is a 2003 graduate of the Loyola Academy, Wilmette, graduated from the Army ROTC (Reserve Officers' Training Corps) Leader Development and Assessment Course 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 provides 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 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.
He is the son of Craig R. Tessmer and Veronica A. Mulay, both of Barrington.