From the Armed Forces

• Army Pfc. Eric M. Barr has been awarded the Expert Infantry Badge at Fort Polk, Leesville, La. The badge is awarded to Army soldiers who possess infantry or Special Forces military career specialties.

To earn wearing of the badge, the soldier must successfully complete a series of events consisting of 35 tasks to prove he has physically and mentally mastered basic infantry skills.

Qualification events include the Army physical fitness test, identifying and employing hand grenades, crater analysis, employing and recovering land mines, identifying visual signals, moving under direct fire, day and night navigation, communications skills, machine gun and semi-automatic weapons assembly, loading and unloading a .50-caliber machine gun, qualify as expert with the M-16 rifle, and complete a 12-mile road march toting a full backpack.

Barr is an infantryman assigned to the 3rd Brigade, 1st Infantry Division, Fort Hood, Killeen, TX.

He is the son of Tim Barr of Sugar Grove and is a 2001 graduate of Kaneland Senior High School, Maple Park.

• Navy Seaman Recruit Jeffrey A. Flesher, son of Terri R. Major of Bastrop, Texas, and Michael C. Flesher of St. Charles recently completed U.S. Navy basic training at Recruit Training Command, Great Lakes.

During the eight-week program, Flesher completed a variety of training which included 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." 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.

Flesher is a 2005 graduate of Bastrop High School of Bastrop, Texas.

• Navy Seaman Christian R. Alvarez, son of Silvia A. Lockwald of St. Charles. and Margarito N. Alvarez of Lockport, recently completed U.S. Navy basic training at Recruit Training Command, Great Lakes.

During the eight-week program, Alvarez completed a variety of training which included 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." 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.

• Air Force Airman Marquis D. Davis 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.

Davis is the son of Theresa Davis of Slidell, La., and Calvin Franklin of Batavia.

• Marine Corps Cpl. Wesley J. Farber recently reported for duty at Marine Corps Base, Camp Pendleton, Calif.

Farber is the son of Sandra and Micheal Umathum of St. Charles and is a 2004 graduate of St. Charles East High School of St. Charles.