From the Armed Forces

• Sgt. James M. Leonard, a member of the U.S. Marine Corps 2nd Battalion, 24th Marines, Weapons Company, is serving as a vehicle commander in Mobile Assault Platoon 3. He deployed in September for a year of active duty stationed at 29 Palms in California and began serving his second tour to Iraq in January 2008. His first Iraq tour was from June 2004 until March 2005. He was also deployed to South America in 2002. He joined the U.S. Marine Corps Reserve Unit based in Waukegan in 1999.

Sgt. Leonard is the husband of Meghan Leonard, South Elgin; and son of Wayne and Marie Leonard, Streamwood. His brother Tom (Kathy) Leonard of Hampshire deployed to Iraq with the 2/24 in January. Another brother, Daniel (Robyn) Leonard, Camp Lejeune, N.C. is currently stationed in Iraq. His other siblings are Craig Leonard, Hampshire; Michael Leonard, Gilberts; Brian Leonard, Streamwood; and Caryn Leonard, West Dundee.

The sergeant is a 1998 graduate of Streamwood High School and works as a technician for Fox Valley Fire & Safety.

• Army National Guard Pvt. Michael Jude P. Dionido, son of Eugenio Dionido of Bartlett, graduated from basic infantry training at Fort Benning, Columbus, Ga.

During the nine weeks of training, the soldier received training in drill and ceremonies, weapons, map reading, tactics, military courtesy, military justice, physical fitness, first aid, and Army history, core values and traditions. Additional training included development of basic combat skills and battlefield operations and tactics, and experiencing use of various weapons and weapons defenses available to the infantry crewman.