From the armed services
• Air Force Airman Franklin A. Gomez graduated from basic military training at Lackland Air Force Base, in San Antonio.
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 in applied science degree through the Community College of the Air Force.
Gomez, the son of Franklin Gomez of Streamwood, is a 2004 graduate of Holy Cross High School, River Grove.
• Army Pvt. Matthew J. Covey graduated from Basic Combat training at Fort Sill, Lawton, Okla.
During the nine weeks of training, the soldier studied the Army mission and received instruction and training exercises in drill and ceremonies, Army history, core values and traditions, military courtesy, military justice, physical fitness, first aid, rifle marksmanship, weapons use, map reading and land navigation, foot marches, armed and unarmed combat, and field maneuvers and tactics.
Covey, the son of Mike Covey of Hoffman Estates and Bonne Covey of Rolling Meadows, is a 2005, graduate of Hoffman Estates High School.
• Army Reserve Spec. John K. Karambelas has returned to the 56th Military Police Company, Mesa, Ariz., after being deployed to an overseas forward operating base in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom.
Operation Iraqi Freedom is the official name given to military operations involving members of the U.S. armed forces and coalition forces participating in efforts to free and secure Iraq. The specialist is a military police with two years of military service. He is the son of Sam and Lupe Karambelas of Prairie Lane, Buffalo Grove. Karambelas is a 2000 graduate of Stevenson High School, Lincolnshire.
• Navy Seaman Recruit Emma N. Bennett, daughter of Sharon E. Bowman of Phoenix, and Ross A. Bennett of Des Plaines, recently completed U.S. Navy basic training at Recruit Training Command, Great Lakes.
During the eight-week program, Bennett 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.
Bennett is a 2007 graduate of Life Skills High School of Phoenix, Ariz.