From the armed forces

• Eric Anthony Petrocelli has been commissioned as a second lieutenant in the United States Army after successfully completing the Army Reserve Officer Training Corps program and graduating with a bachelor's degree from Western Illinois University in Macomb.

The new officer will be branched to a specific corps in the Army to serve on active duty or in the National Guard or Reserve. He will attend an officer basic course relating to his particular military occupational specialty/job. Afterward, Petrocelli will complete advanced training by attending basic officer leadership courses for career progression purposes.

The ROTC curriculum prepares students with the tools, training and experiences to help them succeed as effective leaders in any competitive environment. Army officers serve as leaders, counselors, strategists and motivators, who lead other soldiers in all situations occurring in ever-changing environments. As trained problem-solvers, key influencers and planners, they are driven to achieve success with their team on every mission.

Petrocelli is the son of Rick P. and Kathi J. Petrocelli of Mundelein. His grandparents, Albert and Evelyn Varela, were present at his graduation ceremony to pin on his lieutenant bars.

Petrocelli graduated in 2004 from Carmel Catholic High School in Mundelein.

• Navy Seaman Recruit Dustin R. Hamel, son of Angela Hamel of Lake Villa and David Hamel of Ingleside, recently completed U.S. Navy basic training at Recruit Training Command, Great Lakes.

During the eight-week program, Hamel 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. Its distinctly "Navy" flavor was designed to take into account what it means to be a Sailor.

Hamel is a 2007 graduate of Grant Community High School of Fox Lake.