From the armed forces

• Air Force Airman Nathaniel M. Hartley graduated from basic military training at Lackland Air Force Base, San Antonio, Texas. He is the son of Valerie Gallegos of Spring Grove and Mark Hartley of Antioch, and a 2004 graduate of Antioch Community High School.

The airman completed an intensive, eight-week program that included training in military discipline and studies, Air Force core values, physical fitness, and basic warfare principles and skills.

Airmen who complete basic training earn four credits toward an associate in applied science degree through the Community College of the Air Force.

• Navy Seaman Sudarshan V. France, son of Suguna L. France and stepson of David Crenshaw of Zion, recently completed U.S. Navy basic training at Recruit Training Command, Great Lakes. France is a 2009 graduate of Zion Benton Township High School in Zion.

During the eight-week program, France 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.

• Navy Seaman Recruit Clinton J. Gardner, son of Cheryl L. and Gerald F. Davis of Highland Park, recently completed U.S. Navy basic training at Recruit Training Command, Great Lakes. Gardner is a 2009 graduate of Highland Park High School in Highland Park.

During the eight-week program, Gardner 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.

• Army Reserve Pvt. Randy G. Fagan has graduated from basic combat training at Fort Jackson, Columbia, S.C. He is the son of Cindy Fagan of Antioch, and a 2009 graduate of Antioch Community High School.

During the nine weeks of training, the soldier studied the Army mission, history, tradition and core values, physical fitness, and received instruction and practice in basic combat skills, military weapons, chemical warfare and bayonet training, drill and ceremony, marching, rifle marksmanship, armed and unarmed combat, map reading, field tactics, military courtesy, military justice system, basic first aid, foot marches, and field training exercises.