From the armed forces

• Army Pvt. David L. Ester has graduated from basic combat training at Fort Jackson, Columbia, S.C.

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.

Ester is the son of Kathy Boyd of Mallard Street, Lindenhurst, and nephew of Bill Albrict of Tillberry Lane, Wheeling.

In 2007, the private graduated from Lakes Community High School, Lake Villa.

• Thomas E Sulik graduated from the Army Reserve Officer Training Corps Leader Development and Assessment Course, also known as "Operation Warrior Forge," at Fort Lewis, Tacoma, Wash. The 32 days of training provide the best possible professional training and evaluation for all cadets in the aspects of military life, administration and logistical support. The cadet command assesses each cadet's performance and progress in officer traits, qualities and professionalism while attending the course.

Cadets in their junior and senior year of college must complete the leadership development course. Upon successful completion of the course, the ROTC program, and graduation from college, cadets are commissioned as second lieutenants in the U.S. Army, National Guard, or Reserve. The cadet is a student at the University of Iowa, Iowa City. He is the son of Raymond E. and Jung S. Sulik of Alfini Drive, Des Plaines. Sulik is a 2003 graduate of Maine West Township High School, Des Plaines.

• Air Force Airman 1st Class Kenneth S. Battersby 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. He is the son of Howard and Josephine Battersby of Pinehurst, and of Sue and Thomas Lopez of Ash St., all of Des Plaines. Battersby is a 2006 graduate of Maine West High School, Des Plaines.

• Air Force Airman Christopher G. Szarek 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. He is the son of Edward and Donna Szarek of E. Euclid Ave., Arlington Heights, and a 2007 graduate of Prospect High School.

• Army Pfc. Eric Toleduno has 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. He is the son of Maria and Vicente Toleduno of First St., Wheeling. Toleduno is a 2008 graduate of Wheeling High School.