From the Armed Forces

• Marine Corps Reserve Pfc. Marcus W. Brightwell, son of Terri L. and Daniel J. Brightwell of Rolling Meadows, recently completed basic training at Marine Corps Recruit Depot, Parris Island, S.C., and was promoted to his current rank.

Brightwell completed 12 weeks of training designed to challenge new Marine recruits both physically and mentally. In addition to the rigorous physical conditioning program, he spent numerous hours in classroom and field assignments which included learning first aid, uniform regulations, combat water survival, marksmanship, hand-to-hand combat and assorted weapons training. The recruits performed close order drill and operated as a small infantry unit during field training. They also received instruction on the Marine Corps' core values -- honor, courage and commitment, and what the words mean in guiding personal and professional conduct.

The training phase ended with The Crucible, a 54-hour team effort, problem-solving evolution which culminated with a ceremony in which the recruits were presented the Marine Corps Emblem.

Brightwell is a 2004 graduate of Rolling Meadows High School.

• Army National Guard Pvt. Christopher M. Burbach, son of Michael Burbach, Algonquin, and grandson of Peg Webb, Rolling Meadows, 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.

Burbach is currently attending Fremd High School, Palatine.

• Army Reserve Pfc. Raymond S. Grenke, son of Raymond L. and Cynthia L. Grenke of Arlington Heights, 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.

Grenke is a 2006 graduate of Rolling Meadows High School.

• Army Pvt. Christian G. Hansen, son of Reed and Janet Hansen of Arlington Heights, 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.

Hansen is a 2007 graduate of Buffalo Grove High School.