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May, 2008

SAN ANTONIO, Texas -- Air Force Airman Cole M. Adams 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.

In addition, airmen who complete basic training earn credits toward an associate degree through the Community College of the Air Force.

He is the son of Sheila Adams of Perryville and David Adams of St. Mary.

Adams is a 2007 graduate of Ste. Genevieve High School, Mo.

COLUMBIA, South Carolina -- A 2007 graduate of Ste. Genevieve High School has completed U.S. Army basic combat training at Fort Jackson, South Carolina.

Pvt. Robert D. Chance is the son of Robert and Christina Chance of Bloomsdale and the grandson of George and Dianna Chance of Festus.

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.

April, 2008

Meyer is ‘Player of the Day’

BAGHDAD, Iraq – Army Specialist Jeff Meyer was recently recognized as "Player of the Day".

Spc. Meyer was presented "The Player of the Day" award for his outstanding work in the 35th Engineer Brigade Tactical Operations Center.

He is the son of Paul and Dolores Meyer of Apple Creek. His aunt, Regina Berkbigler, is a secretary in the office of the assistant superintendent of the Ste. Genevieve R-II schools.

December, 2007

SAN ANTONIO, Texas -- A 2007 graduate of Ste. Genevieve High School has completed Air Force basic military training at Lackland Air Force Base in San Antonio

Matthew J. Otte is the son of Joseph and Cindy Otte of Sainte Genevieve.

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 degree through the Community College of the Air Force.

(FHTNC)--Navy Seaman Apprentice Scott M. Arnold, son of Connie S. and Terry M. Arnold of Ste. Genevieve, Mo., recently completed U.S. Navy basic training at Recruit Training Command, Great Lakes, Ill.

During the eight-week program, Arnold 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.

Arnold is a 2004 graduate of Ste. Genevieve High School of Ste. Genevieve, Mo.

LAWTON, Oklahoma -- A 2007 graduate of Ste. Genevieve High School has completed Basic Combat training at Fort Sill, Lawton, Okla.

Army Pvt. Christian M. Dixon is the son of Brian Dixon of Ste. Genevieve.

During the nine weeks of training, Private Dixon 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.

November, 2007

GREAT LAKES, Illinois – A 2007 graduate of Ste. Genevieve High School has completed U.S. Navy basic training at the Recruit Training Command, Great Lakes, Illinois.

Navy Seaman Recruit Corey S. Berkbigler is the son of Jim M. Berkbigler of Ste. Genevieve.

During the eight-week program, Berkbigler 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.

SAN ANTONIO, Texas – A 2004 graduate of Ste. Genevieve High School has graduated from basic military training at Lackland Air Force Base, San Antonio, Texas.

Air Force Airman Christopher M. Almo is the son of of Karen Martin of Ste. Genevieve and grandson of Evelyn Mayberry of Bloomsdale.

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 degree through the Community College of the Air Force.

September, 2007

CAPE MAY, New Jersey – A 2007 graduate of Ste. Genevieve High School has graduated from the U.S. Coast Guard Recruit Training Center in Cape May, New Jersey.

Seaman Recruit Colton L. Principe is the son of Terry L. and Peter D. Principe of Ste. Genevieve.

During the eight-week training program, Principe completed a vigorous training curriculum consisting of academics and practical instruction on water safety and survival, military customs and courtesies, seamanship skills, first aid, fire fighting and marksmanship. A major emphasis is also placed on physical fitness, health and wellness.

Principe and other recruits also received instruction on the Coast Guard's core values -- honor, respect and devotion to duty -- and how to apply them in their military performance and personal conduct. Principe will join 36,000 other men and women who comprise Coast Guard's force.

Men and women train together from the first day in the Coast Guard just as they do aboard ships and shore units throughout the world. To reinforce the team concept, Principe, and other recruits were trained in preventing sexual harassment, drug and alcohol awareness, civil rights training, and the basics of the work-life balance, as well as total quality management.

August, 2007

FESTUS -- Former members of the 140th Infantry Regiment are planning a reunion for Saturday, October 13th at VFW Post No. 3777 in Festus.

Former members may contact Jim Hewitt, 1246 Spring Drive, Herculaneum, MO 63048, (636) 937-4464 or Carl Schneider, 3931 Hwy M, Imperial MO 63052, (636) 942-3560.

July, 2007

NASHVILLE, Tenn. -- The USS Nimitz (CVN-68), Association is looking for Shipmates (Ship’s Company, Staff, Squadrons and Detachments) who served on board the Nuclear Attack Aircraft Carrier for a ship’s reunion in Nashville, Tennessee, June 19-22, 2008.

The Nimitz is currently deployed to the Persian Gulf in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom.

For more information contact Joe Brunner at waldoj@cox.net., or (619) 466-2132 or log onto http://www.ussnimitzassociation.org for membership."

April, 2007

Odem completes Army basic training

FORT JACSON, South Carolina – A 2003 graduate of Ste. Genevieve High School has completed basic combat training at Fort Jackson, Columbia, South Carolina.

Army National Guard Pvt. Charlene A. Odem is the daughter of Roger and Barbara Odem of St. Mary and sister of Christina Odem of Ste. Genevieve.

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.

March, 2007

Jessica Waters completes basic training

FORT JACKSON, South Carolina -- Army Pvt. Jessica L. Waters has graduated from basic combat training.

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.

She is the daughter of Faith Rubin of Roble Ave., Spring Hill, Florida, and granddaughter of Ruth Waters of Oak Grove St., Ste. Genevieve.

October, 2006

LACKLAND AIR FORCE BASE -- Air Force Airman 1st Class David L. Stuppy 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.

In addition, airmen who complete basic training earn credits toward an associate degree through the Community College of the Air Force.

Stuppy earned distinction as an honor graduate.

He is the son of David Stuppy Sr. of St. Jude Drive, Sainte Genevieve, Mo.

August, 2006

LACKLAND AIR FORCE BASE, Texas – A 2005 graduate of Ste. Genevieve High School has graduated from basic military training at Lackland Air Force Base, San Antonio, Texas.

Air Force Airman Cody A. Hendrickson is the son of Jeffery and Kathryn Hendrickson of St. Mary.

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 degree through the Community College of the Air Force.

Nearly 60 years ago (November 1946), following the end of WWII, the 44th Infantry Division was reactivated as the Illinois National Guard (excluding Chicago). Company "D" of the 135th Combat Engineer Battalion, 44th Infantry Division was located in Chester from 1946 to 1954, and we are trying to locate members who served during that period.

The 44th was activated into Federal Service on February 15, 1952 because of the Korean War. It was stationed at Camp Cooke, California, and in November 1952, was moved to Fort Lewis, Washington. Numerous members of the 44th were deployed to Korea. However, the Division’s primary duty was training and by April 1953 had trained 15,000 troops. We need your help in locating those members who served in the 44th Infantry Division from 1946 through 1954 (when it was deactivated). As time goes by, we are losing members at an alarming rate. We would appreciate it if you would run an article on the 44thInfantry Division (Illinois National Guard) and our planned reunion, or at least publish a notice of our reunion, as outlined below.

The 44th Infantry Division (Illinois National Guard) Veteran’s Association is holding a reunion at the Holiday Inn, City Centre, in Peoria, IL, October 13 to 15, 2006. If you served in this unit from 1946 to 1954 please contact either:

CW4 Charlie Munie (AUS Ret), Secretary Howard M. Ferrill, President

465 S. Linden Ave 8902 Windsor Ct.

Decatur, IL 62522 Granbury, TX 76049

E-Mail cwmunie@munie.org hmf12@juno.com

Tel 217- 423-6265 817- 579-1608

Howard M. Ferrill, President

FESTUS -- Former members of the 140th Infantry Regiment are planning a reunion for Saturday, October 14th at the VFW Post No. 3777 in Festus.

The 140th was active from the 1930s through World War II and was de-activated in 1959. The unit was made up of people from Southeast Missouri.

For information contact: Jim Hewitt, 1246 Spring Drive, Herculaneum, MO, 63048 (636) 937-4464 or Carl Schneider, 3931 Hwy M, Imperial MO 63052 (636) 942-3560

January 2006

SAN DIEGO, California -- A 2005 graduate of Ste. Genevieve High School recently completed 12 weeks of basic training at Marine Corps Recruit Depot, San Diego, Calif.

Marine Corps Reserve Pvt. Steve T. Hilbert completed the training which is designed to challenge new Marine recruits both physically and mentally.

Hilbert and fellow recruits began their training at 5 a. m., by running three miles and performing calisthenics. In addition to the physical conditioning program, Hilbert 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. They performed close order drill and operated as a small infantry unit during field training.

Hilbert and other recruits also received instruction on the Marine Corps' core values--honor, courage and commitment, and what the core values mean in guiding personal and professional conduct.

Hilbert and fellow recruits ended the training phase with The Crucible, a 54-hour, team evolution culminating in an emotional ceremony in which recruits are presented the Marine Corps Emblem, and addressed as "Marines" for the first time in their careers.

FORT SILL, Oklahoma -- A 2003 graduate of Ste. Genevieve High School has graduated from One Station Unit Training (OSUT) at Fort Sill, Oklahoma.

Army Pvt. Daniel Mannisi is the son of Perry and Candy Mannisi of Bloomsdale.

The training included completion of basic military training and advanced individual training (AIT).

In basic training, the soldier received instruction in drill and ceremonies, weapons, map reading, tactics, military courtesy, military justice, physical fitness, first aid, and Army history and traditions.

During AIT, Private Mannisi completed the field artillery fire support specialist advanced individual training course.

The course is designed to train soldiers to establish, maintain, and operate radio and wire communications and speech security equipment, including encoding and decoding messages using specific line templates; prepare and maintain daily staff journal, fire support situation map, status charts, capability overlay, and other fire support and target processing records; and assist in initiating requests for field artillery, mortar, naval gunfire, and aerial delivered munitions.

COLUMBIA – A Valle Catholic High School graduate has been promoted to major in the Missouri National Guard.

Craig S. Gatzemeyer (right in photo above) was recently promoted by Missouri National Guard Chief of Staff Col. Dwight D. Lusk.

"I’m so appreciative of the trust my superiors have placed in me by giving me this promotion," Gatzemeyer said.

Upon graduation from Valle High School, in Ste. Genevieve, Gatzemeyer enlisted with the Missouri National Guard.

"As a clerk with the 1140th Engineer Brigade, Col. Lusk was my fulltime supervisor. He really mentored and encouraged me to go to Officer Candidate School," added Gatzemeyer.

Then, in 1994 after eight years of enlisted service and a little encouragement from his supervisor, Gatzemeyer attended OCS at Ft Benning, Georgia. After receiving his commission, he served in various officer positions with several units.

While serving as administrative officer for the 1140th Engineer Brigade in Cape Girardeau, the unit was mobilized and deployed to Iraq for 13 months. During this time, Gatzemeyer served as the headquarters company commander.

After returning from deployment, Gatzemeyer became the operations and training officer for the 27th Recruiting Battalion, headquartered in Jefferson City, and is still serving in that position. With this assignment, he is responsible for supervising 57 recruiters and serves as the strength management recruiting officer for the East side of Missouri.

"The amount of trust and confidence I have in his leadership ability gave me a great deal of confidence when he deployed to Iraq. I knew he’d take care of his soldiers, successfully complete the mission and bring them home safely- which he did." Lusk said, "Gatzemeyer’s attention to detail and "care-factor" for his Soldiers is outstanding. He takes the time to read and understand Army regulations and ensures everything is done to the highest military standard."

Gatzemeyer is the son of Vernon and Laverne Gatzemeyer, of Bloomsdale. He and his wife, Janice, reside in Millersville.

For more information on the Missouri National Guard, please visit www.moguard.com or call 1-800-GO-GUARD.

December, 2005

BAGRAM AIR BASE, Afghanistan – A 1977 Valle Catholic High School graduate has arrived at Bagram Air Base in Afghanistan.

Air Force Chief Master Sgt. David L. Stuppy is part of an anti-terrorist strike force team.

Stuppy, a maintenance superintendent with 28 years of military service, is normally assigned to the 355th Aircraft Maintenance Squadron, Davis-Monthan Air Force Base, Tucson, Arizona.

He is the son of Norman and Leanna Stuppy of Ste. Genevieve.

Operation Enduring Freedom is the official name given to anti-terrorism military operations involving U.S. troops and allied coalition partners.

Active duty and reserve component members from all branches of the U.S. Armed Forces have been deployed to support the war against global terrorism.

Mission objectives encompass combating the international terrorist network or regime forces outside the borders of the United States. U.S. troops serve in South Asia, Southwest Asia, Central Asia, the Arabian peninsula, islands in the Pacific, Europe, and in numerous other countries.

YOKUSAKA, Japan -- Navy Fireman Apprentice Dylan M. Huck, son of Gail Huck of Ste. Genevieve, and his shipmates concluded Annual Exercise (ANNUALEX) 2005, while assigned to the aircraft carrier USS Kitty Hawk, forward deployed to Yokosuka, Japan.

ANNUALEX 2005 is a joint exercise between the U.S. Navy and the Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force (JMSDF). Two U.S. submarines, 10 U.S. Navy ships and 49 JMSDF ships participated in a series of wartime exercises to observe and improve mission interoperability.

USS Kitty Hawk is the first of the "supercarriers, " commissioned April 29, 1961. Carriers like USS Kitty Hawk are deployed throughout the world to maintain U.S. presence and provide rapid response in time of crisis.

The ship serves as a highly visible deterrent to would-be aggressors and is equipped with the most versatile and powerful weapons and aircraft available.

Huck is a 2004 graduate of Ste. Genevieve High School of Ste. Genevieve and joined the Navy in September 2004.

November, 2005

Huck is back at sea

NORFOLK, Virginia – A 2004 graduate of Valle Catholic High School is back at sea after two-month long in-port period while assigned to the aircraft carrier USS Kitty Hawk forward deployed to Yokosuka, Japan.

Navy Fireman Apprentice Dylan M. Huck is the son Gail Huck of Ste. Genevieve.

Huck and his fellow sailors worked long hours with civilian contractors to complete 85 contractor jobs, 246 ship repair jobs and more than 700 ship's force jobs to ensure the ship was ready to get under way.

The Kitty Hawk Strike Group is the largest strike group in the Navy and is composed of the aircraft carrier USS Kitty Hawk, Carrier Air Wing 5, guided-missile cruisers USS Chancellorsville and USS Cowpens, and destroyer Squadron 15. Carriers like USS Kitty Hawk are deployed throughout the world to maintain U.S. presence and provide rapid response in time of crisis. The ship serves as a highly visible deterrent to would-be aggressors and is equipped with the most versatile and powerful weapons and aircraft available.

Huck joined the Navy in September 2004.

October, 2005

FORT JACKSON, South Carolina -- A 2005 graduate of the Hope Christian Academy in Ste. Genevieve has completed basic combat training at Fort Jackson, South Carolina.

Army Pvt. Randy W. Hoselton II is the grandson of Roger D. and Betty J. Ratliff of Ste. Genevieve.

During the nine weeks of training, Private Hoselton 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.

FORT SILL, Oklahoma -- Army Reserve Pvt. Dustin L. Bishop has graduated from basic combat military training at Fort Sill, Lawton, Oklahoma.

During the eight weeks of training, the soldier studied the Army mission and received instruction in drill and ceremonies, rifle marksmanship, weapons, map reading, tactics, armed and unarmed combat, military courtesy, military justice, physical fitness, first aid, Army history, core values and traditions, and special training in human relations.

He is the son of Steve G. and Kim S. Bishop of Ste. Genevieve.

FESTUS -- Former members of the 140th Infantry Regiment are planning a reunion for Saturday, October 15th at the VFW Post No. 3777 in Festus.

The 140th was active from the 1930s through World War II and was de-activated in 1959. The unit was made up of people from Southeast Missouri.

For information contact: Jim Hewitt, 1246 Spring Drive, Herculaneum, MO, 63048 (636) 937-4464 or Ron Perryman, 502 Overton Street, Farmington, MO, 63640 (573) 756-5557.

September, 2005

FORT JACKSON, South Carolina -- Army Pfc. Thomas C. Harper has graduated from the Light-wheeled Vehicle Mechanic Advanced Individual Training (AIT) course at Fort Jackson, Columbia, South Carolina.

The course is designed to train soldiers to perform maintenance, troubleshoot, and repair wheeled vehicles and related mechanical components, which include internal combustion engines and power trains, spark- and compression-ignition engines, wheel-hub assemblies, hydraulic-power brakes, suspension and steering systems, and learned to operate a wheeled vehicle crane, hoist, and winch assembly.

Harper is the son of Clarence E. and Karen M. Bainter of Bloomsdale.

He graduated in 2004 from Ste. Genevieve High School.

FORT LEONARD WOOD -- James Joseph Ringwald has graduated from basic combat training at Fort Leonard Wood.

During the nine weeks of training Private First Class Ringwald 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.

He will now begin training in his military occupational specialty -- heavy construction equipment operator. He will learn how to operate crawler and wheeled tractors with dozer attachments, scoop loader, motorized grader, and towed or self-propelled scraper.

Ringwald is the son of Mike and Tina Ringwald of Ste. Genevieve.

He is a 2005 Valle Catholic High School graduate.

YOKOSUKA, Japan -- Navy Fireman Dylan M. Huck, son of Gail Huck of Ste. Genevieve and his shipmates have returned from a three-month summer underway period while assigned to the aircraft carrier USS Kitty Hawk, forward deployed to Yokosuka, Japan.

Huck and more than 5, 300 of his fellow shipmates participated in exercises Talisman Saber 2005, the third annual Orange Crush and Joint Air and Sea Exercise (JASEX) 2005.

Talisman Saber 2005 gave the USS Kitty Hawk the chance to train with Australian military forces, Orange Crush focused on integrating different parts of the strike group together, and JASEX tested the groups ability to operate with different parts of the U.S. Armed Forces.

USS Kitty Hawk is the first of the "supercarriers, " commissioned April 29, 1961. Carriers like USS Kitty Hawk are deployed throughout the world to maintain U.S. presence and provide rapid response in time of crisis.

The ship serves as a highly visible deterrent to would-be aggressors and is equipped with the most versatile and powerful weapons and aircraft available.

Huck is a 2004 graduate of Ste. Genevieve High School of Ste. Genevieve and joined the Navy in September 2004.

NORFOLK, Virginia – A 2002 graduate of Ste. Genevieve High School recently completed U.S. Navy basic training at Recruit Training Command, Great Lakes, Illinois.

Navy Airman Recruit Robert M. Fox is the son of Delores K. and Gerald G. Jelinek of Bloomsdale.

During the eight-week program, Fox 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.

July, 2005

NORFOLK, Virginia -- Navy Fireman Apprentice Dylan M. Huck, son of Gail Huck of Ste. Genevieve and his shipmates made a port visit to Sydney, Australia while assigned to the aircraft carrier USS Kitty Hawk, forward deployed to Yokosuka, Japan.

On the first day of the visit, Huck's ship hosted a reception for more than 1,000 Australian dignitaries, and conducted tours for more than 3,000 guests.

Also drawing the interest of both Sailors and local Australians was the Hospitality-in-the-Homes program, sponsored by Kitty Hawk's religious ministries department, in which local Sydney families hosted Sailors in their homes for a meal.

USS Kitty Hawk is the first of the "super carriers, " commissioned April 29, 1961. They serve as a highly visible deterrent to would-be aggressors, and are equipped with the most versatile and powerful weapons and aircraft available.

Huck is a 2004 graduate of Ste. Genevieve High School of Ste. Genevieve and joined the Navy in September 2004.

Flieg is deployed to Iraq

STE. GENEVIEVE -- A 1983 graduate of Valle Catholic High School is currently deployed in Iraq.

Air Force Senior Master Sergeant Patrick J. Flieg is the son of Arthur and Donna Flieg of Ste. Genevieve.

Sgt. Flieg, a meteorologist with 21 years of military service is assigned to Hickam Air Force Base in Honolulu Hawaii.

April, 2005
Harper completes basic combat training

COLUMBIA, South Carolina -- A 2004 graduate of Ste. Genevieve High School has completed basic combat training at Fort Jackson, South Carolina.

Army Pvt. Thomas C. Harper is the son of Clarence Bainter of Bloomsdale and brother of Rebecca Pierce of Ste. Genevieve.

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.

February, 2005
David Long completes Navy basic training

GREAT LAKES, Illinois -- Navy Seaman David D. Long, son of Wanda M. Byington of Ste. Genevieve, recently completed U.S. Navy basic training at Recruit Training Command, Great Lakes, Illinois.

During the eight-week program, Long 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.

Long is a 2004 graduate of Anderson High School of Anderson, Indiana.

Heil completes Navy basic training

GREAT LAKES, Illinois – A 2000 graduate of Ste. Genevieve High School has completed U.S. Navy basic training at Recruit Training Command, Great Lakes, Ill.

Navy Seaman Recruit Bryan T. Heil is the son of Arlene A. and James F. Heil of Ste. Genevieve.

During the eight-week program, Heil 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.

January, 2005
Dylan Huck completes Navy basic training

GREAT LAKES, Illinois – A 2004 graduate of Ste. Genevieve High School has recently completed U.S. Navy basic training at Recruit Training Command, Great Lakes, Illinois.

Navy Seaman Apprentice Dylan M. Huck is the son of Gail M. Huck of Ste. Genevieve.

During the eight-week program, Huck 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.