Local heroes: Armed Forces updates

Jesse Stephens

Army National Guard Pvt. Jesse M. Stephens has graduated from basic combat training at Fort Jackson, Columbia, S.C.

During the nine weeks of training, the soldiers 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 is the son of Dave Stephens of Charlo and Linda Wolfe of Brusett Drive., Missoula. The private is a 2008 graduate of Big Sky High School, Missoula.

- Courtesy of the Army National Guard

Sheral Bair

  Air Force Airman Sheral O. Bair graduated from basic military training at Lackland Air Force Base, San Antonio, Tex. 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.  She is the daughter of Jonatan and Vikki Bair of Polson.  The airman is a 2007 graduate of Polson High School.

-Courtesy of the Air Force

Andrew Atchley

Navy Seaman Recruit Andrew J. Atchley, son of Betty L. Mooney of Dillon and Stan J. Atchley of Charlo, recently completed U.S. Navy basic training at Recruit Training Command, Great Lakes, Ill. During the eight-week program, Atchley completed a variety of training. 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. Atchley is a 2007 graduate of Beaverhead County High School of Dillon.

-Courtesy of the Navy

Derek Gerrity

Navy Seaman Apprentice Derek L. Gerrity, son of Kay L. Herman of Polson and James F. Gerrity of Polson, recently completed U.S. Navy basic training at Recruit Training Command, Great Lakes, Ill. During the eight-week program, Gerrity completed a variety of training. 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. Gerrity is a 2007 graduate of Polson High School.

-Courtesy of the Navy

Thomas Parker

Thomas C. Parker (Tomy), a 2008 Ronan High School graduate,  has completed his Marine Boot camp training at MCRD San Diego and is now at Camp Pendleton, Calif. for eight weeks doing Infantry Training Battalion. Tomy is the son of Lisa Jennison of Ronan.

-Courtesy of Lisa Jennison