Munoz graduates from basic training

Air Force Airman Samantha Munoz graduated from basic military training at Lackland Air Force Base, San Antonio, Texas.

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 Deanita Munoz of Chicago Heights, Ill., and Manuel Gonzalez Jr. of Las Vegas, Nev.

Coniglio graduates from military training

Air Force Airman Nick Coniglio graduated from basic military training at Lackland Air Force Base, San Antonio, Texas.

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.

He is the son of Phil Coniglio of Dyer.

Coniglio is a 2009 graduate of Lake Central High School, St. John, Ind.

Anderson graduates from unit training

Army Pvt. Jordan T. Anderson has graduated from the Infantryman One Station Unit Training at Fort Benning, Columbus, Ga. The training consists of Basic Infantry Training and Advanced Individual Training.

During the nine weeks of basic combat training, the soldier received training in drill and ceremonies, weapons employment, map reading, tactics, military courtesy, military justice, physical fitness, first aid skills, and Army history, core values and traditions. Additional training included development of basic combat skills and battlefield operations and tactics, and experienced use of various weapons and weapons defenses available to the infantry crewman.

The Advanced Individual Training course is designed to train infantry soldiers to perform reconnaissance operations; employ, fire and recover anti-personnel and anti-tank mines; locate and neutralize land mines and operate target and sight equipment; operate and maintain communications equipment and radio networks; construct field firing aids for infantry weapons; and perform infantry combat exercises and dismounted battle drills, which includes survival procedures in a nuclear, biological or chemical contaminated area.

He is the son of Tom Anderson of Demotte.

Anderson is a 2002 graduate of Kankakee Valley High School.

Rossi completes training

Army National Guard Pvt. Frank E. Rossi has 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.

He is the son of Melissa Crepp of Ellwood City, Pa., and Frank Rossi of Valparaiso.

Rossi is a 2009 graduate of Lincoln Junior-Senior High School, Ellwood City.

Luczak is deployed in Japan

Navy Petty Officer 2nd Class Paul A. Luczak, nephew of Thomas Luczak of Chicago, Ill., and fellow sailors of Patrol Squadron 10 "Red Lancers" (VP-10), Naval Air Station Jacksonville, Fla., recently reached the mid-way point in their six-month deployment to the Navy's Central Command operating from bases in Quatar, Djibouti and Japan.

While deployed, the Lancers have conducted operations in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom and Enduring Freedom to include maritime security operations; anti-submarine warfare; intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance; routine maritime patrol and anti-piracy missions in the Arabian Gulf, Gulf of Oman, the Arabian Sea and the Gulf of Aden.

Halfway into their deployment, the Lancers have accumulated a 99.6 percent sortie completion rate, more than 2, 000 flight hours and more than 300 combat missions.

Additionally, the Lancers aided in the seizure and destruction of 10 tons of narcotics, mostly hash estimated to be worth $70 million, while patrolling the "Hash Highway" in the Gulf of Aden. They also assisted the Seychelles in conducting anti-piracy operations.

The Lancers moved their entire maintenance department to include building structures and maintenance support equipment to a previously undeveloped part of the base. The working parties were held at night to avoid the daytime heat, averaging 115 degrees Fahrenheit.

Sixteen midshipmen from the United States Naval Academy, Class of 2010, traveled to Africa as part of the Midshipmen Summer Training Program and visited the Lancers to familiarize themselves with the different warfare specialties available to them after graduation.

Off-duty, members of the Lancers have volunteered their time providing humanitarian aid to local orphanages and competed in several inter-service physical fitness contests, taking the first place trophy in the 2009 Freedom Fitness Festival and the Al Udeid Air Base Commander's Cup.

Coniglio completes training course

Nick Coniglio graduated from an 8-week basic training course in the Air Force in Lackland AFB, San Antonio, Texas on Aug. 14.

He has earned college credits toward an associated degree. Nick is a 2008 Lake Central High School Graduate. He is the son of Phillip John and Maria Coniglio of Dyer. He is now in training school for 6 weeks at Lackland AFB, Texas, where is learning his job. He will then be stationed at Misawa, Japan.

Hooks retires from Air Force

Master Sgt. Kenneth N. Hooks, Jr. has retired from the U.S. Air Force after 22 years of dedicated military service.

Prior to retiring, Hooks served as superintendent of the 23rd Contracting Squadron at Moody Air Force Base, Valdosta, Ga. In this position, he directed contracting programs valued at more than $71 million annually, supporting more than 6,000 wing and tenant unit members, and was the squadron liaison to command headquarters on contingency operations, training, and contracting policies.

Hooks joined the Air Force in August 1987. During his career, he served at military installations in Germany, Okinawa, Japan, Korea, Georgia, and Texas. He also served in overseas deployments to Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, Kosovo, Macedonia, Bulgaria, Africa, Iraq and Cyprus. His job positions ranged from inspection section noncommissioned officer in charge and material controller to base infrastructure flight noncommissioned officer in charge and squadron superintendent.

Some of his military decorations and awards include the Joint Service Commendation Medal, three awards of the Air Force Commendation Medal, the Army Commendation Medal, five awards of the Air Force Achievement Medal, the Army Achievement Medal, seven Air Force Good Conduct Medals, National Defense Service Medal with a bronze star device, Armed Forces Expeditionary Medal, Kosovo Campaign Medal, the Global War on Terrorism Expeditionary Medal, the Global War on Terrorism Service Medal, Korean Defense Service Medal, and numerous other military service ribbons and awards.

He is the son of Doreen Hooks of Oroville, Calif., and Kenneth N. Hooks Sr. of Indianapolis; and is the father of Kenneth N. Hooks III of Indianapolis.

His wife, Lisa, is the daughter of Larry Smith of Merrillville.

Hooks is a 1987 graduate of Lew Wallace High School, Gary. He received a bachelor's degree in 2009 from Thomas Edison State College, Trenton, N.J., and an associate in applied science degree in 2009 from Community College of the Air Force, Maxwell Air Force Base, Ala.

Anguiano graduates

United States Marine Corps

PFC Charles Anguiano graduated June 4 from his MOS for 0621 Field Radio operator in the United States Marine Corps. After graduation he will be stationed at Camp Pendelton in California with the 7th Engineers Support Battalion 1st Marine. He is a 2007 graduate of Gavit High School. He is the son of Lorene Johnston and Andrew Anguiano, both of Hammond.

Navy Commissions Patrick Rzeszut to the rank of Ensign

Petty Officer First Class Patrick M. Rzeszut, a graduate of Morton Senior High Hammond, was commissioned to the rank of Ensign, via the Navy's Limited Duty Officer Program (LDO). The LDO program gives enlisted Sailors an opportunity to become officers in their former field of specialization.

Rzeszut enlisted in the Navy January 26, 1999. After completing boot camp and aviation structural mechanic school for EA-6B Prowlers, he received his first set of orders to VAQ-141 Whidbey Island, Washington. While at VAQ -141 he completed one deployment onboard the USS Enterprise, and two deployments onboard the USS Roosevelt which happened to be out at sea during the September 11, 2001 attacks. At his next command VAQ-134, he saw two deployments to Afghanistan in support of Operation Enduring Freedom, utilizing his outstanding skills and leadership. "Patrick is a Leader. He motivates those around him. He overcomes obstacles in order to accomplish Naval Aviation's mission of flying aircraft safely," said Commander Pulliam, Rzeszut's Commanding Officer.

During the ceremony, Petty Officers First Class Brendan Flaherty and Brian Hannon removed Rzeszut's First Class pins from his jacket. Rzeszut then gave the pins to Petty Officer second class Jeremy Vega, whom he deemed as the most accepting person to receive and follow on in his former rank. Rzeszut's mother and sister were then asked to place his new rank of Ensign on his collar. Afterwards Rzeszut presented his mother, grandmother and fiancée with flowers.

Nelson graduates from training

Army National Guard Pvt. Derrick J. Nelson has graduated from the Infantryman One Station Unit Training at Fort Benning, Columbus, Ga. The training consists of Basic Infantry Training and Advanced Individual Training.

During the nine weeks of basic combat training, the soldier received training in drill and ceremonies, weapons employment, map reading, tactics, military courtesy, military justice, physical fitness, first aid skills, and Army history, core values and traditions. Additional training included development of basic combat skills and battlefield operations and tactics, and experienced use of various weapons and weapons defenses available to the infantry crewman.

The Advanced Individual Training course is designed to train infantry soldiers to perform reconnaissance operations; employ, fire and recover anti-personnel and anti-tank mines; locate and neutralize land mines and operate target and sight equipment; operate and maintain communications equipment and radio networks; construct field firing aids for infantry weapons; and perform infantry combat exercises and dismounted battle drills, which includes survival procedures in a nuclear, biological or chemical contaminated area.

Nelson is the son of Kim Estep of Hammond.

Snedden completes military training

Air Force Airman Derek I. Snedden graduated from basic military training at Lackland Air Force Base, San Antonio, Texas.

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.

He is the son of Natalie Snedden of Knox, and Mark Snedden of Crown Point.

Snedden is a 2009 graduate of Knox Community High School.

Macomber graduates from combat training

Army National Guard Pvt. Alexander D. Macomber 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.

Macomber is the son of David Macomber of Portland, Ore., and Diane Huettemann of Dyer.

He is a 2008 graduate of Centennial High School, Portland.

Barclay graduates from basic training

Army Spec. Shaun Barclay 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.

Barclay earned distinction as an honor graduate.

He is the son of Thomas and June Barclay of Dyer.

The specialist graduated in 2002 from Lake Central High School, St. John, and received a bachelor's degree in 2007 from Purdue University, West Lafayette.

Board completes training

Army National Guard Pvt. Sarah E. Board 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.

She is the daughter of Kenneth and Sue Board of Cedar Lake.

Board is a 2007 graduate of Crown Point High School.

Johnson completes basic training

Army National Guard Pvt. Aamee N. Johnson 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.

She is the daughter of Linda Johnson of Centennial, Colo., and granddaughter of Edythe Santucci of Valparaiso.

Johnson is a 2008 graduate of Cherokee Trail High School, Aurora, Colo.

Baunach returns from deployment

Army Reserve Capt. Steve D. Baunach has returned to the U.S. after being deployed overseas at a forward operating base in support of Operation Enduring Freedom.

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 outside the borders of the United States. U.S. troops serve in South, Southwest and Central Asia, the Arabian peninsula, the Horn of Africa, islands in the Pacific, and Europe.

In addition, Capt. Baunach was decorated with the Bronze Star, the Army Achievement Medal, the Marine Corp Achievement Medal, and the Combat Action Badge.

Baunach, a civil affairs officer, is assigned to the 426th Civil Affairs Battalion, based in Upland, Calif. He has served in the military for more than 20 years.

His wife, Carol, is the daughter of Gonzalo Vasquez, and Naomi Vasquez, both of Hammond.

The captain graduated in 1975 from Central Catholic High School, Lafayette, and received a bachelor's degree in 1997 from Purdue University, West Lafayette.

Braxton graduates from training

Army Pvt. James A. Braxton 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.

Braxton is the brother of Tamika Braxton, Griffith.

Lewers graduates from combat training

Army National Guard Pfc. Evan N. Lewers 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.

He is the son of Deborah Lewers of Highland.

Lewers is a 2005 graduate of Park Tudor High School, Indianapolis.