Military briefs

Erwin completes basic training

Army National Guard Pfc. Jacob T. Erwin 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.

Erwin is the son of Shirlee Scholten of DeMotte.

He is a 2011 graduate of Kankakee Valley High School, Wheatfield.

Sharp to participate in assault exercise

Navy Petty Officer 3rd Class Daniel R. Sharp, son of Hope and Tom Rainwater of Demotte, and fellow Sailors assigned to Naval Mobile Construction Battalion 133 (NMCB 133) are conducting qualifications in preparation for Bold Alligator 2012, the nation's largest joint/multinational amphibious assault exercise in the past 10 years.

U.S. units involved are the Enterprise Carrier Strike Group, Expeditionary Strike Group 2, 2nd Marine Expeditionary Brigade, Iwo Jima Amphibious Ready Group, 24th Marine Expeditionary Unit, Naval Expeditionary Combat Command among other ships and units. Forces from eight other countries are taking part.

The exercise will focus on the fundamental aspects and roles of amphibious operations to improve amphibious force readiness and proficiency for executing the six core capabilities of the Maritime Strategy - forward presence, deterrence, sea control, power projection, maritime security and humanitarian assistance/disaster response.

Bold Alligator 2012 will allow U.S. service members and coalition partners the opportunity to exercise amphibious operations in a real-world environment and revitalize the Navy Marine Corps' vital core competencies.

Sharp joined the Navy in January 2008.

Two complete basic military training

Air Force Airman Isaiah D. Wooden and Air Force Airman Jaquel L. Freeny graduated from basic military training at Lackland Air Force Base, San Antonio, Texas.

The airmen 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.

Wooden is the son of Venus Jones of Versailles Lane, Hazel Crest, and Isiah Wooden of Matteson. He is a 2011 graduate of Thornton Township High School, Harvey. Freeny is the daughter of Lakeysha Freeny of Portage. She is a 2009 graduate of Portage High School.

Cast returns from Iraq

Army Spec. Angela M. Cast has returned to Joint Base McGuire-Dix-Lakehurst, N.J., after being deployed to Iraq serving in support of Operation New Dawn.

Members from all branches of the U.S. military and multinational forces were also assisting in rebuilding Iraq's economic and governmental infrastructure, and training and preparing Iraqi military and security forces to assume full authority and responsibility in defending and preserving Iraq's sovereignty and independence as a democracy.

Operation New Dawn officially came to an end Dec. 15, 2011.

Cast, a radiology technician attached to the 801st Combat Support Hospital, Fort Sheridan, Ill., has served three years in the military.

The specialist is a resident of Merrillville.