Marble Hill's Toombs graduates basic

Pvt. Dalton Toombs

MARBLE HILL, Mo. -- Pvt. Dalton Toombs of Marble Hill, Mo., has graduated from basic and advanced individual training and is set to join the Missouri National Guard's 1140th Engineer Battalion's Headquarters Company.

"Basic training was really challenging, and I'm ready to get to work serving my country and my state in the Guard," Toombs said. "I think I'm ready to do my part and become a quality Soldier."

Toombs underwent intensive basic military training at Fort Knox, Ky. While there, Toombs studied the Army's mission, history, tradition and core values, physical fitness, and received instruction and practice in the basic combat skills.

He also learned about military weapons, chemical warfare and bayonet training, drill and ceremony, marching, rifle marksmanship, armed and unarmed combat, map reading, field tactics, military courtesy, the military justice system, basic first aid, foot marches and field training exercises.

Toombs then went on to attend advanced individual training at Fort Lee, Va., where he trained to become a supply specialist.

"I want to do the best job I can," Toombs said. "I learned the fundamentals of being a Soldier. I realize I have more responsibilities now and it really helped me to get in shape -- physically and mentally."

Toombs enlisted in the Missouri National Guard on Dec. 17, 2009, and attended drill with the Guard's Recruit Sustainment Program's Company E in Cape Girardeau before leaving for basic training in February. He was recruited by Staff Sgt. Zach Petty, who has an office at the armory in Sikeston.

He will begin drilling with the 1140th's Headquarters Company in August, when the unit is scheduled to travel to Fort Leonard Wood, Mo., fow weapons qualification.

Toombs graduated from Woodland High School in 2008 and plans to attend Southeast Missouri State University. He currently is employed by Southeast Missouri Hospital in Cape Girardeau. Toombs is supported in his military career by his parents, Laurie and Terry Toombs of Marble Hill.

For more information about the Missouri National Guard, please call 1-800-GoGuard or visit www.moguard.com.

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For more information about this release, please contact Scott Moyers at (573) 339-6264 or e-mail him at scott.moyers1@us.army.mil