Welker graduates from basic combat training

Army National Guard Pvt. Matthew A. Welker has graduated from basic combat training at Fort Sill in Lawton, Okla. During the nine weeks of training, he studied the Army mission and received instruction and practice 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, field maneuvers and tactics. He is the son of Ricky T. Welker and Vicky M. Welker, both of Perryville, Mo. Welker is a 2008 graduate of Perryville High School.