Jackson man completes National Guard training

Luke Wade, son of Wesley and Debra Wade of Jackson, Mo., has completed nine weeks of basic training at Fort Leonard Wood's USA Maneuver Support Center. He became a volunteer soldier in the Missouri National Guard.

Wade became an expert in hand grenades, acquired the marksmanship rating in weapons firing, and became the fastest recruit runner in his company by making the two-mile run in 12 minutes and 48 seconds.

He is classified at a heavy machine operator with the rank of private first class.

Wade is assigned to the National Guard's 1140th Engineers Brigade, headquartered in Perryville, Mo., and Jackson. He is a senior at Jackson High School where he is preparing to attend college.