Military digest 1/8/04

Cotner completes basic training with Guard

Pvt. Matthew R. Cotner, the son of Ron and Karen Cotner of Cape Girardeau, recently completed basic and advanced individual training at Fort Leonard Wood, Mo. He is with the 1137th Military Police Company of the Missouri National Guard in Kennett, Mo.

Bowman earns award at Army basic training

Robert C. Bowman of Cape Girardeau, a 2002 graduate of Cape Central High School, has successfully completed basic combat training with the U.S. Army at Fort Sill, Okla. He earned a Distinguished Honor Award Certificate while there. Bowman is the son of Julie Bowman and grandson of Robert and Mary Bowman, all of Cape Girardeau.

Kipper receives U.S. Navy aviator wings in Florida

Ensign Rory Kipper, U.S. Navy, son of Paul and Bonnie Kipper of Cape Girardeau, received his wings as a naval aviator in a ceremony at NAS Whiting Field, Pensacola, Fla. on Nov. 21, 2003. He is now stationed at NAS North Island in San Diego, Calif. where he will fly the MH-60S helicopter.