Military digest 2/18

Berkbigler assigned to Olympic security duty

Pfc. Mark D. Berkbigler recently completed basic and advanced training at Fort Leonard Wood, Mo. He is a 2001 graduate of Notre Dame Regional High School, where he was active with the student council, National Honor Society and the cross country team. He is a member of Company A, 1140th Engineer Battalion of the Missouri Army National Guard and is serving with security forces for the Winter Olympics in Utah.

Upon his return, Berkbigler plans to enroll at Southeast Missouri State University to pursue a degree in business and finance.

He is the son of Tom and Kathy Berkbigler of Cape Girardeau.

Reservist Randolph part of security force

Pfc. Robert Joseph Randolph is also in Salt Lake City for Olympics security duty with the Army National Guard, Company B, 1140th Engineer Battalion.

Randolph joined the Army National Guard Reserves while a high school senior at Central High School in Cape Girardeau. He graduated from basic combat training at Fort Leonard Wood, Mo., and then completed infantry training at the same camp. He completed military occupational specialty training with Alpha Company, 169th Engineer Battalion, 1st Engineer Brigade.

Randolph plans to attend Southeast Missouri State University this summer. He is the son of Bob and Barb Randolph of Cape Girardeau.

Orton completes basic combat training

Army Pvt. Amanda C. Orton has graduated from basic combat training at Fort Jackson, Columbia, S.C.

During nine weeks of training, Orton received instruction and practice in drill and ceremony, marching, rifle marksmanship, armed and unarmed combat, map reading, field tactics, military courtesy, military justice, physical fitness, basic first aid and Army values, principles and traditions.

Orton is the daughter of Becky Lyons of St. Louis and Les Orton of Perryville, Mo.

Keene completes mountain warfare course

Marine Corps Pvt. John W. Keene recently completed mountain warfare training at the Marine Corps Mountain Warfare Training Center at Bridgeport, Calif. Training included survival techniques such as fire shelters, signaling devices, food and water procurement, primitive tool construction and navigation.

He is the son of Debbie and Dick Keene of Cape Girar-deau.