Military digest 2/6/03

National Guard performs minefield training

The weekend of Jan. 12 to 13 found members of the National Guard B Company 1140th Engineer Battalion spending much of their training time laying a minefield, breaching that same minefield and later improving that breach.

Minefields are intended to inflict casualties and destroy valuable transportation equipment. Recognizance of the area was necessary prior to deploying the breaching force. Security units had to be in place before minefield activity was attempted.

None of the 1140th Engineer Battalion National Guard companies have been activated for deployment.

Holmes graduates from Navy submarine course

Navy Seaman Apprentice Toby L. Holmes, son of Cheryl Ziegler of Cape Girardeau and Terry Holmes of Jackson, recently graduated from the Basic Enlisted Submarine Course at the Naval Submarine School in Groton, Conn.

During the course Holmes learned basic theory, construction and operation of nuclear-powered submarines. Holmes also learned shipboard organization, damage control and submarine safety and escape procedures.

Holmes is a 1997 graduate of Notre Dame Regional High School, Cape Girardeau. He joined the Navy in September 2002.

Support group for families of military personnel

Family members of men and women who are serving in the nation's armed forces can join a new support group being offered by Southeast Missouri Hospital.

The Support Group for Families of Those in the Armed Forces will hold its first meeting at 7 p.m. Friday. Participants should check at the hospital's main lobby desk for the meeting room location.

For information, contact the Generations Center at the hospital at 651-5825.

-- From staff reports