Military digest 7/8/04

Legacy guardsman completes training

Pfc. Lee E. Smith, son of Michael D. and Beth S. Smith of Cape Girardeau, completed basic and advanced individual training at Fort Leonard Wood, Mo. He is a 2003 graduate of Central High School. Smith, a combat engineer, will join B Company 1140th Engineer Battalion, currently deployed in Iraq. He is a third generation family member in the 1140th National Guard.

Third generation Seabee finishes first in class

U.S. Navy Seabee Andrew Joseph James, son of Johnnie and Linda James of Cape Girardeau, finished first in his class in basic training at Great Lakes, Ill. He was then transferred to Fort Leonard Wood, Mo., for training in heavy equipment operations. James, a 2001 Central High School graduate, has been deployed to Spain and Iraq. He is stationed with MCB 7 in Gulfport, Miss., with his wife, Jill, also a former Cape Girardeau resident. He is the third generation of U.S. Navy Seabees in his family.

-- From staff reports