NEWS FROM THE ARMED FORCES

Crystal A. Stitt

Air Force Airman Crystal A. Stitt of Marble Hill has graduated from basic training at Lackland Air Force Base, San Antonio, Texas.

During the six weeks of training, the airman studied the Air Force mission, organization and customs and received special training on human relations.

In addition, airmen who complete basic training earn credits toward an associate degree through the Community College of the Air Force.

Stitt is the daughter of Charles B. and Lois E. Stitt of Highway Contract 66, Marble Hill.

Stitt is a 1995 graduate of Woodland High School in Marble Hill.

Bryan W. Copeland

Navy Seaman Recruit Bryan W. Copeland, a 1995 graduate of Jackson High School, recently completed U.S. Navy basic training at Recruit Command, Great Lakes, Ill.

During the eight-week program, Copeland completed a variety of training which included classroom study, practical hands-on instruction, and an emphasis on physical fitness. In particular, Copeland learned naval customs, first aid, fire fighting, water safety and survival, and a variety of safety skills required for working around ships and aircraft.

Copeland joins 55,000 men and women who will enter the Navy this year from all over the country.

Men and women will train together from their first day in the Navy just as they do aboard ships and at shore bases around the world. To reinforce the team concept, Copeland and other recruits also were trained in preventing sexual harassment and ensuring equal opportunity.

Even as the naval service gets smaller over the next few years, highly motivated young people like Copeland are still finding an opportunity to improve their knowledge and education as they become part of the most highly technical naval force in history. This year alone the Navy will have more than 57,000 job openings and opportunities, most of which include guaranteed training.

Michael A. Geile

Michael A. Geile has completed training in fundamental military skills at the Army ROTC Camp Challenge at Fort Knox, Ky.

Camp Challenge is designed to give college juniors and sophomores who have not taken ROTC courses the chance to enter the program. Cadets received training in basic rifle marksmanship, drill and ceremonies, small arms tactics and communications.

The cadet is a students at Southeast Missouri State University in Cape Girardeau. Geile is the son of Daniel L. Geile of Rural Route 5, Perryville. He graduated from Perryville High School in 1991.

Lyle S. Schmitz

Navy Seaman Recruit Lyle S. Schmitz, son of Dr. and Mrs. Wayne A. Sarno of Jackson, recently completed U.S. Navy basic training at Recruit Training Command, Great Lakes, Ill.

During the eight-week program, Schmitz completed a variety of training which included classroom study, practical hands-on instruction and an emphasis on physical fitness. In particular, Schmitz learned naval customs, first aid, fire fighting, water safety and survival and a variety of safety skills required for working around ships and aircraft.

Schmitz is a 1995 graduate of Jackson High School.