Wills graduates from military training

Pvt. Coty Wills, of Jackson, recently completed his military training to become a motor transport operator for Missouri National Guard's 1140th Forward Support Company in Cape Girardeau.

The reason he joined the Missouri National Guard was for his Family and to get an education, he said.

"I wanted to make a change in my life and better support my Family," Wills said. "The Guard will also help me to get back to school and earn a degree."

He graduated from basic training at Fort Sill, Okla. and advanced individual training at Fort Leonard Wood, Mo., February 2013.

Prior to training, Wills served with Company E of the Recruit Sustainment program in Cape Girardeau. Through the program, he learned basic Army skills and values and became more familiar with his role as a Soldier in the Missouri Army National Guard.

Sgt. 1st Class Steve Rhodes, recruiter at the Jackson armory, said Wills will be a strong and committed Soldier for the Missouri National Guard.

"He's a very responsible individual and parent," said Rhodes. "He's a hard working person and Soldier. He'll get any job done tasked down to him and will above and beyond to do it right. He'll be a long time Guard Soldier."

Wills will begin serving with his new unit in March 2013.

Wills is a 2009 graduate of Jackson Senior High School. He is supported in his new military career by his daughter Layla-Belle Joyce Wills, 1; his wife, Alexa; and his parents Cindy Bonney and Darrell Jones, all of Jackson.

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