Private Corey Koewers, 19, of Blanco, Texas graduated from United States Marine Corps boot camp at Marine Corps Recruit Depot San Diego on October 17, 2008. Private Koewers successfully completed 13 weeks of intensive basic training at MCRD San Diego as a recruit in Training Platoon 2126. While in basic training, Private Koewers qualified as sharp-shooter and was fireteam leader. Following ten days home leave he will report to Camp Pendleton for two months at Infantry Training Battalion.

Navy Seaman Recruit Tyler N. Irie, son of Dawn M. and Jay L. Staats of Blanco, Texas, recently completed U.S. Navy basic training at Recruit Training Command, Great Lakes, Ill.

During the eight-week program, Irie completed a variety of training which included classroom study and practical instruction on naval customs, first aid, firefighting, water safety and survival, and shipboard and aircraft safety. An emphasis was also placed on physical fitness.

The capstone event of boot camp is “Battle Stations”. This exercise gives recruits the skills and confidence they need to succeed in the fleet. “Battle Stations” is designed to galvanize the basic warrior attributes of sacrifice, dedication, teamwork and endurance in each recruit through the practical application of basic Navy skills and the core values of Honor, Courage and Commitment. Its distinctly ‘’Navy’’ flavor was designed to take into account what it means to be a Sailor.

Irie is a 2008 graduate of Blanco High School of Blanco, Texas.

Coast Guard Seaman Britton A. Woolsey, a 2006 graduate of Smithson Valley High School, Spring Branch, Texas, recently graduated from the U.S. Coast Guard Recruit Training Center in Cape May, NJ, and was promoted to his present rank.

During the eight-week training program, Woolsey completed a curriculum consisting of classroom academics and practical instruction on military customs and courtesies, water safety and survival, seamanship skills, first aid, fire fighting and marksmanship. A major emphasis is also placed on physical fitness and health.

Woolsey and other recruits also received instruction on the Coast Guard’s three core values — honor, respect and devotion to duty — and how to apply them in their military performance and personal conduct.

To reinforce the team concept, Woolsey, and other recruits were trained in preventing sexual harassment, drug and alcohol awareness, civil rights training, and the basics of the work-life balance, as well as total quality management. Woolsey is now among 36,000 men and women who comprise the Coast Guard’s force.