Wilcox, Snyder complete basic training

Air Force Airmen Nicholas E. Snyder and Brandon M. Wilcox have graduated from basic military training at Lackland Air Force Base in San Antonio.

The airmen completed an intensive, 8-week program that included training in military discipline and studies, Air Force core values, physical fitness, and basic warfare principles and skills.

Airmen who complete basic training earn four credits toward an Associate in Applied Science degree through the Community College of the Air Force.

Snyder is the son of Dale Snyder of Fort Scott, Kan., and Carol Snyder of Fulton. He is a 2012 graduate of Fort Scott High School.

Wilcox is the son of Michelle and James Wilcox of Byron. He is a 2012 graduate of Stillman Valley High School.

Cumiskey endures the Crucible

Marine Corps Pvt. Kimberly D. Cumiskey, recently graduated from recruit training at Marine Corps Recruit Depot in Parris Island, S.C.

For 13 weeks, Cumiskey stayed committed during some of the world’s most demanding entry-level military training in order to be transformed from civilian to Marine instilled with pride, discipline, and the core values of honor, courage and commitment. Training subjects included close-order drill, marksmanship with an M-16A4 rifle, physical fitness, martial arts, swimming, military history, customs, and courtesies.

One week before graduation, Cumiskey endured The Crucible, a 54-hour final test of recruits’ minds and bodies. Upon completion, recruits are presented the Marine Corps emblem and called Marines for the first time.

Cumiskey is the daughter of Diane M. and Terry A. Stone of Prophetstown. She is a 2012 graduate of Prophetstown High School.

Bolia returns from deployment

Army Maj. Kenneth M. Bolia has returned to the U.S. after being deployed overseas at a forward operating base to serve in support of Operation Enduring Freedom.

Operation Enduring Freedom is the official name given to anti-terrorism military operations involving U.S. troops and allied coalition partners.

Bolia is a brigade chaplain assigned to the 4th Airborne Brigade Combat Team, 25th Infantry Division at Joint Base Elmendorf-Richardson in Alaska. He has served in the military for 14 years.

The major is a 1992 graduate of Manlius High School. He earned a bachelor’s degree in 1996 from the U.S. Military Academy in West Point, N.Y., and a master’s degree in 2006 from the Dallas Theological Seminary in Texas.

Striegel earns warrior attributions

Navy Fireman Adam C. Striegel recently completed U.S. Navy basic training at Recruit Training Command, Great Lakes.

During the 8-week program, Striegel 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 also was 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.

Striegel is the son of Donetta E. and Christopher Striegel of Paw Paw. He is a 2008 graduate of Paw Paw High School.