Military newsmaker
Homework mentor
Soldiers from Fort Gordon Academy volunteered to read to Bel Air Elementary students and help them with their homework as part of the Read Across America program. Ssg. Patrick Larson helps Ryan Shely, 8, with his homework during the after school care program.
Photo by Jim Blaylock
Marine basic graduate
Marine Corps Reserve Pfc. Anthony W. Deckert, son of Debbie S. and Daniel A. Deckert of Grovetown, recently completed 12 weeks of basic training at Marine Corps Recruit Depot, Parris Island, S.C. designed to challenge new Marine recruits physically and mentally.
Deckert and fellow recruits began their training at 5 a.m. by running three miles and performing calisthenics. In addition to the physical conditioning program, Deckert spent numerous hours in classroom and field assignments that included learning first aid, uniform regulations, combat water survival, marksmanship, hand-to-hand combat and assorted weapons training. They performed close order drill and operated as a small infantry unit during field training.
Deckert and other recruits also received instruction on the Marine Corps' core values - honor, courage and commitment, and what the words mean in guiding personal and professional conduct.
Deckert and fellow recruits ended the training phase with The Crucible, a 54-hour team evolution culminating in an emotional ceremony in which recruits are presented the Marine Corps emblem and addressed as Marines for the first time in their careers.