Military report Thorpe arrives for duty at Fort Hood in Texas

Army Staff Sgt. Alexander Thorpe has arrived for duty at Fort Hood, Killeen, Texas.

Thorpe, a section sergeant, is assigned to the 2nd Battalion, 26th Infantry Regiment. He has 11 years of military service.

He is the son of Donald P. and Karen L. Thorpe of Dayton.

His wife, Kay, is the daughter of Steven and Kim Davis of Derby, Kan.

The sergeant is a 1996 graduate of El Dorado High School, Kan.

Myrick completes basic training

Army Pvt. Joseph L. Myrick has graduated from Basic Combat training at Fort Sill, Lawton, Okla.

During the nine weeks of training, the soldier studied the Army mission and received instruction and training exercises in drill and ceremonies, Army history, core values and traditions, military courtesy, military justice, physical fitness, first aid, rifle marksmanship, weapons use, map reading and land navigation, foot marches, armed and unarmed combat, and field maneuvers and tactics.

Myrick is the son of Susan Carlson of Minden.

Albright graduates basic combat training

Army National Guard Pvt. Eric J. Albright has graduated from basic combat training at Fort Jackson, Columbia, S.C.

During the nine weeks of training, the soldier studied the Army mission, history, tradition and core values, physical fitness, and received instruction and practice in basic combat skills, military weapons, chemical warfare and bayonet training, drill and ceremony, marching, rifle marksmanship, armed and unarmed combat, map reading, field tactics, military courtesy, military justice system, basic first aid, foot marches, and field training exercises.

He is the son of John and Vina Albright of Minden.

Szumowski graduates, receives promotion

Coast Guard Reserve Seaman Brian C. Szumowski, a 1998 graduate of Carson High School, recently graduated from the U.S. Coast Guard Recruit Training Center in Cape May, N. J., and was promoted to his present rank.

During the eight-week training program, Szumowski 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.

Szumowski 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, Szumowski, 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. Szumowski is now among 36, 000 men and women who comprise the Coast Guard's force.