Millitary news

Todd C. Barker

Johnny A. Ballam has graduated from Officer Candidate School (OCS) at Fort Benning, Columbus, Ga., and was commissioned as a second lieutenant in the U.S. Army.

During the 14 weeks of training, the officer candidate received "basic soldiering" instruction in leadership, professional ethics, soldier team development, combined arms tactics, weapons defense, combat water survival, squad drill, intelligence, field training exercises, and navigation, maintenance, communications, staff and general military subjects, and physical training and conditioning.

The candidate was tested on leadership skills and team work abilities required of a commissioned officer. The student utilized acquired skills to function in "leader and follower" positions in squad and platoon sized elements in a stressful and d e m a n d i n g f i e l d environment.

He is the son of John L. and Sherri A. Ballam of Gloados Corner Road, Prattsburgh, N.Y.

Ballam graduated in 2001 from Prattsburgh Central School, and received a bachelor's degree in 2005 from Keuka College, Penn Yan.

Air Force Airman Todd C. Barker has graduated from basic military training at Lackland Air Force Base, San Antonio, Texas.

During the six weeks of training, the airman studied the Air Force mission, organization, and military customs and courtesies; performed drill and ceremony marches, and received physical training, rifle marksmanship, field training exercises, and special training in human relations.

In addition, airmen who complete basic training earn credits toward an associate degree through the Community College of the Air Force.

Barker is the son of Ronald and Karen Barker of Rural Route 226, Bradford, N.Y.

He is a 2003 graduate of Bradford Central School, N.Y.

Army National Guard Pvt.

Danielle R. Burdick 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.

Burdick is the daughter of Julie McIlwain of County Route 333, Campbell, N.Y., and granddaughter of Cecile McIlwain of Hornby Road, Beaver Dams, N.Y.

She is a 2003 graduate of Campbell-Savona Central School, Campbell.

Air National Guard Airman

Austin J. Luckenbach has graduated from basic military training at Lackland Air Force Base, San Antonio, Texas.

During the six weeks of training, the airman studied the Air Force mission, organization, and military customs and courtesies; performed drill and ceremony marches, and received physical training, rifle marksmanship, field training exercises, and special training in human relations.

In addition, airmen who complete basic training earn credits toward an associate degree through the Community College of the Air Force.

Luckenbach is the son of Jeffrey Luckenbach of Loucks Pond Road, Avoca, N.Y., and Kelly Hargrave of Whiting St., Bath, N.Y.

He is a 2004 graduate of Avoca Central High School.

Army Pvt. Ronald N. Payne Jr. 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.

Payne is the brother of Leon Payne and Gerald Payne of Nickles Road, Prattsburgh.

He is a 2006 graduate of Geneva High School, N.Y.

Air Force Airman Kraig A. Wright has graduated from basic military training at Lackland Air Force Base, San Antonio, Texas.

During the six weeks of training, the airman studied the Air Force mission, organization, and military customs and courtesies; performed drill and ceremony marches, and received physical training, rifle marksmanship, field training exercises, and special training in human relations.

In addition, airmen who complete basic training earn credits toward an associate degree through the Community College of the Air Force.

He is the son of Kenneth and Karen Wright of Lewis Road, Cameron Mills, N.Y.

Wright is a 2006 graduate of Bath-Haveling High School, Bath.