Names in the Military

Marine Corps Pfc. Ryan J. Dever,
Marine Corps Pfc. Michael A. McLaughlin and Marine Corps Pvt. Shane M. Walton recently earned the title of United States Marines after graduating from recruit training at Marine Corps Recruit Depot, Parris Island, S.C. Training subjects included close-order drill, marksmanship, physical fitness, martial arts, swimming, military history, customs and courtesies. One week prior to graduation the recruits endured The Crucible, a 54-hour final test of their minds and bodies. Dever, the son of Catherine and William Dever, Tresckow, is a 2005 graduate of Hazleton Area High School. McLaughlin, the son of Julie McLaughlin and Kevin McLaughlin, both of Dallas, is a 2009 graduate of Dallas High School. Walton, the son of Mindy M. and Joseph A. Walton, Freeland, is a 2012 graduate of Hazleton Area High School.

Navy Seaman April L. Punko, daughter of Venus D. Treat, Glen Lyon, and Mark A. Hoffmann, Barstow, Calif., recently completed U.S. Navy basic training at Recruit Training Command, Great Lakes, Ill. During the eight-week program, Punko 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 with an emphasis on physical fitness. The capstone event of boot camp is Battle Stations, which gives recruits the skills and confidence they need to succeed in the fleet. Punko is a 2005 graduate of Greater Nanticoke Area High School.