Andrew T. Bouwkamp

Air Force Airman Andrew T. Bouwkamp graduated from basic military training at Lackland Air Force Base, San Antonio, Texas.

The airman completed an intensive, eight-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.

Bouwkamp is the son of Bruce Bouwkamp and Michelle Farrell, both of Sand Lake.

He is a 2010 graduate of Grant High School.

Air Force Airman Jacquelyn M. Champion graduated from basic military training at Lackland Air Force Base, San Antonio, Texas.

The airman completed an intensive, eight-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.

Champion is the daughter of Theresa and James Champion of Pine Lake Avenue, Cedar Springs.

She is a 2010 graduate of Cedar Springs High School.

Cpl. Donald P. Bergman

Marine Corps Cpl. Donald P. Bergman is a member of the 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit returning from a deployment of the Pacific region, including the Philippines.
The Okinawa, Japan-based Marine expeditionary unit is made up of more than 2,000 Marines and sailors that conduct amphibious operations, as well as crisis response and contingency operations throughout the Pacific region.
Bergman is a field radio operator assigned to the 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit at Camp Hansen, Okinawa, Japan. The corporal has served in the military for three years.
He is the son of Mark and Lisa Bergman of East 120th Avenue, Sand Lake.
Bergman graduated in 2007 from Creative Technologies Academy, Cedar Springs.

Staff Sgt. Randolph J. Steadman

Army Staff Sgt. Randolph J. Steadman has arrived for duty at the Great Lakes Recruiting Battalion.
Steadman is a new Army recruiter assigned to the Grand Rapids Recruiting Station, Mich. The staff sergeant has served in the military for five years.
He is the son of Tammy and Randolph Steadman of Stout Avenue, Cedar Springs, Mich. His wife, Ashley, is the daughter of Tammy and Chris Jones of Fort Leonard Wood, Mo.
Steadman graduated in 2004 from Northview High School, Grand Rapids.

Second Lt. Thomas H. Thornton III

Second Lt. Thomas H. Thornton III, United States Marine Corps, graduated from Officer Candidate School in December 2010. He is now in The Basic School in Quantico, Virginia, for additional training. Graduation is slated for late spring 2011.

Thomas was a 2004 graduate of Cedar Springs High School and 2009 graduate of Lake Superior State University. Proud parents are Thomas and Sara Thornton from Sand Lake, Michigan.

Army Pvt. Taylor A. Jonas has graduated from the Infantryman One Station Unit Training at Fort Benning, Columbus, Ga. The training consists of Basic Infantry Training and Advanced Individual Training.
During the nine weeks of basic combat training, the soldier received training in drill and ceremonies, weapons employment, map reading, tactics, military courtesy, military justice, physical fitness, first aid skills, and Army history, core values and traditions. Additional training included development of basic combat skills and battlefield operations and tactics, and experienced use of various weapons and weapons defenses available to the infantry crewman.
The Advanced Individual Training course is designed to train infantry soldiers to perform reconnaissance operations; employ, fire and recover anti-personnel and anti-tank mines; locate and neutralize land mines and operate target and sight equipment; operate and maintain communications equipment and radio networks; construct field firing aids for infantry weapons; and perform infantry combat exercises and dismounted battle drills, which includes survival procedures in a nuclear, biological or chemical contaminated area.
Jonas is the son of William LaRose of Cedar Springs.
The private is a 2009 graduate of Cedar Springs High School.