Biggs

Graduated

Sarah Lyn Biggs graduated from basic military training Nov. 9 at Lackland Air Force Base in 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.

She is the daughter of Linda Biggs of Ojai and the late Robert Biggs. She is a 2007 graduate of Ojai Valley School.

Marine Corps Pvt. Cody J. Ratley, a 2007 graduate of Simi Valley High School, recently completed 12 weeks of basic training at Marine Corps Recruit Depot, San Diego, designed to challenge new Marine recruits both physically and mentally.

Ratley and fellow recruits began their training at 5 a.m., by running three miles and performing calisthenics.

In addition to the physical conditioning program, Ratley spent numerous hours in classroom and field assignments which 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.

Ratley and other recruits also received instruction on the Marine Corps' core values — honor, courage and commitment, and what the core values mean in guiding personal and professional conduct.

Ratley 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.

Army Pfc. Denis J. Swan 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 Denis Swan Sr. of Moorpark. Swan graduated from Moorpark High School in 2000.