Army Reserve Pfc. Michael Hess has graduated from basic combat training at Fort Jackson in 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.

Hess is the son of Cheryl McLees, Baldwin City. He is a 1997 graduate of Baldwin High School.

• Army Pfc. Nicole Harper has been decorated with the Army Achievement Medal and three certificates of achievement.

The medal was given to members of the U.S. Armed Forces, who while serving in any capacity with the Army in a noncombat area, have distinguished themselves by meritorious service or achievement.

Harper, a petroleum supply specialist with two years of military service, has arrived for duty at Fort Lewis in Tacoma, Wash. She is the daughter of Bob and Gigi Woodard, Lawrence. She is a 2000 graduate of Free State High School.