Air Force Airman Francisco Sanchez graduated from the Utilities Systems Apprentice Course at Sheppard Air Force Base, Wichita Falls, Texas.

The course is designed to train students in water processing; analysis; operating principles of water treatment plants; maintenance of water and waste water; fire suppression and backflow prevention systems and components; and maintenance and repair of water supply, waste and natural gas systems. The training included monitoring systems operation to ensure efficiency and compliance with safety and environmental regulations for hazardous materials; performing inspection, recurring maintenance and seasonal overhaul on systems and components; troubleshooting malfunctions and removing, repairing, and replacing defective components; and modifying equipment for specific missions or to increase efficiency.

Sanchez will be assigned to the 7th Civil Engineering Squadron, Dyess Air Force Base, Abilene, Texas.

He is a 2005 graduate of Lawrence High School.

¢

Air Force Airman 1st Class Christopher A. Clark 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 Leisa Bray, Tonganoxie, and Bret Clark, Bonner Springs, and a 2005 graduate of Tonganoxie High School.

¢

Stephen J. Blaser has returned to the 4th Infantry Division, Fort Hood, Killeen, Texas, after being deployed to an overseas forward operating base in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom.

Operation Iraqi Freedom is the official name given to military operations involving members of the U.S. armed forces and coalition forces participating in efforts to free and secure Iraq. Mission objectives focus on force protection, peacekeeping, stabilization, security and counter-insurgency operations as the Iraqi transitional governing bodies assume full sovereign powers to govern the peoples of Iraq.

Members from all branches of the U.S. military and multinational forces are also assisting in rebuilding Iraq’s economic and governmental infrastructure, and training and preparing Iraqi military and security forces to assume full authority and responsibility in defending and preserving Iraq’s sovereignty and independence as a democracy.

Blaser is a requirements manager with four years of military service. He is a 2003 graduate of Wentworth Military Academy in Lexington, Mo., and the son of John Blaser, De Soto, and Colleen Keller, Cedar Falls, Iowa.

¢

Air Force Airman Edward L. Lester 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.

Lester is a 2005 graduate of Tonganoxie High School. He is the son of Jamis and Patricia Lester, Tonganoxie.