Air Force Airmen Leighann E. Houser and Devin C. Merkel have graduated from basic military training at Lackland Air Force Base, San Antonio, Texas.

Houser earned distinction as an honor graduate. She is a 2003 graduate of Seaman High School, in Topeka, and the daughter of Barbara Vancortlandt, Lawrence.

Merkel, a 2005 graduate of Eudora High School, is the son of Pam Merkel, Eudora.

Department of the Navy Civilian Brett G. Johnson has been named fire officer of the year.

Selection was based on his exemplary duty performance, job knowledge, leadership qualities, teamwork, significant self-improvement, personal achievements, notable accomplishments and community service and support.

Johnson, a kanto plain training chief, is assigned to the Naval Air Facility in Atsugi, Japan. The assistant chief has 25 years of federal service.

He is the son of Waunetta M. Duncan, Billings, Mont., and Robert Johnson, Lawrence.

Capt. Jim Cooper, U.S. Navy (retired), and his wife, Sandy, of Lawrence, joined representatives from all 50 states and Puerto Rico in attending the Military Officers Association of America (MOAA) annual council presidents’ seminar April 19-22 in Alexandria, Va.

MOAA is the nation’s largest association for active duty, National Guard, Reserve, former and retired military officers and their families.

While in Washington, Cooper met with members of the Kansas congressional delegation and their staff members to talk about issues affecting active duty and retired members of the military. On April 20, the Coopers attended a reception on Capitol Hill to recognize distinguished leaders who have been strong supporters of national defense and the uniformed services.

Cooper is a member of Lawrence’s Jayhawk Chapter of MOAA and serves as president of the Kansas Council of Chapters.