ASHLEY

Pvt. Alexander James Ashley, son of Brenda Ashley, recently completed basic training at the U.S. Marine Corps Recruit Depot, Parris Island, S.C.

Ashley successfully completed 12 weeks of training designed to challenge new marine recruits both physically and mentally. Ashley and his fellow recruits began their training each day at 3 a.m., by running three miles and performing calisthenics. In addition to the physical conditioning program, Ashley spent numerous hours in classroom and field assignments which included 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.

Ashley also received instruction on the Marine Corps'€™ core values-honor, courage and commitment. Alex and his fellow recruits ended the training phase with the Crucible, a 54-hour team effort and problem solving evolution.

After graduation from Parris Island, he will be stationed at Camp LeJeune for eight weeks of infantry training before reporting to his permanent duty station.

Ashley is a 2007 graduate of Slidell High School.

PEREZ

U.S. Army Pvt. Alexander J. Perez has graduated from basic combat training at Fort Sill, Lawton, Okla.

During the nine weeks of training, the soldier studied the Army mission and received instruction and training exercises in drill and ceremonies, Army history, core values and traditions, military courtesy, military justice, physical fitness, first aid, rifle marksmanship, weapons use, map reading and land navigation, foot marches, armed and unarmed combat and field maneuvers and tactics.

Perez is the son of Ann Perez of Slidell. He graduated in 2008 from Pearl River High School.