Balser
Sarah E. Balser has graduated from the Army ROTC (Reserve Officer Training Corps) Leader Development and Assessment Course, also known as "Operation Warrior Forge," at Fort Lewis, Tacoma, Wash.
The 32 days of training provide the best possible professional training and evaluation for all cadets in the aspects of military life, administration and logistical support. Although continued military training and leadership development is included in the curriculum, the primary focus of the course is to develop and evaluate each cadet's officer potential as a leader by exercising the cadet's intelligence, common sense, ingenuity and physical stamina. The cadet command assesses each cadet's performance and progress in officer traits, qualities and professionalism while attending the course.
Cadets in their junior and senior year of college must complete the leadership development course. Upon successful completion of the course, the ROTC program, and graduation from college, cadets are commissioned as second lieutenants in the U.S. Army, National Guard, or Reserve.
Balser is the daughter of Jerry Balser of Springtown, Texas, and Donna J. Maggart of Osceola, Ind.
Blackford
Air Force Airman Michael A. Blackford graduated from basic military training at Lackland Air Force Base, San Antonio, Texas.
The airman completed an intensive, eight-week program that included training in military discipline and studies, Air Force core values, physical fitness, and basic warfare principles and skills.
Airmen who complete basic training earn four credits toward an associate in applied science degree through the Community College of the Air Force.
Blackford is the son of Scot and Jill Blackford of Willow Park, Texas.
He is a 2009 graduate of Weatherford High School, Texas.
Dougherty
Navy Seaman Recruit Joshua L. Dougherty, son of Elizabeth L. Dougherty of Weatherford, Texas, recently completed U.S. Navy basic training at Recruit Training Command, Great Lakes, Ill.
During the eight-week program, Dougherty completed a variety of training which included classroom study and practical instruction on naval customs, first aid, firefighting, water safety and survival, and shipboard and aircraft safety. An emphasis was also placed on physical fitness.
The capstone event of boot camp is "Battle Stations." This exercise gives recruits the skills and confidence they need to succeed in the fleet. "Battle Stations" is designed to galvanize the basic warrior attributes of sacrifice, dedication, teamwork and endurance in each recruit through the practical application of basic Navy skills and the core values of Honor, Courage and Commitment. Its distinctly ''Navy'' flavor was designed to take into account what it means to be a Sailor.
Dougherty is a 2006 graduate of Weatherford High School of Weatherford, Texas.
Hernandez
Army Pvt. Luis M. Hernandez has graduated from basic infantry training at Fort Benning, Columbus, Ga.
During the nine weeks of training, the soldier received training in drill and ceremonies, weapons, map reading, tactics, military courtesy, military justice, physical fitness, first aid, and Army history, core values and traditions. Additional training included development of basic combat skills and battlefield operations and tactics, and experiencing use of various weapons and weapons defenses available to the infantry crewman.
He is the son of Yolanda Hernandez and brother of Ester Aragon, both of Mineral Wells, Texas.
Hernandez is a 2009 graduate of Mineral Wells High School.
Sanderson
Army National Guard Pvt. Tory S. Sanderson 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.
Sanderson is the son of Virgle Sanderson of Azle, Texas.
The private is a 2008 graduate of Boyd High School, Texas.
Community
Local military news
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Texas, underground
The Natural Bridge Caverns take “deep in the heart of Texas Hill Country” to a whole new meaning. With depths reaching 260 feet underground, it is Texas’ largest-known cavern and consistently ranks as one of the state’s top tourist destinations. Discovered in 1960 by students at St. Mary’s University, the cavern, located just west of New Braunfels, has delighted visitors for decades with lantern-led tours, archaeological gems, and natural formations like “soda straw” stalactites occurring along hidden passages.
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Safe Sitter Course set for August
WEATHERFORD — Texas AgriLife Extension will offer a Safe Sitter course from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Monday, Aug. 8, at the Parker County Agricultural Service Center in Weatherford.
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Fall vegetable gardening program next week
WEATHERFORD — For a successful fall garden, don’t wait until fall to get started.
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Cattle Raisers host ranch gathering in Decatur
FORT WORTH — Come join the Texas and Southwestern Cattle Raisers Association (TSCRA) for a ranch gathering Thursday, at the Wise County Sheriff’s Posse Arena in Decatur. The gathering will begin at 6 p.m. with registration followed by a beef dinner and presentations.
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Bush Legacy Republican Women to welcome Chuck Katlic, military moms
WEATHERFORD — The speaker at the July meeting of Bush Legacy Republican Women will be Weatherford’s own, Chuck Katlic.
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Sunday marks new church’s first service
WEATHERFORD — Shiloh Trail Cowboy Church will have its first service Sunday.
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King of the jungle
Eric Brittingham with Wildlife on the Move presentedanimals with “amazing adaptation” to children at the Weatherford Public Library Thursday morning.
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Doss student draws businessman’s name for trip
WEATHERFORD — Lauren Chambers, of Millsap, drew the winning ticket for the Doss Heritage and Culture Center’s recent fundraiser
Chambers, about to begin one of the Doss Center’s summer children’s programs — this one in needlework — selected the name of the person who bought the first ticket from board member Carolyn Glenn: Pat Hamilton of Weatherford. -
Network upgrades to shut down college registration, July 18-21
WEATHERFORD — Necessary upgrades to the computer network at Weatherford College will cause a temporary shut down on registration, payments and financial aid processing the week of July 18.
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Community programs offered for summer
WEATHERFORD — The Weatherford ISD Community Education Department is offering a variety of camps this summer.
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Texas, underground





