Army National Guard Pvt. Ahhen K. Tatum, son of Frances and stepson of Chris Tatum of Howell, has graduated from basic combat military training at Fort Sill, Lawton, Okla. During the eight weeks of training, the soldier studied the Army mission, and received instruction in drill and ceremonies, rifle marksmanship, weapons, map reading, tactics, armed and unarmed combat, military courtesy, military justice, physical fitness, first aid, Army history, core values and traditions, and special training in human relations. Tatum graduated from Howell High School in 2003.
Marine Corps Pvt. Richard K. Moran, son of Margaret M. Moran of Howell, recently completed 12 weeks of basic training at Marine Corps Recruit Depot, Parris Island, S.C., designed to challenge new Marine recruits both physically and mentally.
Moran and fellow recruits began their training at 5 a.m. by running 3 miles and performing calisthenics. In addition to the physical conditioning program, Moran spent numerous hours in classroom and field assignments, which included learning first aid, uniform regulations, combat water survival, marksmanship, hand-to-hand combat and assorted weapons training. They performed close order drills and operated as a small infantry unit during field training.
Moran and other recruits also received instruction on the Marine Corps’ core values — honor, courage and commitment — and what the words mean in guiding personal and professional conduct.
Moran and fellow recruits ended the training phase with The Crucible, a 54-hour team evolution culminating in a ceremony in which recruits are presented the Marine Corps emblem and addressed as "Marines" for the first time in their careers.
Moran is a 2003 graduate of Freehold Township High School.