Chris M. Loveless

Marine Corps Sgt. Chris M. Loveless, a 2000 graduate of Marysville High School, Marysville, Wash., along with more than 6, 000 Marines and sailors of the Iwo Jima Expeditionary Strike Group (ESG), Norfolk, VA, and embarked 26th Marine Expeditionary Unit (MEU), Marine Corps Base Camp Lejeune, N.C., recently began a seven-month deployment to the Navy’s 5th and 6th Fleet area of operations in support of Maritime Security Operations and the Global War on Terror.

The Marines of the 26th MEU are adjusting to life aboard ship and recently promoted 92 Marines while underway. The MEU’s Scout Sniper Platoon practiced shooting floating targets, designed to simulate small water craft, from the stern of the ship. The exercise hones the platoon’s ability to provide security for the ship during transit through heightened security areas.

MEUs are built around a reinforced infantry battalion, a combat service support element, a reinforced helicopter squadron and a command element. Loveless joined the Marine Corps in June 2002.

Michael A. Evans

Army Pvt. Michael A. Evans has graduated from the Direct Fire Infantryman One Station Unit Training at Fort Benning, Columbus, Ga. The training consists of Basic Combat Training and Advanced Individual Training.

During the nine weeks of Basic Combat Training, Evans 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.

The Advanced Individual Training course is designed to train indirect fire infantry soldiers to employ, fire and recover anti-personnel and anti-tank mines; locate, neutralize and extract mines; map reading and ground navigation; operate and maintain communications equipment and radio networks; construct and camouflage mortar firing positions; operate and maintain mortars and fire control equipment for individual/crew served weapons firing positions.

He is the son of James Evans of 59th Drive NE, Marysville, Wash.

Sheene A. Giray – photo

Air Force Airman Sheene A. Giray 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 in applied science degree through the Community College of the Air Force.

She is the daughter of Steve and Rose Painter of 102nd Place N.E., Marysville, Wash.

Giray is a 2007 graduate of Marysville Pilchuck High School, Marysville.