Military News

* Richard Cuyler, of Golden, pictured above, recently enlisted in the Missouri Army National Guard. Cuyler will serve with Company D of the Recruit Sustainment program in Springfield. Through the program, he will learn basic Army skills and values and become more familiar with his role as a Soldier in the Missouri Army National Guard. "I joined the Guard to serve my country and to help my neighbors when they cannot help themselves," Cuyler said. "I hope to gain more knowledge of my self-limits and build character." Cuyler was recruited by Sgt. 1st Class William Nelson of the Missouri Army National Guard's Monett recruiting office. Cuyler works at George's, Inc., in Butterfield. Cuyler, formerly of Cassville, is supported in his decision to join the Guard by his wife, Tiffani Cuyler. The couple raises Alexander and Aiden Cuyler.

* Air Force Airman 1st Class Devan J. Darnold has arrived for duty at Cannon Air Force Base, Clovis, N.M. Darnold, an explosive ordnance disposal apprentice, is assigned to the 27th Special Operations Civil Engineering Squadron. He is the son of Missy Swope, Republic, and Danny Darnold, Monett. The airman is a 2004 graduate of Monett High School.

* Army Pfc. Joshua M. McLay has graduated from the Infantryman One Station Unit Training at Fort Benning, Columbus, Ga. The training consists of Basic Infantry Training and Advanced Individual Training. During the nine weeks of basic combat training, the soldier received training in drill and ceremonies, weapons employment, map reading, tactics, military courtesy, military justice, physical fitness, first aid skills, and Army history, core values and traditions. Additional training included development of basic combat skills and battlefield operations and tactics, and experienced use of various weapons and weapons defenses available to the infantry crewman. The Advanced Individual Training course is designed to train infantry soldiers to perform reconnaissance operations; employ, fire and recover anti-personnel and anti-tank mines; locate and neutralize land mines and operate target and sight equipment; operate and maintain communications equipment and radio networks; construct field firing aids for infantry weapons; and perform infantry combat exercises and dismounted battle drills, which includes survival procedures in a nuclear, biological or chemical contaminated area. He is the son of Danny and Anne Menego, of Cassville. The private is a 2008 graduate of Cassville High School.

* Army Pvt. Nicholas D. Mendes has graduated from the Infantryman One Station Unit Training at Fort Benning, Columbus, Ga. The training consists of Basic Infantry Training and Advanced Individual Training. During the nine weeks of basic combat training, the soldier received training in drill and ceremonies, weapons employment, map reading, tactics, military courtesy, military justice, physical fitness, first aid skills, and Army history, core values and traditions. Additional training included development of basic combat skills and battlefield operations and tactics, and experienced use of various weapons and weapons defenses available to the infantry crewman. The Advanced Individual Training course is designed to train infantry soldiers to perform reconnaissance operations; employ, fire and recover anti-personnel and anti-tank mines; locate and neutralize land mines and operate target and sight equipment; operate and maintain communications equipment and radio networks; construct field firing aids for infantry weapons; and perform infantry combat exercises and dismounted battle drills, which includes survival procedures in a nuclear, biological or chemical contaminated area. Mendes is the son of David Mendes, of Visalia, Calif., and Edythe Killingsworth, of Exeter. The private is a 2006 graduate of Southwest High School.