With the military

Air Force Airman David J. Stein, son of Caroline Stein, Silverdale, Wash., and stepson of Jennifer Barker, Brainerd, has recently graduated from basic military training at Lackland Air Force Base, San Antonio, Texas.

Master-at-Arms First Class (Surface Warfare Specialist) Michael A. Rutland, son of Dennis and Jan Rutland, Pequot Lakes, is currently overseas on the aircraft carrier USS Carl Vinson (CVN70) in support of Operation Enduring Freedom. A Navy/Marine Corps Commendation Medal awardee, he is currently assigned to the ship's force protection staff as their leading criminal investigator. He is on his fourth deployment in the Persian Gulf area.

Brent K. Gallant, son of Gary and Claire Gallant, Menasha, Wis., and grandson of Dean and Joyce Gallant, Baxter, recently graduated from the Air Force Officer Training School at Maxwell Air Force Base, Alabama. He will serve as a flight commander in the 347th Security Forces Squadron at Moody Air Force Base, Georgia.

Cpl. Timothy L. Gonska is serving in the Army in Kosovo. He is stationed in Fort Drum, N.Y.

Trever A. Gutzman, son of Lisa M. Gutzman, Crosby, has recently joined the Army under the Delayed Entry Program. He has reported to Fort Leonard Wood, Waynesville, Mo., for basic training.

Brandon Simon, Brainerd, was recently promoted to Airman First Class with the North Dakota Air National Guard. Airman Simon joined the Air Guard in March 2001 and serves with the 119th Fighter Wing, Maintenance Squadron.

Joel D. Lashomb, son of David Lashomb, Brainerd, and Katherine Martin, Pillager, recently enlisted in the Navy through the Recruiting Station in Brainerd. He is attending basic training at Great Lakes Naval Training Center in Chicago.

Army Spec. Anthony W. Nelson, an airborne stinger team chief, and son of Tom and Carol Nelson, Brainerd, recently graduated from the Army Primary Leadership Development course (PLDC) at Fort Richardson, Anchorage, Alaska.