Sikeston grad serving in construction battalion

Navy Seaman Derek Brown, son of G. N. Brown of Sikeston, Mo., is currently serving in the southern Iraqi city of An-Nasiriyah while assigned to Naval Mobile Construction Battalion 7, based in Gulfport, Miss.

Brown's unit assists with convoys, watch-standing, radio operations and administrative coordination. His unit also provides military construction support to Navy and Marine Corps.

Seabees from the battalion recently repaired more than $85,000 worth of damage to the city's courthouse.

Brown is a 2000 graduate of Sikeston Senior High School.

Marine private finishes basic training course

Marine Corps Reserve Pfc. William E. Michel II, son of Yvonne M. Bilyk of Pacific, Mo., and William E. Michel of Fredericktown, Mo., recently completed 12 weeks of basic training at Marine Corps Recruit Depot in San Diego, Calif.

In addition to the physical conditioning program, Michel 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.

Michel is a 2003 graduate of Fredericktown High School.

-- From staff reports