Southern Illinois man graduates from basic training

Former Thebes, Ill., resident Thomas L. Hedrick III has graduated from basic combat training at Fort Sill in Lawton, Okla. During the nine weeks of training, Hedrick studied the Army mission and received instruction and training exercises in drill and ceremonies, Army history, core values and traditions, military courtesy, military justice, physical fitness, first aid, rifle marksmanship, weapons use, map reading and land navigation, foot marches, armed and unarmed combat, and field maneuvers and tactics. Hedrick is the son of Thomas Hedrick Jr. of Thebes. He is a 2002 graduate of Egyptian High School in Tamms, Ill.