Smothers graduates Army basic training

Army Pvt. Robert D. Smothers has graduated from basic combat training at Fort Jackson, Columbia, S.C.

During the nine weeks of training, the soldier studied the Army mission, history, tradition and core values, physical fitness, and received instruction and practice in basic combat skills, military weapons, chemical warfare and bayonet training, drill and ceremony, marching, rifle marksmanship, armed and unarmed combat, map reading, field tactics, military courtesy, military justice system, basic first aid, foot marches, and field training exercises.

He is the nephew of Lora Hudsock of Jachobs Way, Carrabelle, and brother of Tyler Smothers, South Haven, Mich.

Smothers graduated in 2002 from Bloomingdale High School, Mich.