Marine Corps Pvt. Joshua P. Hilsgen, son of Julie and Jeffrey Hilsgen of Watkins, recently completed 12 weeks of basic training at Marine Corps Recruit Depot, San Diego. Basic training is designed to challenge new Marine recruits both physically and mentally. Along with physical and mental training, Hilsgen and other recruits also received instruction on the Marine Corps’ core values – honor, courage and commitment – and what the words mean in guiding personal and professional conduct. Hilsgen and fellow recruits ended the training phase with The Crucible, a 54-hour, team evolution culminating in an emotional ceremony in which recruits are presented in the Marine Corps Emblem, and addressed as Marines for the first time in their careers. Hilsgen is a 2001 alumnus of Eden Valley-Watkins High School.
