Marine Corps Pfc. Douglas F. Berthiaume, son of Darlene Berthiaume of Watkins and 2003 graduate of Eden Valley-Watkins High School, recently completed 12 weeks of basic training at Marine Corps Recruit Depot in San Diego, Calif. The program is designed to challenge new Marine recruits both physically and mentally. Berthiaume and fellow recruits began their training each day at 5 a.m. by running three miles and performing calisthenics. In addition to the physical conditioning program, Berthiaume 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. They performed close-order drill, and operated as a small infantry unit during field training. Berthiaume 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. Berthiaume 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 the Marine Corps Emblem and addressed as “Marines” for the first time in their careers. Civilian Jonathon A. Thompson, son of Elizabeth Thompson of South Haven and Roger Thompson of Clearwater, and 2001 graduate of St. Cloud Technical High School, recently enlisted in the United States Navy under the delayed-entry program. Thompson will report for active duty for basic training at the Navy’s Recruit Training Center in Great Lakes, Ill.
