U.S. Army Capt.

James Rajchel recently was awarded a Bronze Star for his service in Afghanistan.Rajchel is a 2008 graduate of Pittsburg State University in Kansas, where he majored in political science, minored in military science and met his wife, Erica.He is the son of William and Theresa Rajchel of Chicora and the grandson of Frank and Carole Rajchel of Butler.———Air Force Reserve Airman

Benjamin McElravy recently graduated from basic military training at Lackland Air Force Base, San Antonio, Texas.McElravy, son of Donald and Kathleen McElravy of Karns City, graduated from a homeschool program in 2007.