Army Maj.

David Leard recently

completed pre-deployment training at Fort McCoy, Sparta, Wis., in preparation for a subsequent deployment to Afghanistan to serve in support of Operation Enduring Freedom.He is a member of the 372nd Engineer Brigade, a Reserve unit based at Fort Snelling, Minneapolis, Minn.In Afghanistan, the 372nd will have command and control of several battalions with missions to build bridges and construct and clear roads. Its main mission is to train Afghan soldiers in engineering skills to improve the self-governance capabilities of their nation.Leard, a plans officer, has served in the military for 20 years.He is the brother of Joseph Byrnes of Butler and Michael Leard of Pittsburgh.The major graduated from Karns City High School in 1982 and received a bachelor's from Penn State University in 1986. He earned a master's from the University of Missouri, Rolla.———Army National Guard Pvt.

Greg Bookwalter graduated from the Infantryman One Station Unit Training at Fort Benning, Columbus, Ga., which consists of basic training and advanced individual training.He is the son of Greg Bookwalter of Grove City and the brother of Justine Bookwalter of Slippery Rock.The private is a 2009 graduate of Grove City High School.The Butler Eagle publishes announcements of awards or honors received by area residents in the Armed Forces. Information can be submitted to the Focus Department by e-mail to focus@butlereagle.com or by mail to P.O. Box 271, Butler, PA 16003.