Area residents commence their Army basic training

Thomas C. Niner has joined the United States Army under the Delayed Entry Program. The program gives young men and women the opportunity to delay entering active duty for up to one year.

The enlistment gives the new soldier the option to learn a new skill, travel and become eligible to receive as much as $50,000 toward a college education. After completion of basic military training, soldiers receive advanced individual training in their career job specialty prior to being assigned to their first permanent duty station.

The recruit qualifies for a $40,000 enlistment bonus.

Niner, a 2008 graduate of Liberty Center High School has reported to Fort Sill, Lawton, Okla., for basic training in August 2008.

He is the son of Linda Niner , Delta.

Stephen K. Flory has joined the United States Army Reserve under the Delayed Training Program.

The program gives young men and women the opportunity to delay reporting for basic military training for up to 270 days. An enlistment in the reserve gives many new soldiers the option to learn a new skill, serve their country, and become eligible to receive more than $7,000 toward a college education, $20,000 for repayment of college loans, and a maximum $5,000 cash bonus.

After completion of basic military training, most soldiers receive advanced individual training in their career job specialty prior to being assigned to their reserve unit.

The recruit qualifies for a $20,000 enlistment bonus.

Flory will report to Fort Leonard Wood, Waynesville, Mo., for basic training in September 2008.

He is the son of Wanda Flory, Swanton.