DEREK COOPER GRADUATES FROM NAVY BASIC TRAINING

"Navy Seaman Recruit Derek H. Cooper, son of Donnie R. Cooper and Michelle Colvin of Vonore, recently completed U.S. Navy basic training at Recruit Training Command, Great Lakes, IL. During the eight-week program, Cooper completed a variety of training which included classroom study and practical instruction on naval customs, first-aid, firefighting, water safety and survival, and shipboard and aircraft safety. An emphasis was also placed on physical fitness. The capstone event of boot camp is "Battle Stations." This exercise gives recruits the skills and confidence they need to succeed in the fleet. "Battle Stations" is designed to galvanize the basic warrior attributes of sacrifice, dedication, teamwork and endurance in each recruit through the practical application of basic Navy skills and the core values of Honor, Courage and Commitment. It's distinctly "Navy" flavor was designed to take into account what it means to be a sailor. Cooper is a 2007 graduate of Sequoyah High School. His division was 342 ship # 12 in Great Lakes, Ill. He is now training in Pensacola, Florida."
( Taken from The Advocate & Democrat)