Army National Guard Spec. Benton F. Howser has graduated from Basic Combat Training at Fort Sill, Lawton, Okla., as an Honor Graduate and received a Letter of Commendation.

The soldier's academic and military accomplishments were a direct result of energetic application of sound judgment and newly acquired technical knowledge. The soldier's attention to detail, appearance, cooperative spirit, military bearing, and military courtesy were commendable and exemplary, and contributed to the Battery Cadre of the 19th Field Artillery Regiment's successful mission accomplishments.

During the nine weeks of Basic Combat Training, the soldier studied the Army mission and received instruction and training exercises in drill and ceremonies, Army history, core values and traditions, military courtesy, military justice, physical fitness, first aid, rifle marksmanship, weapons use, map reading and land navigation, foot marches, armed and unarmed combat, and field maneuvers and tactics.

In addition, Howser achieved a score of 300 points on the Army Physical Fitness Test, the highest score in his basic combat training class. He is the son of Judy R. Howser of Washington Avenue, Wilmette, Ill., and grandson of Richard G. Howser of Mahan Court, Robertsdale, Ala. The specialist is a 2007 graduate of New Trier Township High School, Winnetka, Ill. He earned a bachelor's degree in 2010 from Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University, Blacksburg, Va.