Two soldiers with local roots recently graduated from basic military training at Lackland Air Force Base, San Antonio, Texas.

Airman Steven “Matt” Bickell, son of Jill and Steve Bickell of Wallowa, finished basic training in March and is now attending technical school to become a helicopter mechanic in Fort Eustis, Va. He is a 2001 graduate of Tualatin High School.

Airman Christopher Williams, a 2003 graduate of Wallowa High School, finished basic in May. His parents, Karola and Rocky Wilson of Wallowa, were able to travel to Texas to watch him graduate. He is now attending technical school at Lackland AFB.

During the six weeks of basic training, the airmen studied the Air Force mission, organization and military customs and courtesies; performed drill and ceremony marches; and received physical training, rifle marksmanship, field training exercises and special training in human relations.

Airmen who complete basic training also earn credits toward an associate degree through the Community College of the Air Force.