Army Spec. Reid R. McKinney has graduated from Basic Combat Training at Fort Knox, Ky.

During the nine-week training period, the trainee received instruction in drill and ceremony, weapons, rifle marksmanship and bayonet training, chemical warfare, field training and tactical exercises, armed and unarmed combat, military courtesy, military justice, physical fitness, first aid, and Army history, traditions, and core values.

He is the son of Mark McKinney of S. Summit Lane, and Sandra McKinney of Russell Gulch Road, both of Evergreen, Colo.

McKinney is a 2004 graduate of Jefferson County Open High School, Lakewood.

Spc. McKinney previously served in the Colorado Army National Guard for the past three years. He was honored as Soldier of the Year for the 891st Battallion and the 89th Troop Command in the winter of 2006.

He was also one of three who received an award for service with the National Guard during deployment for Hurricane Katrina. Spc. McKinney was awarded the Army Commendation Medal for exceptional achievement in January 2007.

The Army Commendation Medal is awarded to any member of the Armed Forces of the United States other than General Officers who has distinguished himself by heroism, meritorious achievement or meritorious service.

Awards may be made for acts of valor performed under circumstances described above which are of lesser degree than required for award of the Bronze Star Medal.

Spc McKinney is now stationed at Ft. Riley near Manhattan, Kansas.

Kris McKinney...proud step mother
Evergreen