Air Force Airman 1st Class Joseph R. Thompson III and Air Force Airman Joshua D. Russell have graduated from basic military training at Lackland Air Force Base, San Antonio, Texas.
Thompson, the son of Joseph and Roseanne Thompson of Derby, is a 2005 graduate of Derby High School (DHS).

Russell, a 2004 DHS graduate, is the son of John and Susie Russell, also of Derby.

During the six weeks of 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.
In addition, airmen who complete basic training earn credits toward an associate degree through the Community College of the Air Force.

Another Derby grad, Army Pfc. Richard C. Quintana has graduated from One Station Unit Training (OSUT) at the U.S. Army Infantry School, Fort Benning, Columbus, Ga. 

The training consisted of basic military training and advanced individual training (AIT). During basic training, the trainee received instruction in drill and ceremonies, military customs and courtesies, map reading, tactics, basic rifle marksmanship, physical fitness, field training, and first aid skills. The recruit developed combat skills and handled various weapons available to the infantry soldier.

During AIT, the soldier received instruction to serve as an infantryman/mortarman using light and heavy anti-armor weapons, indirect-fire support, and mechanized operations while assigned to a  rifle or mortar squad. 

The training included weapons qualification, tactics, patrolling, navigation, field communications, and combat operations; engagement in infantry combat exercises, battle drills, land mine locating, neutralizing and extracting, and survival operations during a nuclear, biological or chemical attack.

Quintana is the son of Debra and stepson of Matt O'Brien of Derby.

In 2002, the private graduated from Derby High School.