Capt. Mathew Bocian received the Army Commendation Medal for meritorious actions and risking his own life on Jan. 2 to render medical aid to a critically wounded Iraq Army soldier following an engagement in Karkh Security District, Baghdad.

The medal ceremony was held at Camp Prosperity in Baghdad.

Bocian, a native of Penn Hills, is on his second deployment in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom.

He is assigned to 4th Squadron, 2nd Stryker Cavalry Regiment, based at Rose Barracks, Germany.

He is the son of Anthony and Marlene Bocian of Penn Hills.

Simmons

Airman Sarafina Simmons graduated from basic military training at Lackland Air Force Base, San Antonio, Texas.

The six-week training covered the Air Force mission, organization, military customs and courtesies, drill and ceremony marches, physical training, rifle marksmanship, field training exercises and human relations.

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

Simmons, a 2007 graduate of Penn Hills High School, is the daughter of Tameika and Roxell Howard.

Morton

Army Reserve Pvt. Shawn C. Morton graduated from basic combat training at Fort Jackson, Columbia, S.C.

The nine-week training covered the Army mission, history, tradition and core values, physical fitness, basic combat skills, military weapons, chemical warfare and bayonet training, drill and ceremony marches, rifle marksmanship, armed and unarmed combat, map reading, field tactics, military courtesy, military justice, basic first aid, foot marches and field training exercises.

Morton, a 1990 graduate of Penn Hills High School, is the son of Jane Morton.