On Duty for Sept. 21, 2009

National Guard

Stanley Manes

MOUNT PULASKI -- Army National Guard Maj. Stanley R. Manes has been decorated with the Bronze Star medal for supporting the mission of Operation Enduring Freedom.

The medal is awarded for a heroic act, meritorious achievement or distinguished service during armed conflict or ground combat. Manes, a plans officer, is a member of Headquarters 33rd Brigade Combat Team, Illinois Army National Guard, Urbana.

He is the son of Harry "Bud" Manes, Columbus, Ohio, and Carol Manes, Mount Pulaski. He is a graduate of Mount Pulaski High School and the University of Illinois, Urbana.

William Essman

STREATOR -- Army National Guard Pvt. William J. Essman, son of Lucinda Essman, Streator, has graduated from basic combat training at Fort Jackson, Columbia, S.C.

Essman is a 2008 graduate of Woodland High School, Streator.

U.S. Air Force

Zachary Mohn

BLOOMINGTON -- U.S. Air Force Airman Zachary E. Mohn, son of Chad and Deanna Mohn, Bloomington, has graduated from basic training at Lackland Air Force Base, San Antonio, Texas.

Mohn, a 2009 Normal Community High School graduate, is at Fort Eustis, Va., in technical school, training on H60 Blackhawk helicopter maintenance.