Army Spec. Laura A. Peterson

During the nine weeks of training, the soldier studied the Army mission, history, tradition and core values, physical fitness, and received instruction and practice in basic combat skills, military weapons, chemical warfare and bayonet training, drill and ceremony, marching, rifle marksmanship, armed and unarmed combat, map reading, field tactics, military courtesy, military justice system, basic first aid, foot marches, and field training exercises.

She is the daughter of Thomas Peterson of Turnpike Road, Archdale, N.C., and sister of Amanda Rimm-Hewitt of Lake Peekskill, N.Y.

Peterson graduated in 2002 from Trinity High School, N.C., and received a bachelor’s degree in 2006 from the University of North Carolina, Greensboro.