HIRKALA

Construction Mechanic Constructionman Recruit Joseph Leonard Hirkala reported to Great Lakes Training Base May 10. He graduated from basic training July 2. From Great Lakes, Hirkala went to A School in Port Hueneme, Calif., where he trained to be a Construction Mechanic Seabee. He graduated A School Oct. 9. His specialty is maintaining and repairing construction machinery used by the Seabees, such as power tools and heavy equipment. The Seabees' motto is "We Build, We Fight."

Hirkala is stationed at Navy Amphibious Base in Little Creek, Va. He graduated from Streator Township High School in 2004 and worked at Vactor Manufacturing prior to enlistment. He is a brother to Ashley Hirkala, the son of James and Ada Hirkala and the grandson of Joseph and Doris Hirkala and the late Leonard and Loretta Reeland.