Bowie County Citizens Tribune/DeKalb News August 16, 2000 Used with Permission Marine Corps Pvt. Joshua A. Davis, son of Donna J. and James A. Davis of Hooks, recently completed basic training at Marine Corps Recruit Depot, San Diego. Davis successfully completed 12 weeks of training designed to challenge new Marine recruits both physically and mentally. Davis and fellow recruits began their training at 5 a.m., by running three miles and performing calisthenics. In addition to the physical conditioning program, Davis spent numerous hours in classroom field assignments which included learning first aid, uniform regulations, combat water survival, marksmanship, hand-to-hand combat and assorted weapons training. They performed close order drill and operated as a small infantry unit during field training. Davis and other recruits also received instruction on the Marine Corps' core values - honor, courage and commitment, and what the words mean in guiding personal and professional conduct. Davis and other recruits ended the training phase with The Crucible, a 54-hour team effort, problem solving evolution which culminated with an emotional ceremony in which the recruits were presented with the Marine Corps Emblem, and were addressed as "Marines" for the first time since boot camp began. Davis is a 1998 graduate of Hooks High School.