Tommy VanMeter

BURKET — A Tippecanoe Valley graduate who recently completed basic training for the U.S. Army, returned to school to speak to students about his experience.

Tommy VanMeter graduated from Tippecanoe Valley in 2016 and recently finished basic training in Fort Benning, Ga. VanMeter spoke to students on Dec. 21, at the Burket Educational Center about how his short time in the military has already impacted his life in a positive way.

“We are very proud of Tommy for his service. His picture will now be up on the Military Wall of Fame in Burket,” said instructor Micah Lukens.

VanMeter is planning to continue working towards the title of infantryman, a title the U.S. Army says is responsible for defending the United States against any threat by land, as well as capturing, destroying and repelling enemy ground forces.

According to the U.S. Army’s website, job training for infantryman requires 14 weeks of one station unit training, which includes basic combat training and advanced individual training. Part of this time is spent in the classroom and part in the field.

During his time in basic training, VanMeter earned the title of expert shooter by hitting 36 out of 40 on his shooting.