Smith graduates with honors from Army's basic training

On February 25, 2011, Private First Class Colton Jerome Smith graduated basic training in Alpha Battery, 1/19 Field Artillery, 4th Platoon in the United States Army, at Fort Sill, Okla. Colton is the son of Chelsey Smith and grandson of Bruce and Deb Walter of Odessa. His wife, Taylor Smith, his mother Chelsey Smith and his grandmother Deb Walter were all able to attend the ceremony.

Along with one other person, Smith was the leader of his platoon, nicknamed the Raiders, consisting of 60 to 70 soldiers.

The graduation was held in Lawton, Okla., about two miles from the base. Smith graduated wi...