Army Reserve Pvt. Matthew A. Kersten has graduated from basic infantry training at Fort Benning, Columbus, Ga.

During the nine weeks of training, the soldier received training in drill and ceremonies, weapons, map reading, tactics, military courtesy, military justice, physical fitness, First Aid, and Army history, core values and traditions.  Additional training included development of basic combat skills, battlefield operations and tactics, and experiencing use of various weapons and weapons defenses available to the infantry crewman.

Kersten is the son of Perian and Gary Kersten of Duvall and is a 2004 graduate of Cedarcrest High School, Duvall.