PFC Weese graduates from S.C. Youth Challenge Academy; continuing studies at Fort Leonard, Mo.

Roger Allen Weese II Roger Allen Weese II of Gaffney graduated from the South Carolina Youth Challenge Academy in Columbia on Dec. 8, 2007.

Weese enlisted in the U.S. Army on Jan. 8, 2008, and received a $40,000 sign-on bonus and $70,235 for college. He graduated from basic training in Fort Knox, Ky., on March 27, 2008.

While in Fort Knox, PCF Weese became a certified sniper marksman and placed second in his platoon. A squad leader of his platoon, he led them to first place against the other three platoons in all but one competition.

PFC Weese is currently in Fort Leonard, Mo., where he will graduate on May 19, 2008. His MOS is 88M Motor Transport Operator.

PFC Weese is the son and stepson of Chris and Kimberly Myers and Roger Weese. He is the brother and step brother of Alex Weese and Jadyn Myers. His grandparents are Mr. and Mrs. Ronnie Arthur of Gaffney, Mr. and Mrs. Martin Myers of Greenwich, N.Y., and the late Willard and Betty Weese. He is the great-grandson of Frances Whelchel, Gene Arthur and the late Joe Whelchel and DeViolet Arthur.