Gregory Bak

Pvt. Gregory James Bak Pvt. Gregory James Bak, son of Cheryl and James Bak of Dunkirk, recently completed basic training at Marine Corps Recruit Depot in Parris Island, S.C. Bak completed 12 weeks of training designed to challenge new Marine recruits both physically and mentally. Bak and his fellow recruits began their training each day at 4 a.m. by running three miles and performing calisthenics. In addition to the physical conditioning program, Bak spent numerous hours in classroom and 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. Bak also received instructions on the Marine Corps core values — honor, courage and commitment — and what the words mean in guiding personal and professional conduct. Bak and fellow recruits ended the training phase with the Crucible, a 54-hour