Army National Guard Pvt. Max L. Xayavong has graduated from basic combat training at Fort Sill in Lawton, Okla.

During the nine weeks of training, the soldier studied the Army mission and received instruction and training exercises in drill and ceremonies, Army history, core values and traditions, military courtesy, military justice, physical fitness, first aid, rifle marksmanship, weapons use, map reading and land navigation, foot marches, armed and unarmed combat, and field maneuvers and tactics.

Xayavong is the brother of Mitchell Xayavong of Savage, and nephew of Tony Xayavong Apple Valley.

In 2008, the private graduated from Eastview High School, in Apple Valley.