Basic officer course graduate

2nd. Lt. Matt Shortway, meets with his parents Cherie and Harry Shortway of Vernon, following his Oct. 1 graduation from Marine Basic Officer course in Quantico, Va. Course work focused on the role of an infantry platoon commander, including patrolling and war-fighting tactics. Lieutenants learn to mentor, train and develop the individual Marines in their command. Shortway’s military occupational specialty will be air support control, directing and coordinating air support missions and advising commanders on matters pertaining to the employment and control of air support. He will be stationed at Cherry Point, N.C., with Marine Air Support Squadron 1.