Army Pvt. Joseph K. Hawkins has graduated from basic infantry training at Fort Benning, Columbus.

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 and battlefield operations and tactics, and experiencing use of various weapons and weapons defenses available to the infantry crewman.

He is the son of Tony Hawkins of Mount Vernon Road, Gainesville, and brother of Talion Flowers of April Trace, Dawsonville.

Hawkins graduated in 2007 from Dawson County High School, Dawsonville.