Westside grad completes Navy basic training

Navy Seaman Recruit Patrick M. Tolopka, a 2009 graduate of Westside High School, recently completed basic training with the U.S. Navy at Recruit Training Command in Great Lakes, Illinois.

The eight-week program emphasized physical fitness and included classroom study and practical instruction on naval customs, first aid, firefighting, water safety and survival, and shipboard and aircraft safety.

The culminating event of boot camp is called "Battle Stations." It is designed to stimulate the attributes of sacrifice, dedication, teamwork and endurance in each recruit through the practical application of basic Navy skills and the core values of honor, courage and commitment.

Tolopka is the son of Donna L. and William Tolopka of Houston.