Ruby, Hewitt graduate from U.S. military basic training

Press release

Two Havre women overcame the 2020 pandemic to graduate from the U.S. military.

Caitlynn R. Ruby and Tymarie E. Hewitt, Caity and Ty, as known by their family and friends, have been best friends since middle school. As 2020 seniors, they planned to finish out their year with prom, track, graduation and shifts at Pizza Hut - among other teenage activities. With prom dresses and track gear at the ready, they continued to make plans. The year 2020, however, had a different design.

Once COVID-19 hit, Havre High closed and quarantine began. Early on, they still had hopes of going to prom and having normal Senior experiences. While no one could have predicted what would happen, their wishes went ungranted. As time passed and online classes grappled with continuing education, the idea of having graduation seemed unlikely, although Havre seniors did have a ceremony, albeit with restrictions.

Over the summer, both enlisted, independently, into the U.S. military.

Ruby enlisted in the U.S. Navy and Hewitt joined the U.S. Army Reserves. Only weeks apart, both women left home for Boot Camp.

Ruby completed U.S. Navy basic training at Recruit Training Command, Great Lakes, North Chicago, Illinois. While COVID-19 required the military to adjust their program, Ruby completed a variety of training which included classroom study and practical instruction on naval customs, first aid, firefighting, water safety and survival, and shipboard safety. An emphasis was also placed on physical fitness. The culmination of this training was reached by completing battle stations. This exercise gives sailors the skills and confidence they need to succeed in the fleet and emphasize the core values of honor, courage and commitment.

While family was unable to attend pass-in-review, Seaman Recruit Ruby graduated Sept. 24. She is attending corpsman "A" school at Joint Base San Antonio-Fort Sam Houston, Texas. She will attend dental assistant "C" school before joining the fleet.

Pvt. Hewitt graduated basic combat training from the U.S. Army Training Center at Fort Jackson in Columbia, South Carolina, Aug. 20. Basic training is the first step in preparing a future soldier. Recruits are taught traditions, tactics and methods of becoming a soldier. Hewitt learned teamwork and discipline, proper dress and grooming standards. She trained on how to handle a weapon, rappel and march. She was instilled with the seven core Army values, loyalty, duty, respect, selfless service, honor, integrity and personal courage. Hewitt is attending advanced individual training in Fort Lee, Virginia, learning mechanical maintenance. Afterward, Hewitt will return to Havre and attend Montana State University-Northern, performing drill monthly in Great Falls.