FORT PLAIN — Daniel L. Hanifin has joined the United States Army under the delayed entry program. The program gives young men and women the opportunity to delay entering active duty for up to one year. The enlistment gives the new soldier the option to learn a new skill, travel and become eligible to receive as much as $50,000 toward a college education. After completion of basic military training, soldiers receive advanced individual training in their career job specialty prior to being assigned to their first permanent duty station. The recruit qualified for a $23,000 enlistment bonus. Hanifin, a 2007 graduate of Fort Plain High School, has reported to Fort Benning, Columbus, Ga., for basic training. He is the son of Roberta and Joseph Hanifin, of Fort Plain.
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FORT PLAIN — Navy Ensign Blake J. Shaffer, the son of Dana H. and Tim J. Shaffer, of Fort Plain, was recently commissioned upon graduation from the Naval Reserve Officer Training Corps Program with Naval Reserve Officers Training Corps Unit, Norwich University, Northfield, Vt. During college, Shaffer completed naval science courses and academic courses that fulfilled degree requirements. These courses, combined with annual summer training aboard ships and shore installation, served to prepare NROTC graduates for the intellectual, mental and physical challenges of a commissioned officer. Shaffer is a 2004 graduate of Fort Plain High School . He is a 2008 graduate of Norwich University, Northfield, Vt., with a bachelor’s degree.