PFC Harnack 'reporting' for duty

COLFAX — Private First Class Olivia Harnack has returned to The Gazette after eight months of Army training.

Harnack graduated Advanced Individual Training on Thursday, March 9, in her Military Occupational Specialties for all-source intelligence.

Harnack, 20, will report on Colfax and Whitman County, including government, business, people, sports and community activities.

"I am just really excited to return to the most beautiful state and start working again," Harnack said.

"We're delighted to have Olivia back with us in our Colfax office," Gazette General Manager Justin Slayton of Colfax said. "Her candor and rapport with locals and hard work on stories is reflected in every article she produces."

She left Whitman County in early August to begin her basic training at Fort Sill, Okla., where she graduated Oct. 21 and departed for Fort Huachuca to start a 16-week-long course in the high-plain desert of southern Arizona.

"We took a 15-hour bus ride immediately after graduating basic," she said, "Once we got to Arizona, the elevation was a kicker. But at least I could see mountains again."

Harnack is grateful to the community for all the support. She noted that she received a few letters during her training from Gazette readers.

"I would not have done so well had it not been for the support I received back home," she said. "Some people wrote me letters and even reached out to me online."

Harnack graduated in a class of 176 soldiers with the same MOS.

"I know that there are big plans for me out there. My new unit is in combat aviation," she said. "I can't wait to expand my knowledge."

Harnack received recognition for completing the additional Master Resiliency Training and Resilience, Awareness, Prevention, Inclusion, and Diversity programs. She also received a certificate of achievement for outstanding performance and dedication to promoting positive awareness in a professional learning environment.

Harnack was one of two soldiers presented that award.

"The National Guard is great," she said. "There is even a program that allows college students to become an officer while attending school."

The daughter of Gretchen Mork of Suttons Bay, Mich., and Free Press Publishing owner Roger Harnack of Cheney, Harnack will work as a Gazette reporter until her fall semester starts, at which time she will return to the College for Creative Studies in Detroit, Mich.

Harnack encouraged readers to send her story ideas by emailing sports@wcgazette.com or by calling 509-397-4333 Ext. 0004.