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HomeNewsArchivesMILITARY NEWS OF VIRGIN ISLANDERS - OCTOBER 2003

MILITARY NEWS OF VIRGIN ISLANDERS – OCTOBER 2003

Editor's note: The Source newspapers publish available information about Virgin Islanders who are serving their country in the military. For earlier notices, see separate files in this section.
Please e-mail information about yourself or any family member serving in these regards to source@viaccess.net. Provide the individual's full name, age, rank, service branch or organization, home island, immediate family members in the Virgin Islands, brief description of education and training, and, if possible, a description of where the person is based or has been deployed. Please limit the information to about 200 words. We welcome photos.
Seaman Raquel Ayala / St. Croix
Oct. 24, 2003 (Fleet News) – Navy Seaman Raquel I. Ayala, daughter of Carmen T. Ayala of Frederiksted and a 2003 graduate of St. Croix Educational Complex High School, recently completed U.S. Navy basic training at Recruit Training Command, Great Lakes, Ill.
During the eight-week program, Ayala completed a variety of training which included classroom study and practical instruction on naval customs, first aid, fire fighting, water safety and survival, and shipboard and aircraft safety. An emphasis was also placed on physical fitness.
The capstone event of boot camp is "Battle Stations". This exercise gives recruits the key skills and confidence they need to graduate and take to the fleet. "Battle Stations" has been designed to galvanize the basic warrior 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. Its distinctly 'Navy' flavor was designed to take into account what it means to be a Sailor.

Navy Office Devaughn L. Smith / St. Thomas
Oct. 23, 2003 (Fleet News) – Navy Petty Officer 1st Class Devaughn L. Smith, son of Claudine O. Bailey of Bronx, N.Y., and Granville T. Smith of St. Thomas, recently was promoted to his current rank and received a letter of commendation.
Smith earned his promotion based on outstanding leadership and job knowledge. Smith received the commendation for his aggressive leadership and managerial skills that contributed to the success of his command.
Smith is currently assigned with Fleet Logistics Support Squadron One, Naval Air Facility, Andrews Air Force Base, Md. He joined the Navy in February 1995.
Airman Shayna Navarro / St. Croix
Oct. 20, 2003 (Army & Air Force Hometown News) – Air Force Airman 1st Class Shayna L. Navarro has graduated from basic military training at Lackland Air Force Base, San Antonio, Texas. She is the daughter of Margery Henry of Frederiksted.
During the six weeks of training, the airman studied the Air Force mission, organization, and military customs and courtesies; performed drill and ceremony marches, and received physical training, rifle marksmanship, field training exercises, and special training in human relations.
In addition, airmen who complete basic training earn credits toward an associate degree through the Community College of the Air Force.
Navarro is a 2003 graduate of Florida State University in Tallahassee.
Air Force Airman Lauren Bridges / St. Thomas
Oct. 16, 2003 (Army & Air Force Hometown News) — Air Force Airman Lauren N. Bridges, a 2001 graduate of Charlotte Amalie High School, has graduated from basic military training at Lackland Air Force Base, San Antonio, Texas.
She is the daughter of Brenda Bridges of Watergate Villas, St. Thomas, and granddaughter of Eileen Harrigan of Miami, Fla.
During the six weeks of training, the airman studied the Air Force mission, organization, and military customs and courtesies; performed drill and ceremony marches, and received physical training, rifle marksmanship, field training exercises, and special training in human relations.
In addition, airmen who complete basic training earn credits toward an associate degree through the Community College of the Air Force.

Navy Officer James Slaughter / St. Croix, St. Thomas
Oct. 16, 2003 (Fleet Home Town News) — Navy Petty Officer 1st Class James M. Slaughter, whose wife, Cleo, is the daughter of Ceicely O. Burke of St. Croix, and Monteclair Burke of St. Thomas, recently departed on a routine, scheduled deployment while assigned to the guided missile cruiser USS Gettysburg, homeported in Mayport, Fla.
Slaughter is one of more than 6,500 Sailors and Marines aboard the ships of the USS Enterprise Carrier Strike Group who were deployed immediately following work-up exercises in order to carry out America's ongoing operations in the war on terrorism. Cruisers like USS Gettysburg are deployed throughout the world to maintain U.S. presence and provide rapid response in times of crisis. They serve as a highly visible deterrent to would-be aggressors, and are equipped with the most versatile and powerful weapons available.
Army National Guard Pfc. Bryan Hector / St. Croix
Oct. 14, 2003 (Army & Air Force Hometown News) — Army National Guard Pfc. Bryan W. Hector, son of Winthropp A. and Anna Maria H. Hector of Estate
Cottage, St. Croix, has graduated from basic combat military training at Fort Sill, Lawton, Okla.
During the eight weeks of training, the soldier studied the Army mission and received instruction in drill and ceremonies, rifle marksmanship, weapons, map reading, tactics, armed and unarmed combat, military courtesy, military justice, physical fitness, first aid, Army history, core values and traditions, and special training in human relations.
Army Reserve Pvt. James Edmead Jr. / St. Thomas
Oct. 9, 2003 (Army & Air Force Hometown News) — Army Reserve Pvt. James R. Edmead Jr., son of Brenda Francis of St. Thomas, has graduated from basic combat military training at Fort Sill, Lawton, Okla.
During the eight weeks of training, the soldier studied the Army mission and received instruction in drill and ceremonies, rifle marksmanship, weapons, map reading, tactics, armed and unarmed combat, military courtesy, military justice, physical fitness, first aid, Army history, core values and traditions, and special training in human relations.
His guardian, Diane C. Gerrald, resides in Deltona, Fla. The private is a 2003 graduate of Deltona High School.
Navy Seaman Tyrone G. Maynard
Oct. 6, 2003 (Fleet Hometown News) — Navy Seaman Tyrone G. Maynard, brother of Kevin W. Maynard of St. Thomas and a 1993 graduate of Charlotte Amalie High School, recently completed U.S. Navy basic training at Recruit Training Command, Great Lakes, Ill.
During the eight-week program, Maynard completed a variety of training, including classroom study and practical instruction on naval customs, first aid, firefighting, water safety and survival, and shipboard and aircraft safety. An emphasis was also placed on physical fitness.
The capstone event of boot camp is "Battle Stations". This exercise gives recruits the key skills and confidence they need to graduate and take to the fleet. "Battle Stations" has been designed to galvanize the basic warrior 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. Its distinctly 'Navy' flavor was designed to take into account what it means to be a Sailor.

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