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.
Navy Officer Radford Chinnery / St. Thomas
June 29, 2004 (Fleet Hometown News)–Navy Petty Officer 3rd Class Radford F. Chinnery, a 1988 graduate of Charlotte Amalie High School, and his fellow sailors recently conducted a training exercise in preparation for their upcoming overseas deployment while assigned to the nuclear powered aircraft carrier USS Harry S. Truman, homeported in Norfolk, Va.
The exercise designed to forge the strike group into a cohesive fighting team and is a critical step in the new Fleet Response Plan. During the exercise Chinnery's unit encountered complex scenarios including low-slow flyers and swarm tactics from small boats and dhows approaching from multiple axes.
Chinnery is one of more than 7,600 Sailors and Marines aboard the ships of the USS Harry S. Truman Carrier Strike Group training to deploy in order to carry out America's ongoing operations in the war on terrorism. Such carriers 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 and aircraft available.
Coast Guard Cadet Elroy Allen / St. Thomas
June 28, 2004 (personal communication through Coast Guard Lt. Alvin Dalmida Jr.) – Cadet Elroy Allen, a 2003 graduate of Ivanna Eudora Kean High School, reports that he passed all classes and finals. "I sailed on Eagle's first phase and I must say that I loved every minute of it," he said. "I performed well underway and the crew respected me. My greatest accomplishment was getting helm/lookout-qualified."
He will be heading home to the Virgin Islands when his summer school finishes in July. "One of his toughest years is almost complete," Lt. Dalmida said, as he congratulated Allen and told him to "enjoy those stripes."
Coast Guard Cadet Karima Greenaway / St. Thomas
June 28, 2004 (personal communication through Coast Guard Lt. Alvin Dalmida Jr.) – Cadet Karima Greenaway, a graduate of Ivanna Eudora Kean High School, is attached to GANTSEC, San Juan, P.R. She just left the Coast Guard Cutter Venturous and is doing the second part of her summer internship at the Coast Guard base in San Juan.
She is a "future engineer," said Master Chief Officer Marvin Wells, who is a Virgin Islander.
Lt. Dalmida explains that Cadet Greenaway of St. Thomas and Cadet Diana Isidore of St. Croix are the first V.I. women known to attend the Coast Guard Academy.
Founded in 1876, the United States Coast Guard Academy has a proud tradition as one of the finest and most selective colleges in America. The smallest of the five federal service academies, the Coast Guard provides a four-year bachelor of science program with a full scholarship for each individual. Unlike the other federal service academies, however, there are no Congressional appointments.
The first Academy graduate from the Virgin Islands is Cmdr. Austin Callwood (Retired).
Naval Academy student Joseph Noel / St. Croix
June 24, 2004 (Fleet Hometown News) – Civilian Joseph A. Noel, son of Peggy E. Noel of Christiansted, recently participated in the U.S. Naval Academy's weeklong summer seminar program in Annapolis, Md.
During the program, Noel was introduced to academy life through a regimen of academics, physical training, intramural sports, sailing and seamanship, as well as leadership training and social activities. The summer seminar program was designed by the U.S. Naval Academy's office of admissions to give students a taste of the challenges and benefits of a Naval Academy education.
Noel is currently attending the Arizona Naval Academy.
story by JO2 Candy Brantley
Air National Guard Airman Nailah Felix / St. Thomas
June 23, 2004 (Army & Air Force Hometown News) – Air National Guard Airman 1st Class Nailah A. Felix has graduated from basic military training at Lackland Air Force Base, San Antonio, Texas.
A 2000 graduate of Ivanna Eudora Kean High School, Felix is the daughter of Lois and Glen Felix of Estate Tutu, St. Thomas.
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. She was an honor graduate.
Army Lt. Col. George Desir Parrott / St. Thomas
June 22, 2004 (Individual submission) – Thank you for this page. U.S. Army Lt. Col. George Desir Parrott is stationed at Ft. Sill, Ok. He has been in the Army since 1979, and his branch is ordnances.
The St. Thomas native is the son of Margarita and George Parrott of St. Thomas, and brother of Amalie and Rosemarie, both of St. Thomas, and Carmen of Gainesville, Fla.
He is a graduate of Sts. Peter and Paul High School and of Wheeling College. He is married to Anett and has two sons, Christopher and Michael.
Army National Guard Pvt. Michael Wheeler / St. Croix
June 22, 2004 (Army & Air Force Hometown News) – Army National Guard Pvt. Michael J.J. Wheeler has graduated from the machinist advanced individual training course at Aberdeen Proving Ground, Aberdeen, Md.
Wheeler is the son of Joseph and Stephanie V. Wheeler of Christiansted.
In the course, the student was introduced to machine shop fundamentals including fabricating, repairing, and modifying metallic and nonmetallic parts. The trainee learned to operate machines such as engine lathes, utility grinders, power-cutoff saws, armature, undercutters, arbor, hydraulic, and drill presses, and associated attachments, accessories and tools.
Army Pvt. Amethyst S. Creek / St. Croix
June 21, 2004 (Army & Air Force Hometown News) – Army Pvt. Amethyst S. Creek has graduated from the petroleum supply specialist advanced individual training course at Fort Lee, Petersburg, Va.
Creek is the daughter of Linda Soule of Hereford, Ariz., and Michael Creek of St. Croix. She is a 1999 graduate of Buena High School, Sierra Vista, Ariz.
The course is designed to train students in receipt, storage, issue, shipping and distribution of petroleum, oil and lubricant products used by the Army. Training includes instruction in petroleum and water accounting, operating equipment associated with fuels and water distribution, and fueling and defueling operations and procedures on vehicles, aircraft and stationary equipment.
Army Lt. Desmond Burton / St. Thomas
June 17, 2004 (Army & Air Force Hometown News) – Desmond M. Burton has graduated from Officer Candidate School at Fort Benning, Columbus, Ga., and was commissioned as a second lieutenant in the U.S. Army.
He is the son of Linda D.R. Burton of Estate Thomas, Charlotte Amalie.
During the 14 weeks of training, the officer candidate received "basic soldiering" instruction in leadership, professional ethics, soldier team development, combined arms tactics, weapons defense, squad drill, intelligence, field training exercises, land navigation, maintenance, communications, staff and gen
eral military subjects, and physical training and conditioning.
The candidate was tested on leadership skills and teamwork abilities required of a commissioned officer. The student utilized acquired skills to function in "leader and follower" positions in squad- and platoon-sized elements in a stressful and demanding field environment.
Burton is a signal officer with 11 years of military service.
His wife, Michelle, is the son of Desmond M. Gittens of South Richmond Hill, N.Y. The lieutenant received a bachelor's degree in 2002 from Park University, Alexandria, Va.
Army Sgt. Elvis Byron / St. Thomas
June 17, 2004 – (Army & Air Force Hometown News) – Army 1st Sgt. Elvis S. Byron has been decorated with the Bronze Star Medal for participating in Operation Iraqi Freedom while serving at an overseas forward-deployed location.
Byron is a signal corps company first sergeant assigned to the 141st Signal Battalion, 1st Armored Division, at Wiesbaden Air Base, Germany.
His mother is Constantia Marsh of St. Thomas. He graduated in 1984 from Ivanna Eudora Kean High School, and received an associate degree from the University of Maryland through the military extension program at Wiesbaden Air Base.
The medal is awarded to an individual who, while serving in the U.S. armed forces, has performed a heroic act, meritorious achievement or distinguished service during armed conflict or ground combat while engaged against an armed enemy of the United States.
Operation Iraqi Freedom is the official name given to military operations involving U.S. and coalition forces efforts to disarm and end the current Iraqi regime. Active duty, reserve, and National Guard members from all branches of the U.S. armed forces are participating in the operation. The focus of the mission is to liberate the Iraqi people, preserve Iraq as a unified state, keep its territorial integrity intact, and help the Iraqi people begin the process of economic and political reconstruction.
Army Lt. Josephine Hector / St. Thomas
June 17, 2004 (Army & Air Force News) – Josephine Hector has graduated from Officer Candidate School at Fort Benning, Columbus, Ga., and was commissioned as a second lieutenant in the U.S. Army.
Hector is the sister of Lyndon Hector Sr. of Estate Tutu, St. Thomas. She received a bachelor's degree in 1999 and a master's degree in 2003, both from the University of the Virgin Islands, St. Thomas.
Hector is a quartermaster officer with 14 years of military service.
During the 14 weeks of training, the officer candidate received "basic soldiering" instruction in leadership, professional ethics, soldier team development, combined arms tactics, weapons defense, squad drill, intelligence, field training exercises, land navigation, maintenance, communications, staff and general military subjects, and physical training and conditioning. The candidate was tested on leadership skills and teamwork abilities required of a commissioned officer. The student utilized acquired skills to function in "leader and follower" positions in squad- and platoon-sized elements in a stressful and demanding field environment.
Airman Chiaki Thomas / St. Croix
June 17, 2004 (Army & Air Force News) – Air Force Airman Chiaki C. Thomas has graduated from basic military training at Lackland Air Force Base, San Antonio, Texas.
She is the daughter of Andre Thomas and Kristina Chandler, both of Christiansted.
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.
Army Pvt. David A. Belle / St. Thomas
June 14, 2004 (Army & Air Force Hometown News) – Army Pvt. David A. Belle has graduated from the light-wheel vehicle mechanic advanced individual training course at Fort Jackson in Columbia, S.C.
Belle is the son of Brenette E. Belle of Annas Fancy, St. Thomas.
The student was trained to perform maintenance, troubleshoot, and repair wheeled vehicles and related mechanical components, including suspension systems, internal combustion engines and power trains, wheel-hub assemblies, hydraulic brake and steering systems, and operate a wheeled vehicle crane, hoist, and winch assemblies.
Army National Guard Pvt. Addison Georges / St. Thomas
June 14, 2004 (Army & Air Force Hometown News) – Army National Guard Pvt. Addison Georges has graduated from the light-wheel vehicle mechanic advanced individual training course at Fort Jackson, Columbia, S.C.
Georges is the son of Leeda Georges and Winston Georges, both of St. Thomas.
The student was trained to perform maintenance, troubleshoot, and repair wheeled vehicles and related mechanical components, including suspension systems, internal combustion engines and power trains, wheel-hub assemblies, hydraulic brake and steering systems, and operate a wheeled vehicle crane, hoist, and winch assemblies.
Army Sgt. Lionel Allamby / St. Thomas
June 10, 2004 (Army & Air Force Hometown News) – Army Sgt. 1st Class Lionel Allamby has been decorated with the Army Commendation Medal for participating in Operation Iraqi Freedom.
The medal is awarded to individuals who, while serving in any capacity with the Army, have distinguished themselves by acts of heroism, meritorious achievement or meritorious service.
Operation Iraqi Freedom is the official name given to military operations involving U.S. and coalition forces efforts to disarm and end the Iraqi regime. Active duty, reserve, and National Guard members from all branches of the U.S. armed forces are participating in the operation. The focus of the mission is to liberate the Iraqi people, preserve Iraq as a unified state, keep its territorial integrity intact, and help the Iraqi people in the process of economic and political reconstruction.
Allamby, a platoon sergeant, is the son of Eleanor Grant of Estate Altona, St. Thomas.
Coast Guard Seaman Apprentice Scott Ledee / St. Thomas
June 10, 2004 (Fleet News) – Coast Guard Seaman Apprentice Scott G. Ledee, son of Evelyn M. and Gregory J. Ledee of St. Thomas, recently graduated from the U.S. Coast Guard Recruit Training Center in Cape May, N.J.
Ledee is a 2003 graduate of All Saints Cathedral School.
Editor's note: For a photograph and details of Ledee's training, see an earlier Source article in St. Thomas People section.
Army Spc. Joel Colon / St. Croix
June 7, 2004 (Personal submission) – My name is Spc. Joel Colon of La Grande Princess, St. Croix. I am currently assigned to the 31st Combat Support Hospital in Iraq as a 91Q (Pharmacy Specialist). Our job out here is to provide immediate medical attention to servicemembers, and civilian contractors wounded in action.
I've been in the United States Army now for about 20 months. I attended basic combat training at Ft. Benning, Ga., and AIT at Ft. Sam Houston, Texas. My first
duty assignment was at the William Beaumont Army Medical Center in Ft. Bliss, Texas, before I deployed in early January 2004.
I am the son of Luis and Migal Colon. I'm a 1998 graduate of the St. Croix Educational Complex.
Army Sgt. Thomas Lubin Jr. / St. Croix
June 4, 2004 (Personal submission) – My name is Thomas Lubin Jr., and I was born in Christiansted. I'm a Sergeant in the U.S. Army, stationed at Ft. Meade, Md.
I'm pleased to know that the Virgin Islands remembers our fallen soldiers [referring to Source articles about Memorial Day ceremonies]. Sometimes soldiers on active duty remember where we are from but we don't know if we are remembered because we don't hear anything about the Virgin Islands. But I'm pleased to know that we are being tracked by the V.I. government.
Navy Officer Nielsa Jackson / St. Thomas
June 4, 2004 – Aviation Administration (Air Warfare/ Surface Warfare) Chief Petty Officer Nielsa G. Jackson was promoted to Senior Chief Petty Officer onboard the USS Theodore Roosevelt, according to a U.S. Navy release. She has deployed aboard the Norfolk, Va.-based carrier in the eastern Mediterranean in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom.
Jackson is the daughter of Winifred Sullivan and the late Niels "Sonny" Parson. She has a son, Duane Jackson.
She enlisted in the Navy in 1985, following her 1984 graduation from Charlotte Amalie High School, and has been an Aviation Maintenance Administrator in the U.S. Navy since 1986. In November 2004, she will be re-assigned to VAW-120 Naval base Norfolk, Va.
Her personal decorations include 2 Navy Commendation Medals, 2 Navy Achievement Medals, a Coast Guard Meritorious Unit Commendation Medal, Desert Storm Medal, Overseas Service Ribbons, Navy Unit Commendation Medal, and the Navy Battle "E" Ribbon.
She has served at Naval Air Station Patuxent River, Md.; and Naval Stations San Diego, Calif.; Guam; Atsugi, Japan; and Whidbey Island, Wash.
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