Editor's note: The Source newspapers publish available information about Virgin Islanders who are serving their country in the military. For earlier notices, see previous months' 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.
Air Force Airman 1st Class Esi R. Jackson/St. Croix
April 7, 2008 (Army & Air Force Hometown News) – Air Force Airman 1st Class Esi R. Jackson has graduated from basic military training at Lackland Air Force Base, San Antonio, Texas.
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 is the daughter of Norma and Jerome Jackson of Christiansted, U.S. Virgin Islands.
Jackson is a 2001 graduate of St. Croix Seventh Day Adventist School, Christiansted.
Navy Seaman Apprentice Shamall R. Ramos/St. Croix
April 1, 2008 (Fleet Hometown News Center) – Navy Seaman Apprentice Shamall R. Ramos recently completed U.S. Navy basic training at Recruit Training Command, Great Lakes, Ill.
During the eight-week program, Ramos completed a variety of training, which included 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 skills and confidence they need to succeed in the fleet. Battle Stations is 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.
The seaman is the son of Marjorie C. Ramos of Frederiksted, Virgin Islands.
Army National Guard Pfc. Miguel A. Ramos/St. Croix
April 4, 2008 (Army & Air Force Hometown News) – Army National Guard Pfc. Miguel A. Ramos has graduated from the Water Treatment Specialist Advanced Individual Training course at Fort Lee, Petersburg, Va.
The course is designed to train students to perform installation and operation of water purification equipment, and water storage and distribution operations and activities. Specialist's duties include assisting in water reconnaissance, site preparation, and the setup of a water treatment activity; receiving, issuing and storing potable water, performing water quality analysis testing and verification; analyzing food and water samples to ensure quality; conducting health and safety investigations of living quarters and base facilities; providing training on industrial hygiene, environmental health and occupational health issues; and monitoring noise and radiation levels at job sites.
Ramos earned distinction as an honor graduate.
He is the son of Jorge and Tabita Ramos of Kingshill, Virgin Islands.
The airman graduated from St. Croix Central High School, Kingshill.
Air Force Airman Darnell K. Saldana/St. Croix
April 9, 2008 (Army & Air Force Hometown News) – Air Force Airman Darnell K. Saldana has graduated from basic military training at Lackland Air Force Base, San Antonio, Texas.
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.
Saldana is the son of Jesus Saldana of St. Croix, U.S. Virgin Islands, and Michelin James of Cricket Cove Court, Orange Park, Florida.
The airman is a 2007 graduate of Orange Park High School, Jacksonville, Fla.
Army Spec. Marta I. Francis/St. Croix
April 14, 2008 (Army & Air Force Hometown News) – Army Spec. Marta I. Francis has graduated from basic combat training at Fort Jackson, Columbia, S.C.
During the nine weeks of training, the soldier studied the Army mission, history, tradition and core values, and received instruction and practice in basic combat skills, military weapons, chemical warfare and bayonet training. She was trained in physical fitness, drill and ceremony, marching, rifle marksmanship, armed and unarmed combat, map reading, field tactics, military courtesy, military justice system, basic first aid, foot marches and field training exercises.
Francis graduated in 1988 from St. Croix Central High School, Kingshill, V.I., and received a bachelor's degree in 2004 from the University of the Virgin Islands, Kingshill.
Air Force Airman 1st Class Alexander J. Parrilla/St. Croix
April 22, 2008 (Army & Air Force Hometown News) – Air Force Airman 1st Class Alexander J. Parrilla has graduated from basic military training at Lackland Air Force Base, San Antonio, Texas.
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
He is the son of Jose Parrilla of Kingshill, St. Croix, U.S. Virgin Islands, and Eslyn Parrilla of Troutland Ave. N.W., Roanoke, Va.
Parrilla received a bachelor's degree in 2006 from Florida A&M University, Tallahassee.
