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.
Army Reserve Staff Sgt. Curtis J. Hunt/St. Croix
July 2, 2008 (Army & Air Force Hometown News) – Army Reserve Staff Sgt. Curtis J. Hunt has been mobilized and activated for deployment overseas to a forward operating base in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom.
Operation Iraqi Freedom is the official name given to military operations involving members of the U.S. armed forces and coalition forces participating in efforts to free and secure Iraq. Mission objectives focus on force protection, peacekeeping, stabilization, security and counter-insurgency operations, as the Iraqi transitional governing bodies assume full sovereign powers to govern the peoples of Iraq.
Members from all branches of the U.S. military and multinational forces are also assisting in rebuilding Iraq's economic and governmental infrastructure, and training and preparing Iraqi military and security forces to assume full authority and responsibility in defending and preserving Iraq's sovereignty and independence as a democracy.
Hunt, a signal support system specialist, is a member of the 340th Military Police Company based in Flushing, N.Y. The staff sergeant has served in the military for 16 years.
He is the son of John G. and Elma M. Hunt of Estate Carlton, Frederiksted, Virgin Islands.
The reservist graduated in 1991 from St. Croix Central High, V.I. and received a bachelor's degree in 1999 from John Jay College, New York, N.Y.
Navy Seaman Apprentice Dexter E. Isles/St. Croix
July 9, 2008 (Fleet Hometown News Center) – Navy Seaman Apprentice Dexter E. Isles, son of Yvonne C. and Charles E. Isles of Christiansted, Virgin Islands, was recently promoted to his current rank upon graduation from Recruit Training Command, Great Lakes, Ill.
The seaman received an early promotion for outstanding performance during all phases of the training cycle, 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. It 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.
Air Force ROTC Cadet Ella J. Elizee/St. Thomas
July 9, 2008 (Army & Air Force Hometown News) – Ella J. Elizee has received an Air Force ROTC (Reserve Officer Training Corps) college scholarship offer to attend a selected host college or university.
The cadet was selected to receive the scholarship certificate on the basis of comprehensive tests, high school scholastic achievement and extra-curricular activities. The majority of Air Force ROTC scholarships cover full college/university tuition, provide textbook allowance, and pay most laboratory or incidental fees. In addition, at least a $300 tax-free monthly allowance is paid to recipients during the academic year. The estimated value of the scholarship depends on the student's choice of school and type of scholarship offered.
Upon graduation from college and completion of the ROTC program, the cadet will receive a bachelor's degree and a commission of second lieutenant in the Air Force. She is the daughter of Leonard Elizee of Frydenhoj, and Patsy T. Peters of Upper Wintberg, both of St. Thomas, Virgin Islands.
Elizee is a 2008 graduate of Ivanna Eudora Kean High School, St. Thomas.
Air National Guard Airman 1st Class Celestine Alicea/St. Croix
July 21, 2008 (Army & Air Force Hometown News) – Air National Guard Airman 1st Class Celestine Alicea 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 Migdalia Encarnacion and granddaughter of Luis Encarnacion of Estate Mount Pleasant III, Frederiksted, Virgin Islands.
Alicea is a 2007 graduate of St. Croix Central High School, V.I.
Army National Guard Spec. Adrian A. Burke/St. Thomas
July 25, 2008 (Army & Air Force Hometown News) – Army National Guard Spec. Adrian A. Burke has graduated from basic infantry training at Fort Benning, Columbus, Ga.
During the nine weeks of training, the soldier received training in drill and ceremonies, weapons, map reading, tactics, military courtesy, military justice, physical fitness, first aid, as well as Army history, core values and traditions. Additional training included development of basic combat skills and battlefield operations and tactics, and experiencing use of various weapons and weapons defenses available to the infantry crewman.
Burke is the son of Cira Burke of St. Peters St., St. Thomas, U.S. Virgin Islands.
In 2007, the specialist graduated from Charlotte Amalie High School, St. Thomas.
Navy Lt. Patrick M. Foster/St. Croix
July 25, 2008 (Fleet Hometown News Center) – Navy Lt. Patrick M. Foster, recently reported for duty with Training Squadron 22, Naval Air Station, Kingsville, Texas. He is the son of Linda Beattie of Silver City, N. M., and Michael Foster of Christiansted, Virgin Islands.
The lieutenant is a 1998 graduate of Country Day School of Christiansted, V. I. and joined the Navy in May 2002. Foster is a 2002 graduate of the University of Maine, Orono, Maine, with a BA degree.
