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 visource@gmail.com. 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 National Guard Airman 1st Class Akil A. McFarlande/St. Croix
Sept. 26, 2010 (Joint Hometown News Service) – Air National Guard Airman 1st Class Akil A. McFarlande graduated from basic military training at Lackland Air Force Base, San Antonio, Texas.
The airman completed an intensive, eight-week program that included training in military discipline and studies, Air Force core values, physical fitness, and basic warfare principles and skills.
Airmen who complete basic training earn four credits toward an associate in applied science degree through the Community College of the Air Force.
He is the son of Hildegiade and Winsbut McFarlande of Mary’s Fancy, St. Croix, Virgin Islands.
McFarlande is a 2009 graduate of St. Croix Educational Complex High School, V.I.
The airman completed an intensive, eight-week program that included training in military discipline and studies, Air Force core values, physical fitness, and basic warfare principles and skills.
Airmen who complete basic training earn four credits toward an associate in applied science degree through the Community College of the Air Force.
He is the son of Hildegiade and Winsbut McFarlande of Mary’s Fancy, St. Croix, Virgin Islands.
McFarlande is a 2009 graduate of St. Croix Educational Complex High School, V.I.
Air National Guard Airman 1st Class Anthony E. Harley Jr./St. Croix
Sept. 26, 2010 (Joint Hometown News Service) – Air National Guard Airman 1st Class Anthony E. Harley Jr. graduated from basic military training at Lackland Air Force Base, San Antonio, Texas.
The airman completed an intensive, eight-week program that included training in military discipline and studies, Air Force core values, physical fitness, and basic warfare principles and skills.
Airmen who complete basic training earn four credits toward an associate in applied science degree through the Community College of the Air Force.
Airmen who complete basic training earn four credits toward an associate in applied science degree through the Community College of the Air Force.
He is the son of Anthony E. Harley Sr. and Misty Dover-Harley of Strawberry, Christiansted, Virgin Islands.
Harley graduated in 2006 from Central High School, Kingshill, V.I., and received an associate degree in 2009 from the University of the Virgin Islands, Frederiksted.
Harley graduated in 2006 from Central High School, Kingshill, V.I., and received an associate degree in 2009 from the University of the Virgin Islands, Frederiksted.
Army National Guard Pvt. Mikhail C. George/St. Thomas
Oct. 6, 2010 (Joint Hometown News Service) – Army National Guard Pvt. Mikhail C. George 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 physical fitness. He received instruction and practice in basic combat skills, military weapons, chemical warfare and bayonet training, 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.
He is the son of Laurie George of Altona Welgunst St., St. Thomas, U.S. Virgin Islands.
George is a 2009 graduate of Charlotte Amalie High School, St. Thomas.
During the nine weeks of training, the soldier studied the Army mission, history, tradition and core values and physical fitness. He received instruction and practice in basic combat skills, military weapons, chemical warfare and bayonet training, 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.
He is the son of Laurie George of Altona Welgunst St., St. Thomas, U.S. Virgin Islands.
George is a 2009 graduate of Charlotte Amalie High School, St. Thomas.
Air Force Airman Dean A. Adams Jr./St. Thomas
Oct. 6, 2010 (Joint Hometown News Service) – Air Force Airman Dean A. Adams Jr. graduated from basic military training at Lackland Air Force Base, San Antonio, Texas.
The airman completed an intensive, eight-week program that included training in military discipline and studies, Air Force core values, physical fitness, and basic warfare principles and skills.
Airmen who complete basic training earn four credits toward an associate in applied science degree through the Community College of the Air Force.
He is the son of Dean Adams and Michelle Hendrickson of Bonne Resolution, Charlotte Amalie, Virgin Islands.
Adams is a 2010 graduate of Charlotte Amalie High School, St. Thomas.
The airman completed an intensive, eight-week program that included training in military discipline and studies, Air Force core values, physical fitness, and basic warfare principles and skills.
Airmen who complete basic training earn four credits toward an associate in applied science degree through the Community College of the Air Force.
He is the son of Dean Adams and Michelle Hendrickson of Bonne Resolution, Charlotte Amalie, Virgin Islands.
Adams is a 2010 graduate of Charlotte Amalie High School, St. Thomas.
Navy Seaman Tameisha R. Newton/St. Croix
Oct. 6, 2010 (Fleet Hometown News Center) – Navy Seaman Tameisha R. Newton, daughter of Sharon A. and Russell D. Newton of St. Croix, Virgin Islands, recently completed U.S. Navy basic training at Recruit Training Command, Great Lakes, Ill.
During the eight-week program, Newton 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. 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.
Newton is a 2000 graduate of Central High School of St. Croix, V. I.
Oct. 6, 2010 (Fleet Hometown News Center) – Navy Seaman Tameisha R. Newton, daughter of Sharon A. and Russell D. Newton of St. Croix, Virgin Islands, recently completed U.S. Navy basic training at Recruit Training Command, Great Lakes, Ill.
During the eight-week program, Newton 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. 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.
Newton is a 2000 graduate of Central High School of St. Croix, V. I.
Army Staff Sgt. DeWayne T. Venzen/St. Thomas
Oct. 6, 2010 (Joint Hometown News Service) – Army Staff Sgt. DeWayne T. Venzen is one of more than 300 Army soldiers who will participate in "Spirit of America 2010" as the Army celebrates its 235th birthday. The show is one of the Army’s largest community outreach events presented by the U.S. Army Military District of Washington, D.C. The event celebrates the spirit, strength and history of the nation with Spirit of America. Performers pay tribute to the selfless service, resilience, sacrifices and triumphs of the American soldier.
This year’s event will take place in Pittsburgh, Penn., the Greater Cincinnati, Ohio area, and Grand Rapids, Mich. During the event, soldiers bring history to life with the Spirit of America performance by capturing true stories of those who have answered the call to duty for our nation. The soldiers dress in historical uniforms to re-enact key moments in the U.S. Army and American history. The re-enactments include battle scenes with short periods of simulated gunfire and performances by the Army’s elite ceremonial units.
The show featured the U.S. Army Band "Pershing’s Own," and the soldiers of the 3rd U.S. Infantry Regiment (The Old Guard) — the Army’s oldest active-duty infantry unit. Elements of the Old Guard include the Fife and Drum Corps, the Caisson Platoon, the Commander-in-Chief’s Guard, the Continental Color Guard and the U.S. Army Drill Team.
Venzen, a special band member, is assigned to the 3rd U.S. Infantry Regiment (The Old Guard), at Fort Myer, Arlington, Va.
He is the son of Austin A. and Rotie B. Venzen of St. Thomas, U.S. Virgin Islands.
The staff sergeant graduated in 1995 from Charlotte Amalie High School, St. Thomas. He attended the University of Louisville, Kentucky, where he received a bachelor’s degree in 1999, and a master’s degree in 2001. In 2009, Venzen earned a doctorate from Catholic University of America, Washington, D.C.
Oct. 6, 2010 (Joint Hometown News Service) – Army Staff Sgt. DeWayne T. Venzen is one of more than 300 Army soldiers who will participate in "Spirit of America 2010" as the Army celebrates its 235th birthday. The show is one of the Army’s largest community outreach events presented by the U.S. Army Military District of Washington, D.C. The event celebrates the spirit, strength and history of the nation with Spirit of America. Performers pay tribute to the selfless service, resilience, sacrifices and triumphs of the American soldier.
This year’s event will take place in Pittsburgh, Penn., the Greater Cincinnati, Ohio area, and Grand Rapids, Mich. During the event, soldiers bring history to life with the Spirit of America performance by capturing true stories of those who have answered the call to duty for our nation. The soldiers dress in historical uniforms to re-enact key moments in the U.S. Army and American history. The re-enactments include battle scenes with short periods of simulated gunfire and performances by the Army’s elite ceremonial units.
The show featured the U.S. Army Band "Pershing’s Own," and the soldiers of the 3rd U.S. Infantry Regiment (The Old Guard) — the Army’s oldest active-duty infantry unit. Elements of the Old Guard include the Fife and Drum Corps, the Caisson Platoon, the Commander-in-Chief’s Guard, the Continental Color Guard and the U.S. Army Drill Team.
Venzen, a special band member, is assigned to the 3rd U.S. Infantry Regiment (The Old Guard), at Fort Myer, Arlington, Va.
He is the son of Austin A. and Rotie B. Venzen of St. Thomas, U.S. Virgin Islands.
The staff sergeant graduated in 1995 from Charlotte Amalie High School, St. Thomas. He attended the University of Louisville, Kentucky, where he received a bachelor’s degree in 1999, and a master’s degree in 2001. In 2009, Venzen earned a doctorate from Catholic University of America, Washington, D.C.
Army Maj. Shawn J. Morton/St. Thomas
(Joint Hometown News Service) – Army Maj. Shawn J. Morton has arrived for duty U.S. Army North Office of the Assistant Chief of Staff, Fort Sam Houston, San Antonio, Texas.
Morton, an assistant operations and plans engineer, has served in the military for 13 years.
He is the son of Irma Morton of Emma Court, Lithonia, Ga.
His wife, Katrina, is the daughter of Queen Frazier of Williston, Fla.
Morton received an associate degree and earned a bachelor’s degree, both in 1998 from the University of Virgin Islands, St. Thomas.
Morton, an assistant operations and plans engineer, has served in the military for 13 years.
He is the son of Irma Morton of Emma Court, Lithonia, Ga.
His wife, Katrina, is the daughter of Queen Frazier of Williston, Fla.
Morton received an associate degree and earned a bachelor’s degree, both in 1998 from the University of Virgin Islands, St. Thomas.
Marine Corps Lance Cpl. Elijah G. Antoine/St. Croix
Oct. 8, 2010 (Fleet Hometown News Center) – Marine Corps Lance Cpl. Elijah G. Antoine, son of Marie Paul and Raleigh G. Antoine of Frederiksted, V.I., recently completed the Basic Engineer Equipment Electrical Systems Technician course.
During the classroom instruction and practical application at Marine Corps Engineer School, Marine Corps Base, Camp Lejeune, N. C., Antoine received training on the operation, maintenance and repair of field power-generating equipment.
The marine also studied electrical theory, operating principles of alternating and direct current generators, and control devices.
Antoine is a 2009 graduate of St. Croix Central High School of Christiansted, V. I. and joined the Marine Corps in October 2009.
Oct. 8, 2010 (Fleet Hometown News Center) – Marine Corps Lance Cpl. Elijah G. Antoine, son of Marie Paul and Raleigh G. Antoine of Frederiksted, V.I., recently completed the Basic Engineer Equipment Electrical Systems Technician course.
During the classroom instruction and practical application at Marine Corps Engineer School, Marine Corps Base, Camp Lejeune, N. C., Antoine received training on the operation, maintenance and repair of field power-generating equipment.
The marine also studied electrical theory, operating principles of alternating and direct current generators, and control devices.
Antoine is a 2009 graduate of St. Croix Central High School of Christiansted, V. I. and joined the Marine Corps in October 2009.
Capt. Ramon A. Riojas Graduates from the Uniformed Services University of the Health Sciences
Oct. 14, 2010 (Joint Hometown News Service) – Ramon A. Riojas has graduated from the Uniformed Services University of the Health Sciences (USUHS) in Bethesda, Md. The graduate received a medical degree and was commissioned to the rank of captain, with a minimum seven-year active duty service commitment.
The university is a tuition-free institution which manages a graduate nursing school, a graduate school with doctor of philosophy and master’s degree programs, as well as a medical school that prepares men and women to be outstanding health care practitioners, physicians and scientists for careers in the Army, Navy, Air Force and U.S. Public Health Service in service to the nation. The medical school curriculum includes a concentration of preventive medicine, primary care, military medicine and emergency medicine. The curriculum programs are related directly to force health protection, tropical diseases, disaster medicine, military and public health medical readiness, and adaptation to extreme environments.
Riojas is assigned to the U.S. Air Force. He is the son of Beatrice M. Riojas, and Ricardo A. Riojas, both of San Antonio, Texas.
His wife, Amy, is the daughter of Gary L. Lawson, and Debby Lawson, both of St. John, U.S. Virgin Islands.
The captain graduated in 1994 from Central Catholic High School, San Antonio, and received a bachelor’s degree in 1999 from Austin College, Sherman, Texas. Riojas earned a doctorate in 2007 from the University of Texas Health Science Center, San Antonio.
The university is a tuition-free institution which manages a graduate nursing school, a graduate school with doctor of philosophy and master’s degree programs, as well as a medical school that prepares men and women to be outstanding health care practitioners, physicians and scientists for careers in the Army, Navy, Air Force and U.S. Public Health Service in service to the nation. The medical school curriculum includes a concentration of preventive medicine, primary care, military medicine and emergency medicine. The curriculum programs are related directly to force health protection, tropical diseases, disaster medicine, military and public health medical readiness, and adaptation to extreme environments.
Riojas is assigned to the U.S. Air Force. He is the son of Beatrice M. Riojas, and Ricardo A. Riojas, both of San Antonio, Texas.
His wife, Amy, is the daughter of Gary L. Lawson, and Debby Lawson, both of St. John, U.S. Virgin Islands.
The captain graduated in 1994 from Central Catholic High School, San Antonio, and received a bachelor’s degree in 1999 from Austin College, Sherman, Texas. Riojas earned a doctorate in 2007 from the University of Texas Health Science Center, San Antonio.
Army ROTC Graduate Claudia D. Verdant/St. John
Oct. 21, 2010 (Joint Hometown News Service) – Claudia D. Verdant has graduated from the Army ROTC (Reserve Officer Training Corps) Leader Development and Assessment Course, also known as "Operation Warrior Forge," at Fort Lewis, Tacoma, Wash.
The 32 days of training provide the best possible professional training and evaluation for all cadets in the aspects of military life, administration and logistical support. Although continued military training and leadership development is included in the curriculum, the primary focus of the course is to develop and evaluate each cadet’s officer potential as a leader by exercising the cadet’s intelligence, common sense, ingenuity and physical stamina. The cadet command assesses each cadet’s performance and progress in officer traits, qualities and professionalism while attending the course.
Cadets in their junior and senior year of college must complete the leadership development course. Upon successful completion of the course, the ROTC program, and graduation from college, cadets are commissioned as second lieutenants in the U.S. Army, National Guard, or Reserve.
She is the daughter of Rufus and Gertrude Verdant of Adrian Estate Center Line Road, St. John, U.S. Virgil Islands.
Verdant is a 2007 graduate of Ivanna Eudora Kean High School, St. Thomas, V.I.
The 32 days of training provide the best possible professional training and evaluation for all cadets in the aspects of military life, administration and logistical support. Although continued military training and leadership development is included in the curriculum, the primary focus of the course is to develop and evaluate each cadet’s officer potential as a leader by exercising the cadet’s intelligence, common sense, ingenuity and physical stamina. The cadet command assesses each cadet’s performance and progress in officer traits, qualities and professionalism while attending the course.
Cadets in their junior and senior year of college must complete the leadership development course. Upon successful completion of the course, the ROTC program, and graduation from college, cadets are commissioned as second lieutenants in the U.S. Army, National Guard, or Reserve.
She is the daughter of Rufus and Gertrude Verdant of Adrian Estate Center Line Road, St. John, U.S. Virgil Islands.
Verdant is a 2007 graduate of Ivanna Eudora Kean High School, St. Thomas, V.I.
