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.
Navy Seaman Apprentice Karleem D. Gilkes/St. Thomas
Oct. 1, 2011(Fleet Hometown News Center)–Navy Seaman Apprentice Karleem D. Gilkes, son of Doreen D., grandson of Mariana Donovan and brother of Kareem Henley Sr. of St. Thomas, V. I., was recently promoted to his current rank upon graduation from recruit training at Recruit Training Command, Great Lakes, Ill.
Gilkes received the early promotion for outstanding performance during all phases of the training cycle. Training 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.
Gilkes is a 2010 graduate of Charlotte Amalie High School of St. Thomas, V. I.
Oct. 1, 2011(Fleet Hometown News Center)–Navy Seaman Apprentice Karleem D. Gilkes, son of Doreen D., grandson of Mariana Donovan and brother of Kareem Henley Sr. of St. Thomas, V. I., was recently promoted to his current rank upon graduation from recruit training at Recruit Training Command, Great Lakes, Ill.
Gilkes received the early promotion for outstanding performance during all phases of the training cycle. Training 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.
Gilkes is a 2010 graduate of Charlotte Amalie High School of St. Thomas, V. I.
Navy Seaman Chad Elwin/St. Thomas
Oct. 1, 2011 (Fleet Hometown News Center)–Navy Seaman Chad Elwin, son of Dorie A. Elwin of St. Thomas, Virgin Islands, recently completed U.S. Navy basic training at Recruit Training Command, Great Lakes, Ill.
During the eight-week program, Elwin 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.
Elwin is a 2006 graduate of St. Peter and Paul High School of St. Thomas, V. I. He is a 2010 graduate of University of Tampa, Tampa, Fla. with a bachelor’s degree.
During the eight-week program, Elwin 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.
Elwin is a 2006 graduate of St. Peter and Paul High School of St. Thomas, V. I. He is a 2010 graduate of University of Tampa, Tampa, Fla. with a bachelor’s degree.
Navy Midshipman Eric A. Wilson/St. Thomas
Oct. 11, 2011 (Fleet Hometown News Center)–Navy Midshipman Eric A. Wilson, son of Julia Wilson of St. Thomas, V. I. and Louis C. Wilson, of Richmond, Va., and more than 900 other freshmen recently completed Plebe Summer while attending the United States Naval Academy.
Plebe summer is the summer training program which is required of all incoming freshmen to the U.S. Naval Academy. The six-weeks training developed Wilson morally, mentally and physically. He was also instilled with the highest ideals of duty, honor and loyalty. Wilson will go on to complete the academic year as a midshipman.
Wilson is a 2010 graduate of Wakefield High School of The Plains, Va.
Oct. 11, 2011 (Fleet Hometown News Center)–Navy Midshipman Eric A. Wilson, son of Julia Wilson of St. Thomas, V. I. and Louis C. Wilson, of Richmond, Va., and more than 900 other freshmen recently completed Plebe Summer while attending the United States Naval Academy.
Plebe summer is the summer training program which is required of all incoming freshmen to the U.S. Naval Academy. The six-weeks training developed Wilson morally, mentally and physically. He was also instilled with the highest ideals of duty, honor and loyalty. Wilson will go on to complete the academic year as a midshipman.
Wilson is a 2010 graduate of Wakefield High School of The Plains, Va.
Army National Guard Pvt. Shaquilla K. Thomas/St. Croix
Oct. 12, 2011 (Joint Hometown News Service) — Army National Guard Pvt. Shaquilla K. Thomas has graduated from Basic Combat Training at Fort Sill, Lawton, Okla.
During the nine weeks of training, the soldier studied the Army mission and received instruction and training exercises in drill and ceremonies, Army history, core values and traditions, military courtesy, military justice, physical fitness, first aid, rifle marksmanship, weapons use, map reading and land navigation, foot marches, armed and unarmed combat, and field maneuvers and tactics.
Thomas graduated from the split option enlistment program that allows high school students to attend basic training between their junior and senior years. They will be assigned to their reserve or National Guard units during their senior year and attend their advanced individual training upon graduation from high school.
Thomas is the daughter of Delacy Thomas and James Turnbol, both of Christiansted, Saint Croix, U.S. Virgin Islands. She is a student at Saint Croix Central High School, Kings Hill.
During the nine weeks of training, the soldier studied the Army mission and received instruction and training exercises in drill and ceremonies, Army history, core values and traditions, military courtesy, military justice, physical fitness, first aid, rifle marksmanship, weapons use, map reading and land navigation, foot marches, armed and unarmed combat, and field maneuvers and tactics.
Thomas graduated from the split option enlistment program that allows high school students to attend basic training between their junior and senior years. They will be assigned to their reserve or National Guard units during their senior year and attend their advanced individual training upon graduation from high school.
Thomas is the daughter of Delacy Thomas and James Turnbol, both of Christiansted, Saint Croix, U.S. Virgin Islands. She is a student at Saint Croix Central High School, Kings Hill.
Army National Guard Pvt. Cesar A. Tapia/St. Croix
Oct. 12, 2011 (Joint Hometown News Service) — Army National Guard Pvt. Cesar A. Tapia 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, and 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.
Tapia is the son of Marcia Weather of Harbor View, Christiansted. He is a 2011 graduate of St. Croix Adult School, Frederiksted.
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, and 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.
Tapia is the son of Marcia Weather of Harbor View, Christiansted. He is a 2011 graduate of St. Croix Adult School, Frederiksted.
Air Force Airman J’moi A. Powell/St. John
Oct. 20, 2011 (Defense Media Activity ) — Air Force Airman J’moi A. Powell 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 Winifred Powell and brother of Z’nea Turnbull, both of Estate Rendezvous, St. John.
Powell graduated in 2010 from Ivanna Eudora Kean High School, St. Thomas.
Oct. 20, 2011 (Defense Media Activity ) — Air Force Airman J’moi A. Powell 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 Winifred Powell and brother of Z’nea Turnbull, both of Estate Rendezvous, St. John.
Powell graduated in 2010 from Ivanna Eudora Kean High School, St. Thomas.
Navy Seaman Apprentice Karleem D. Gilkes/St. Thomas
Oct. 20, 2011 (Fleet Hometown News Center ) — Navy Seaman Apprentice Karleem D. Gilkes, grandson of Mariana Donovan and brother of Kareem Henley Sr. of St. Thomas, V. I., recently reported for duty at the Navy and Marine Intelligence Training Center, Virginia Beach, Va.
Gilkes is a 2010 graduate of Charlotte Amalie High School of St. Thomas, V. I. and joined the Navy in August 2011.
Oct. 20, 2011 (Fleet Hometown News Center ) — Navy Seaman Apprentice Karleem D. Gilkes, grandson of Mariana Donovan and brother of Kareem Henley Sr. of St. Thomas, V. I., recently reported for duty at the Navy and Marine Intelligence Training Center, Virginia Beach, Va.
Gilkes is a 2010 graduate of Charlotte Amalie High School of St. Thomas, V. I. and joined the Navy in August 2011.
Air Force Airman Troy C. Hodge/St. Thomas
Oct. 29, 2011 (Defense Media Activity) — Air Force Airman Troy C. Hodge graduated from the Tactical Aircraft Maintenance Apprentice Course at Sheppard Air Force Base, Wichita Falls, Texas.
The course is designed to train airmen to perform scheduled inspections, functional checks, and preventive maintenance on tactical aircraft and aircraft installed equipment; inspect and perform various functional checks of the aircraft and service with fuel, hydraulic fluid, and liquid oxygen; and perform post flight maintenance to ensure aircraft is in operationally ready condition. Training covers hands-on time task performance to acquire experience in aircraft principles, including servicing, troubleshooting as well as repairing, removing and replacing systems and subsystems components.
Hodge is the son of Lubiel E. Hodge of Hospital Ground, St. Thomas.
He is a 2010 graduate of Charlotte Amalie High School, St. Thomas.
Oct. 29, 2011 (Defense Media Activity) — Air Force Airman Troy C. Hodge graduated from the Tactical Aircraft Maintenance Apprentice Course at Sheppard Air Force Base, Wichita Falls, Texas.
The course is designed to train airmen to perform scheduled inspections, functional checks, and preventive maintenance on tactical aircraft and aircraft installed equipment; inspect and perform various functional checks of the aircraft and service with fuel, hydraulic fluid, and liquid oxygen; and perform post flight maintenance to ensure aircraft is in operationally ready condition. Training covers hands-on time task performance to acquire experience in aircraft principles, including servicing, troubleshooting as well as repairing, removing and replacing systems and subsystems components.
Hodge is the son of Lubiel E. Hodge of Hospital Ground, St. Thomas.
He is a 2010 graduate of Charlotte Amalie High School, St. Thomas.
