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V.I. Guardsman Among Those Honored at White House

Sgt. 1st Class James Gaston of the V.I. National Guard is greeted by President Obama at the White House. (Official White House Photo by Lawrence Jackson)Sgt. 1st Class James Gaston was rendered speechless when he learned he had been selected to represent the V.I. National Guard at a special dinner held at the White House Wednesday night for Iraq veterans.

Gaston said he was shocked and humbled beyond words. Meeting President Barack Obama and First Lady Michelle Obama was the highlight of his life, he said.

The St. Croix native, who did two tours of duty in Iraq, joined more than 100 service members at the White House event: “A Nation’s Gratitude: Honoring those who served in Operations Iraqi Freedom and Operation New Dawn,” which was a formal dinner paying tribute to Iraq veterans.

Along with the President and First Lady, the dinner was also hosted by Vice President Joe Biden and Jill Biden to express the nation’s gratitude to all service members.

“Meeting the President was the greatest honor I have ever had in my entire life,” Gaston said in a phone interview Friday. He is a flight engineer and an instructor on the C-23 Sherpa aircraft with Detachment A-126 Aviation Company.

According to the White House’s website, the service members in attendance included men and women from all ranks, each U.S. state and territory, and every branch of the Armed Forces, representing the million American troops who served in Iraq.

When State Command Sgt. Maj. Mona Barnes informed Gaston he had been selected to attend the event, he was knocked for a loop.

“I was in shock all day long, and I said nothing for the entire day because I just couldn’t believe that it was happening,” Gaston said.

Gaston said that going to the capital was a once in a lifetime opportunity. He said that he and his wife, Messelena, got to tour the White House and presidential residence for hours. He also said he tried to make the Virgin Islands proud.

“I took it and did the best of my ability, and it was a very honorable and historical event for me,” he said. “This really is the best thing that has ever happened to me and my wife in our lives.”

In a press release issued by the V.I. National Guard, Barnes said she was proud to announce that Gaston was selected.

"I am overwhelmed that this committed non-commissioned officer (NCO) has been selected amongst the best. The President’s gesture serves as an expression of the nation’s appreciation for the sacrifices made in supporting the war in Iraq," Barnes said.

Maj. Gen. Renaldo Rivera, VING’s Adjutant General, echoed that sentiment, and said in the press release, that Gaston had given much of his adult life in service to the nation.

“His career has taken him on four deployments to Iraq and Afghanistan during which he received numerous awards," Rivera said. "He has given many years of family time because he is committed to service to this country. What a fitting tribute for this exceptional soldier."

Gaston’s awards include the Meritorious Service Medal (2nd Award), Global War on Terrorism Service Medal, Iraq Campaign Medal W/ Three Campaign Stars, National Defense Service Medal (2nd Award), Army Commendation (5th Award), Joint Service Commendation Medal and the Air Medal (2 Award).

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