Marine Corps Pfc. Michael P. Davis, son of Natasha L. Ayers of Centreville, and Eric K. Woods, of Alexandria, recently completed 12 weeks of basic training at Marine Corps Recruit Depot, Parris Island, S.C.
Marine Corps Pvt. Catherine E. Miller, sister of Kevin F. Miller of Alexandria, Va., recently completed 12 weeks of basic training at Marine Corps Recruit Depot, Parris Island, S.C.
Army National Guard Lt. Col. Allysa A. Kropp is returning to the U.S. after a deployment to Iraq or Afghanistan in support of Operations Iraqi Freedom or Enduring Freedom, respectively. She is the daughter of Ted and Marcia Kropp of Madockawando Road, Castine, Maine, and niece of Ann Kushner of Southdown Road, Alexandria.The lieutenant colonel graduated in 1987 from Bucksport High School, Maine, and received a bachelor's degree in 1991 from the University of Maine, Orono. She earned a master's degree in 1998 from George Mason University, Fairfax.
Sarah L. Falkenstein has been awarded an Air Force ROTC scholarship to attend a host college or university. She is the daughter of Todd and Kathy Falkenstein of Silverberry Place, Colorado Springs, Colo. and niece of Kevin and Tina Brady of Kirkcaldy Lane, Alexandria. Falkenstein is a student at Pine Creek High School, Colorado Springs.
Air Force Airman David C. Stocks graduated from basic military training at Lackland Air Force Base, San Antonio, Texas. He is the son of Debbie and Phillip Stocks of Richmond Highway, Alexandria. Stocks is a 2005 graduate of Tabb High School, Va.
Army Pfc. Charles DiJi has graduated from basic combat training at Fort Jackson, Columbia, S.C. DiJi is the nephew of Maxwell Okyere-Boateng and Bertha Asante of Flintstone Road, Alexandria.
Air Force Airman Gregory E. Wallace graduated from basic military training at Lackland Air Force Base, San Antonio, Texas. He is the grandson of Irene Kumitis of Orville Street, Alexandria, and Lewis McDaniel of Little Stone Court, Fayetteville, N.C. Wallace is a 2008 graduate of Brentsville District High School, Nokesville, Va.
Navy Airman Melony Sot, a native of Alexandria, is currently deployed aboard the aircraft carrier USS Truman in the Gulf of Oman. USS Truman is presently supporting ongoing operations in Afghanistan. Airman Sot is an Aviation Ordnanceman, responsible for the maintenance, repair and installation of aviation ordnance essential for the protection of ground forces. Her husband, Joshua Harding, resides in Alexandria.
Major Jonathan Doyle, the 1st Infantry Division provost marshal, and a native of Alexandria, was awarded the Order of the Marchaussee July 3 at Contingency Operating Base Basra. The Order of Marechaussee is awarded to military police members who uphold the highest service traditions.
Navy Seaman Recruit Shadia T. Everett, daughter of Ronnie Everett, of Alexandria, recently completed U.S. Navy basic training at Recruit Training Command, Great Lakes, Ill.
Air Force Reserve Airman 1st Class Eugene D. Bush graduated from basic military training at Lackland Air Force Base, San Antonio, Texas. Airmen who complete basic training earn four credits toward an associate in applied science degree through the Community College of the Air Force.
Army Reserve Pvt. Hilary M. Kiundi has graduated from basic combat training at Fort Jackson, Columbia, S.C. Kiundi is the brother of Felix Kiundi of Skyhill Road, Alexandria.
Marine Corps Lance Cpl. Theodore J. Kent, son of Gretchen Rhedman of Alexandria, and Thomas Kent, of Richmond, recently graduated from the Marine Corps Basic Combat Engineer Course at Marine Corps Engineer School, Marine Corps Base, Camp Lejeune, N. C. Kent is a 2007 graduate of Fork Union Military Academy of Fork Union, Va.
Marine Corps Pfc. Kevin I. Carrillo, a 2009 graduate of Mount Vernon High School, Alexandria, recently completed the Marine Corps Basic Enlisted Supply Course. Carrillo joined the Marine Corps in December 2009.
Navy Seaman Marjorie J. Florence, daughter of Edith B. Guitilen of Alexandria, recently completed U.S. Navy basic training at Recruit Training Command, Great Lakes, Ill.
Air Force Airman 1st Class Evan W. Godwin graduated from basic military training at Lackland Air Force Base, San Antonio, Texas. He is the son of Cheryl Godwin of Observation Way, Alexandria.
Navy Seaman Recruit Gina L. Caianiello, daughter of Elaine M. Reibsamen of Hollister, Calif. and Joseph P. Caianiello, of Alexandria, recently completed U.S. Navy basic training at Recruit Training Command, Great Lakes, Ill.
Master Sergeant David Biscaro from Alexandria has reenlisted in the New York Army National Guard to continue service with the Joint Force Headquarters.
Army Pfc. Andrea J. Jimenez has graduated from Basic Combat Training at Fort Sill, Lawton, Okla. She is the daughter of Astrid Menendez of Kenmore Ave., Alexandria. Jimenez is a 2009 graduate of T.C. Williams High School, Alexandria.
Navy Seaman Amy L. Gonzalez, a 1994 graduate of West Potomac High School, Alexandria, recently completed U.S. Navy basic training at Recruit Training Command, Great Lakes, Ill.
Navy Seaman Apprentice BreeAnn M. Rhodes, sister of Lauren D. Lopez-Cano of Alexandria, recently completed U.S. Navy basic training at Recruit Training Command, Great Lakes, Ill. Rhodes is a 2010 graduate of Indian River Central High School of Philadelphia, N.Y.
Army Pvt. Jonathan Salinas has graduated from basic infantry training at Fort Benning, Columbus, Ga. He is the son of Ruth Campos of Quantrell Avenue, Alexandria.
Army Spec. Nickolos G. Porter has graduated from the Special Forces Candidate One-Station Unit Training at Fort Benning, Columbus, Ga. He is the son of Carol-Beth Porter of Pinion Road, Derby, Kan., and brother of Serena Porter of Strutfield Lane, Alexandria. Porter graduated in 2005 from Derby High School, and received a bachelor's degree in 2009 from Newman University, Wichita, Kan.
Army Pfc. Conrad A. Colby has graduated from basic infantry training at Fort Benning, Columbus, Ga. Colby is the son of Kelly Colby of Sheridonna Lane, Alexandria, and grandson of Stacy Colby of Easton Drive, Fairfax.
Army 2nd Lt. Spencer D. Sullivan graduated from the Armor Basic Officer Leader Course at Fort Knox, Ky. He is an armor officer assigned to the 2nd Battalion, 16th Cavalry at Fort Knox. Sullivan is the son of Shaun D. and Sarah M. Sullivan of Wilkes Street, Alexandria. In 2006, the lieutenant graduated from Langley High School, McLean, Va., and received a bachelor's degree in 2010 from the College of William and Mary, Williamsburg.
Army Pfc. Andrew M. Tiongson has graduated from the Infantryman One Station Unit Training at Fort Benning, Columbus, Ga. The training consists of Basic Infantry Training and Advanced Individual Training. Tiongson is the son of Brenda Eiseman of Digby Green, Alexandria. The private is a 2008 graduate of the Word of Life Christian Academy, Springfield.
Army Pvt. Michael S. Annino has graduated from the Basic Field Artillery Cannon Crewmember Advanced Individual Training course at Fort Sill, Lawton, Okla. Annino is the son of Michael F. Cranston of Lagrange St., Lorton, Va., and Gina M. Annino of Alexandria. His wife, Kiley, is the daughter of Megan L. Canady of Woodbridge. The private is a 2009 graduate of Woodbridge Senior High School.
Marine Corps Pfc. David M. Annan, son of Stephanie C. Annan of Kershaw, S.C., and Kevin M. Annan, of Alexandria, recently graduated from the Marine Corps Basic Combat Engineer Course at Marine Corps Engineer School, Marine Corps Base, Camp Lejeune, N.C. Annan is a 2010 graduate of Andrew Jackson High School of Kershaw, S.C., and joined the Marine Corps in June 2010.
Air Force Airman Jason M. Frank graduated from basic military training at Lackland Air Force Base, San Antonio, Texas. He is the son of Kenneth Frank of Blackalder Drive, Alexandria. Frank graduated in 2007 from Forest Park High School, Woodbridge.
Army National Guard Pvt. Breaunda T. Hatfield has graduated from basic combat training at Fort Jackson, Columbia, S.C. She is the daughter of Antquello Hatfield of Sycamore St., Alexandria. The private is a 2008 graduate of T.C. Williams High School, Alexandria.
Army National Guard Pfc. Bereket M. Gebremariam has graduated from basic combat training at Fort Jackson, Columbia, S.C. He is the brother of Wintana Gebremariam of S. Alfred St., Alexandria. Gebremariam graduated in 2010 from T.C. Williams High School, Alexandria.
Army Reserve Brig. Gen. Michael J. Silva of Alexandria was elected President-elect of the Reserve Officers Association at its national convention Feb. 2. He will begin his 2-year term as president in 2013. During his 20 years in Army Reserve units, he has held operations, training, senior staff, and command positions in various assignments to include deployments to Afghanistan, Iraq and Qatar. He also served a tour in the Pentagon in the Iraq Interagency Support group resolving issues between the Department of Defense and the Department of State. Most recently, he deployed as the Commanding General of the 411th Engineer Brigade in Balad, Iraq supporting the Multi-National Corps Iraq.
General Silva, a native of Manhattan, Kan. who currently resides in Alexandria, is a senior associate with Booz Allen Hamilton in McLean, in his civilian career.
Army Pfc. Brittany B. Jefferson has graduated from basic combat training at Fort Jackson, Columbia, S.C. She is the daughter of Tonya D. Jefferson of Abbington Drive, Oxon Hill, Md., and granddaughter of Sharon Drinkard of Price St., Alexandria. Jefferson graduated in 2010 from Oxon Hill High School.
Army National Guard Pvt. Werner Van Der Heyde has graduated from Basic Combat Training at Fort Sill, Lawton, Okla. Van Der Heyde is the son of Leroy and Maria Van Der Heyde of Reading Ave., Alexandria.
Army Pvt. Keith A. Muschek has graduated from Basic Combat Training at Fort Sill, Lawton, Okla. Muschek is the son of Jill and stepson of Nick Chit of Wyndham Circle, Alexandria.
Army Pvt. Keith A. Muschek has graduated from Basic Combat Training at Fort Sill, Lawton, Okla. Muschek is the son of Jill and stepson of Nick Chit of Wyndham Circle, Alexandria.
Navy Seaman Victor Kpeyibor, son of Rose A. Adukpo of Alexandria, and John Y. Kpeyibor, of Alexandria, recently completed U.S. Navy basic training at Recruit Training Command, Great Lakes, Ill.
Army Reserve Pfc. Cole S. Warner has graduated from basic infantry training at Fort Benning, Columbus, Ga. He is the son of Roger Warner of Sage St., Cokeville, Wyo., and Tamara Stolpe of Broadmoore St., Alexandria. Warner graduated in 2007 from Cokeville High School.
Army National Guard Pvt. Bencyon P. Hines has graduated from One Station Unit Training (OSUT) at Fort Leonard Wood, Waynesville, Mo., which included basic military training and advanced individual training (AIT). He is the son of Judith F. Hines of Malone Ridge St., Alexandria. Hines graduated in 2010 from T.C. Williams High School, Alexandria.
Air Force Airman Jessica Bradley graduated from basic military training at Lackland Air Force Base, San Antonio, Texas. She is the niece of Jennifer Bradley-Farmer of Dogue Forest Court, Alexandria, and Jacque Bradley-Washington of Quitman Mountain Way, Round Rock, Texas. Bradley graduated in 2009 from Pflugerville High School, Texas.
Navy Seaman Samir N. Harris, son of Nathaniel H. Harris, of Alexandria, recently completed U.S. Navy basic training at Recruit Training Command, Great Lakes, Ill. Harris is a 2002 graduate of Woodrow Wilson Senior High School of Washington, D.C.
Navy Airman Recruit Daniel L. Pecora, son of Judith D. and Louis M. Pecora of Alexandria, recently completed U.S. Navy basic training at Recruit Training Command, Great Lakes, Ill. Pecora is a 2004 graduate of T. C. Williams High School of Alexandria.
Army Master Sgt. Stephen A. Burnley graduated from the U.S. Army Sergeants Major Academy at Fort Bliss, El Paso, Texas. Burnley is an air defense artillery senior sergeant and has served in the military for 18 years. He is the son of Stephen and Lucretia Burnley of Habersham Way, Alexandria. The master sergeant graduated in 1989 from Bishop Ireton High School, Alexandria.
Navy Ensign Megan E. McGarry, daughter of retired Air Force Col. Brian J. and Elizabeth N. McGarry of Alexandria, was recently commissioned upon graduation from the Naval Reserve Officer Training Corps (NROTC) Program with Naval Reserve Officers Training Corps Unit, University of Notre Dame, Notre Dame, Ind. McGarry is a 2007 graduate of Georgetown Visitation Preparatory High School of Washington, D.C. She is a 2011 graduate of University of Notre Dame, Notre Dame, Ind. with a BBA degree.
Coast Guard Seaman Christopher J. Graves, son of John S. Graves, of Alexandria, recently graduated from the U.S. Coast Guard Recruit Training Center in Cape May, N.J.
Air Force Airman Angel L. Bush graduated from basic military training at Lackland Air Force Base, San Antonio, Texas. He is the son of Dale Collier of Parkcenter Drive, Alexandria, and nephew of Debbie Forbes of Ross St., Kissimmee, Fla. Bush graduated in 2009 from North Kissimmee Christian School, Kissimmee.
Sara Mathewson of Alexandria was among the 13 members of The University of Scranton's Class of 2011 who were commissioned as second lieutenants in the U.S. Army during the Jesuit school's commencement exercises held recently on campus. Mathewson has been assigned to the Transportation Corps.
Julianne Tortolano has been commissioned as a second lieutenant in the U.S. Army after successfully completing the Army ROTC (Reserve Officers' Training Corps) program. She is the daughter of William T. and Mary Ann Tortolano of Achilles Court, Alexandria. Tortolano graduated in 2007 from Bishop Ireton High School, Alexandria.
Marine Corps Lance Cpl. Theodore J. Kent, son of Gretchen Rhedmon of Alexandria and Thomas Kent of Richmond, recently participated in Exercise African Lion held in Morocco, Africa, with members of his battalion, Bravo Company, 4th Combat Engineer Battalion based out of Roanoke. This exercise is one of many Joint Theater Security Cooperation Programs the U.S. Military participates in to foster good relations with allies while building cross-military joint efforts.
Army Pvt. John-Patrick P. Sunga has graduated from Basic Combat Training at Fort Sill, Lawton, Okla. He is the son of Prima Sunga of E. Del Ray Ave., Alexandria. Sunga graduated in 2008 from T.C. Williams High School, Alexandria.
Chris Cummings has graduated from the U.S. Military Academy at West Point, N.Y., as a classmate of the academy's Class of 2011. He received a bachelor's degree and was commissioned as a second lieutenant in the Army. Lt. Cummings is the son of Army Col. MaryAnn B. and Steve M. Cummings of Bayliss Place, Alexandria. He is the grandson of Theresa A. Bates of Legion Drive, and Richard A. Bates of Timber Trail, both of East Hartford, Conn. He is also a second generation West Point graduate. His mother graduated in 1982, the third class to accept women.
Lt. Cummings is currently at the Infantry Officer Basic Course at Fort Benning, Ga., and will stay at Fort Benning to complete The Army's Ranger School starting in October. He has two sisters, Sara, an incoming freshman at the University of Alabama, and Rebecca, who will enter the eighth grade. His father served 26 years as a military police officer in the Army and his mother served 29 years in the Army.
Air National Guard Maj. Eric D. Patterson led the Air Force Central Command's Band "Blue Hawk" while deployed to four countries in the Greater Middle East. The band members help build troop morale and public diplomacy while touring the area of responsibility. Patterson is commander of the Air National Guard Band of the Southwest at Channel Islands Air National Guard Station, Calif. The major has served in the military for 14 years.
He is the son of Bill and Dwayla Patterson of Shoal Creek Lane, Rockwall, Texas, and the grandson of Marcelle Smithson of Mercedes Lane, Fallbrook, Calif. His wife, Mary, is the daughter of Mark and Stella Scafidi of Pebble Creek Court, Pennington, N.J.
Patterson received a bachelor's degree in 1994 from Evangel University, Springfield, Mo.
Navy Seaman Shane J. Murphy, son of Carol C. and John O. Murphy of Alexandria, recently completed U.S. Navy basic training at Recruit Training Command, Great Lakes, Ill. Murphy is a 2004 graduate of T. C. Williams High School of Alexandria. He is a 2011 graduate of Northern Virginia Community College, Annandale, with a associate's degree.
Air Force Airman 1st Class Jessa R. Gatchalian graduated from basic military training at Lackland Air Force Base, San Antonio, Texas. She is the daughter of Marivel Reyes of Duke St., Alexandria.
Army Pvt. Alexander D. Canas has graduated from Basic Combat Training at Fort Sill, Lawton, Okla. He is the son of Roxana and Alex Barrera of Houston Ct., Alexandria. Canas graduated in 2008 from Edison High School, Alexandria.
Army Pvt. Vanessa Y. Alvarado has graduated from One Station Unit Training (OSUT) at Fort Leonard Wood, Waynesville, Mo., which included basic military training and advanced individual training (AIT). Alvarado is the daughter of Rafael A. and Dina E. Alvarado of Edsall Road, Alexandria.
Army Pvt. Savana R. Scroggins has graduated from One Station Unit Training (OSUT) at Fort Leonard Wood, Waynesville, Mo., which included basic military training and advanced individual training (AIT). Scroggins is the daughter of Christina Lawrence of Kenmore Ave., Alexandria, and niece of Kebbie Banks of Waverly Drive, Fredericksburg.
Navy Seaman Robert P. Hankinson, nephew of Joseph E. Garr of Alexandria, recently completed U.S. Navy basic training at Recruit Training Command, Great Lakes, Ill. Hankinson is a 2011 graduate of Palisades High School of Kintnersville, Pa.
Navy Midshipman Anton C. Ekman, son of Catherine J. and Craig R. Ekman of Alexandria, and more than 900 other freshmen recently completed Plebe Summer while attending the United States Naval Academy. Ekman will go on to complete the academic year as a Midshipmen. Ekman is a 2011 graduate of Bishop Ireton High School of Alexandria.
Navy Midshipman Emma G. Ferris, a 2010 graduate of Thomas Jefferson High School, Alexandria, and more than 900 other freshmen recently completed Plebe Summer while attending the United States Naval Academy. Ferris will go on to complete the academic year as a Midshipmen.
Navy Midshipman Philip J. Song, a 2011 graduate of Thomas Jefferson High School, Alexandria, and more than 900 other freshmen recently completed Plebe Summer while attending the United States Naval Academy. Song will go on to complete the academic year as a Midshipmen.
Navy Midshipman Anthony D. Juren, a 2010 graduate of Episcopal High School, Alexandria, and more than 900 other freshmen recently completed Plebe Summer while attending the United States Naval Academy. Juren will go on to complete the academic year as a Midshipmen.
Navy Midshipman Robert S. Beydler, a 2011 graduate of Bishop Ireton High School, Alexandria, Va., and more than 900 other freshmen recently completed Plebe Summer while attending the United States Naval Academy. Beydler will go on to complete the academic year as a Midshipmen.
Air Force Airman Cody A. Ferguson graduated from basic military training at Lackland Air Force Base, San Antonio, Texas. Ferguson is the son of Stephanie Hardwick of Cape Lanes, Madison Heights, and Jeffrey Ferguson of East Glebe Road, Alexandria. He is a 2009 graduate of Amherst County High School.
Justin Pelletier from Alexandria, serving with the Headquarters and Headquarters Detachment, 102nd Military Police Battalion, was promoted to the rank of Captain in the New York Army National Guard.
Air Force Airman Ryan T. Russell graduated from basic military training at Lackland Air Force Base, San Antonio, Texas. Russell is the son of Catherine McDonald of North Howard Street, Alexandria, and John Russell of Garret Avenue, Churchton, Md. He is a 2011 graduate of Southern Senior High School, Harwood, Md.
Marine Corps Pfc. Kaleb M. Madison, son of Kathleen McQueen of Lawton, Okla., and Joseph Madison, of Alexandria, recently completed 12 weeks of basic training at Marine Corps Recruit Depot, Parris Island, SC, designed to challenge new Marine recruits both physically and mentally.
Army Spec. Brandon K. Schaefer has graduated from basic combat training at Fort Jackson, Columbia, S.C. Schaefer is the son of Joann Yoshimoto of 17th Avenue Northeast, Seattle, Wash., and brother of Clifford Schaefer of Alexandria. He is a 1998 graduate of Roosevelt High School, Seattle. He earned a bachelor's degree in 2004 from the University of Washington, Seattle.
Air Force Airman 1st Class Alexander D. Thompson graduated from basic military training at Lackland Air Force Base, San Antonio, Texas. Thompson is the son of Melissa Thompson of South West Street, Alexandria. He is a 2006 graduate of Westlake High School, Waldorf, Md. He earned a bachelor's degree in 2010 from St. Mary's College of Maryland.
Navy Seaman Apprentice Franklyn A. Zelaya, a 2005 graduate of Mount Vernon High School, Alexandria, recently completed U.S. Navy basic training at Recruit Training Command, Great Lakes, Ill.
Navy Seaman Felix K. Tofah, daughter of Afadina Kuenyhia of Alexandria, recently completed U.S. Navy basic training at Recruit Training Command, Great Lakes, Ill.
Air National Guard Airman Jason R. Bushlow graduated from basic military training at Lackland Air Force Base, San Antonio, Texas. Bushlow is the son of Virginia Bushlow of Northwinds Drive, Charlestown, W.Va., and Steve Fletcher of Shenandoah Road, Alexandria. He is a 2007 graduate of Freedom High School, South Riding.
Army Capt. Jeffrey J. Gunlicks has returned to Joint Base McGuire-Dix-Lakehurst, N.J., after being deployed to Iraq serving in support of Operation New Dawn. Gunlicks, an officer in charge of the Taji Projects Office attached to the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Washington, D.C., has served eight years in the military. The captain is a resident of Cannes Court, Alexandria.
Navy Seaman Apprentice Tyree T. Carroll, son of Chandra L. Carroll of Alexandria and Vernon T. Carroll, of Oxon Hill, Md., was recently promoted to his current rank upon graduation from recruit training at Recruit Training Command, Great Lakes, Ill. Carroll is a 2011 graduate of T. C. Williams High School of Alexandria, Va.
Army Command Sgt. Maj. Joseph L. Legra has returned to Joint Base McGuire-Dix-Lakehurst, N.J., after being deployed to Iraq serving in support of Operation New Dawn. Legra, the command sergeant major with the 275th Combat Sustainment Support Battalion, Fort Lee, has served 27 years in the military. He is a resident of Ashby Lane, Alexandria.
Air Force Capt. Jason R. Jarecke has arrived for duty at Lackland Air Force Base, San Antonio, Texas. He is the son of Linda Dewey of Woodland Hills Drive, Eagle, Neb., and Robert Jarecke of Ambassador Way, Alexandria. Jarecke graduated in 1988 from Pius X High School, Lincoln, Neb., and received a bachelor of arts in 1992 from St. Johns University, Collegeville, Minn. He also earned a master of arts in 2005 from the University of Minnesota, Minn.
Air Force Airman Cedrica A. Edwards graduated from basic military training at Lackland Air Force Base, San Antonio, Texas. Edwards is the daughter of Concetra Chase of Ponhill Drive, Woodbridge, and granddaughter of Deloris Chase of Jackies Lane, Alexandria. She is a 2011 graduate of Forest Park Senior High School, Woodbridge.
Marine Corps Pfc. Trevion J. Bowers, son of Rebecca Bowers of Hawthorne, Nev., and Allan Burrell, of Alexandria, recently completed 12 weeks of basic training at Marine Corps Recruit Depot, Parris Island, S. C. designed to challenge new Marine recruits both physically and mentally.
Navy Petty Officer 3rd Class Robert H. Dougherty, son of Holly H. Dougherty of Alexandria, and Stephen A. Dougherty, of Alexandria, is currently deployed. Dougherty, along with fellow Sailors and Marines aboard the aircraft carrier USS Enterprise (CVN 65), hosted a material, maintenance and management assist (3MA) team, as they evaluated the ship's 3M program.
Andre Rosario, Jr of Brooklyn, N.Y., recently completed 12 weeks of basic training at Marine Corps Recruit Depot, Parris Island, S. C. designed to challenge new Marine recruits both physically and mentally.
Navy Petty Officer 2nd Class Brian P. Krivonak, son of Leanne Krivonak of Alexandria, is currently deployed. Krivonak along with fellow Sailors and Marines deployed aboard the amphibious transport dock ship USS New Orleans (LPD 18) are taking full advantage of the Volunteer Tax Assistance (VITA) program offered on board the ship.
Marine Corps Pvt. Thomas E. Weyrich, son of Linda and John A. Weyrich of Alexandria, recently completed 12 weeks of basic training at Marine Corps Recruit Depot, Parris Island, S.C., designed to challenge new Marine recruits both physically and mentally.
Navy Petty Officer 3rd Class Robert H. Dougherty, son of Holly H. Dougherty of Alexandria, and Stephen A. Dougherty, of Alexandria, is currently deployed. Dougherty along with fellow Sailors and Marines aboard the aircraft carrier USS Enterprise (CVN 65) and Carrier Strike Group (CSG) are conducting training and promoting the Sexual Assault Awareness Month (SAAM) campaign throughout the month of April.
Marine Corps Pfc. Joshua W. Nickson, son of Master Sgt. Herman Wayne Nickson of Alexandria, recently completed 12 weeks of basic training at Marine Corps Recruit Depot, Parris Island, S.C., designed to challenge new Marine recruits both physically and mentally.
Navy Seaman Paul R. Karas, son of Diane Karas of Fredericksburg, Va. and Kenneth Karas of Alexandria, recently graduated from the Fire Control Technician School with honors. Karas is a 2008 graduate of Riverbend High School of Fredericksburg, Va. and joined the Navy in September 2011.