Jonathan Robert Baugh, a 1998 graduate of Oakton High School, Eagle Scout and former member of the prestigious U.S. Navy Ceremonial Guard, has made the dean’s list while completing his first year at the University of Mississippi’s Naval Reserve Officer Training Program in Oxford, Miss. Baugh was one of the two active duty seamen to be selected from the Atlantic Fleet of the U.S. Navy for NROTC assignments in 2001. After completing his undergraduate degree at the University of Mississippi, he plans to pursue a career in naval aviation. He is married to Leah Marie Cromp, a 1999 Oakton High School graduate. Mrs. Baugh is attending the University of Mississippi, majoring in accounting and banking.
Marine Corps Pvt. Brandon T. Welsh, son of Mary S. Welsh of Vienna, recently completed basic training at Marine Corps Recruit Depot in Parris Island, S.C.
Coast Guard Seaman Apprentice Alexander T. Norman, son of Margo M. Thorning of McLean, was recently meritoriously promoted to his current rank while serving aboard the Coast Guard Cutter Mohawk, home ported in Key West, Fla.
Navy Petty Officer 2nd Class Angela C. Talamantes, a 1998 graduate of McLean High School, recently reported for duty at Naval Station, Guam.
George Henry Waple III, a World War II veteran and former resident of the Waples Mill area of Fairfax County, received an honorary Virginia high-school diploma from Fairfax County Public Schools superintendent Daniel A. Domenech in a special ceremony on Friday, May 24, at Waples Mill Elementary. Waple is a direct descendent of the family for which Waples Mill is named. He attended Oakton Elementary School, the former Fairfax Elementary School and Fairfax High School and enlisted in the military before completing his high-school education. Waple served 24 years in the military.
Marine Corps Pvt. Matthew C. Darne, a 2001 graduate of McLean High School, recently completed basic training at Marine Corps Recruit Depot, Parris Island, S.C. Darne successfully completed 12 weeks of training. Darne and fellow recruits began their training at 5 a.m., by running three miles and performing calisthenics. In addition to the physical conditioning program, Darne spent numerous hours in classroom and field assignments which included learning first aid, uniform regulations, combat water survival, marksmanship, hand-to-hand combat and assorted weapons training. Darne and other recruits also received instruction on the Marine Corps’ core values—honor, courage and commitment. Darne and fellow recruits ended the training phase with The Crucible, a 54-hour team effort.
Marine Corps Pfc. Vieu D. Nguyen, son of Diep T. and Khai T. Doan of Fairfax, recently graduated from the Intermediate Communications Signals Analysis Course while assigned to Naval Technical Training Center, Pensacola, Florida. Nguyen is a 2001 graduate of Oakton High School in Vienna.