Do you know someone who should be featured in Military Notes? Graduations? Deployments? Fax a brief write-up to 703-917-0991. Or call Sarah Lucas at 703-917-6440.
Matthew M. Cappio of McLean is the navigation officer on board the helicopter landing ship USS Denver, which is preparing to deploy with Amphibious Squadron Five. Denver will conduct a six-month tour throughout the Western Pacific and Indian Ocean regions. Its primary mission will be to transport troops, equipment and supplies to support Operation Enduring Freedom.
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 which culminated with an emotional ceremony in which the recruits were presented the Marine Corps Emblem, and were addressed as “Marines” for the first time since boot camp began.