Richie V. Frondoso, son of Victor and Lynda Frondoso of Vienna, is an operations specialist who works in support of the Product Clothing and Individual Equipment Unit at Fort Belvoir. Frondoso, a 1993 graduate of George C. Marshall High School, Falls Church, and a 2001 graduate of Northern Virginia Community College at Annandale, is currently responsible for the production of a video that will be viewed when the unit's product manager has briefings. He is also the lead in the current effort to make the unit accessible over the Internet for the organization's other offices in Philadelphia and Natick, Mass.
Army Sgt. Kathleen M. Verinder has been decorated with the Army Commendation Medal. The medal is awarded to individuals who, while serving in any capacity with the Army, have distinguished themselves by acts of heroism, meritorious achievement or meritorious service. Additionally, she has been named the Fort McPherson, Atlanta, Ga., Installation Soldier of the Year. Verinder is a flute player assigned to the Army Ground Forces Band. She is the daughter of Sydney and Laura Verinder of Fairway Drive, Vienna.
The sergeant graduated in 1999 from James Madison High School, Vienna, and earned a bachelor's degree in 2003 from the University of North Carolina, Greensboro.
Air Force Cadet Marc A. Nichols has earned honors with placement on the dean's list at the U.S. Air Force Academy, Colorado Springs, Colo., for demonstrating excellence in academic studies and maintaining a 3.0 or better grade point average for a semester. Nichols is pursuing a degree in astronautical engineering.
He is the son of Phil and Joyce Nichols of Fairoaks Road, Vienna, and is a 2004 graduate of Thomas Jefferson High School for Science and Technology in Alexandria.
Army Pvt. Sophie P. Joannides has graduated from basic combat training at Fort Jackson, Columbia, S.C. She is the daughter of Mary Joannides of McLean and Peter Joannides of Hallmark House, Hershey, Pa. Joannidesis a 2005 graduate of Langley High School.
Army Reserve Pfc. Laurel S. Ford has graduated from the Automated Logistical Specialist Advanced Individual Training (AIT) course at the U.S. Army Quartermaster Center and School, Fort Lee, Petersburg, Va. Ford is the daughter of Darby C. Ford of Vienna. She is a 2005 graduate of Massanutten Military Academy, Woodstock, Va.
Navy Ensign Michael F. Renard, son of Mary R. and Paul D. Renard of Vienna, recently reported for duty at Naval Air Station, Kingsville, Texas. Renard is a 2000 graduate of James Madison High School and joined the Navy in May 2004. He is a 2004 graduate of Virginia Tech with a bachelor's degree.
Army National Guard Capt. Matthew G. Smith has returned to the U.S. after being deployed to an overseas forward operating location in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom. Smith, an armor officer with 12 years of military service, is assigned to the 103rd Armor, Johnstown, Pa. He is the son of David and Peggy Smith of Kerge Court S.E., Vienna.
Marine Corps Reserve Pfc. Nathan Pirman, son of Rebecca L. Fox of Vienna, recently graduated from the Marine Corps’ Basic Refrigeration Mechanic Course. Pirman joined the Marine Corps Reserve in August 2005.