To have military news listed in Centre View, mail to 7913 Westpark Drive, McLean, VA 22102, e-mail to <a href=mailto:centreview@connectionnewspapers.com> centreview@connectionnewspapers.com</a> or fax to 703-917-0991. Photos, especially color, are encouraged. Deadline is one week before publication. Call Steve Hibbard at 703-917-6434.
Steven R. West Jr. has graduated from the Army ROTC (Reserve Officer Training Corps) Leader Development and Assessment Course, also known as "Operation Warrior Forge," at Fort Lewis, Tacoma, Wash. The 32 days of training provide the best possible professional training and evaluation for all cadets in the aspects of military life, administration and logistical support. Although continued military training and leadership development is included in the curriculum, the primary focus of the course is to develop and evaluate each cadet's officer potential as a leader by exercising the cadet's intelligence, common sense, ingenuity and physical stamina. The cadet command assesses each cadet's performance and progress in officer traits, qualities and professionalism while attending the course. Cadets in their junior and senior year of college must complete the leadership development course. Upon successful completion of the course, the ROTC program, and graduation from college, cadets are commissioned as second lieutenants in the U.S. Army, National Guard, or Reserve. He is the son of Steven R. West of Loyola Lane, Fairfax, Va., and Tamara A. Friesen of Summerset Drive, Colorado Springs, Colo. His wife, Bethany, is the daughter of Richard C. and Kathleen F. Cimms of Helena Way, Aurora, Colo. West is a 2004 graduate of Air Academy, United States Air Force Academy, Colo.
Navy Airman Douglas R. Black, son of Patricia McGinnis of Marlton, N. J. and Stephen P. Black of Centreville, Va., recently completed U.S. Navy basic training at Recruit Training Command, Great Lakes, Ill. with honors. During the eight-week program, Black completed a variety of training which included classroom study and practical instruction on naval customs, first aid, firefighting, water safety and survival, and shipboard and aircraft safety. An emphasis was also placed on physical fitness. The capstone event of boot camp is "Battle Stations". This exercise gives recruits the skills and confidence they need to succeed in the fleet. "Battle Stations" is designed to galvanize the basic warrior attributes of sacrifice, dedication, teamwork and endurance in each recruit through the practical application of basic Navy skills and the core values of Honor, Courage and Commitment. Its distinctly "Navy" flavor was designed to take into account what it means to be a Sailor. Black is a 2006 graduate of Cherokee High School of Marlton, N. J.
Navy Lt. Cmdr. Josh E. Dittmar, son of Ceci M. and Charles A. Dittmar of Chantilly, along with members of Patrol Squadron 9 (VP-9) "Golden Eagles" stationed at Kaneohe Bay, Hawaii, recently reached the midway point in their seven-month deployment to Ali Air Base, Iraq, in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom. The squadron deployed 155 personnel from VP-9 including 12 aircrews as well as support and intelligence personnel who have continually performed their duties during the 120-degree summer temperatures. Traditionally used for anti-submarine warfare, the PC-3 Orion aircraft flown by VP-9 with upgraded sensor capabilities, are a proven overland asset in the Global War on Terror. Working with the Army, Air Force, Marines, and in combination with multi-national forces, VP-9 provides Intelligence, Surveillance, and Reconnaissance support for ground troops, contributing to counter-occupation, terrorism and insurgency efforts. Their efforts contributed to the troop surge and the reduction in violence during the past year. Dittmar is a 1990 graduate of Chantilly High School of Chantilly, Va. and joined the Navy in April 1994. He is a 1994 graduate of U.S. Naval Academy, Annapolis, Md. with a BS degree and a 2006 graduate of Air Force Institute of Technology, Dayton, Ohio with a MS degree. For more information on VP-9, go to http://www.vp9.navy.mil
Air Force Reserve Airman 1st Class Krystal K. Liburd has graduated from basic military training at Lackland Air Force Base, San Antonio, Texas.
During the six weeks of training, the airman studied the Air Force mission, organization, and military customs and courtesies; performed drill and ceremony marches, and received physical training, rifle marksmanship, field training exercises, and special training in human relations.
In addition, airmen who complete basic training earn credits toward an associate in applied science degree through the Community College of the Air Force.
Liburd is the daughter of Paulette Liburd of Lees Corner Road, Chantilly. The airman is a 2007 graduate of Fairfax High School.
Air Force Airman Saranam L. Dorman has graduated from basic military training at Lackland Air Force Base, San Antonio, Texas. During the six weeks of training, the airman studied the Air Force mission, organization, and military customs and courtesies; performed drill and ceremony marches, and received physical training, rifle marksmanship, field training exercises, and special training in human relations. In addition, airmen who complete basic training earn credits toward an associate in applied science degree through the Community College of the Air Force. Dorman is the daughter of Richard and Carol Dorman of Eddy Court, Centreville. In 2006, the airman graduated from Westfield High School, Chantilly.
Evan M. Humphrey has graduated from the Army ROTC (Reserve Officer Training Corps) Leader's Training Course at Fort Knox, Ky. The four-week course is a leadership internship for cadets that can lead to the ultimate goal of becoming an Army officer. College students experience and examine the Army without incurring an obligation to serve in the Army or ROTC, and are eligible to receive two-year college scholarship offers and attend the Advanced ROTC Course at their college. Humphrey is the son of Frank M. Humphrey and Alexis L. Mazzocco of Otsego Drive, Oak Hill. In 2006, the cadet graduated from Oakton High School, Vienna.
Stephen R. Gamache has graduated from the Army ROTC (Reserve Officer Training Corps) Leader's Training Course at Fort Knox, Ky. The four-week course is a leadership internship for cadets that can lead to the ultimate goal of becoming an Army officer. The cadet is a student at the University of Massachusetts, Amherst. He is the son of Robert N. and Amy L. Gamache of Battery Ridge Lane, Centreville. Gamache is a 2006 graduate of Westfield High School, Chantilly.
Marine Corps Pfc. Willy A. Maldonado, son of Zoila F. De La Rivera of Centreville, recently completed the Administrative Clerk Course at Personnel Administration School, Marine Corps Combat Service Support Schools, Camp Lejeune, NC. During the eight-week course, Maldonado learned basic skills and knowledge in personnel management and administration procedures. With his newly acquired knowledge, Maldonado is ready to prepare personnel evaluations and reports, leave authorizations, military identification cards, and official orders for Marines changing duty station. Maldonado is a 2007 graduate of Frederick Douglass High School of Upper Marlboro, Md., and joined the Marine Corps in January 2008.
Air Force 2nd Lt. Jonathan F. Koch has graduated from Specialized Undergraduate Pilot Training (SUPT) at Columbus Air Force Base, Miss. The student earned silver wings with an aeronautical rating of pilot in the Air Force.
Student pilots start the 52-week SUPT program by attending a three-week preflight phase consisting of academics and physiology training for flight preparation. Followed by phase two primary training conducted in T-37 Tweet aircraft to learn flight characteristics, emergency procedures, takeoff and landing procedures, aerobatics, and formation flying. Students also practice night, instrument and cross-country navigation. Koch is the son of Brian O. and Mary E. Koch of Braddock Ridge Drive, Centreville. In 2002, the lieutenant graduated from Centreville High School, and received a degree in 2006 from the U.S. Air Force Academy, Colorado Springs.
Navy Reserve Seaman Recruit Kevin L. Vogl, son of Christina W. Vogl of Centreville, and Paul W. Vogl of Portland, Ore., recently completed U.S. Navy basic training at Recruit Training Command, Great Lakes, Ill. During the eight-week program, Vogl completed a variety of training which included classroom study and practical instruction on naval customs, first aid, firefighting, water safety and survival, and shipboard and aircraft safety. An emphasis was also placed on physical fitness. The capstone event of boot camp is "Battle Stations." This exercise gives recruits the skills and confidence they need to succeed in the fleet. "Battle Stations" is designed to galvanize the basic warrior attributes of sacrifice, dedication, teamwork and endurance in each recruit through the practical application of basic Navy skills and the core values of Honor, Courage and Commitment. Vogl is a 2006 graduate of Chantilly High School of Chantilly.
Stephen M. Fellows has graduated from the Army ROTC (Reserve Officer Training Corps) Leader's Training Course at Fort Knox, Ky. The four-week course is a leadership internship for cadets that can lead to the ultimate goal of becoming an Army officer. College students experience and examine the Army without incurring an obligation to serve in the Army or ROTC, and are eligible to receive two-year college scholarship offers and attend the Advanced ROTC Course at their college. The cadet is a student at Christopher Newport University, Newport News, Va. He is the son of Charles and Mary Ann Fellows of S. Springs Court, Clifton. In 2006, Fellows graduated from Centreville High School, Clifton.