More than 500 members of the New York Air National Guard received recognition for their service in a combat zone on Sunday, Sept. 12 during the 106th Rescue Wing Hometown Heroes Salute ceremony. 2nd Lt. Eugene A Finkle from Alexandria, assigned to the 106th Maintenance Squadron was recognized for service overseas. The Hometown Heroes program recognizes Airmen who deployed in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom, Operation New Dawn in Iraq and Operation Enduring Freedom (operations in Afghanistan) since Sept. 11, 2001.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Navy Master Chief Petty Officer John F. Thorne has deployed to Southwest Asia on a temporary assignment at an undisclosed air base to serve as the Central Command's Forward Headquarters First Sergeant. He is the son of Edward and Chizuko Thorne of Ashfield Road, Alexandria. His daughter is Michelle Thorne of Borden Road, San Marcos, Calif. Petty Officer Thorne graduated in 1981 from Hayfield 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 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.
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 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.
Navy Midshipman Jake Dang, son of Ngoc- Anh Pham of Alexandria and Tom Dang, of Annandale and more than 900 other freshmen recently completed Plebe Summer while attending the United States Naval Academy. Dang will go on to complete the academic year as a Midshipmen. Dang is a 2011 graduate of Annandale High School of Annandale.
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 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, Minneapolis.
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.
Marine Corps Pfc. Andres J. Rosario- Roman, son of Olga Parker Roman of Alexandria, and 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 Seaman Paul R. Karas, son of Diane Karas of Fredericksburg 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 and joined the Navy in September 2011.
Department of the Army Civilian Kimberly Ross recieved an Army Contracting Command Contracting Excellence Award during the U.S. Army Contracting Command's third annual contracting awards ceremony. Ross is a contract specialist assigned to the Mission and Installation Contracting Command at Yuma Proving Ground, Ariz. She has worked in federal service for three years. She is the daughter of Terry Ross of Yuma, Ariz., and Sandra Ross of Alexandria. She is the granddaughter of Michie Kosaka of Lahaina, Hawaii.
Navy Seaman Ashley M. Jessup, daughter of Martha J. Sherrill of Woodbridge, and John H. Jessup, of Alexandria, recently completed U.S. Navy basic training at Recruit Training Command, Great Lakes, Ill. Jessup is a 2008 graduate of Gar-Field Senior High School of Woodbridge, Va.
Air Force Airman Nelson P. Crane graduated from basic military training at Lackland Air Force Base, San Antonio, Texas. Crane is the son of Lesa Crane and brother of Nathan Crane, both of Buckman Road, Alexandria. He is a 2011 graduate of Mount Vernon High School, Alexandria.
Navy Seaman Recruit Mikea M. Reed, daughter of Tisha S. Ware of Alexandria, and Michael H. Reed, of Temple Hills, Md., recently completed U.S. Navy basic training at Recruit Training Command, Great Lakes, Ill. Reed is a 2011 graduate of T. C. Williams High School of Alexandria.
Navy Seaman Recruit Benjamin Patterson, son of Susan Patterson of Mullica Hill, N. J. and Andrew Patterson, of Alexandria, recently completed U.S. Navy basic training at Recruit Training Command, Great Lakes, Ill.
Navy Seaman Recruit Kyle W. Roberts, nephew of Sheryl Sims of Alexandria, recently completed U.S. Navy basic training at Recruit Training Command, Great Lakes, Ill.
Army National Guard Pvt. Stephen E. Offenbacker has graduated from basic combat training at Fort Jackson, Columbia, S.C. Offenbacker is the son of Connie Offenbacker of Alexandria. He is a 2004 graduate of Centennial High School, Peoria, Ariz.
Air Force Airman Marlena R. Mitchell graduated from basic military training at Lackland Air Force Base, San Antonio, Texas. Mitchell is the daughter of Lenora Mitchell of East Lafayette Avenue, Baltimore, and sister Hamid Mitchell of Morgan Court, Alexandria. She is a 2005 graduate of Lake Clifton Eastern High School, Baltimore. She earned an associate degree in 2011 from Baltimore City Community College, Baltimore.