Army National Guard Pvt. Werner Van Der Heyde has graduated from Basic Combat Training at Fort Sill, Lawton, Okla. Van Der Heyde is the son of Leroy and Maria Van Der Heyde of Reading Ave., Alexandri.
Navy Seaman Samir N. Harris, son of Nathaniel H. Harris of Alexandria, recently completed U.S. Navy basic training at Recruit Training Command, Great Lakes, Ill. Harris is a 2002 graduate of Woodrow Wilson Senior igh School of Washington, D.C.
Army Maser Sgt. Stephen A. Burnley graduated from the U.S. Army Sergeants Major Academy at Fort Bliss, El Paso, Texas. Burnley is an air defense artillery senior sergeant and has served in the military for 18 years. He is the son of Stephen and Lucretia Burnley of Alexandria. The master sergeant graduated in 1989 fro Bishop Ireton High School, Alexandria.
Navy Ensign Megan E. McGarry, daughter of retired Air Force Col. Brian J. and Elizabeth N. McGarry of Alexandria, was recently commissioned upon graduation from t Reserve Officer Training Corps Program with Naval Reserve Officers Training Corps Unit, University of Notre Dame. She is a 2011 graduate of Notre Dame with a BBA degree.
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 Cameron P. Piontek graduated from basic military training at Lackland Air Force Base, San Antonio, Texas. Piontek earned distinction as an honor graduate. He is the son of Alice Piontek of Clifton Farm Court, Alexandria. The airman graduated in 2008 from West Potomac High School, Alexandria.
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 Alexandria, and nephew of Debbie Forbes of Kissimmee, Fla.
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 cmmenement exercises on campus. Mathewson has been assigned to the Transportation Corps.
Julianne Tortoano has been commissioned as a second lieutenant in the U.S. Army after successfully completing the Army Reserve Officers' Training Corps program. She is the daughter of William T. and Mary Ann Tortolano of 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.
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 Alexandria.
Army Pvt. Vanessa Y. Alvarado has graduated from One Station Unit Training at Fort Leonard Wood, Waynesville, Mo., which included basic military training and advanced individual training. Alvarado is the daughter of Rafael A. and Dina E. Alvarado of Alexandria.
Army Pvt. Savana R. Scroggins has graduated from One Station Unit Training at Fort Leonard Wood, Waynesville, Mo., which included basic military training and advanced individual training. Scroggins is the daughter of Christina Lawrence of Alexandria, and niece of Kebbie Banks of 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.
Navy Midshipman Anton C. Ekman, son of Catherine J. and Craig R. Ekman of Alexandria, completed Plebe Summer at the United States Naval Academy. Ekman is a 2011 graduate of Bishop Ireton High School.
Navy Midshipman Emma G. Ferris, a 2010 graduate of Thomas Jefferson High School, recently completed Plebe Summer while attending the United States Naval Academy.
Navy Midshipman Philip J. Song, a 2011 graduate of Thomas Jefferson High School, Alexandria, recently completed Plebe Summer while attending the United States Naval Academy.
Navy Midshipman Anthony D. Juren, a 2010 graduate of Episcopal High School, Alexandria, completed Plebe Summer while attending the United States Naval Academy.
Navy Midshipman Robert S. Beydler, a 2011 graduate of Bishop Ireton High School, completed Plebe Summer while attending the United States Naval Academy.
Navy Midshipman Jake Dang, son of Ngoc- Anh Pham of Alexandria and Tom Dang of Annandale, completed Plebe Summer while attending the United States Naval Academy. Dang is a 2011 graduate of Annandale High School.
Navy Petty Officer 2nd Claas Brian P. Krivonak, son of Leanne Krivonak of Alexandria, participated in detainee handling training while conducting a certification exercise off Southern California. She is a 1998 graduate of West Potomac High School, and joined the Navy in April 2007.
Navy Seaman Ronald J. Pieper, a 2009 graduate of Mount Vernon High School, Alexandria, recently completed U.S. Navy basic training at Recruit Training Command, Great Lakes, Ill. Pieper completed classroom study and practical instruction on naval customs, first aid, firefighting, water safety and survival, and shipboard and aircraft safety.
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 Madison Heights, and Jeffrey Ferguson of Alexandria.
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.
Army Pvt. Yohance J. Austrie has graduated from basic combat training at Fort Jackson, Columbia, S.C. Austrie is the son of Nuella and Jerome Austrie of Alexandria. He is a 2007 graduate of Mount Vernon High School.
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 Alexandria, and John Russell of Churchton, 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 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.
Navy Petty Officer 2nd Claas Brian P. Krivonak, son of Leanne Krivonak of Alexandria, and fellow Sailors assigned to amphibious transport dock ship USS New Orleans (LPD 18) and embarked Marines of the 11th Marine Expeditionary Unit (MEU) participated in a community service project at the House of Family children's shelter in Sihanoukville, Cambodia.
Krivonak is a 1998 graduate of West Potomac High School of Alexandria, and joined the Navy in April 2007.
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 Apprentice Franklyn A. Zelaya, a 2005 graduate of Mount Vernon High School, Alexandria, recently completed U.S. Navy basic training at Recruit Training Command, Great Lakes, Ill.
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.
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.
Navy Petty Officer 2nd Claas Brian P. Krivonak, son of Leanne Krivonak of Alexandria, and fellow Sailors and Marines aboard the amphibious transport dock USS New Orleans celebrated Black History Month with a celebration hosted by the ship's diversity committee. Krivonak is a 1998 graduate of West Potomac High School of Alexandria, and joined the Navy in April 2007.
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.
The 3MA team consists of senior enlisted members ranging from chief petty officers to master chief petty officers from Commander, Naval Air Force's 3M training department. They are responsible for assessing Enterprise's 3M program and training Sailors to be more successful at 3M.
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.
Air Force Airman Alexander T. Konstantinov graduated from basic military training at Lackland Air Force Base, San Antonio, Texas. Konstantinov is the son of Elena Konstantinova Simpson of Hallie Rose Street, Alexandria. He is a 2011 graduate of Mount Vernon High School, Alexandria.
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 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) and Carrier Strike Group (CSG) are conducting training and promoting the Sexual Assault Awareness Month (SAAM) campaign throughout the month of April.
Ramon F. Concepcion has received an Army ROTC (Reserve Officers' Training Corps) scholarship to George Mason University, Fairfax. Scholarships are awarded on a merit system in areas such as academic achievement, extracurricular activities, physical fitness, specific performance or accomplishment, leadership abilities, and personal interviews. Scholarship recipients are enrolled as members of the ROTC Corps of Cadets. Concepcion is the son of Ramon and Linda Concepcion of Quantico Gateway Drive, Triangle. He graduated in 2010 from Mount Vernon High School, Alexandria.
Marine Corps Pfc. Joshua W. Nickson, son of Master Sgt. Herman Wayne Nickson 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.
Marine Corps Pvt. Naim K. Olverson, son of Aurelia C. Carr- Olverson of Alexandria and Arthur F. Olverson of Columbia, Md., earned the title of United States Marine after graduating from recruit training at Marine Corps Recruit Depot, Parris Island, S. C. For 13 weeks, Olverson stayed committed during some of the world's most demanding entry-level military training in order to be transformed from civilian to Marine instilled with pride, discipline and the core values of honor, courage and commitment. One week prior to graduation, Olverson endured The Crucible, a 54-hour final test of recruits' minds and bodies. Upon completion, recruits are presented the Marine Corps emblem and called Marines for the first time.
Navy Lt. Cmdr. Sarah T. Self-Kyler, daughter of Linda and Burl Self of Alexandria, VA and fellow Sailor aboard the aircraft carrier USS Enterprise (CVN 65) formed a Coalition of Sailors against Destructive decisions committee. CSDD is a peer-to-peer mentoring program geared toward assisting Sailors in making positive decisions in all areas of their lives. The program was originally created for those in ROTC, JROTC, and similar programs. However, it quickly spread throughout the Navy ahd it is now a resource for all Sailors.
Self-Kyler is a 1999 graduate of Kickapoo High School of Springfield, Mo. and joined the Navy in May 1999. She is a graduate of U.S Naval academy, Annapolis, Md. with a MS degree.
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, Va. She is the granddaughter of Michie Kosaka of Lahaina, Hawaii.
Navy Seaman Ashley M. Jessup, daughter of Martha J. Sherrill of Woodbridge, Va. 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.
Marine Corps Pfc. Sylvia L. Turner, daughter of Dianne M. and Eric D. Turner, earned the title of United States Marine after graduating from recruit training at Marine Corps Recruit Depot, Parris Island, S. C. Turner is a 2011 graduate of Mount Vernon High School of Alexandria.
Navy Seaman Recruit Henry S. Wendelin, a 2009 graduate of Mount Vernon High School, recently completed U.S. Navy basic training at Recruit Training Command, Great Lakes, Ill.
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, 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. He is a 2004 graduate of Centennial High School, Peoria, Ariz.
Army Pvt. Katrice N. Valentine has graduated from basic combat training at Fort Jackson, Columbia, S.C. Valentine is the daughter of Antwoine Valentine. She is a 2011 graduate of Mount Vernon High School.
Air Force Airman 1st Class Princess D. Harvey graduated from basic military training at Lackland Air Force Base, San Antonio, Texas. Harvey is the daughter of Regina High. She is a 2011 graduate of West Potomac High School.
Marine Corps Pfc. Jacobo E. Hernandez, son of Irma Y. and Jacobo E. Hernandez of Alexandria, earned the title of United States Marine after graduating from recruit training at Marine Corps Recruit Depot, Parris Island, S. C. Hernandez is a 2012 graduate of Mount Vernon High School.
Navy Cmdr. Garrett V. Krause, whose wife, Sheree, is the daughter of Jane and Richard Welsh, recently assumed duties as commanding officer with Training Squadron Nine, Naval Air Station, Meridian, Miss.
Army Reserve Pfc. Dino S. Ponce has graduated from basic combat training at Fort Jackson, Columbia, S.C. Ponce is the son of Dino Ponce and Linnette Navarett.
Navy Lt. Cmdr. Sarah T. Self-Kyler, daughter of Linda and Burl Self, along with 5,500 Sailors and Marines assigned to the Enterprise Carrier Strike Group ecently arrived in Norfolk, following a seven-and-a-half-month deployment supporting operations in the Mediterranean and the Arabian Seas. Self- Kyler is a graduate of Kickapoo High School of Springfield, Mo., and joined the Navy in May 1999. She is graduated from the U.S. Naval Academy, Annapolis, Annapolis, Md. with a MS degree.
Navy Petty Officer 3rd Class Ronald J. Pieper III has graduated from the U.S. Navy's Nuclear Power School at Naval Nuclear Power Training Command in Goose Creek, S.C. Pieper is the son of Michelle and Ronald Pieper Jr. He is a 2009 graduate of Mount Vernon High School.
Air National Guard Airman 1st Class Brendon S. Sheiry graduated from basic military training at Lackland Air Force Base, San Antonio, Texas. Sheiry is the son of John and Laurie Sheiry and a 2011 graduate of Bishop Denis J. O'Connell High School, Arlington.
Army National Guard Staff Sergeant Michael Colesanti from Mount Vernon has re-enlisted to continue service with the Company B (Military Intelligence), 27th Brigade Special Troops Battalion.
Marine Corps Pvt. Nozogahl Bekai, son of Marie C. Bekai of Alexandria, earned the title of United States Marine after graduating from recruit training at Marine Corps Recruit Depot, Parris Island, S. C.
Marine Corps Pvt. Michael G. Posey, son of Beth and Michael R. Posey of Alexandria, earned the title of United States Marine after graduating from recruit training at Marine Corps Recruit Depot, Parris Island, S. C. Posey is a 2011 graduate of Bishop O'Connell High School of Arlington.
Marine Corps Pvt. Mau E. Knight, brother of Darius J. Faison of Gainesville, Fla. and nephew of Marine Corps Sgt. Michael T. Knight of Alexandria, earned the title of United States Marine after graduating from recruit training at Marine Corps Recruit Depot, Parris Island, S. C. Knight is a 2009 graduate of Pine Ridge High School of Deltona, Fla.
Navy Midshipman Meghan P. Connor, daughter of Alison Connor of Alexandria, along with others of the Naval Academy's 24th Company, marched in the 57th Presidential Inaugural parade in Washington, D.C. recently. The 24th Company was chosen to participate in the parade due to its status as the Brigade's Color Company. Connor is a 2009 graduate of West Potomac High School.
Army Sgt. John R. Hately has returned to the U.S. after being deployed overseas at a forward operating base to serve in support of Operation Enduring Freedom. Hately is a squad leader assigned to the Fourth Airborne Brigade Combat Team, 25th Infantry Division at Joint Base Elmendorf-Richardson, Alaska. He has served in the military for three years. He is the son of Michele Parchman of Fort Belvoir. The sergeant is a 2006 graduate of Hayfield Secondary School.
Army Pvt. Christian Parton has graduated from basic infantry training at Fort Benning, Columbus, Ga. He is a 2011 graduate of Mount Vernon High School.
Coast Guard Seaman Elizabeth T. Ellis, a 2008 graduate of West Potomac High School, recently graduated from the U.S. Coast Guard Recruit Training Center in Cape May, N. J.
Army Pvt. Darius E. Gettridge has graduated from basic combat training at Fort Jackson, Columbia, S.C. Gettridge is a 2012 graduate of Mount Vernon High School.
Marine Corps Pfc. Hector J. Gaona Torres, a 2011 graduate of Mount Vernon High School, earned the title of United States Marine after graduating from recruit training at Marine Corps Recruit Depot, Parris Island, S.C.
Army Reserve Pvt. Malik X. Iriarte has graduated from basic combat training at Fort Jackson, Columbia, S.C. Iriarte is a 2012 graduate of Mount Vernon High School.
Air National Guard Airman 1st Class Tanon O. Tomatipagul graduated from basic military training at Joint Base San Antonio-Lackland, San Antonio. Tomatipagul is the son of Nitis Olafson of Franconia Station.