Editor's note: The Source newspapers publish available information about Virgin Islanders who are serving their country in the military. For earlier notices, see separate files in this section.
Please e-mail information about yourself or any family member serving in these regards to source@viaccess.net. Provide the individual's full name, age, rank, service branch or organization, home island, immediate family members in the Virgin Islands, brief description of education and training, and, if possible, a description of where the person is based or has been deployed. Please limit the information to about 200 words. We welcome photos.
Navy Officer Jamal Baxter Jr. / St. Thomas
Oct. 28, 2004 (Fleet News) – Navy Petty Officer 3rd Class Jamal A. Baxter Jr., son of Vivian C. Raymond of St. Thomas, recently departed on a routine scheduled deployment while assigned to the amphibious assault ship USS Saipan, homeported in Norfolk, Va.
Baxter and his shipmates will participate in the Standing Naval Force Atlantic (STANAVFORLANT) Western Atlantic (WESTLANT) deployment along the U.S. seaboard. The Saipan will team up with 14 ships from four countries including Canada, Germany, The Netherlands and Spain. The objective of the deployment is to conduct coordinated training and operate in a coalition environment while demonstrating the capabilities of an expeditionary strike group as part of a multinational strike force.
Amphibious assault ships like USS Saipan deploy throughout the world to
maintain U.S. presence and provide rapid response in times of crisis. They serve as a highly visible deterrent to would-be aggressors, and are equipped with the most versatile and powerful weapons available.
Baxter, a 1997 graduate of Ivanna Eudora Kean High School, joined the Navy in October 1997.
Marine Corps Cpl. Jasen Jones / St. Croix
Oct. 21, 2004 – Marine Corps Cpl. Jasen J. Jones, son of Corrine A. Jones of St. Croix, and the Marines and Sailors of the 24th Marine Expeditionary Unit (MEU) and Iraqi Security Forces (ISF) recently captured four suspected anti-Iraqi militants in Northern Babil province.
Jones' unit also provided assistance from the MEU's Force Reconnaissance platoon to Iraqi Special Weapons and Tactics members as well as Iraqi national guardsmen, to help capture a former Baath Party leader and apprehend two men suspected of firing on Marines.
Since assuming operational control of Northern Babil on July 29, Jones' unit has worked closely with ISF to disrupt criminal and other anti-Iraqi activity in the area. To date, they have captured more than 160 individuals throughout the province. Their mission is to assist Iraqi authorities in fostering security and stability for the nearly 900,000 citizens of the province.
MEU's are a Marine Air Ground Task Force. With a strength of about 2,200 personnel, the MEU consists of a command element, a reinforced infantry battalion, a composite helicopter squadron and a MEU service support group.
Jones is a 2001 graduate of Central High School on St. Croix and joined the Marine Corps in October 2001.
Airman Cliff J. Jaggernauth / St. Croix
Oct. 19, 2004 (Army & Air Force News) Air Force Airman Cliff J. Jaggernauth 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 degree through the Community College of the Air Force.
Jaggernauth, the son of Bookmin Jaggernauth of Christiansted, is a 2003 graduate of Central High School.
Army National Guard Pvt. Damion Kerr / St. Croix
Oct. 16, 2004 – Army National Guard Pvt. Damion M.K. Kerr of St. Croix has graduated from basic combat training at Fort Jackson, Columbia, S.C.
During the nine weeks of training, the soldier studied the Army mission, history, tradition and core values, physical fitness, and received instruction and practice in basic combat skills, military weapons, chemical warfare and bayonet training, drill and ceremony, marching, rifle marksmanship, armed and unarmed combat, map reading, field tactics, military courtesy, military justice system, basic first aid, foot marches and field training exercises.
He is the son of Louise B. Lazare of Kingshill, St. Croix. Kerr is currently attending the St. Croix Educational Complex.
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