May 27, 2007 — Former V.I. National Guard Adj. Gen. Eddy L. Charles left the territory Saturday for a proposed 400-day tour of duty as a senior advisor and mentor to the Afghan National Police and National Security Force. According to a release from the V.I. National Guard, Charles deploys in support of the 218th Artillery Brigade from South Carolina.
During his overseas deployment to the Middle East, Charles will also serve as assistant director at the Senior Command and Staff College for the Afghan National Army.
There is a high demand for military police to support overseas operations. Charles has a vast background in law enforcement and homeland security.
Charles said he chose to volunteer after his senior staff visits to deployed V.I. guardsmen. “I have a lot to bring to the table from experiences with justice agencies. They are building the Afghan army, and I can provide leadership and professional development … also insight on drug deterrence. I am still young and far away from retirement. I am not ready to sit on the side when I can contribute to the nation.”
In March, Lt. Gordon Moore departed the Virgin Islands for pre-deployment training at Fort McCoy, Wisconsin and arrived in Afghanistan two weeks ago. He will serve as personnel director.
In 2004, Chief Warrant Officer Dennis Howell deployed to Afghanistan for a year as the personnel director with the 76th Infantry Brigade at Task Force Phoenix. His duties also involved training the Afghan personnel director, mentoring senior Army leaders and teaching graduate level courses for U.S. Army personnel.
All three officers are from the Joint Force Headquarters, V.I. National Guard.
Guardsmen, family and well-wishers gathered Saturday afternoon at Henry Rohlsen Airport on St. Croix for Charles’ departure to Fort Benning, Ga., where he will receive pre-deployment briefings and training.
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