Aug. 16, 2006 – The Adjutant General for the Virgin Islands will conduct a retirement ceremony for Master Sgt. Lionel Edwards at 4 p.m., on Friday, Aug. 18, at the Air National Guard facility adjacent to the Roebuck Industrial Park on St. Croix.
Brig. Gen. Eddy L. Charles will salute the military service of Edwards, one of the first five unit members recruited for the Air National Guard of the Virgin Islands. He completes 26 years of military service.
The Guard celebrated 25 years in the Virgin Islands in 2005.
Master Sgt. Lionel E. Edwards was born on Aug. 18, 1946 on St. John's Antigua, B.W.I. Following his graduation from St. John's Moravian School; he transferred to the St. John's Boy school, a trade and technical school. At the age of 22, he moved to St. Croix, and while working at NAPA Auto Parts as the store manager, he met Master Sgt. Lowell A. Thomas Sr. (retired) and expressed an interest in joining the Army National Guard. Sgt. Thomas told him to be patient because something new was on the horizon.
On Feb. 24, 1980, Edwards became one of the first five members sworn into the Alabama Air National Guard and was later transferred to the federally recognized Virgin Islands Air National Guard, 285th Combat Communication Flight.
Lionel Edwards entered basic training at Lackland AFB, Texas, in October 1980. After completing basic training, he attended technical training at Sheppard Air Force Base, in Wichita Falls, Texas. Since then, he has served in numerous positions: electronic power production, facilities manager, nuclear biological warfare NCO, unit safety NCO, vehicle maintenance supervisor, and heating, air conditioning and ventilation NCO.
He has distinguished himself in the performance of outstanding service in the United States Air Force, Operation Restore Democracy in Haiti and here at the 285th Combat Communication Squadron. His awards and decorations include: the Air Force Achievement Medal, Air Force Outstanding Unit Award with four oak leaf clusters devices, Air Reserved Forces Meritorious Service Medals with seven oak leaf clusters, National Defense Service Medals, Humanitarian Service Medal with three Oak Leaf clusters, Longevity with Service Medals with two oak leaf clusters, Small Arms Expert Marksmanship Ribbon and the Air Force Training Ribbon. Sergeant Edwards's outstanding professionalism, leadership, and ceaseless efforts have directly contributed to the success of the 285th CBCS.
Master Sgt. Lionel E. Edwards is married to the former Rovina Gumbs. They have four children and six grandchildren.
After the retirement ceremony, General Charles will promote to Captain Randy Saldivar and Glenda Mathurin-Lee.
The adjutant general invites family, friends, retirees and the community to attend both the retirement and promotion ceremonies on Friday.
