Editor's note: The Source newspapers publish available information about Virgin Islanders who are serving their country in the military. For earlier notices, see previous months' files in this section. Please e-mail information about yourself or any family member serving in these regards to visource@gmail.com. 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.
Air Force Airman Tannea J. Chelcher/St. Croix
Nov. 1, 2008 (Army & Air Force Hometown News) – Air Force Airman Tannea J. Chelcher 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 in applied science degree through the Community College of the Air Force.
He is the son of Pamella James of Kingshill, Virgin Islands, and Lennox Chelcher of Frederiksted, V.I.
Chelcher is a 2006 graduate of St. Croix Educational Complex, Kingshill.
Army National Guard Spec. Kai A. Callwood/St. Thomas
Nov. 1, 2008 (Army & Air Force Hometown News) – Army National Guard Spec. Kai A. Callwood has graduated from basic combat training at Fort Jackson, Columbia, S.C.
During the nine weeks of training, the soldier studied Army mission, history, tradition and core values. He received instruction and practice in physical fitness, 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.
Callwood is the son of Hillis Benjamin of St. Thomas, U.S. Virgin Islands.
In 2008, the specialist graduated from Charlotte Amalie High School, St. Thomas.
Navy Hospitalman Apprentice Milraen I. Hodge-Grande/St. Thomas
Nov. 18, 2008 (Fleet Hometown News Center) – Navy Hospitalman Apprentice Milraen I. Hodge-Grande recently completed U.S. Navy basic training at Recruit Training Command, Great Lakes, Ill.
During the eight-week program, Hodge-Grande completed a variety of training, which included classroom study and practical instruction on naval customs, first aid, firefighting, water safety and survival, and shipboard and aircraft safety. An emphasis was also placed on physical fitness.
The capstone event of boot camp is "Battle Stations." This exercise gives recruits the skills and confidence they need to succeed in the fleet. It is designed to galvanize the basic warrior attributes of sacrifice, dedication, teamwork and endurance in each recruit through the practical application of basic Navy skills and the core values of honor, courage and commitment. Its distinctly Navy flavor was designed to take into account what it means to be a sailor.
Hi is the son of Roberto Grande and Cadia V. Hodge-Grande of St. Thomas, Virgin Islands.
Hodge-Grande is a 2008 graduate of Charlotte Amalie High School of St. Thomas.
Army Staff Sgt. Jason Abrahim/St. Thomas
Nov. 21, 2008 – Army Staff Sergeant Jason M. Abrahim, 31, stationed at Ft. Riley, Kansas, assigned to C Co 199th BSB, 2nd Heavy Brigade Combat Team, 1st Infantry Division, has been deployed to Camp Liberty, Baghdad, Iraq, in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom. This is his fourth deployment in his career and his third time to the Iraqi theater.
SSG Abrahim joined the U.S. Army in August 1996 as a 68J (Medical Logistics Specialist). He currently serves as the 2nd HBCT Brigade medical supply noncommissioned officer in charge of class VIII and is his company's headquarters platoon sergeant. SSG Abrahim is a holder of the coveted Air Assault badge, Air Load Planner, Unit Movement Officer and HAZMAT qualified. He is a graduate of the Warrior Leadership Course and the Basic Noncommissioned Officer Course.
He is the son of Ashraf and Theresa Abrahim of St. Thomas, U.S.V.I.
SSG Abrahim is a graduate of Sts. Peter and Paul High School, St. Thomas, Class of 1996.
