Suffolk News-Herald

Navy Petty Officer 1st Class William L. Byrd recently completed two months of training exercises and humanitarian missions in the East African Nation of Djibouti while assigned to the amphibious assault ship USS Wasp, based in Norfolk. Sailors and Marines from Byrd’s unit also participated

in Exercise Djibouti MEUEX 02 which included aviation amphibious assault, and live-fire and maneuver training.

Byrd is the son of James C. Byrd of Suffolk, and is a 1979 graduate of John Yeates High School.

He joined the Navy in March 1991.

Christopher V. Ward

Marine Corps Lance Cpl. Christopher V. Ward recently completed two months of training exercises and humanitarian missions in the East African nation of Djibouti while assigned to the 22nd Marine Expeditionary Unit, based in Camp Lejune, N.C. Marines from Ward’s unit participated in Exercise Djibouti MEUEX 02 which included aviation, amphibious assault, and live-fire and maneuver training.

Ward is a 1999 graduate of Nansemond River High School.

Kristal A. Baines

Coast Guard Seaman Kristal A. Baines recently graduated from the U.S. Coast Guard Recruit Training Center in Cape May, N.J., and was promoted to her present rank.

She and other recruits also received instruction on the Coast Guard’s three core values – honor, respect and devotion to duty – and how to apply them in their military performance and personal conduct.

Baines is the daughter of Victoria A. and Nathaniel L. Baines of Suffolk, and is a 2002 graduate of Nansemond River High School.

Charles L. Sharpe

Navy Seaman Recruit Charles L. Sharpe recently graduated from the Entry Level Electronic Intelligence (ELINT). During the 82-week course, he received classroom instruction on using cryptologic collection equipment to teach operational ELINT, tactical data and processing

and technical ELINT.

Sharpe is the son of Betty J. Whitfield of Suffolk, and is a 2002 graduate of Lakeland High School

Taylor J. South

Navy Midshipman Taylor J. South recently completed six weeks of U.S. Naval Academy Indoctrination (Plebe Summer) in Annapolis, Md.

South is the son of Mary and H. J. South of Suffolk, and is a 2002 graduate of Nansemond River High School.

David L. Whitfield

Navy Seaman Apprentice David L. Whitfield recently graduated from Operations Specialist School.

He is the son of Ann Whitfield of Suffolk, and joined the Navy in February 2002.

James E. Worrell

Air Force Senior Airman James E. Worrell Jr. has graduated from Airman Leadership School at Langley Air Force Base, Hampton.

Worrell, a computer system operator, is assigned to the 83rd

Communications Squadron.

He is the son of James and Denice Worrell of Suffolk, and is a 1997 graduate of Nansemond River High School.

Vernon C. Copeland

Army Pvt. Vernon C. Copeland has graduated from basic combat training at Ft. Jackson in Columbia, S.C.

He is the son of Shirley Copeland of Oakdale Terrace, and is a 2002 graduate of Nansemond River High School

Lynette F. Hawk

Air Force Airman Lynette F. Hawk has graduated from basic military training at Lackland Air Force Base, in San Antonio, Texas. In addition to completing training, airmen who complete basic training earn credits toward an associate degree through the Community college of the Air Force.

Hawk is the daughter of Stanley Hawk of Suffolk and Linda Hawk of Norfolk, and is a 2001 graduate of Lakeland High School.

Richard D. Thomas

Marine Corps Pvt. Richard D. recently completed basic graining at Marine Corps Recruit Depot, Paris Island, S.C.

Thomas is the son of Darlene Faulk of Suffolk, and is a 2000 graduate of Lakeland High School.

Brian A. Rizzo

Air National Guard Airman 1st Class Brian A. Rizzo has graduated from basic military training at Lackland Air Force Base, San Antonio, Texas. In addition, airmen who complete basic training earn credits toward an associate degree through the Community College of the Air force.

Rizzo is the son of Mark D. Rizzo of Suffolk, and is a 2002 graduate of Nansemond River High School.