Print

Email story

Comment

Email editor

Military news

By Times Staff Writer
Published June 26, 2005

Navy Fireman Kyel A. Russell, son of Penelope M. and Jon A. Russell of Clearwater, recently finished basic training at Recruit Training Command in Great Lakes, Ill. During the eight-week program, Russell completed training that included classroom study and practical instruction on naval customs, first aid, firefighting, water safety and survival, and shipboard and aircraft safety. Russell is a 2004 graduate of Clearwater High School.

Navy Seaman Terrence Warren, son of Sophia Ferbee-Riley of Largo and Elijah Warren of Miramar, was recently sent to the European Central Command maritime area of responsibility in the war on terrorism. He is assigned to the amphibious assault ship USS Saipan, which has its home port in Norfolk, Va. Warren is a 2002 graduate of Miramar High School. He joined the Navy in July 2002.

Hunter W. West, son of Donna and Rick West of Tarpon Springs, was among 251 cadets receiving degrees May 16 at Virginia Military Institute. West received a bachelor of science degree in mechanical engineering. He is a graduate of East Lake High School. While at VMI, he was on the dean's list and a member of the Officers of the Guard Association and the powerlifting club.

Navy Ensign Peter A. Merkle, son of Angela Merkle of Clearwater, graduated from the United States Naval Academy in Annapolis, Md., and was commissioned in the Navy. Merkle completed four years of intensive academic, physical and professional training and received a bachelor of science degree in aerospace engineering. Merkle is a 2001 graduate of Clearwater High School.

Marine Corps 2nd Lt. Charles A. Jenkins, son of Sherion S. and Bryan A. Jenkins of Largo, graduated from the United States Naval Academy in Annapolis, Md., and was commissioned in the Marine Corps. Jenkins completed four years of intensive academic, physical and professional training and received a bachelor of science degree in physics. Jenkins is a 2001 graduate of Largo High School.

Cadet First Class David Joseph Deptula, son of Deborah Ellen Deptula and the late Timothy Edward of south Milwaukee, graduated May 18 from the U.S. Coast Guard Academy with a bachelor of science degree in operations research and computer analysis. In 2004, he was a platoon commander at the Naval Academy Preparatory School to train midshipmen candidates/cadet candidates for the Naval and Coast Guard Academy. For this service he received a Navy commendation letter. As a graduate, Deptula will be commissioned as an ensign in the U.S. Coast Guard, Department of Homeland Security, and serve a minimum of five years. Deptula's first tour of duty will be as deck watch officer in training on the Coast Guard Cutter Mellon in Seattle. He is a 2001 graduate of Tarpon Springs High School.

Asher J. Ballew of Largo received an associate of arts degree and was commissioned as a second lieutenant at Marion Military Institute in Marion, Ala. The Early Commissioning Program is an Army ROTC commissioning program at five military junior colleges in the United States. The largest program of the five, Marion Military Institute, commissioned 49 second lieutenants in May.

Navy Hospitalman Recruit Cory R. Huston, son of Cynthia L. Polden and Thomas L. Huston of Largo, graduated from the Basic Hospital Corps School at Naval Hospital Corps School in Great Lakes, Ill. Huston will provide health care to Navy and Marine Corps personnel and their families. Huston's first assignment will involve direct patient care, and he will be able to work in several areas, including first aid and assisting with minor surgery, pharmacy and laboratory analysis, patient transportation and food service inspections. Huston is a 2004 graduate of Dixie Hollins High School. He joined the Navy in November 2004.

Jaime Grubb graduated from Seattle University with a bachelor of criminal justice degree. She was commissioned as a second lieutenant in the Army. Grubb attended Seattle University on an Army ROTC scholarship. She was a member of the Pinellas County Sheriff's Explorer Post for three years and won several awards for pistol marksmanship. Grubb has been assigned to the Florida Army National Guard's 3rd Battalion, 265th Air Defense Artillery Regiment (Avenger), in Sarasota. She graduated from East Lake High School in 2001.

[Last modified June 26, 2005, 00:35:07]