Roanoke Times
Copyright (c) 1995, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: TUESDAY, October 17, 1995 TAG: 9510170030
SECTION: CURRENT PAGE: NRV-5 EDITION: NEW RIVER VALLEY
SOURCE:
DATELINE: LENGTH: Medium
Sr. Chief Fire Controlman Charles "Chuck" Thomas retired Sept. 14 after 20 years of service.
Thomas, a 1975 graduate of Auburn High School, joined the Navy's delayed entry program in 1974 and commenced active duty June 1975.
Following boot camp at Great Lakes, Ill., Thomas received instruction in electronics and electricity at two different Navy schools.
Thomas' tours included several years of sea duty aboard the USS William V. Pratt, the USS Wainwright, the USS Luce and the USS Macdonough.
Thomas was most recently stationed at Combat Systems Training Group, Mayport, Fla., where he was maintenance department head.
During his career, Thomas was awarded several ribbons and medals and qualified as an enlisted surface warfare specialist.
Thomas resides in High Point, N.C., with his wife Robin. He will now pursue a career in gospel ministry.
Chief Petty Officer Michael W. Albert has been cited as the U.S. Coast Guard's Health Services Technician of the Year. Albert, a McCoy native assigned to the station at Woods Hole, Mass., was honored for exemplary service in coordinating medical services for Coast Guard members and civilian employees. He is the son of Elizabeth Albert and the late Jack G. Albert, who was a decorated 30-year Coast Guard veteran.
Andrew Johnson completed training in fundamental military skills at the Army ROTC Camp Challenge at Fort Knox, Ky. The camp is designed to give college juniors and sophomores who have not taken ROTC courses the chance to enter the program.
Johnson is a student at the University of Virginia. A 1993 graduate of Auburn High School, he is the son of Thomas and Nancy Johnson of Christiansburg.
Two area men completed basic training at Fort Leonard E. Wood, Waynesville, Mo. They are Army Reserve Pvt. Aaron Ott and Army Pvt. Jason Surber.
Ott is the son of Linda Walker of Christiansburg and Alfred Ott of Floyd.
Surber is the son of Mark and Pamela Surber of Pulaski. He is a 1995 graduate of Pulaski County High School.
Navy seaman George Flick recently completed the Naval Intelligence Specialist Course at the Navy and Marine Corps Intelligence Training Center in Virginia Beach.
A 1991 graduate of Blacksburg High School, Flick joined the Navy in December 1994. He is the son of George and Charlene Flick of Blacksburg.
Navy Petty Officer 2nd Class David Brockman has departed on a six-month overseas deployment aboard the attack submarine USS Oklahoma City. He is one of 133 sailors aboard the submarine, which departed from Norfolk in late August. Brockman's submarine is currently deployed to the waters of the Mediterranean and Adriatic Seas. He is an electrician's mate on board.
A 1993 graduate of Christiansburg High School, Brockman joined the Navy in August. He is the son of Elaine Reese of Christiansburg. His wife, Sharon, is the daughter of Wayne and Erma Cox of Riner.
Air Force Airman 1st Class Joel Owens graduated from basic training at Lackland Air Force Base, San Antonio, Texas. Owens has earned credits toward an associate degree through the Community College at the Air Force.
Owens graduated from Pulaski County High School in May. He is the son of Renita Owens of Pulaski.
Marine Pvt. Kenneth Snare completed basic training at the Marine Corps Recruit Depot, Parris Island, S.C. Snare completed 11 weeks of training.
Snare graduated from Floyd County High School in May. He is the son of Mr. and Mrs. Derrell Snare of Willis.
Army Reserve Pfc. Thomas Parker recently completed a helicopter armament/electrical system repairer course at Fort Eustis, Newport News. He was an honor graduate of the course.
A 1984 graduate of Blacksburg High School, Parker is the son of Bruce and Christine Parker of Blacksburg.
Air Force Tech Sgt. Jay Conner recently reported for duty at Izmir Air Base in Turkey. Conner is a secure communications systems craftsman.
Conner graduated from Floyd County High School in 1991. His wife, Janet, is the daughter of Ray and Mary Weddle of Riner. He is the son of James and Genova Conner of Check.
by CNB