2012 Fort Lee HS Graduation

Graduation 2012 The Fort Lee Community Celebrates the Achievements of its High School Seniors

2 • TRAVELLER GRADUATION EDITION • June 21, 2012

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One Last, Proud Stroll Area High School Students Take Steps Toward Adulthood During Commencement Exercises said, “but we fought through; I would be the man of the house at times, and it all worked out for the best.”

Sgt. 1st Class Keisha Williams Brian said he will be “taking has seen her share of struggles as his talents” to George Mason the parent of a teenage son going University in the fall. through high school.

Like Brian, fellow graduate “He had us a little worried J’Mani Townsend has lived the at one point, but he pulled it life of military Family members, off so we are so happy,” said moving with his Family every the Soldier assigned to the 49th two years or so and making variQuartermaster Group’s 16th ous adjustments along the way.

QM Company, 530th Combat He said he didn’t contemSustainment Support Battalion. plate the weight of his accomWilliams, one of many Fort plishment until he stood in line Lee parents in attendance at the just below the graduation stage, Prince George High School gradready to walk up to receive his uation ceremony June 9, said her diploma. son, De’Quan Maurice Williams, “I wasn’t as excited as I overcame academic challenges thought I would be,” he said and some common adolescent isPHOTO BY T. ANTHONY BELL after the ceremony, “but right sues to graduate. He was one of the 404 students who received Prince George High School students take one final stroll around the football stadium before I got up to the ramp, my heart started beating real fast, diplomas during the 59th Annual track after receiving their diplomas June 9 at the 59th Commencement Exercises. and when they called my name, I Commencement Exercises at the was ready, just happy.” continue to learn and, hopefully, be suc- to audience members. “It’s a great accomfootball stadium. plishment. I feel like it is well-deserved Prince George, roughly a 10-minute cessful in life,” he said.

His mom, Michelle Townsend, a Kenner Williams’ aspirations were right in line because she did what she needed to do.” ride from Fort Lee, is the designated pubArmy Health Clinic employee, said the Hall added that Chelsea’s diploma is a diploma her son received is more than an with the remarks class president Carrie lic high school for post residents.

Williams, a mother of two, said the Elizabeth Young made during her address testament to her experiences as a military academic achievement. It is the culminachallenges that beset her son were com- to the hundreds of family, friends and sup- Family member. tion of everything her husband, Marine “It shows that she can seek out opportu- Master Gunnery Sgt. Rico Williams, and pounded by her deployment during his ju- porters who braved rising temperatures nior year. She said the high level of matu- under sunny skies to attend the event. She nities and adapt to wherever she goes to be their Family have endured in the military. rity he showed while she was away would encouraged her fellow students to continue successful,” he said.

“To know that he made it, that he got Retired Staff Sgt. Raul Palomo had sim- through 12 years through all the moves on a path of growth. please any parent.

“I challenge you all to take opportuni- ilar sentiments. His son, Brian Palomo, not and all the adjustments, he did it,” she “To be here and see him graduate,” she said, “and to know that he continued on ties throughout your life that you think only endured the rigors of military life but said. “Now he can move on to bigger and when I wasn’t around, I’m just so proud will better yourself in the long run,” she went on to excel academically, skipping a better things. He’s an adult now. I’m just said. “Yes, some may be easy and some grade to graduate early. of him.” looking forward to his having a produc“I’m really proud of him,” dad said af- tive life and doing some good things.”

De’Quan, bear hugging his little sister may be difficult, but taking opportunities ter the ceremony, surrounded by Family while his mom beamed over his diploma is what helps you grow as a person.”

J’Mani plans to intern at a dance studio Lt. Col. Boris Hall, assigned to members, “especially considering every- this summer and attend community colafter the ceremony, seemed to be in a state of blissful reflection. His toothy smile was Headquarters and Headquarters Company, thing that he’s gone through – me being lege in the fall. the clearest indication that he was happy Combined Arms Support Command, said deployed – and how he took care of his PGHS is the only high school in the he understands opportunity. His daughter, own business.” he prevailed. county and has an enrollment of roughBrian attended four other schools ly 1,300 students. More than 300 of its “I feel like I’m free,” he said. “I’m Chelsea Adams Hall, created many for herself along the way to earn her diploma, he while his dad was in the military, in- pupils have at least one parent who is asglad.”

Now De’Quan, a member of the PG said. She was a member of the Beta Club cluding one in Germany. He said it was signed to Fort Lee and other area military Royals football team, said the next stage in and National Technology Honor Society tough but the experiences gave him the facilities. Many more PGHS students strength to withstand most situations. have parents who are military retirees, life will take him to the West Coast where and plans to attend college in Florida.

“I feel great,” he said as the students “Sometimes it was difficult because he’d post government employees or governhe will attend college.

“I’m going to continue to play sports, walked around the stadium track, waving be gone for extended periods of time,” he ment contractors.

by T. Anthony Bell

Senior Writer/Special Projects

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June 21, 2012 • TRAVELLER GRADUATION EDITION • 3

Where Enrichment Meets Heartbreak Life as a Military Family Member Can be an Unpredictable Mix of Reward, Disappointment

by T. Anthony Bell Senior Writer/Special Projects

Military life can be rewarding and enriching but also unpredictable and heartbreaking.

That reality is starkly clear to Britney Miller, a 2012 graduate of Thomas Dale High School in Chester. Her father, 1st Sgt. Sean Miller, is currently serving in South Korea. Britney – along with her mother Aida and sister Alyssa – have lived at Fort Stewart, Ga., Baumholder, Germany; Fort Carson, Colo.; and Fort Lee in support of the first sergeant’s career.

She said moving around and adapting to new environments have molded her into who she is today – someone who is well-adjusted, mature and upbeat.

“Every time we moved somewhere,” she said, “I felt like it made us stronger. I had more opportunities and I experienced more things than the average kid. I feel like I have an advantage.”

Those “advantages” came as a result of sacrifice; the responsibilities she had to shoulder because she was the oldest.

“With my mom working and me having a younger sister and my dad PCSing, I had to be like the mom watching over my sister,” Britney recalled. “I learned how to cook in the fourth grade, to do my own clothes and do the chores –way more responsibilities than the average kid my age would have. I kind of look at other kids and say ‘Wow! You don’t know how to do that? I learned how to do that in elementary school.’’’

Above all else, Britney is considerate. She seems to understand the sacrifices that military members make on a daily basis and the sacrifices she must make as a Family member.

Take note of her comments with regard to changing addresses from time to time: “I took a positive approach to moves because I didn’t want to be moving to new places and be sad,” she said. “I didn’t want to put a burden on my dad because that was his job, to help us to live a better life.”

From most perspectives, Britney is an ideal military Family member – resilient, adaptable and supportive. On the flip side, she is a young woman who misses her dad; who has given up times fishing, having lunch and spending date night with him. One could understand then, having given up so much, how she could expect her father to be present for one of the most important occasions – her high school graduation.

Military life can be heartbreaking.

“Sean was supposed to be back from South Korea in May of this year in time for (Britney’s) graduation,” said her mother. “He’s been held over for two months now, still stuck in South Korea and no orders to come back. Britney just walked across and received her diploma (June 6), and her dad was not here.”

Britney and Aida Miller Aida Miller is an old hand at weathering such occasions.

She said she deals with it in a private way, releasing her emotions, picking herself up and keeping an eye on the big picture.

“I have my moments,” she said. “I sit in my room and weep sometimes, but I have to be strong because I have to keep the Family going … he’s out there doing something for our country so that we can enjoy the things that so many people take for granted.”

Like her mother, Britney carried on like a trooper, reasoning that it wasn’t her father’s fault and that it was something he couldn’t control. She eventually became more emotional.

“I didn’t want to be upset, but I know it wasn’t my dad’s decision,” she said. “He wanted to be there for me. I tried to stay strong so that he can stay strong. The day before graduation was the first day that I actually cried because I was thinking to myself, ‘You know, I do wish my dad was here.’”

The thought of her dad not being present at her graduation is still painful for Britney.

“It’s making me sad now thinking about it,” she said, wiping her eyes. “I don’t usually tear up, but this was the moment that I did want him to be there because he’s waited 18 years to see this.”

PHOTO BY T. ANTHONY BELL

The moments or occasions that can’t be made up, no matter the quality of the DVD, are numerous – births and birthdays, anniversaries and first kisses, dance recitals and first football games, and proms and graduations – to name a few.

Aida. Miller said there are less important matters also that can impact Family members just the same.

“Little things like meetings at school when mom and dad are not there,” she said. “That’s a lot for a child to take -when they have an absent parent and they see other children who have both parents there. It’s small things like that that some take for granted.”

The Miller Family is still reeling from the graduation, but it isn’t one to dwell on adversity, said Aida Miller. Britney noted that the next big event in her life – attending college at Old Dominion University later this summer – can act as a time-and-distance remedy for the dad-less graduation ceremony. She’s ready to move on.

“I am very excited,” she said with a dreamy look. “I am kind of used to adapting to new things and moving, so the only difference with this move is that it’s going to be on my own. I’m not going to have my family with me going through every single step and decision that I make. I’m excited to start moving and figure things on my own.”

4 • TRAVELLER GRADUATION EDITION • June 21, 2012

June 21, 2012 • TRAVELLER GRADUATION EDITION • 5

Jessica Arentz Sgt. 1st Class Dennis and Carrie Fitzpatrick Prince George High School

Raymond Arnold Jr. Ret. Sgt. Maj. Raymond and post employee Brenda Arnold Prince George High School

Miles Bennett Post employee June Shannon Hopewell High School

Tre’von Anthony Burns Ret. Maj. Sam and post employee Nancy Burns Thomas Dale High School

Brittany Alexandra Bush Corey and post employee Alexenia Baker and James Veale (father) Matoaca High School

Julian A. Harris, Staff Sgt. Timothy C. and post employee Naomi Harris-Parker Prince George High School

Kayla Ma’kel Hubert Marine Capt. T.D. and Michelle Hubert Prince George High School

Andy Huynh Post employee Minh and Julie Huynh Atlee High School

Christina Hyden WO1 Ralph and Spc. Tammy Hyden Prince George High School

Lauren A. Jackson Post employee Lisa Jacobs and Marshall Jackson Colonial Heights High School

Ashley Taylor Coleman Wayne W. and post employee Andrea T. Coleman Prince George High School

Carlos E. Collins Ret. Maj. Lawrence E. Collins and Linda Mata-Collins Prince George High School

Darius Terez Dawsey Sgt. 1st Class Curbic and Veronica Dawsey Prince George High School

Darian Dixon Ret. Sgt. 1st Class Randy and post employee Sandra Dixon L.C. Bird High School

Braxton Evans Ret. 1st Sgt. Leroy D. and post employee Kimberly Evans Prince George High School

Jamar Johnson Ret. Sgt. Maj. Dennis and Sophie Johnson Prince George High School

Joshua T. Kent Ret. Sgt. 1st Class E. Doug Kent and Lt. Col. Deborah Kent Prince George High School

Tierra Kindred DoD employee James Kindred and Sgt. 1st Class Nisha Dowdell Thomas Dale High School

Christopher Kobelt Sgt. 1st Class Richard and Angela Kobelt Prince George High School

Daniel Lauretano II Ret. Lt. Col. Daniel and Luz Maria Lauretano Thomas Dale High School

Ricky Gaines Jr. Sgt. Maj. Ricky Sr. and DLA employee Alberta Gaines Prince George High School

Darius Gibson CW4 Derwin and Fort Lee employee Michelle Gibson Prince George High School

Nedrah DeShawn Gray Master Sgts. Dexter and Lynn Gray Thomas Dale High School

James R. Griffin III Post employee James and DLA employee Clara Griffin Prince George High School

Chelsea A. Hall Lt. Col. Boris and DLA employee Yolonda D. Adams-Hall Prince George High School

Anre L. Mabry Ret. Sgt. 1st Class Henry and post employee Deborah Mabry Matoaca High School

Natianna Melvin Staff Sgt. Anthony and post employee Stephanie Melvin Prince George High School

Britney Miller Master Sgt. Sean and Aida Miller Thomas Dale High School

Brian Palomo Ret. Staff Sgt. Raul and Klara Palomo Prince George High School

Joseph M. Pervall Post employee Charles L. and Debbra A. Pervall Prince George High School

6 • TRAVELLER GRADUATION EDITION • June 21, 2012

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Whitney Paige Pulliam Fort Knox, Ky. employee David and post employee Sherita Pulliam Thomas Dale High School

Mary-Kathryn Colleen Raulston J.D. and post employee Anita Givens Central High School

Crystal M. Reynolds Sgt. Maj. David and Tammy Reynolds Prince George High School

Fatin Rhone Sgt. 1st Class Steven Rhone and Maxine Whitehead Prince George High School

Saiquon Sakil Sgts. 1st Class William H. and Doretha Y. Sommerville Dinwiddie High School

Johnathan Sprucebank Ret. Master Sgt. Timothy and post employee Nathasha Sprucebank Dinwiddie High School

Elizabeth V. Swindell Ron and post employee Karen Swindell Thomas Dale High School

J’Mani Townsend Master Gunnery Sgt. Rico Williams and Michelle Townsend Prince George High School

Victoria Elizabeth Trelford post employee Murray B. Trelford Matoaca High School

Zhane’ Umpierre Ret. 1st Sgt. H.J. Peterson and C.A. (stepfather) Velazquez and Staff Sgt. R.L. Umpierre (father)

Tyler Isaias Vargas CWO4 Isaias C. and Kimberly Vargas Thomas Dale High School

Mi’Keyshia Kier West CWO3 Michael P. and Debra S. West Prince George High School

Jessica C. Whittington Govt. employee Harold and Diahann Whittington, Prince George High School

Joseph J. Williams Capt. Joseph and Alicia Williams Prince George High School

Rachel Wargofcak Charles (Butch) and post employee Frances Wargofcak Matoaca High School

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June 21, 2012 • TRAVELLER GRADUATION EDITION • 7

Graduates Find Military Service Viable Option called Kesha. “‘You go and do what you need to do because you’re not going to stay here and linger around because A) I’m not going to want to leave and B) I’m not doing what I’m All across America, high school graduates supposed to be doing. I’m not going out livare making decisions about the career paths ing my life and putting it on hold for her.’ She they hope will yield some desirable result. didn’t want that.”

Many will opt for college, some will attend Kesha put herself back on track to join up. vocational school and a select few will join the She leaves next month for basic training and military. What follows are the stories of three is full of anxiety.

Fort Lee-affiliated high school graduates who “I’m really nervous, especially about bahave opted for the latter. sic,” she said. “If I could skip over it, I defiJohnathan Sprucebank nitely would. I’m not used to having someone Dinwiddie High School yelling in my face.”

Johnathan didn’t have the military in his Still, the prospect of being on her own incross-hairs. trigues her.

“I thought I was going to college for foot“I will have the opportunity to travel the ball,” said the former wide receiver who had world, experience new things that a lot of kids already secured a scholarship offer. “I broke my my age don’t get the chance to do, and I’ll get collarbone. Then I was out of the picture. The paid while doing it.” military was what I had to fall back on.”

PHOTO BY T. ANTHONY BELL Fatin Rhone Johnathan fell upon the Marines and is now Johnathan, Nathasha and retired Master Sgt. Timothy Sprucebank.

Prince George High School in the delayed entry program. His choice of service was based on the Corps’ reputation for Fatin grew up around the military. He was cially men – should enter the service the first few years of bedistinction. ing on their own. It’s good training. It teaches them to be an born on a military installation, declared he was going to be “You just know a Marine when you see one,” he said. a Soldier back in the 9th grade and his father, Sgt. 1st Class individual, a good man.”

Retired Army Master Sgt. Timothy Sprucebank said he is Steven Rhone, is still serving after 21 years of service. So it Johnathan is scheduled to ship out in December. not concerned with branch specifics as long as it’s the right fit Kesha Hayes came to no one’s surprise when Fatin broke the news that he for his son. was joining the Army. His reason was simple: Thomas Dale High School “I thought as long as he was joining the service – any branch “If I go in the military, it will pay for my schooling instead Kesha lost her stepfather, Army Master Sgt. Frank T. Nolan, of the service was fine,” he said. “He has an older brother in earlier this year. They had a close of me paying for it,” he said. “It the Navy, and he’s stationed on the Abraham Lincoln. As long relationship. works itself out.” as he is fulfilling one of his dreams, even though it wasn’t his Fatin is definitely thinking about “We talked all the time,” she primary, and doing a service to his country, the branch is im- recalled. “He was basically the his education and his qualify of life material to me.” in general. So is his father, who said father I didn’t have for the first Johnathan said his decision to join was a bit abrupt, and he few years of my life because my the benefits in the military are betwishes he had talked it over with his parents prior to making father wasn’t there. He took that ter now than when he first joined up his mind. and more receptive to the needs of role, and it never seemed any dif“I didn’t really talk about it,” he recalled. “I should have. I ferent to me.”

Families. should have involved them more, but I kind of shot a straight “Back when I first came in, Before Nolan died, Kesha said bullet and said I’m doing this. That was it.” they didn’t cater that much to famthey talked frequently about her Fatin Rhone Kesha Hayes His father said he tried to steer him toward making a more career plans. She said she has arily,” said the Active Guard/Reserve informed decision: tistic talents and wanted to study illustration and graphic de- Soldier. “The saying was ‘if they wanted you to have a family, “Because of the technical experience that’s offered, I tried sign. College was her first choice, but she learned artists don’t they would have issued you one.’ That’s changed, and there to encourage him to consider the Air Force,” he said. “I always make much right out of school. She talked to Nolan about the are a lot of opportunities for him because not only will he be wanted him to consider all branches of the service.” able to work on one career, but also when he goes to college, Air Force, and he agreed it was a good place to start.

But Timothy has made it his policy not to use a heavy-hand“He thought I should go into the Air Force because I’m not he’ll be working on another career if he chooses to do so.” ed approach to helping his son make a decision about military built for the Army,” she said. “I can’t do Army stuff because Fatin is not sure what job he wants to pursue but is interservice. they are more physical. He said I’m more of an Air Force per- ested in the engineer career field. That’s where the military “I only make recommendations because it’s his future,” he son because I’m technical.” can really help, said his father, allowing him to support himself said. “I don’t want to try to coerce him into doing something Kesha said Nolan’s death it threw her career plans out of while charting his career course. based off of my opinion and beliefs because if it doesn’t work whack.

“Right now, I don’t think he’s sure about exactly what he out for him, then he could always fall back and say it was what “I was skeptical about joining after he died,” she said. “I wants to do,” he said, “but at least he’ll have something going I wanted to do. It’s what he wanted. His mother and I gave our was like, I’m not going to go now. I’ll wait a bit because my on until he figures it out.” opinion.”

In consideration of the various threats ongoing around the mom needed me.”

His mother, Nathasha, a veteran as well, is glad Johnathan Kesha said she is very attached to her mom, Bernadette world, Fatin said he is aware that he may have to deploy and made the decision to join the Corps and simply wants him to Nolan, and used the phrase “joined at the hip” to describe their didn’t make a rash decision. He said he’s ready for whatever have some measure of well-being. close relationship. Nolan, however, did want Kesha to change comes his way.

“I thought that this was a good way for him to enter the her career plans.

“If it happens, it happens,” he said. “I’ll do what I have world,” she said. “I think all young men and women – espe“She said, ‘Nope, you’re leaving. You’re not staying,’” re- to do.”

by T. Anthony Bell

Senior Writer/Special Projects

8 • TRAVELLER GRADUATION EDITION • June 21, 2012

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PHOTOS BY T. ANTHONY BELL

Ricky Gaines Jr. celebrates after receiving his diploma during Prince George High School’s 59th Commencement Exercises June 9 at the school football stadium. Gaines is the son of Sgt. Maj. Ricky and Alberta Gaines

Pride, Elation ... are probably the most accurate words that describe the atmosphere at the Prince George High School commencement exercise June 9 at the school’s football stadium. The crowd, estimated to be several hundred, cheered, whistled and hollered as student names were called during the diploma presentations. Afterward, students wearing wide grins united with family and friends, exchanging hugs, kisses and expressions of pride that closed one chapter of their lives and ushered in another.

(LEFT) Sgt. 1st Class Keisha Williams studies the diploma of her son, De’Quan Williams, as he bear-hugs his sister, Janiya, after the Prince George High School Commencement Exercise June 9. (ABOVE) Students celebrate by tossing their mortarboards in the air after switching their tassels.