DVIDS – News – U.S. Army Rheinland-Pfalz Garrison Continuing Education System holds first graduation ceremony

KAISERSLAUTERN, Germany – The U.S. Army Garrison Rhineland-Palatinate (USAG-RP) Continuing Education System (CES) held its first Graduation Awards Ceremony on May 2, honoring distinguished service members, civilians; An important milestone was celebrated in recognition of the academic achievements of military personnel and soldiers. Veteran. The event, held in the auditorium of the Sembach Education Center, was a testament to the dedication of these individuals to both military service and educational activities.

The formal proceedings were moderated by USAG-RP Educational Services Officer Armor W. Taylor III and Sgt. Maj. Erica Lark, 16th Sustainment Brigade support operations sergeant major.

This ceremony was the culmination of the tireless dedication and hard work of the graduates, who demonstrated extraordinary perseverance and academic excellence in their respective fields of study.

Some of our outstanding graduates include:

• Sandra Gonzalez-Flores, 44th Expeditionary Signal Battalion, earned an associate's degree in criminal justice from the University of South Texas.
• Phebea Kayla Abalaba, whose journey led her to earn a Bachelor of Science degree in Psychology from Post University.
• Sgt. Delani Bascom, HHC 30th Medical Brigade, earned a bachelor's degree in psychology from the University of Maryland Global Campus.
• Sgt. Chaquina Bennett, 7th Mission Support Command, graduated magna cum laude with a Bachelor of Science in Human Resources Management from Southern University in Columbia.
• Sgt. 1st Class Richard Hunter Dean III, U.S. Army Medical Materiel Center Europe, earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Criminal Justice with honors from Columbia Southern University.
• spec. Romin Ramel Edwards, 100th Military Police Military Working Canine Detachment, earned an Associate of Arts degree and a Bachelor of Science degree in Homeland Security and Emergency Management from the University of Maryland Global Campus.
• Sergeant Abel Frederick, 16th Sustainment Brigade, 18th Combat Sustainment Support Battalion, 515th Transportation Company, earned a Bachelor of Science in Leadership from Trident University International.
• Chelsea Marie Haugen, a military veteran, earned a bachelor's degree in general studies from the University of North Dakota.
• Sergeant Jasmine Jarrett, 512th Field Hospital, graduated from the University of Arizona Global Campus with a bachelor's degree in healthcare management.
• Sergeant Antonio Sheffield, 16th Sustainment Brigade Special Forces Battalion, earned a Bachelor of Science in Liberal Arts from Excelsior University.
• Sergeant Lorenzo Vargas, 515th Transportation Company, earned a bachelor's degree in psychology from the University of Maryland Global Campus.
• Sergeant Millicent Andere, 409th Contract Support Brigade, earned a master's degree in supply chain management and logistics from Liberty University.
• Sgt. Maurice Barber, 409th Contract Support Brigade, earned a master's degree in business administration from Webster University.
• Lt. Adrian Miner, 44th Expeditionary Signal Battalion. He graduated from Webster University with a Master of Science in Cybersecurity.
• Capt. Marco Presici, 512th Field Hospital, earned a master's degree in supply chain management from the U.S. Army War College.
• Felicia Piguet, who earned her Master of Higher Education degree in Educational Leadership with honors from Liberty University.

The ceremony's keynote address was delivered by distinguished guest speaker, Sergeant John Johnson. Maj. Erika Lark's distinguished military career is marked by numerous honors, including the Bronze Star Medal and her Meritorious Service Medal. A recipient of such honors as the St. Barbara Medal of Honor and the Military Medical Achievement Medal of Honor, Lark inspired her graduates and audience with her profound words.

Quoting Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., she asked the question, “The most profound and pressing question in life is: What are you doing for others?” She encouraged graduates to embrace this spirit of service as they embark on their future endeavors and emphasized the importance of leaving a legacy of positive change.

USAG-RP CES provides flexible, high-quality educational programs that support the entire Army as a beacon of lifelong learning, readiness, and resiliency. Through initiatives such as graduation ceremonies, CES continues to help military, civilians, and veterans achieve their academic aspirations while upholding their commitment to serve our country.

As the ceremony concluded amid applause and heartfelt congratulations, it was clear that the spirit of accomplishment and dedication displayed by the graduates will continue to inspire future generations within and beyond the USAG-RP community.

USAG Rhineland-Palatinate serves, supports, and secures an integrated force community that enables power projection into the European theater.