Thursday, Jan. 3, 2002 | 8:19 a.m.
Dax Davis, Valley High School class of 1989, observed the holidays this year as an Air Force weather forecaster deployed to Central America with Joint Task Force Bravo.
The task force is a 500-person unit deployed to Honduras to conduct humanitarian and civic assistance, provide airborne search and rescue and support illegal-drug interdiction activities in the region.
The staff sergeant, the son of Fred and Gwen Davis, is responsible for monitoring ever-changing weather conditions in the region, which is made up of a narrow strip of land separating the Atlantic and Pacific oceans. His observation and forecasting skills are critical to search and rescue and other flight crews carrying out missions, where tropical weather disturbances are frequent.
Davis is experiencing a change of pace with deployment. His previous assignment was in Alaska.
"It's nice to be in a warm climate, and I really enjoy interacting with the local people," Davis said. "They are friendly and really appreciative of the help we give them."
But the warmth in Honduras didn't stack up to the warmth of family during the holidays.
"One thing I've learned since being in the military is how important family is," he said. "You never realize how much your family means to you until you're thousands of miles away over the holidays." From Guard to sheepskin
Ramon Johnson, a 1993 graduate of Clark High School, received a bachelor of science degree in workforce education during December commencement exercises at UNLV. He was also commissioned as an Army second lieutenant in ceremonies at the school.
Johnson, the son of Jacqueline and Andrew Johnson of Las Vegas, joined the Nevada Army National Guard in 1996 and used the educational benefits provided by the Guard to finance his college education at UNLV. He also worked for Sherman and Williams Paints' Las Vegas outlet.
The Las Vegas native's personal achievements while attending college include a certificate of achievement from UNLV's Non-Traditional Students Association and membership in the National Society of Collegiate Scholars and Golden Key International Honour Society.
As an ROTC cadet he was presented the Professor of Military Science Award twice and noted as a Distinguished Military Honor Scholar, and Distinguished Military Honor Graduate.
Johnson will serve on active duty in the Army as an officer in the armor branch. He has been assigned to a unit in Korea for his first tour of duty.
In brief
Alpiche, the daughter of Angela Alpiche of Las Vegas, is a former color guard team member of the Nellis Squadron, Nevada Civil Air Patrol, which won the Civil Air Patrol Pacific Region championship in 2000.
The new airman first class, who will serve with the Nevada National Guard, also earned credits toward an associate's degree through the Community College of the Air Force, by completing the Air Force basic training.
During the six weeks of training, Alpiche and Herrera studied the Air Force mission, organization, and customs; performed drill and ceremony marches, and received physical training and special training in human relations.
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