Palo Verde High graduate part of elite White House unit

Dick Benoit

Thursday, Oct. 9, 2003 | 8:55 a.m.

Army Pfc. Devin Harris, Palo Verde High School class of 2002 and nephew of Montie Lowe of Las Vegas, has arrived for duty at Fort Myer, Va., for a three-year assignment with the 3rd Infantry, traditionally known as "The Old Guard" -- the oldest active infantry unit in the Army.

Soldiers in The Old Guard serve as the Army's official ceremonial Honor Guard and escort to the president at the White House. As an infantry unit, it maintains tactical and technical proficiency as well as providing security for key national leaders in time of emergency or national disturbance.

The unit soldiers are responsible for the conduct of military ceremonies at the Pentagon, national ceremonies and elsewhere in the nation's capital. They maintain a 24-hour vigil at the Tomb of the Unknowns, provide military escorts at Arlington National Cemetery and participate in parades at Fort Myer and Fort McNair, Washington, D.C.

A further distinction of The Old Guard is the time-honored custom of passing in review with bayonets fixed at all parades, a distinction that today is still only reserved for The Old Guard.

Team leader

Navy Petty Officer 1st Class Gregory Sneed, the son of Sheli Schectman of Las Vegas, is one of 3,000 sailors stationed on board the nuclear-powered aircraft carrier USS Nimitz, currently deployed to the Persian Gulf.

Sneed, an aviation ordnanceman, is an important asset to the ship's mission, as he acts as a mentor as well as expert in munitions. "I lead a division of 105 sailors through the bomb assembly of the latest 'smart weapons' and the components of 85 embarked aircraft," Sneed said.

The Nimitz's home port is San Diego. Sneed says he looks forward to the ship's eventual return there. "I miss my wife Katy and my son. I look forward to playing video games with him again while she protests," he said.

Entering West Point

Cadet Dora Quezada, Chaparral High School class of 2003 and daughter of Noe and Blanca Quezada of Las Vegas, recently completed Cadet Basic Training at the U.S. Military Academy and now is a member of West Point's class of 2007.

Upon graduation she will be commissioned a second lieutenant in the U.S. Army. Between now and then she will learn basic military skills, including leadership through a demanding program. Military training at West Point is combined with military science courses to provide a solid foundation for the nations future military leaders.

In brief

The three new airmen also earned credits toward an associate's degree through the Community College of the Air Force.