Apopka High School Alumni
Apopka, Florida (FL)
Recent Members
| Amy Swann | 1989 |
| Anndrea Baker | 2008 |
| Camellia Cockins Camellia Cockins | 1995 |
| Isabella Calonge | 2024 |
| Jeff Helms | 1984 |
| John Bogetto | 1982 |
| Megan Hollar | 2006 |
| Tom Tomarelli | 1976 |
Military Alumni
Honoring Our Heroes
This area is dedicated to our alumni that have served or are serving in our armed forces!
Lost Class Rings
Have you lost your Apopka High School class ring? Have you found someone's class ring? Visit our Blue Darters lost class ring page to search for your class ring or post information about a found ring.
Honored Military Alumni
Alton Brown (AL)
Class of 1974
Army, 22 Years
Retired after 22 years. Served in Korea, Egypt, Japan and several locations in US. Spent the last 8 years in Recruiting in Cincinnati Ohio where I make my home. Florida is my second home and will always be. I have 6 children, 3 Sons and 3 Daughters. I have 10 grand children currently with 2 more on the way. of the 6 children, 5 have degrees and 2 have Masters degree's.
Class of 1974
Army, 22 Years
Retired after 22 years. Served in Korea, Egypt, Japan and several locations in US. Spent the last 8 years in Recruiting in Cincinnati Ohio where I make my home. Florida is my second home and will always be. I have 6 children, 3 Sons and 3 Daughters. I have 10 grand children currently with 2 more on the way. of the 6 children, 5 have degrees and 2 have Masters degree's.
Andrew Willis
Class of 1985
Army, 14 Years
Basic Training at Ft. Jackson, S.C., AIT at Ft. Gordon, GA. During my service I was stationed in Kaiserslautern, Germany, Manheim, Germany, Ft. Gordon, GA., Ft. Lewis, WA., S. Korea.
Class of 1985
Army, 14 Years
Basic Training at Ft. Jackson, S.C., AIT at Ft. Gordon, GA. During my service I was stationed in Kaiserslautern, Germany, Manheim, Germany, Ft. Gordon, GA., Ft. Lewis, WA., S. Korea.
Chip pine
Class of 1986
Army, 6 Years
13 Fox...Foward observer...I have been too 34 countries. I will tell you that we live in the greatest one of them all. The U.S. forces are a family that will always show up when the need is there, for our country, and our brothers and sisters.Freedom is not free, we need to stand shoulder with all americans to defend this great nation.
Class of 1986
Army, 6 Years
13 Fox...Foward observer...I have been too 34 countries. I will tell you that we live in the greatest one of them all. The U.S. forces are a family that will always show up when the need is there, for our country, and our brothers and sisters.Freedom is not free, we need to stand shoulder with all americans to defend this great nation.
Christopher C. Rolince
Class of 1987
Navy, 20+ Years
Joined the United States Navy On August 14, 1988 and spent over 20 years on some of the finest aircrafts carriers known to men. I've traveled the globe in defending our freedom in this great nation of ours. I wouldn't change it for the WORLD!!!!
Class of 1987
Navy, 20+ Years
Joined the United States Navy On August 14, 1988 and spent over 20 years on some of the finest aircrafts carriers known to men. I've traveled the globe in defending our freedom in this great nation of ours. I wouldn't change it for the WORLD!!!!
Dorothy Renee Jordan
Class of 1981
Army, 20+ Years
Retired in 2003 after 21 years in US Army
Class of 1981
Army, 20+ Years
Retired in 2003 after 21 years in US Army
Jacqueline (Magwood) Chatman
Class of 1984
Army, 20+ Years
Retired May 2008 with 22 years of service
Class of 1984
Army, 20+ Years
Retired May 2008 with 22 years of service
James (Jimbo) Thomas
Class of 1979
Army, 20+ Years
JAMES J THOMAS (Army Retired)
Entered the U.S. Army from Orlando Florida in 1979. I attended Basic Training at Fort Jackson SC, and completed Advanced Individual Training as a Tactical Wire Operations Specialist.
Then Sergeant Thomas I served in enlisted leadership position from Squad Leader to Division Communications Chief . Some of my assignments include 611th Ord Company (HAWK/PATRIOT), FRG; 24th Infantry Battalion, Hunter Army Airfield, The 2d Armored Cavalry Regiment, Fort Polk LA, 25th Infantry Division (Light); Army Garrison, Hawaii, and my last assignments was with the 32nd ADA Battalion ADA, Fort Bliss, Texas
Army Occupations:
Signal Support Systems Specialist (31U), Telecommunications Operations Chief (31W), Tactical Communication Chief (31G), Combat Signaler (31K), Unit Lever Communications Maintainer (31V), Signal Support Supervisor (31U40), NBC NCO, Supply Sergeant.
Military schools include, the Advanced Noncommissioned Officer Course, Basic Noncommissioned Officer Course, Nuclear, Biological Chemical Course, SINGARS Instructor Course, and Air Assault School. I currently have a Associate Degree in Technology and Bachelor Degree in Information Technology . Some of my awards and decorations include the Meritorious Service Medal (2 Oak Leaf Clusters)),// Army Commendation Medal (2 Oak Leaf Clusters), //Army Achievement Medal (6 Oak Leaf Clusters), // National Defense Service Medal, // Noncommissioned Officer's Development Ribbon with Numeral (3 Oak Leaf Clusters), //Army Service Ribbon, // Good Conduct Medal (6th award), //Overseas Service Ribbon (2nd Award), // Expert Marksmanship Qualification Badge with Grenade Bar.
Campaigns:
Operation Dessert Fox
Operation Dessert Storm
Current Occupations::
I work for: Defense Information Systems Agency and Science Applications International Corporation (SAIC), as Implementations Coordinator,
Data Communication Engineer II DOD Contractor. Circuit Implementation Team (CIT)
DISN CONUS, NS674 Defense Information Systems Agency Scott Air Force Base, Illinois
I Performs first-level assistance to subscribers making new network connections or becoming operational. Schedules tracks and monitor subscriber integration events and status. Support includes offsite assistance in network protocols, site preparation, test and acceptance, circuits, procedures, documentation, data collection and analysis, and bit error rate testing. Coordinates technical assistance during installation, upgrade, cancellation and disconnection phases. Coordinates with all parties involved in the implementation of operational services. Utilizes data base applications to manage the field service operation and generates required reports. Serves as a central point of contact for clients to determine the status of implementation activities. Implements and assists in the configuring of data communications processors, routers, switches, multiplexers, DSU/CSU modems, commercial carrier lines and related equipment. Identifies implementation problems and risk areas and takes action to mitigate their impact. Uses functional expertise in Voice, Data and Video Services, Dedicated Data Services and knowledge to verify test and acceptance of DISN service from commercial vendors. Schedules circuit cutover/activation and coordinates with users, service providers and all other supporting agencies to ensure cutover schedules are met. Authorizes and approves technical changes to ensure successful transition of services. Ensures changes are reported to the appropriate DISA elements so provisioning and historical documents can be corrected to show actual circuit or network configurations. Activates voice and data
circuits ranging from 75 baud to OC-12, to include DS0, T1, T3, ISDN, DSN, ATM,
I thank God I landed a job !!
Class of 1979
Army, 20+ Years
JAMES J THOMAS (Army Retired)
Entered the U.S. Army from Orlando Florida in 1979. I attended Basic Training at Fort Jackson SC, and completed Advanced Individual Training as a Tactical Wire Operations Specialist.
Then Sergeant Thomas I served in enlisted leadership position from Squad Leader to Division Communications Chief . Some of my assignments include 611th Ord Company (HAWK/PATRIOT), FRG; 24th Infantry Battalion, Hunter Army Airfield, The 2d Armored Cavalry Regiment, Fort Polk LA, 25th Infantry Division (Light); Army Garrison, Hawaii, and my last assignments was with the 32nd ADA Battalion ADA, Fort Bliss, Texas
Army Occupations:
Signal Support Systems Specialist (31U), Telecommunications Operations Chief (31W), Tactical Communication Chief (31G), Combat Signaler (31K), Unit Lever Communications Maintainer (31V), Signal Support Supervisor (31U40), NBC NCO, Supply Sergeant.
Military schools include, the Advanced Noncommissioned Officer Course, Basic Noncommissioned Officer Course, Nuclear, Biological Chemical Course, SINGARS Instructor Course, and Air Assault School. I currently have a Associate Degree in Technology and Bachelor Degree in Information Technology . Some of my awards and decorations include the Meritorious Service Medal (2 Oak Leaf Clusters)),// Army Commendation Medal (2 Oak Leaf Clusters), //Army Achievement Medal (6 Oak Leaf Clusters), // National Defense Service Medal, // Noncommissioned Officer's Development Ribbon with Numeral (3 Oak Leaf Clusters), //Army Service Ribbon, // Good Conduct Medal (6th award), //Overseas Service Ribbon (2nd Award), // Expert Marksmanship Qualification Badge with Grenade Bar.
Campaigns:
Operation Dessert Fox
Operation Dessert Storm
Current Occupations::
I work for: Defense Information Systems Agency and Science Applications International Corporation (SAIC), as Implementations Coordinator,
Data Communication Engineer II DOD Contractor. Circuit Implementation Team (CIT)
DISN CONUS, NS674 Defense Information Systems Agency Scott Air Force Base, Illinois
I Performs first-level assistance to subscribers making new network connections or becoming operational. Schedules tracks and monitor subscriber integration events and status. Support includes offsite assistance in network protocols, site preparation, test and acceptance, circuits, procedures, documentation, data collection and analysis, and bit error rate testing. Coordinates technical assistance during installation, upgrade, cancellation and disconnection phases. Coordinates with all parties involved in the implementation of operational services. Utilizes data base applications to manage the field service operation and generates required reports. Serves as a central point of contact for clients to determine the status of implementation activities. Implements and assists in the configuring of data communications processors, routers, switches, multiplexers, DSU/CSU modems, commercial carrier lines and related equipment. Identifies implementation problems and risk areas and takes action to mitigate their impact. Uses functional expertise in Voice, Data and Video Services, Dedicated Data Services and knowledge to verify test and acceptance of DISN service from commercial vendors. Schedules circuit cutover/activation and coordinates with users, service providers and all other supporting agencies to ensure cutover schedules are met. Authorizes and approves technical changes to ensure successful transition of services. Ensures changes are reported to the appropriate DISA elements so provisioning and historical documents can be corrected to show actual circuit or network configurations. Activates voice and data
circuits ranging from 75 baud to OC-12, to include DS0, T1, T3, ISDN, DSN, ATM,
I thank God I landed a job !!
Katie Holdway
Class of 2001
Air Force, 4 Years
Served 4 years as a Aerospace Ground Equipment Journeyman. Served all her years at Hurlburt Field, FL.
Class of 2001
Air Force, 4 Years
Served 4 years as a Aerospace Ground Equipment Journeyman. Served all her years at Hurlburt Field, FL.
Keith "Bones" Summerill
Class of 1983
Marine Corps, 20+ Years
Currently in my 26 th year as a United Staes Marine.
Class of 1983
Marine Corps, 20+ Years
Currently in my 26 th year as a United Staes Marine.
Kenneth Garner
Class of 1979
Army, 20+ Years
Field Artillery was my 1st Profession,King of Battle is what we are known for, I was a cannoneer when I first came into this feild of work, but as I progress thru my time in service I became the M109 SP Howitzer Gun Chief,our ejective once call for action,was to totaly take-out a grid square if it call for. We push our Foes backward so our front line can advance forward,thru my tour of duty my section was awarded section of the Quarter 3 times in a row,they also won the Battlion Howitzer section competition,which i consider a great honor for a section,because it take every indiviual knowing their assignment so well as if no one can do it better,and once they applied their skills that I expect from them,it was like my 79 Blue Darter varsity Footbal Squad just Awsome, just down right Awesome. I took basic training &AIT in Ft.Sill, OK. my first duty station was in Ft.Hood,Tx. I have travel thru Out this Globe,such as Germany, turkey, Greece,Eygpt, El Salvador,Spain,England,and Honduras.
Class of 1979
Army, 20+ Years
Field Artillery was my 1st Profession,King of Battle is what we are known for, I was a cannoneer when I first came into this feild of work, but as I progress thru my time in service I became the M109 SP Howitzer Gun Chief,our ejective once call for action,was to totaly take-out a grid square if it call for. We push our Foes backward so our front line can advance forward,thru my tour of duty my section was awarded section of the Quarter 3 times in a row,they also won the Battlion Howitzer section competition,which i consider a great honor for a section,because it take every indiviual knowing their assignment so well as if no one can do it better,and once they applied their skills that I expect from them,it was like my 79 Blue Darter varsity Footbal Squad just Awsome, just down right Awesome. I took basic training &AIT in Ft.Sill, OK. my first duty station was in Ft.Hood,Tx. I have travel thru Out this Globe,such as Germany, turkey, Greece,Eygpt, El Salvador,Spain,England,and Honduras.
Richard Dirga, Lt Col, Ret. USAF
Class of 1958
Air Force, 20+ Years
Entered the Air Force 1 week after graduating from Apopka High. Went through flight school and officer training at 19. Spent 20+ years flying bombers, tankers and reconnaissance aircraft. Two tours in Vietnam
Class of 1958
Air Force, 20+ Years
Entered the Air Force 1 week after graduating from Apopka High. Went through flight school and officer training at 19. Spent 20+ years flying bombers, tankers and reconnaissance aircraft. Two tours in Vietnam
Sarah Berube Stetson
Class of 1991
Navy, 14 Years
Yeoman First Class. Served aboard USS ROSS, Norfolk, VA; COMNAV MID-LANT; LC Base Admin, Norfolk, VA; SPECWAR UNIT-1, COMNAV MARIANAS Guam; NCHB-12, Alabama;
Class of 1991
Navy, 14 Years
Yeoman First Class. Served aboard USS ROSS, Norfolk, VA; COMNAV MID-LANT; LC Base Admin, Norfolk, VA; SPECWAR UNIT-1, COMNAV MARIANAS Guam; NCHB-12, Alabama;
William Groves
Class of 1967
Army, 20+ Years
Three years as a Military Policeman; 2.5 years as a Traffic Accident Investigator with the Armed Forces Police; 3 years as an Instructor with the US Army Military Police School; and 11.5 years as a Military Police Investigator. Served in Korea, Okinawa and 8.5 years in Germany.
Class of 1967
Army, 20+ Years
Three years as a Military Policeman; 2.5 years as a Traffic Accident Investigator with the Armed Forces Police; 3 years as an Instructor with the US Army Military Police School; and 11.5 years as a Military Police Investigator. Served in Korea, Okinawa and 8.5 years in Germany.
Alumni Stories
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School News
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Our Apopka High School military alumni are some of the most outstanding people we know and this page recognizes them and everything they have done! Not everyone gets to come home for the holidays and we want our Apopka High School Military to know that they are loved and appreciated. All of us in Apopka are proud of our military alumni and want to thank them for risking their lives to protect our country!