Sept. 24, 2008 — U.S. Army Specialist Alexander Thomas of St. Thomas died Sept. 14 in an automobile accident at Fort Bragg, N.C. He was 18.
Thomas grew up in Smith Bay. He was the son of Cynthia Thomas, the eldest of five boys, and grandson of Enrica Thomas. He attended Ivanna Eudora Kean High School, where he played with the steel band and was a member of the Rising Stars Steel Orchestra. He completed the GED exam and joined the U.S. Army at the age of 17 in February 2007.
"His aunt and cousins encouraged him to join the military because jobs were limited in the V.I.," his mother said in a statement released by the V.I. National Guard. "He was always focused, bright and intelligent. I am most proud he found himself and chose to do well in life."
Thomas was assigned to the E Company (pronounced as Echo Company), 1st Battalion, 7th Air Defense Artillery at Fort Bragg, where he served as a supply specialist.
He was promoted posthumously from private first class by his unit in a stateside ceremony. Other presentations will take place at the funeral service by a unit representative, Escort Officer Chief Warrant Officer 1 Brian Masters, who accompanied Thomas' remains home to the Virgin Islands on Monday.
The funeral is scheduled for next Monday. The service will take place at Emmanuel Baptiste Church in Anna's Retreat, St. Thomas. Viewing is from 11 a.m. to noon with services following. Burial is at the Eastern Cemetery in Smith Bay across from the Wyndham Sugar Bay Resort. Funeral arrangements are being conducted by Turnbull's Funeral Home in Crown Bay.
Back Talk Share your reaction to this news with other Source readers. Please include headline, your name and city and state/country or island where you reside.