Island boy Man does good.

April 23 - A 1998 graduate of St. Croix Central High School returned, after two tours of duty overseas, to his former Junior Reserve Officer Training Corp program to thank his instructors.

Sgt. Misael Maldonado, 24, shared his military experiences with the class Wednesday and told them the leadership skills passed on from his instructors had made his career a success. He is home visiting his family in Estate Glynn.

After completing eight months in Iraq in March, he returned to Fort Bragg, N.C. He is a member of the 82nd Airborne Division. He served in Afghanistan in 2002.

"He holds the record here for leadership," Maj. Larry Bond, senior army instructor at CHS since 1991, said of Maldonado. "His leadership skills are very good. He's a great team member, drummer and is always a lot of fun. He could always influence his colleagues to perform."

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In sharing the details of life in the "war zone," Maldonado said it is extremely important that hometown communities support their soldiers by sending letters, care packages, cassettes, or CD’s with local music. He said videotapes of community and family events are also appreciated.
"Mail call is what keeps you alive," he said.

When asked about the increased incidents of crime, and gun-related incidents in the territory, he said, "They don’t know how good they have it. We live on a beautiful island, no bombs dropping on our homes. I hear about people dying here for stupidness. If they had a taste of what it is really like, they would stop; cease what they are doing," As he spoke he shook his head in apparent disbelief.

A member of his unit was killed when a car bomber slipped through a checkpoint. Maldonado said he now looks forward to each day with appreciation for what his creator has provided.

>>h/t and read the rest on the St. Croix Source>>

Three cheers and a big thank you for sgt. Maldonado!
Our community could use more people of his character and caliber.