STI Honors Veterans 2024

Submitted by Robbie Cox on 29th of October, 2024 12:00 pm

As Veterans Day approaches, we take a moment to express our deepest gratitude and respect for the brave men and women who have served and continue to serve our nation. Their sacrifices, dedication, and courage are the pillars upon which our freedom stands.

 

Thank you, veterans, for your service and sacrifice. Let us always honor and remember your courage.

 

 

STI would like to Honor a Veteran and STI Founder, Jim Raby.

Jim entered in the US Navy in 1954. After completion of bootcamp, Jim was assigned to a Naval Construction Battalion known as, “The Seabees”.

Jim served on, “The Queen Bee”, the U.S.S. Eldorado. He and his shipmates crewed the flagship of the Pacific Amphibious forces under the command of Vice Admiral Settle.

A change in command brought the ship a new assignment as the Flagship under Vice Admiral Pride. Jim served on the Eldorado as the ship sailed for Keeling, Formosa, San Diego and in 1956 to the arctic waters of Alaska. Raby and crew completed artic supply operations and a cruise to the Far East. There they participated in exercises with a Joint Navy-Marine and Nationalist Chinese Navy-Marine amphibious operation off southern Taiwan during the end of the Korean War.

During his time aboard the Eldorado, Jim Raby served as a Communications Technician before being Honorably Discharged from the US Navy.

Jim went on to found STI in San Dimas, CA in 1982 and relocated the company to Madison, AL in 1993. Jim served as the Technical Director for STI several years before his retirement.

STI expresses its heartfelt gratitude to Jim Raby for his dedicated service to the United States of America. Jim’s unwavering commitment and selfless contributions have made a significant impact on our nation, embodying the spirit of patriotism and honor. We extend our deepest thanks to Jim for his outstanding service and dedication to the United States.

 

 

STI would like to honor the service of Frank Honyotski, Senior Master Instructor at STI since 2000.

Honyotski served as an ET1 (Electronics Technician) and achieved the E6 grade in the US Navy. He served on the Perry Class Guided-Missile Frigate the USS Kauffman FFG-59. The Kauffman and crew made a historic visit to Sevastopol, USSR where he acted as an Ambassador of Good Will where he shared drinks with KGB agents. Honyotski’s service aboard the Kauffman continued as the vessel went into the 1st Persian Gulf War in 1991.

After departing the Kauffman, he took on the role of 2M instructor at FTC Mayport, Florida from 1993 – 1997. Having completed 10 years of service he was Honorably Discharged from the Navy.

STI expresses gratitude to Frank for his invaluable service to the United States of America. Frank’s dedication and contributions have made a meaningful impact on our nation, embodying the spirit of patriotism and selflessness. We thank Frank for his commitment and honor his role in serving the United States.

 

 

As we continue our march toward Veteran’s day, STI would like to honor Jeff Light in our series, “Honoring our Veterans.

Jeff entered the Navy in 1981. After Basic Training, Jeff attended Basic Electronics and Electricity School in Orlando Florida.

Jeff’s next assignment was at Great Lakes, Illinois where he attended Advanced Electronics ‘A’ School  followed by another advanced electronics school operated by the US Army in Fort Gordon Georgia.

Light was assigned to the Naval Communications Unit in Key West Florida where he spent 18 months working on communications equipment located at the Naval Air Station Key West.

Jeff and his crewmates on the Training Aircraft Carrier U.S.S Lexington (AVT-16) were home ported in Pensacola Florida.  Shortly after reporting to the U.S.S. Lexington, the ship was sent to Philadelphia PA for a 10 month overhaul to upgrade the carrier with more modern equipment.  Following refit the ship returned to Pensacola and went to sea every month for 2-3 weeks at a time in order to train new pilots for carrier landings and takeoffs.

Jeff received an Honorable Discharge in 1987 and returned to north Alabama and began work in the private sector. Light joined STI as a Manufacturing engineer in November of 2013.

STI extends heartfelt thanks to Jeff Light for his dedicated and commendable service to the United States of America. Jeff Light’s unwavering commitment, hard work, and sacrifice have significantly contributed to the well-being and security of our nation. His service exemplifies the highest ideals of patriotism, integrity, and honor, reflecting the core values that make our nation great. We honor and appreciate Jeff Light for his exceptional and selfless service to the United States.

 

In September 1996, Jason graduated from the U.S. Marine Corps Recruit Depot at Parris Island in Port Royal, South Carolina, marking the start of his dedicated military career. He continued his training at Cherry Point, North Carolina, where he specialized in Airframe and Hydraulic Systems. Following his training, Jason was stationed at Marine Corps Air Station Yuma in Arizona, joining VMA-211, an attack squadron known as the “Wake Island Avengers.” There, he was responsible for maintaining a fleet of 12 AV-8B Harrier II Plus night attack aircraft, a role that demanded skill and precision to ensure the readiness and safety of these advanced jets. Jason’s commitment to excellence played a vital part in the squadron’s operational success.

On behalf of STI, we want to extend our heartfelt gratitude for his dedicated service in the Marine Corps. Jason’s commitment and sacrifices have made a lasting impact, and we’re honored to have him as part of our team. Thank you for your service and for the courage you’ve shown in serving our country!

 

Randy Baumgarden served aboard the USS Kitty Hawk CV-63 where he completed two cruises of the Western Pacific. During his 4 years at sea he visited ports such as Pearl Harbor, HI, Subic Bay, Philippines, Pusan, South Korea, and as far as Perth Australia. Randy was a LI3 (Lithographer, 3rd Class) during his tours.

Randy and his shipmates sailed in support of operations in the Gulf of Oman during the 1979-1981 Iran Hostage Crisis.

After being Honorably Discharged, Randy served an additional 2 years as a Reservist.
During his time aboard the USS Kitty Hawk, the film, “The Final Countdown” was produced. The Kitty Hawk is the vessel used in the movie and Randy was one of the crew seen manning the rails as the USS Kitty Hawk returns to Hawaii.

STI expresses its sincere gratitude to Randy Baumgarden for his invaluable service to the United States of America. Randy’s dedication and contributions have left an indelible mark on our nation, upholding the principles of patriotism and selflessness. We thank Randy for his commitment and honor his role in serving the United States with distinction.

 

Edrick Young served in the Army National Guard for six peaceful years. His initial motivation to enlist came from a desire for change and independence during high school, without fully understanding the gravity of military service. During his tenure, he grew through the rigors of serving as an 11B infantryman, learning valuable lessons in resilience, motivation, and positivity even in tough situations. One of the most memorable moments was attending a military ball, where he took his future wife, sharing her first experience of such an event. His time in the Guard taught him the importance of loyalty, support, and steadfastness toward his comrades and country.

STI extends its heartfelt thanks to Edrick Young for his invaluable service to the United States of America. Edrick’s dedication, commitment, and selfless contributions have made a significant impact on our nation, embodying the spirit of patriotism and honor. We express our gratitude to Edrick for his outstanding service and unwavering dedication to the United States.

 

 

Scott completed US Marine Corps Recruit Depot Parris Island in Port Royal, SC. He graduated on November 12, 1993 two days after the USMC Birthday.

Scott went on to complete Military Occupational Specialty (MOS) in Nuclear, Biological and Chemical Defense (NBC). He continued as an instructor at Camp Pendleton’s MBC school where he taught basic NBC and decontamination to Marine Units. The remainder of his service at Camp Pendleton was in the 1st Maintenance Battalion’s NBC NCO. Scott was responsible for the chemical gear, masks, and training for about 1200 Marines.

Scott reminisces that he had one of the greatest jobs in the world. During his 4 years he went through the gas chamber uncounted times to train other Marines. “Where else can you go to make grown men cry on a daily basis?” quips Sanders.

After 4 years of service and the achievement of the rank of Corporal, Scott was Honorably Discharged from the US Marine Corps.

STI expresses its heartfelt gratitude to Scott Sanders for his dedicated service to the United States Marines. Scott’s unwavering commitment, sacrifice, and tireless efforts have significantly contributed to the strength and security of our nation. His service embodies the highest standards of patriotism, integrity, and valor, reflecting the core values that define the U.S. Marines. We honor and appreciate Scott for his remarkable dedication and outstanding service to the United States Marines.

 

 

STI would like to Honor Katrena for her service in the Army Reserve and Army National Guard.

Katrena went into the Army Reserve right out of high school. Her basic training was at Fort Jackson, SC. She then completed MOS training for Combat Medic at Fort Sam Houston, Tx. She went on to serve eight additional years in the Army Reserve and thirteen years in the Alabama Army National Guard. While with the Alabama Army National Guard, Katrena was deployed for protection details around the state for several of the state’s hurricane disasters.She retired in 2005 with twenty-one years of service as an E5 (SGT).

STI extends its heartfelt thanks to Katrena for her invaluable service to the United States of America. Katrena’s dedication, commitment, and selfless contributions have made a significant impact on our nation, embodying the spirit of patriotism and honor. We express our gratitude to Katrena for her outstanding service and unwavering dedication to the United States.

 

 

Highlighted today in STI’s Honoring our Veteran’s series is Kaven Howard.

Kaven served 8 years in the US Army. His postings included a tour in Saudi Arabi, Ft. Bragg, NC, Ft. Campbell, KY, and Ft. Bliss, TX. Howard was posted with the 1-325 and the 1-187 Airborne Infantry Regiments as a Parachutist and Infantryman. Kaven went on to join the 507 Maintenance Battalion where he served as a Patriot Missile Repair Technician.

Kaven achieved the final rank of Sergeant/E-5 before being Honorably Discharged in December 2000.

Kaven joined STI in 2019.

STI honors and recognizes Kaven for his significant role in safeguarding our nation and express our heartfelt thanks for his exceptional service and dedication to the United States.

A.J. went to basic training at Lackland A.F.B in Bexar County, Texas during Desert Shield/Desert Storm in 1992. After training at Lowery A.F.B in Aurora, CO, Orames was stationed at Hurlbert Field, Fort Walton Beach, FL.

AJ worked on Photo-sensors for devices such as night vision goggles, inferred systems, radar systems, and the flight recorders for aircraft. AJ supported the MH-53J Pavelow helicopter, the MC-130 Combat Talon Aircraft, and the AC-130 gunship aircraft.

AJ was Honorably discharged in 1996 with the rank of E3.

STI honors A.J. for his immense dedication and vital role played in safeguarding our great nation and its citizens. His service has left an indelible mark, and we extend our heartfelt thanks for his exceptional and selfless commitment to the United States.