As Veterans Day nears, we pause to honor the courage and dedication of the men and women who have served our country with strength and sacrifice. Their commitment ensures the freedoms we cherish today.

Katrena Faddis

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 Faddis 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.

Kaven Howard

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.

Jonnie Johnson

Jonnie was active in the Army in 1970 through 1972. During his service he served in Vietnam with the Playboy Platoon of the 334^th Attach Helicopter Company where he was a Cobra Crew Chief. The Company stepped down and was transferred to Germany in March 1972. Jonnie was released from active service with the rank of Sp5 (E5) early so he could attend college.

Jonnie served in the Army Ready Reserves from late 1972 through 1976. He was Honorably Discharged with the rank of Sp5 (E5).

Jonnie took a position with STI in 2004 and is a Part-Time Systems Design Engineer.

STI thanks Jonnie Johnson for his service to the United States of America!

Marzette Shepherd

STI proudly honors Marzette Shepherd for his dedicated service to our nation. Marzette served in the U.S. Army for eight years, where he rose to the rank of Sergeant (E-5). His commitment, leadership, and sacrifice reflect the very best of those who wear the uniform, and we are grateful for the strength and discipline he brought to his years of service.

We extend our deepest appreciation to Marzette for his contributions both in and out of uniform. His service is a reminder of the courage and dedication it takes to protect our freedoms, and we are proud to recognize him as part of our veteran family.

Edrick Young

STI proudly honors Edrick Young for his dedicated service to our nation.  Edrick 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.