TSC announces honorees for the 26th Annual Cherry Hall Alexander African American History Calendar

Erin Hill Gadsden County News Service Tallahassee State College recently announced the honorees for the 26 th annual Cherry Hall Alexander African American History Calendar. Since 2001, TSC has recognized African American individuals whose dedication, leadership, and service have made a meaningful difference in their communities and beyond. The theme for this year’s calendar, “A Century of Impact: African Americans in the Military,” honors the contributions of service members across generations. It celebrates those who have bravely defended our nation while continuing to build and lead through a legacy of service.

The honorees are as follows:

John R. Nelson Sr. (President’s Award honoree)

John Nelson is a Vietnam-era Army veteran, serving from 1968 to 1969, with additional service in Germany from 1970 to 1971. He earned recognition as the United States Army Europe 15th Aviation Soldier of the Year in 1970. His commitment to veterans’ advocacy continued long after his service, including founding Jefferson County VFW Post 251 in 2000. Over a 40-year professional career, Nelson held numerous leadership roles in public safety, government, and insurance. He is also a professional saxophonist with more than 60 years of performance experience.

Darryl Hall (February)

Following four years of active duty in the U.S. Army and an honorable discharge, Darryl Hall enrolled at the then-Tallahassee Community College while continuing his service with the Florida Army National Guard. Hall joined Leon County Emergency Medical Services shortly after its founding and rose through the ranks to become Deputy Chief Operations. With more than 35 years of experience in EMS, he has played a pivotal role in shaping emergency response services across the region.

Cedrick “Doc” Foster (March)

As a Vietnam-era U.S. Army veteran, Cedrick Foster has demonstrated a lifelong commitment to service in all its forms. He earned degrees from Alcorn State University and Prairie View A&M University before serving as a communications specialist with assignments at Fort Hood, Texas, and in West Germany, where he supported the 2nd Armored Division and received multiple commendations for excellence and leadership. Following his military service, Foster continued to give back as a mentor, volunteer counselor, youth sports coach, and community leader, while also building a long career in broadcasting and currently hosting a weekend program on WSST 730 AM in Thomasville, Georgia.

Jessie Clayton (April)

From 1980 to 1983, Jessie Clayton served in a medical unit, providing critical care to soldiers and nearby units. Alongside his medical responsibilities, he trained extensively in weaponry and marksmanship, earning recognition for his skill and dependability. Following his military service, Clayton earned a degree in information systems at Auburn University. Clayton’s commitment to service extends beyond his professional work as he regularly volunteers with organizations such as the Kearney Center, Special Olympics, and the Oasis Center for Women and Girls, and has provided disaster relief assistance to communities affected by hurricanes.

Heather Marie Mitchell (May)

The native of Gadsden County is a retired United States Navy Senior Chief Petty Officer. She served for more than 22 years with distinction, earning a reputation for developing future leaders and guiding Sailors through both professional and personal milestones. Mitchell earned both bachelor’s and master’s degrees in leadership from Grand Canyon University and is a certified DISC Facilitator and Corporate Trainer. She serves as the Training and Development Manager at Tallahassee State College and is pursuing a Doctor of Education in Educational and Organizational Leadership.

David L. Johnson (June)

Captain David Johnson is a Bronze Star recipient whose impact spans military service, professional excellence, and community engagement. Commissioned as a Second Lieutenant after graduating from Florida A&M University, Johnson served as an Infantry Officer with the Florida Army National Guard from 1990 to 2004, assigned to the 3rd Battalion, 124th Infantry Regiment, 53rd Separate Infantry Brigade. Following military service, he dedicated more than 25 years to the financial services industry and currently serves as a Financial Services Professional with New York Life, helping individuals and families plan for the future.

Joe E. Alexander (July)

In August 2001, Joe Alexander enlisted in the Florida Army National Guard. His career began as a Private First Class, then he rose through the ranks, holding a wide range of operational and leadership roles throughout his tenure. His assignments included service as a constructive equipment supervisor and foreman, heavy equipment operator, operations sergeant, platoon sergeant, intelligence noncommissioned officer, and First Sergeant of Headquarters and Headquarters Company. Alongside his military career, Alexander built a parallel career in law enforcement. He retired in August 2022 after 21 years of distinguished military service. He served as a Detective with the Tallahassee Police Department for more than 26 years.

Dr. Marcy Muldrow Sanders (August)

Dr. Marcy Muldrow Sanders is a retired United States Navy Commander (O-5). Most recently, she served as Regional Engagement Principal for Florida with the Defense Innovation Unit (DIU), where she established DIU and National Security Innovation Network programming across Florida A&M University and the Florida State University System. Her work connected Department of Defense stakeholders with nontraditional problem solvers in academia, fostering innovation and opening pathways for research, collaboration, and entrepreneurial engagement.

Joseph Williams (September)

A World War II veteran, Joseph Williams served in the United States Navy as a steward’s mate in the Pacific Theater, spending years at sea during one of the 20th century's most consequential global conflicts. Following the war, Williams pursued additional education and went on to establish a long and respected career as a house painter. At 106 years old, Williams stands among the nation’s oldest surviving African American veterans of World War II.

Tonja Fitzgerald (October)

After serving 21 years in the Florida Army National Guard, Tonja Fitzgerald created a well-known leadership record defined by integrity, adaptability, and operational excellence. Fitzgerald rose to senior enlisted leadership positions, including Distribution Platoon Sergeant and Utilities Equipment Repair Supervisor. She received multiple awards and honors for her service. Following her military service, Fitzgerald dedicated 29 years to education with Leon County Schools, beginning as a classroom teacher and rising to Assistant Superintendent.

Jarvis V. Rosier, Sr. (November)

Representing the fourth generation of his family to serve the country, Jarvis Rosier, Sr.’s assignments included operations leadership with the 189 th Infantry Brigade at Fort Bragg, service as First Sergeant with Task Force Cerberus during Operation Enduring Freedom in Afghanistan, and Chief Instructor at the United States Army Reserve Military Police School in California. His work and leadership were recognized with numerous awards and commendations. He retired from the United States Army in 2009 after serving 34 years of active and reserve duty, including a combat tour in Afghanistan.

Dr. Pia S. Woodley (December)

Florida A&M University alumnus, Dr. Pia Woodley, earned a degree in Health Care Management before receiving a commission in the United States Navy, where she built a distinguished military career marked by resilience, teamwork, and mentorship. As a Lieutenant Commander, she managed personnel and budgets and was widely respected for her ability to mentor junior sailors, instilling integrity, accountability, and purpose in those she led. Currently, Woodley serves as Chair of the Florida Veterans Foundation, overseeing a $2.2 million budget and advancing initiatives that improve veterans' quality of life.

Tariq Rashad Bonnett (January)

Tallahassee native, Tariq Bonnett, earned a Bachelor of Science in Information Technology from Florida A&M University in 2018 and was commissioned in the United States Navy after graduating from Naval Officer Candidate School in 2019. He went on to become a Naval Aviator and currently serves as a Lieutenant. Throughout his aviation career, he has accumulated over 770 flight hours across multiple aircraft platforms, including the T-6, T-44, and P-8. His service includes two overseas deployments, during which he completed more than 60 combat flight hours and earned multiple military honors. Bonnett is dedicated to developing future leaders, which is why he currently serves as an Assistant Professor of Naval Science with the Naval ROTC Program at Morehouse College.

The calendars will be available for community pick up in the Hinson Administration Building on the Main Campus of Tallahassee State College during the designated dates and times listed:

Monday, February 2, from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Tuesday, February 3, from 3 to 5 p.m. Wednesday, February 4, from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Thursday, February 5, from 3 to 5 p.m. Friday, February 6, from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Monday, February 9, from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Tuesday, February 10, from 3 to 5 p.m. Wednesday, February 11, from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Thursday, February 12, from 3 to 5 p.m. Friday, February 13, from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m.

TSC announces honorees for the 26th Annual Cherry Hall Alexander African American History Calendar

Quincy commission moves toward fact-finding, policy review after checks posted online

U.S. Army Sgt. 1st Class Mark Henderson, Jr. of Havana Dies in Kuwait

U.S. Army Sgt. 1st Class Mark Henderson, Jr. of Havana Dies in Kuwait

Recommended

Yee-Haw! Gadsden County Horsemen’s Association rides into town for the 2023 Annual Big Bend Rodeo.

Stewart Street Elementary’s outstanding Honor Roll, Principal’s List students

Popular News

U.S. Army Sgt. 1st Class Mark Henderson, Jr. of Havana Dies in Kuwait