Army and Navy Academy named former Drill Instructor of the Year, Joe L.Vines, Sr. Upper School Commandant

CARLSBAD, Calif. - Joe L. Vines, Sr., Formertwo Navy and Marine Corps Commendation
School Sergeant Major of the School of InfantryMedals and two Navy and Marine Corps
(West) at Camp Pendleton, California has beenAchievement Medals.
named Commandant of the Army and NavyJoe Vines was an outstanding United States
Academy's Upper School (Grades 10-12). Mr. VinesMarine who led by example and who consistently
replaces Mike Marshall, who will be reassigned toexceeded the Corps' high standards said
the newly reestablished position of DeputyAcademy President BG (Ret) Steve Bliss. He is
Commandant, effective at the beginning of therenowned as a leader who is dedicated, loyal,
2010-2011 school year.intelligent and articulate and is a perfect fit to lead
Mr. Vines served as an active duty Marine forour Upper School Residential Life team. He will do
more than 20 years, rising to the rank ofan outstanding job working with and leading our
Sergeant Major, the highest enlisted rank that an10th, 11th and 12th grade students and helping
individual can attain. He is a combat veteran ofthem to achieve their high potential.
Operation Iraqi Freedom, having served threeLocated along the shores of Carlsbad, California,
tours of duty in that theatre of operations.Army and Navy Academy is a college
Mr. Vines forte was training Marines. He had apreparatory, military style boarding school for
Corps wide reputation as one of the finest Drillboys in grades 7 through 12. The Academy was
Instructors to ever serve. He was honor graduatefounded with just 13 students in Pacific Beach and
of his class at Drill Instructor School, where herelocated to Carlsbad in 1936. Unlike most
also won his class' leadership award and physicaltraditional boarding schools, the Academy consists
fitness award. He has been named Drill Instructorof 29 buildings on 16.5 acres adjacent the Pacific
of the Quarter and Drill Instructor of the Year forOcean. Army and Navy Academy is accredited
his outstanding work.by Western Association of Schools and Colleges
Mr. Vines awards and decorations include the(WASC) and California Association of Independent
Legion of Merit, three Meritorious Service Medals,Schools (CAIS).