MWHS-3 Marine accepted to NAPS while deployed to Al Asad

[USMCRET6391]

AL ASAD, Iraq (May 29, 2006) -- The Naval Academy Preparatory School accepted a 3rd Marine Aircraft Wing Marine during a deployment here.

Cpl. Laura B. Ramsey, a legal services specialist with Marine Wing Headquarters Squadron 3, 3rd MAW, received her letter of acceptance to the school in April after several months of waiting.

"I look at my opportunity as a way of growing up," said the Newport News, Va., native. "I think I can make more of an impact as an officer than as a noncommissioned officer."

Following in her father and stepfather's footsteps, Ramsey started out enlisted with the final goal of becoming an officer and being able to lead from a command aspect.

Ramsey will be leaving Iraq in June and will relocate to Newport, R.I., where she will attend the one-year prep school.

According to the official website for NAPS at http://www.naps.edu, classes are generally 55 minutes long for up to 18 hours-per-week. NAPS was designed for students to develop learning skills for success at the academies. While at the school, students study English composition, mathematics, chemistry, physics and information technology.

Once all schooling is completed, Ramsey plans to pursue a career as a Marine Corps aviator.

"Cpl. Ramsey shows maturity beyond her age and rank," said Sgt. Paul M. Swingle, maintenance administration/data analysis non-commissioned officer in charge, MWHS-3. "That is a very good quality in any leader."