Major Angela M Erale, USA, of Montclair, VA, beloved daughter, sister, and aunt, died in New Mexico on February 14, 2015. She was 33 years old.
Angela’s sudden passing is a blow not only to her family but also to the United States Army in which she so faithfully served. Angela was a veteran of Operations Enduring Freedom and Iraqi Freedom. She was awarded two Bronze Star Medals, three Army Commendation Medals, an Army Achievement Medal, and numerous other awards.
Angela was born in Mobile, Alabama, and grew up in Montclair, VA. She attended Hylton High School and graduated with the class of 1999. After graduating with a degree in Mass Communications from Virginia Commonwealth University in 2004, Angela screened for and was accepted into the Army Officer Candidate School in Ft. Benning, GA, and graduated in 2005.
Angela was a public affairs officer and production chief with the 24th Press Camp Headquarters in Ft. Bliss, TX.
Angela has been described as a vivacious and an integral leader within every community she served. She led her soldiers with enthusiasm and unparalleled competence. Her attention to detail was extraordinary and her work ethic tireless. Whenever she took on a new task or mission, she inundated herself with information and details so she could make a sound decision; be it an operational order or where her family and friends would eat for dinner.
Angela’s top priorities in life were family and her country, in that order. She proved her dedication to her family and her soldiers through the little things she did to make sure all were taken care of, with no regard for self. Her loving family and fiancée will dearly miss her unconditional love and kindness she showed on a daily basis.
There will be a celebration of life for Angela at Girgio’s family restaurant in Montclair on Sunday, March 1st. Friends are invited to come by between the hours of 2pm—5pm to share stories and remember a treasured friend and daughter.
Full Military Honors will be presented when she is laid to rest in Arlington; date is still pending.
Recent Stories
ARTfactory and Birmingham Green made headlines in Manassas this week. ARTfactory’s Rooftop Productions, now Actors Theatre, won seven awards at the 2024 DC Broadway World Awards, including Best Musical for Kinky Boots and Best Choreography for The Rocky Horror Show. ARTfactory’s Pied Piper Theatre also earned recognition, winning Best Theatre for Young Audiences for its production of The Wizard of Oz.
Meanwhile, Birmingham Green, ranked as Northern Virginia’s top nursing home by Newsweek Magazine, announced Duane Smith as its new Nursing Home Administrator, effective December 30, 2024. Smith brings extensive experience from senior living leadership roles across multiple states and holds several professional qualifications. Birmingham Green continues its 90-year mission of providing quality long-term care to Northern Virginians in need.
Looking for a new best friend? Meet Echo, a 3-4-month-old pup full of love, energy, and curiosity. This little guy, possibly a Boxer mix, is still finding his voice, but…
Should Virginia ditch the longstanding practice of electing the General Assembly and the governor in odd year elections?
The first odd year election in Virginia was in 1851, after a new state Constitution was approved and members of the House were elected to a two-year term. Before that, members of the House had one-year terms, and voters selected members every single year.
Now, Senate Majority Leader Scott Surovell says modern day voters are sick and tired of voting every year.
A Manassas man was sentenced today to 18 years in prison for providing drugs and alcohol to a child in exchange for sex acts and possession of child sexual abuse material (CSAM) depicting the same victim as well as other children.
According to court documents, Olajide Benjamin Ayilaran, 24, met a 14-year-old girl during the summer of 2023 and began communicating with the victim via iMessage. In the messages, Ayilaran offered to provide the victim drugs, alcohol, and nicotine products in exchange for sex acts. Between at least Nov. 21, 2023, and Feb. 29, 2024, Ayilaran met the victim nine times, usually in the morning before the victim went to school, to exchange the products for sexual acts. Ayilaran would wait for the victim in his car in a nearby park. When the victim arrived, he gave her the drugs and alcohol and then had the victim perform sex acts on him in the car.
Travel to French soil and join us for a night filled with two of the most beloved French traditions—no plane ticket required! ?
On January 25th, we invite you to experience the magic of Galette des Rois, a 700-year-old tradition celebrated across France throughout the entire month of January (and even beyond!). This sweet, almond-filled puff pastry topped with a golden crown isn’t just a treat—it’s a celebration! The lucky person who finds the fève (a porcelain charm hidden in one of the slices) becomes the King or Queen for the Day, and don’t worry—there will be plenty of royalty to go around! ??
But that’s not all! In France, Les Voeux (New Year’s wishes) continue throughout January, often accompanied by Champagne and good cheer. We’re bringing that festive spirit to you, with a lively evening packed with French food, wine, and music.
What’s in store:
Experience the passion and drama of Puccini’s “The Girl from the Golden West”.
Featuring special guest musicians from The Chesapeake Youth Orchestra,
this performance brings Puccini’s masterpiece to life with an extraordinary cast.
