"A gathering around the outdoor fireplace the evening of the book release party for PUNK'S FIGHT. From the left: Brother Carson, Captain Scott Stewart (Tomcat RIO and Academy company mate), Ward, CDR Mark Rich (Tomcat RIO and roommate aboard USS America), and Ken Baile, V-22 program chief engineer."

"Ward and his mentor Vice Admiral Tony Less, USN (ret.) at the book release party for PUNK'S FIGHT. Admiral Less is a noted naval aviation great, having commanded the Blue Angels, USS Ranger, and Naval Air Forces Atlantic."

"The Carroll family at the book release party for PUNK'S FIGHT: From left: Brother Briggs, Sister-in-law Jody, Nephew Chase, Nephew Tyler, Wife Carrie, Ward, Sister-in-law Trudy, Son Hunton, Son Reid, Dad, Niece Madison, Mom, Brother Carson."

MiLES FRoM CLEVeR, southern Maryland's newest and most angst-ridden rock trio, is ready to unleash their fury in no more than four chords per song for the convenience of aficionados who like their music served up loud but don't have a lot of time to waste waiting for a deeper meaning. MiLES FRoM CLEVeR is KeNT NICHoLS on bass, WaRD CARRoLL on guitar, and StEVE WALLo on drums. These three veterans combine like the elements of Fire, Water, and Earth to form . . . warm mud. And like warm mud their sound aggressively slings from the bogs of St. Mary's County and spatters against the walls of the region's rock n' roll establishments. It's dirty, but rock's a dirty business. It's got a feel and a taste - caked behind your ears and gritty against your molars. Revel in it. Besides, there's nowhere to go. You're MiLES FRoM CLEVeR. - Go THeRe NoW

Ward "takes a few questions" from the media pool during a recent research visit to the Pentagon. (April '04, photo by Kevin Wensing)

Ward and Secretary of the Navy Gordon England in SECNAV's office at the Pentagon. (April '04, photo by Kevin Wensing)