This
Gallery Is To Inform You Of The Most Recent Passing Of Those
Within Our Brotherhood, I'm
So Sorry!
Oh! How
tall these airmen stand
Molded of the finest clay
They pledge their honor and their code
These men in the Scarlet Red Beret
Oh!
Knights, Oh! Warriors clad in blue
Lancelot's of modern day
The best our country has to give,
These men in the Scarlet Red Beret
Their
battlefields have known no bounds
They lead the brave and show the way
Their courage beacons beams of light
These men in the Scarlet Red Beret
A wave
of pride comes over me
A pride that I can't stem nor stay
Humbled just to be among
These men in the Scarlet Red Beret
Unfurl
the flag and roll the drums
The buglers must have their anthem play
To honor those who've gone before
These men in the Scarlet Red Beret
To
those who've made that final jump
We salute and this we pray
Their memories will never fade
These men in the Scarlet Red Beret
By Major
John Lewis, USAF,
Ret.
Combat
Control Officer
 |
| Dewitt Neal Jr, CCA Life Member 664 |
NEAL-Dewitt Neal Jr., age 69, a 20 year resident of Albuquerque, passed away
Thursday, December 31, 2009. He was a native of Oklahoma City, graduating from
Douglas High School in 1958. He received a bachelor and masters degrees from
University of Oklahoma and was a founding member of O.U. Omega Psi Phi
Fraternity. Dewitt served his country in the US Air Force. After his service, he
worked with the Veterans Administration as a Rating Specialist. He is survived
by Myrna, his wife of 35 years; mother, Stenola G. Neal; sister, Brenda Neal;
sons, Chris and Michael Neal; grandsons, William and Morgan Neal; step-sons,
Earl, Emelio, Eduardo Bennett; numerous other family members. A memorial service
will be held Wednesday, January 6, at 10:00 AM, at French Westside Chapel, with
interment to follow at Santa Fe National Cemetery at 1:00 PM. In lieu of
flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the American Heart Association or
the American Cancer Society. |
 |
RODRIGUEZ, Juan Evangelista, 67, of
Charleston, a retired Air Force Combat Control
Technician and husband of Gillian Esme Lawrence Rodriguez, died
Sunday. Rod passed away from heart failure at his home Sunday,
12/13/09. He passed peacefully yet the family is still in shock. The
family is having private Memorial Service in Charleston, S.C.,
12/17/09. The family request no flowers but for anyone wishing to send
card they can please send to;
Mr. & Mrs. Juan
Rodriguez and Family
143 Palmetto Bluff CT
Charleston, SC
29418-3017
Rod's son Lee and wife Jill, asked that I notify the CCT
family of Rod's passing as they are aware of Rod's closeness to many in the CCT
family........ Whip Wilson
|
From Hector Jones; Peter G. Bonazoli is pictured on your
1986 CCT Reunion webpage next Jerry Bennett (alphabetical, go figure)....SgtMacsBar
Gallery 44b CCT Combat Control Photos and Pictures He was
stationed with me at Little Rock until I separated in 1990. Pete, from the
Boston area and I, a New Yorker, were good friends. I believe he separated a few
years after and moved to Buffalo, NY to live near family. He was employed as a
network engineer and his occasional travels would include a layover or two in DC
where Kathy and I lived throughout the 90's. I last saw Pete, Mike Sheridan
(another LRAFB alum), and Mike's wife Cathy in Buffalo when the Redskins played
the Bills on Monday Night Football in 1997 or 98 -- happier times. I last
telephoned Peter G. in 2005 hoping to see him while I was in Buffalo for the
day. I should have known there was something wrong with Pete when he turned down
a chance eat an Italian dinner and sample the beers of western NY. Kathy's
attempts to reconnect with Pete through Facebook found Pete's cousin Sheila, and
Sheila sadly confirmed that Peter G. Bonazoli committed suicide 11 Sep
2006.......Hector
Vernon Morgan, (CCA
AN-604) passed away 27 November 2009, from a heart attack. Vern,
in addition to being a longtime CCT and parachuting instructor at the
USAF Academy, was a member of the combined Army-Air Force HALO team
that set the world altitude record for a group freefall in 1963. He was
awarded the Distinguished Flying Cross for that jump (see below).
Jim Howell was on the team as well. This jump was made long
before the invention of squares. They used round parachutes with a
hefty opening shock and without a lot of canopy maneuverability you now
have.
MORGAN, Vernon, 77, of Cynthiana, Ky., died Saturday, November
28, 2009, at the Harrison Memorial Hospital in Cynthiana. He was born April 11,
1932, in Hamilton County, Fla., a son of the late Odus and Mattie Allen Morgan.
Mr. Morgan was retired from the U.S. Air Force, was a sport parachute instructor
for the Air Force Academy and was a private pilot. A son, Michael Eugene Morgan,
preceded him in death.
Survivors include his wife, Annie Floyd Morgan;
sons, Francis Clayton Morgan of Va., Stephen Arnold Morgan of New Mexico, David
Keith Morgan of Florida, and Michael Edwin Morgano of Idaho; daughters, Regina
Lynn Carter of Arizona and April Morgan Morris of Cynthiana; 14 grandchildren
and three great-grand-children. Funeral services will be conducted at 11 a.m.
Wednesday December 2, 2009, at the Drake-Whaley-McCarty Funeral Home; 112 N. Walnut St, Cynthiana, KY 41031.
Friends may call after 10 a.m. Wednesday at the funeral home. www.drake whaleymccartyfuneralhome.com
Rod "Zeke" Dewey
left this world for a better place on Monday, 9/28/09.
 |
Rodney B.
(Zeke) Dewey, 58, of East Haven died suddenly September 28, 2009 in St.
Johnsbury. He was born in Saranac Lake, NY on October 21, 1950, to
Dorothy (Bush) Dewey and the late Robert Dewey. On December 16, 1995,
he married Catherine Ann Guy who survives him. Mr. Dewey graduated from
Benn High School, Bennington, VT and entered into the United States Air
Force where he was a sergeant, paratrooper, and a member of the Combat
Control Team during the Vietnam War. He was a lumber inspector for
Mountain City Lumber Company in Mountain City, TN and Cersiumo Lumber
in Brattleboro, VT. Among his hobbies, he enjoyed hunting, fishing, the
outdoors, and working in the woods. He was an at-large member of the
Veterans of Foreign Wars. He is survived by his wife,
Catherine Ann Guy of East Haven, his mother Dorothy Dewey of
Bennington, his children: Robin Dewey of Las Vegas, NV; Bambi Baca of
Las Vegas, NV, and Nadezda Dewey of Chugiak, AK; two grandchildren:
Orion and Meia Baca, Las Vegas, NV; a step-son Jason Guy of Nashville,
TN; a step-daughter Debbie Phipps and her husband Jimmy of Trade, TN;
and many very special friends. |
He is survived by the
following brothers and sisters: Ned Dewey and his wife, Colleen of
Bennington; Bobby Dewey and his wife, Patty of Bennington; Sandra
Sullivan and companion, Lee Zimmer of Rensselaer, NY; Brad Dewey and
his wife, Cathy of Wesley Chapel, FL; Debbie Kiernan and her husband,
Rick of Slate Hill, NY; and Julia Kraus and her husband, Andrew of
Westfield, MA; and several nieces and nephews. He was predeceased by
his father, Robert B. Dewey. Military honors will be held at 12 Noon at
his home 2040 VT Rt. 114 in East Haven on Saturday, October 3, 2009,
followed by a celebration of his life at 2:00 P.M. at the
Dewey’s Camp on Simpson Road in East Haven. Should friends
desire, contributions in his memory may be made to the Disabled
American Veterans Association, c/o Winston Dowland, Whittier Road,
Derby Line, VT 05830. Online condolences may be sent to the family
through the funeral home website at
www.curtis-britch-converse-rushford.com. Arrangements are entrusted to
the care of Curtis-Britch-Converse-Rushford Funeral Home, locally
family owned and operated.
John
V. Stryker;
September 26, 2009
I stumbled onto John Stryker’s Obit by
accident on the Special
Operations Association website. I was not aware of his passing. Did I
miss
something or did this not get to CCA? I checked the CCT Memorial and he
is not
listed.
I know there are plenty of old CCT who recall John.
In fact many knew
him as he was known to drop in on CCT while he served with Special
Forces in
Viet Nam in the late 60s and early 70s. John and Charlie Jones went
into the
Army Warrant Program at the same time (In late 68 if my recall does not
fail
me).
John was quite a guy and a former Marine. He told
me and others the
hell he caught when he went through Parris Island with the name
“John Stryker”.
Recall that John Wayne played the role of Sergeant John Stryker in
“The Sands
of Iwo Jima.”
As I recall I met him when he cross trained into
CCT in 64 at Hurlburt.
He and I were in the group to move with The 1st Air Commando Wing CCT
to
England AFB Louisiana. He was a good man and did well for CCT.
Please put this out and if you could maybe put this
note in the
Memorial.
Sincerely.............Buddy Bowden
JOHN
V. STRYKER, SOA # 2033-GL,
CW4, US Army, retired, passed away 21 November 2007 at his home. John
was born
on July 4 1935 in Clinton, New Jersey. John joined the 1st Air Commando
Wing in
1962. He deployed to Vietnam in 1963. Upon his return to the United
States, he
attended Jump School and became a Combat Controller. He returned to
Vietnam as
a Combat Controller. He received an appointment to Warrant Officer in
the
United States Army. He volunteered for Special Forces and after his SF
Qualification; he served with 5th and 7th Special Forces Groups. Upon
his
retirement after 30 years, he worked at the Directorate of Combat
Developments,
USAJFKSWCS, Fort Bragg and the Infil/Exfil Branch, USSCOM, Mac Dill
AFB. Among
his many awards and decorations are the Presidential Unit Citation,
Bronze Star
w/Oak Leaf Cluster, Air Medal, Combat Infantryman’s Badge,
Air Force and Army
Commendation Medals, Master Parachutist Badge, Scuba Badge and
Pathfinder
Badge. A son and three grandchildren survive him.
Joseph G. Orr; NEWPORT NEWS
- Joseph "Joe" George Orr, 80, died Friday, Sept. 25, 2009 at his home.Born in
 |
Washington,
D.C., he made his home in Newport News since 1964. He retired from the
U.S. Air Force in 1974, after 27 years of dedicated service. He served
in the Army at the end of WW II and later in the U.S. Air Force, as a
Master Parachutist in the Air Traffic Control career field. He was a
lifetime member of the Combat Control Association. After he retired
from the military, he worked for the Newport News Waterworks for almost
20 years. He was a member of the Knights of Columbus and an active
member of Our Lady of Mount Carmel Catholic Church, where he served as
an usher. Joe always had a smile to share with everyone.Joe is survived by his wife of 55
years, Marlene Orr; his daughters, Robyn Orr of Newport News, and
Michele Adams and her husband, Gregory of Rockville, Md.; his son,
Michael J. Orr and his wife, Anna of Oklahoma; and his three
grandchildren, Justin, Amanda, and Brandon. The family will
receive friends from 6 to 7 p.m. Tuesday, Sept. 29, 2009, at Our Lady
of Mount Carmel Catholic Church, followed by a Funeral Mass at 7 p.m. A
graveside service will be conducted at 10 a.m. Wednesday, Sept. 30,
2009, at Peninsula Memorial Park. Family and friends will meet at the
church, at 9:30 a.m., to process to the cemetery. |
 |
Paul Van Heffron 1961-2009
Paul Van Heffron, 48 years old, was born May 27,
1961
at St. Anne's on the Sea, in England, and died at home in Boise, Idaho,
on Aug. 23, 2009. He will be sorely missed by all who loved him, none
more than his loving wife, Julie, and beautiful daughter, Sam. Paul met
his future wife and forever soul mate, Julie, in November of 1991.
Samantha Josephine completed their family with her joyfully anticipated
arrival in October of 2007. Paul's passion for travel and adventure
began during his tour of duty with the United States Air Force in 1981.
He
served as a Special Forces Combat Controller and was honorably
discharged in 1987. Afterwards Paul continued to pursue his love of
travel while working for an oil exploration company in such interesting
places as Asia, Africa and South America. Second only to fatherhood was
Paul's passion for free flight. |
He loved to
compete in long-distance paragliding competitions all over the region
and did so for many years. Paul was a kind and giving soul, a loving
husband, and a gifted father. According to Julie, "Words cannot express
the connection Paul had with Sam." He was exceedingly intuitive about
her feelings; he could calm her, and had a sixth sense about what she
needed, long before she was able to communicate. In keeping with his
free spirit, love of travel, and sense of adventure, Paul's ashes will
be released in flight, joined with the wind once again. We will shelter
you forever with our love, Julie and Sam.
Just received
phone call from Bob Hill LM 830 and informed that Frank Anthony LM 702
passed away at approximately 9:00 last night (Saturday August 1, 2009).
Frank, Bob and I were on the first Team I was on (1st Air
Commando CCT) in the early and mid 60s. Buddy Bowden
Frank
Anthony, 73, of Quinton, Va., passed away on August 1, 2009. He
was a
native of Phoebus, Va. and graduated from Hampton H.S. He was preceded
in death
by his parents, Ruth and Chris Anthony. He is survived by his wife,
Janice Sale
Anthony; son, Frank Gray; stepson, Gregory Adams (Margaret);
granddaughter,
Katie Adams; brother, Michael Anthony (Marcia); several nephews, and a
devoted
niece, Ashley Sale; and great-niece, Layla Sale. Mr. Anthony served in
the U.S.
Army and Air Force, and was a U.S. Air Force Combat Master Jumper in
the
Vietnam War. He retired from the USAF and Virginia National Guard as a
military
member, as well as, a civil service employee. Visitation will be
Tuesday,
August 4, 2009 from 2 to 4 and 6 to 8 p.m. at Nelsen Funeral Home and
Crematory, 4650 S. Laburnum Ave., Richmond, Va. Graveside service with
military
honors will be held on Wednesday, August 5, 2009 at 1 p.m. in Parklawn
Memorial
Park Cemetery, Hampton, Va. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions
may be
made to Hospice of Virginia, 7231 Forest Avenue, Suite 100, Richmond,
Va.
23226.
Mark S.
Conlin of Bensalem died after a long illness Friday July 17, 2009, at
Lower Bucks Hospital. He was 56.
Mark worked for Mercedes
Benz USA, LLC for 27 years in logistics and distribution, both in
Maryland and New Jersey.
He was a sergeant in the
U.S. Air Force during the Vietnam War and a member of the Air Force
Blue Berets. Mark received awards from both Gen. Omar Bradley and Gen.
Harold Johnson for his military writings.
Mark enjoyed
scrapbooking, baseball, swimming, and roller skating.
He was a member of the
Combat Control Team Association.
Survivors include his
mother, Henrietta E. Koch Conlin of Maryland; a son, Derek Lee Conlin
of North Carolina; his godmother and aunt, Audrey Koch Feathers of New
York, and his cousins, Richard, Cynthia, Suzy and Robert Feathers, all
of New York.
Relatives and friends are
invited to call at 5 p.m. Friday, July 24, followed by services at 5:30
p.m. from Tomlinson Funeral Home, 2207 Bristol Pike, Bensalem.
Interment will be held privately.
Memorials in Mark's name
may be made to the USO, Dept W.S., P.O. Box 96860, Washington, DC
20090-6860. Tomlinson Funeral Home, Bensalem
I'm sad to tell you, Ralph M.
Carroll, passed away on 18 June 2003 after a battle with
cancer. He served in Vietnam and I morne his passing after
all these years. May you rest in peace...........
From
Al Hooper; To All, It’s my sad duty to tell you that
our CCT Brother, Tom Laney (CCA LM-338),
finally lost his long battle with cancer and passed away last night. He
was my good friend for almost 40 years and I will truly miss him and
his sense of humor.
The following comes from his wife
Judy:
We
lost Tom last night. He is now in a peaceful place.
I'm a little raw right now and need time to get myself together and
then get through a service next week. Please pass the word to
people who would want to know. I would love to talk with many
of you down the road - but will need some time to pass first.
Tom had a great group of wonderful friends. He was a lucky
guy... Judy
Tom’s
funeral is to be July 15th at 12:00 PM in Anchorage Alaska(I
don’t have the exact funeral site) and will be followed at
1:30 PM by a Celebration of his Life at the Mountain View VFW (Post
10252), also in Anchorage.
For
anyone wishing to attend the funeral from out of state, Emmett
Heidemann has offered to help with arranging quarters at Ft Richardson
or Elmendorf AFB or providing a ride to/from the airport if
needed. He can be reached at (907) 694-4497 or at fvwitsend@gci.net
He can also provide more details on the funeral and
celebration sites if you plan on attending.
They've
asked that in lieu of flowers you make a contribution towards a
memorial brick in Tom’s memory to be placed at the Combat
Control School. Forward your contributions to me and I will
consolidate them and purchase the brick. Any excess funds
received will be contributed to the Combat Control School Association
on behalf of Tom and Judy Laney.
Mail
contributions to: Allen Hooper
6853 Calle De Cortez Ct.
Navarre, FL 32566
|
Tom Laney had a great group of friends and we will always celebrate you
life, Brother! |
|
From
Mac; I only met Tom and Judy over a couple days in Yuma
a few years ago. He took me to his favorite get a way, Crazy
Earl's, where we enjoyed a few and maybe a few more.
Tom was wearing his Crazy Earl's Muscle Shirt and was explaining it was
cut a certain way that made it fit correctly. After we had a
few more, the bartender brought over a shirt and next thing I know, I'm
thanking Tom for giving me a shirt.
I still laugh about
it, for after I sobered up, I don't think he ever had intension's of
buying me a shirt. It all just kinda fell together and after
I thanked him, he felt obligated. Thank's again Tom!
We also talked about
cancer, because he had cancer. I wanted to put out the news
and help form a support group, but he said,NO. He told me his
friends knew about his condition and their support would carry him
through. I don't think he wanted to burden anyone, but we all
know showing support for Tom, would be a blessing.
Judy, I will always
have a smile on my face when I wear Crazy Earl's Muscle Shirt, because
I'll be thinking of Tom! I'm smiling now, love you,
Mac...........
|
Thomas H. Laney, 68, died
July 6, 2009 at his Anchorage home
with his wife by his side, after a 12-year battle with prostate cancer.
A memorial service will be at noon Wednesday at the Fort Richardson
National Cemetery. Attendees are asked to gather at the main gate, off
the Glenn Highway, at 11:45 a.m. for an escort to the cemetery. A
celebration of Tom's life will follow at the Mountain View VFW #10252.
Tom was born April 15, 1941, in Center Township, Pa., to Harrison and
Evelyn Laney. He enlisted in the U.S. Army in 1958 and became a part of
the 101st Airborne unit, working as an engineer demolition specialist.
After three years he left the Army and joined the U.S. Air Force, where
he excelled in electronics and became an instructor at Keesler AFB in
Mississippi. He later volunteered for a Combat Control Team, where he
remained for the rest of his military career. He was a master
parachutist and a military and sport instructor for High Altitude, Low
Opening (HALO). He had a total of 433 parachute jumps in his career. He
also had numerous military decorations, awards and aeronautical
ratings. His last duty station was Elmendorf AFB, where he spent seven
years before retiring in 1978. In 1978 Tom began a career with the
Department of Corrections, rising from correctional officer to
correctional superintendent before retiring in 1990. He worked at
facilities in Anchorage, Kenai, Seward and Eagle River. He then worked
at Prudhoe Bay doing oilfield security work until he was diagnosed with
cancer in 1997. Tom and his wife, Judy, fully retired in 1997 and began
touring the country in their motor home. They had 10 wonderful years of
travel, spending most of their time in the warm Southwest and returning
to Alaska for the summers. Tom loved the spring training baseball games
in Arizona, fishing in the ocean on the Texas coast and eating seafood
along the Gulf Coast. With his outgoing personality, he made many
friends in his travels. In 2007 his health required him to stay closer
to his medical providers but he was still able to lead an active life
until shortly before his death. Tom was an avid hunter and fisherman
when he first came to Alaska. He was also a member of VFW #10252, the
American Legion Post 29, Amvets #49, the Moose and Elks Clubs. He was a
devoted husband, father and grandfather and all have wonderful memories
of special moments spent with him. His wife said: "He always had such a
positive attitude and wonderful sense of humor. I will treasure the 22
years we spent together." Tom is survived by his wife, Judy; his
children, Evelyn of Eagle River, Tom Jr. of Anderson, Calif., Scott of
Anchorage and step-daughter, Lissa Wright and son-in-law Jay Wright of
Anchorage; grandchildren, Geraldine and Scott of Anchorage, Ashley,
Jessica and Michael of Yuba City, Calif., and Jack and Kyle of
Anchorage; two great-grandsons; his mother, Evelyn Laney of Chico,
Calif.; and his brother, Dan Laney of Los Lunas, N.M. In memory of Tom,
the family suggests donations to the Salvation Army or to a charity of
the donor's choice.
Scott
"Jewels" Giuliani
BENSON — Scott
A. Giuliani, Ret. USAF, 33, of Benson, died Friday (5/29/09) at home.
He was born in Iron
Mountain, Mich., the son of Ernest Paul and Lois Ann Hulce Giuliani. He
was a member of Freedom Biker Church in Angier, where he served as
youth minister. He was an active member of the Christian Motorcyclist
Association in Lillington. He was assigned to the 24th Special Tactics
Squadron on Pope Air Force Base and was a Combat Controller for three
tours of duty in Iraq and four in Afghanistan where he earned a Bronze
Star, Air Medal, Joint Service Commendation Medal, Air Force
Commendation Medal, and the Distinguished Presidential Unit Citation.
In addition to his
parents, he is survived by wife Lori M. Chartier Giuliani of the home,
brother Paul Giuliani of Ferndale, Mich. and sister Brenda Phare of
Westland, Mich.
Funeral will be held 11
a.m. today at Freedom
Biker Church in Angier by Pastor Mike Beasley.
Burial will follow at
Arlington National Cemetery in Arlington, Va.
Visitation will be held
from 6 to 8 p.m. today at O'Quinn-Peebles
Funeral Home and other times at the home.
In lieu of flowers,
memorials may be made to Freedom Biker Church Youth Ministry, 275-A
Bowling Spring Drive, Angier, N.C., 27501.
Condolences may be made
online at www.oquinnpeebles.com.
Arrangements are by O'Quinn-Peebles Funeral
Home.
John
F. Juergensen, 56, of
Marseilles, passed away Monday, Aug. 18 2008, at his home.
Funeral services will be
at 11 a.m. Thursday at Seals-Campbell Funeral Home in Marseilles with
the Rev. Duane Kaufman officiating. Burial will be in Riverview
Cemetery in Marseilles with military honors. Visitation will be from 5
to 8 p.m. Wednesday at the funeral home.
He was born July 3, 1952,
in Marseilles, to Fred and Blanche (Herman) Juergensen. In 1996, he
married Kornelia Grosskurth of Munich, Germany.
He served in the Air
Force. He then was employed by Lufthansa. He was currently serving in
the Air National Guard in Peoria and had been deployed twice to Iraq
and Afghanistan. He was employed by Illinois Department of
Transportation.
Survivors include his
wife, Kornelia Grosskurth-Juergensen, M.D., Ph.D.; one stepdaughter,
Stephanie Schoepfer-Grosskurth, D.V.M., of Ottawa; one stepson,
Christoph Schoepfer-Grosskurth of Normal; and many cousins.
He was preceded in death
by his parents.
Seals-Campbell Funeral Home
1009 E. Bluff St.,
Marseilles, IL 61341
815-795-5151
|
|
|
Details of SSgt Timothy
Davis' service/funeral were not confirmed earlier today
(Mon.) It looks like the funeral service will take
place in Washington State on Saturday, Feb. 28th at 1100, exact
location TBD. I believe the area is approximately 80-100
miles from McChord AFB, WA. The 1 SOW at Hurlburt Field, FL
is trying to arrange airlift from Hurlburt to McChord and
return. More to follow as it gets confirmed.
|
Tim
Davis Killed by I.E.D.
|
Tim
Davis, his wife Meagan, and their son Tim Jr. pose for a family photo
before he was deployed.
|
Memorial
Arrangements;
+/- 25/26 Feb (firm time still TBD) Tim’s casket to arrive at
Hoquiam
Airport (Bowerman Field), Hoquaim, WA. …expected
reception by military
honors/Patriot Guard/22 STS avail pax / Meagan+ family/Tim’s
parents
and relatives. Casket will be transferred to a hearse for transport to
Coleman Funeral Home..
27 Feb
1600-2000
family/team member viewing @ Coleman Funeral home
422 5th ST
Hoquiam, WA 98666
28 Feb
1130-1230 Open
viewing at Montesano High School
303 North
Church St.
Montesano, WA 98563
1300
Memorial
starts same location
Transfer to motorcade push to cemetery (+/- 2 miles) funeral
service
Return to school for social event...small appetizers
Here is
the link to the Patriot Guard Riders web page for honoring SSgt. Davis,
for all you Bike Riders; send pictures.............
The Military Memorial (at Hurlburt) may push an additional week to the
right to meet Meagan’s requests and facilitate availability
of
family members to be present…
A Memorial
Service is being planned for SSgt Davis here at Hurlburt Field, 23
March 2009, in the afternoon.
Wayne Norrad, President
Combat Control Association
More on
Sergeant Davis: Air
Force Special Operations Command has released more information about
SSgt. Timothy Davis, the airman who died from wounds received when
his vehicle struck an improvised explosive device last week. Davis, who
was a combat controller with the 23rd Special Tactics Squadron at
Hurlburt Field, Fla., had enlisted in the Air Force in 1999, training
first as a survival, evasion, resistance, and escape (SERE) instructor.
He entered training for the CCT field in June 2003 and two years later
was assigned to the CCT Silver Team. He also qualified as a joint
terminal attack controller. He was on his second deployment to
Afghanistan as a JTAC at the time of his death. Maj. Travis Woodworth,
23rd STS acting commander said, "Tim was one of the first squadron
members to volunteer for this recent deployment, despite just getting
back from one less than a year ago." Woodworth noted, too, that Davis
was "the epitome of the quiet professional that we in the Special
Operations community strive to be." (AFSOC report by Capt. Laura Ropelis)
From
the commander, 720th Special Tactics Group
02/20/2009
It is with great
sadness that
I inform you SSgt Timothy P. Davis, 23 STS was killed in Action today
supporting operations in OEF when the vehicle he was riding in was
struck by an IED.
Memorial and
funeral yet
TBD. We will let you know further details when they become
available.
To allow the unit to work through this - please direct any calls or
questions to the 720 OSS Vault DSN: 579-3708.
BRADLEY P.
THOMPSON, Col, USAF
Commander, 720
STG
MONTESANO, WA — Staff Sgt.
Timothy P. Davis was continuing a long family history of military
service when he enlisted in the U.S. Air Force a decade ago, his mother
Sally Sheldon said.
But on Friday, with three uniformed Air Force personnel on her
doorstep, she got the news no mother ever wants to hear.
Davis was killed in the Oruzgan province of Afghanistan on Friday.
According to an official letter from Major Gen. K.C. McClain, Commander
of the Air Force Personnel Center, she received and shared with The
Daily World, the death was from “the result of injuries
received from an improvised explosive device.”
The letter notes that further details were unavailable but asked Mrs.
Sheldon to “please accept the Air Force’s deepest
condolences.”
“They told me he died quickly,” Mrs. Sheldon said.
“He knew the Lord and he brought me much honor.”
Davis, who just turned 28, would have been married for five years next
month. He has a 1-year-old son, Timmy Junior, who also went by T.J.
“My breath has just been taken away,” his wife
Meagan said by phone from Spokane. “I am still in
shock.”
He met Meagan while training at Fairchild Air Force Base near Spokane.
His dad, Mike, lives in Ocean
Shores. His mom lives in South Aberdeen. His siblings include Ben, 29,
of Texas; and younger sister Noel, 26, of Burien. Much of his extended
family lives in the Montesano area.
Davis grew up in
Montesano, graduating from Monte High School in 1999. He was an
accomplished wrestler who once took seventh in a state tournament and
played on the football team, his mother said.
His unit was based out of
Hurlburt Field, Fla., where he was part of the 23rd Special Tactics
Squadron and worked as a Combat Controller, his wife said.
Memorial Services will be
conducted for Davis in Florida, but, per his wishes, he will be flown
to Montesano for another service. He’ll be buried in the
Harbor area, his aunt Mary Sheldon said.
His father, Mike Davis,
noted that his son had recently attended the funeral of another Combat
Controller and recognized that he may very well die some day himself.
“He told me,
‘I don’t want you to be stuck in a grieving mood. I
want you to get through it and move on. Think about all of those
fishing moments and Dad Sundays.’ ”
His uncle Jim Sheldon
noted that Davis had been given everything from underwater training to
land survival and parachute training.
“He worked with
a little cadre of Green Berets calling in coordinates and taking the
lay of the land to call in fire power and air strikes,” Jim
said.
On more than one occasion
he put himself in harm’s way, his family members said.
His whole unit had won a
Bronze Star for their actions during one combat outing. When he was
wounded with shrapnel another time, Davis was awarded a Purple Heart.
Because he didn’t lose a limb, his family said Davis always
said he didn’t deserve the award.
“He just called
me the week before and said his friend got shot in the face, a Green
Beret, and he was worried,” Jim said, noting he really got to
know Davis when he came to live with him and his wife Mary for two
years during high school.
“He
couldn’t really tell me what was going on. But I knew. I
said, ‘It’s escalating isn’t
it?’ But he didn’t say anything. And I said,
‘You don’t have to tell me everything, I
know.’ ”
Mrs. Sheldon said she had
been worried after hearing President Obama’s announcement on
Tuesday that another 17,000 U.S. soldiers and Marines would be sent to
Afghanistan to join the 38,000 troops already there.
In Obama’s
announcement, the president stated, “This increase is
necessary to stabilize a deteriorating situation in Afghanistan, which
has not received the strategic attention, direction and resources it
urgently requires.”
“As soon as I
heard that I was worried,” Mrs. Sheldon said. “I
was worried we weren’t doing well.”
His uncle John Sheldon
said he had heard from Tim as soon as last week.
“I was
concerned about him ever since he got wounded the first
time,” John said. “Tim was asking me for some
advice to invest his money. I told him, ‘Don’t do
the young man thing and blow all of your money. Save for your
future.’ And he was doing that.”
John is a Vietnam
veteran, having served in the Air Force, too. Two of John’s
uncles were in the Air Force and his dad Buck was in the Army. Buck was
captured in North Africa during World War II, but survived and earned
his own Purple Heart for enduring the pain and suffering that went with
two years of imprisonment.
“Tim always
wanted to serve,” John said.
“Tim was the
glue (of our family),” his brother Ben added by phone.
“He was always taking charge … protecting me. He
was very strong willed, very strong minded. He was just a great
person.”
His Aunt Mary recounted a
story about the young Davis trying to be tough and fearless. He had
decided to take his bike behind Monte High, where there is a large
hill, and ride down with no hands on the handlebars and closed eyes. He
crashed and came back with his chin split open and bleeding.
When they took him to the
hospital, and they injected the local anesthetic into his chin, she
said, “he didn’t make a sound. There was never any
doubt he was tough.”
Davis also had a lot of
nicknames. During basic training, his unit called him “The
Rock,” because he could always be counted on. His mom called
him “Tim-Bo” — akin to
“Rambo” from the war movies.
“As a little
boy, I also called him ‘my little mountain goat’
because he always climbed on everything,” his mom said.
His uncle Jim called him
“Slider” because when Davis was younger, he let a
jar of peanuts slide from his hand and land on the floor of a
buddy’s truck who was a stickler for having a spotless rig.
His uncle John noted that
one of Tim’s favorite movie heroes was John Wayne.
“And, like John
Wayne, he didn’t talk a lot but when he did, he said
something that meant a lot,” John said.
“We’ll miss him.”
“He
would be the first one in and the last one out,” his dad
added. “He hated what was going on around the world and
wanted to make a difference.”
| Memorial
Services will be held at 2 pm on Sunday, 19
April 2009, at the Pymatuning Community Church in Andover, Ohio; For more
info, contact Ron's wife, suzizoo@embarqmail.com |
 |
Ron
Holder
Passes due to cancer;
I heard about this yesterday,
12/17/08, and spent a lot of time reminiscing. Ron
was one of my CCT instructors and now 1/2 of them are dead. I
always figured Tim McCann would go first, but he's going to out live me
and Billie Slayton's a staple. The person I'm going to talk
most about isn't Ron, but my other instructor, Chuck Abee, who passed
away a few years ago and has welcomed Ron to Heaven.
An unusual thing for me to say, but
I'm only telling you what Chuck told me............
Chuck was dead for 10 minutes and
tried to get into Heaven, but missed the bus,
literally. A few days later, he tried again, again
missing the bus.
You see, Chuck had a heart attack,
and wasn't suppose to live. He died twice and came back both
times to live a few years longer. I know Chuck went in peace
and happiness because he shared his moments in death in testimony.
I know the politically good thing
to say is, Ron is in good hands now, but I'm not going to say that;
Chuck knows much better than I.
I'll leave you with, Chuck, saying;
Ron, is in good hands now................................
Picture send by
Doug Kimme; Ron Instructing - 'A
good soldier sleeps when he can, eats when he can'..... and carries a
lot of knifes!
ANDOVER
— Ronald E. Holder, 69, of Andover,
passed away Sunday, Dec. 14, 2008, at the Hospice House in Euclid,
Ohio.He was born Feb. 2, 1939, in Chicago Illinois.He served proudly in
the U.S. Marines and Air Force for 22 years, retiring as a Tech
Sergeant in the Special Forces Unit of the Combat Control Unit.
|
Ron loved
Irish music, redheads, crossword puzzles, lifting weights and working
out. He will be missed by all who knew him. His motto was
“Semper Fi”. Ron is survived by his devoted wife of
29 years, Susan (Shaw) Holder; mother-in-law, Ruth Woyan;
brother-in-law, Geoff Shaw; and eight children; sons, Ronny and Dwayne
Holder; daughter, Shakira Holder; stepsons, Richard, Scott, and Dan
Ripley; and step-daughters, Alice and Tina Ripley.A Memorial service
will be held at a later date and will be announced.POTTI FUNERAL HOME
AND CREMATION SERVICE, 1329 Lake Ave., Ashtabula, is handling
arrangements.
Pat
Trimple devoted her life to CCT and Chuck!
From Al Hooper;
Regrettably,
I must report that Patricia Trimple, CCA LA-808, passed from us at 9:35
PM on 12 June, 2008 in Carthage, TN. The cause was
respiratory
failure. Pat had been seriously ill for some time and was in
and
out of the hospital over the last few months. She was a good
friend and always a strong supporter of the CCA. She will be
missed by those who had the pleasure of knowing her.
Mrs. Pat Trimple, age 65, of Kempville, died Thursday evening, June 12,
at the Riverview Regional Medical Center South. She is
survived
by: husband, Chuck Trimple; children, David Hanson
and
Vicki of Gallatin & Jo Ellen Sherfey and Dennis of Baxter;
brother,
Donald Dillon of Washington Couthouse, OH; grandson, Zachary Hanson of
Gallatin..
Mrs. Trimple is at the Hackett Chapel of Sanderson Funeral Home where
her service will be conducted Monday morning at 11:00 a.m. with Bro.
Steve Thornton officiating. Interment in the Defeated Creek
Memorial Gardens.
The family will receive friends at the Hackett Chapel on Sunday from 5
p.m. until 8 p.m. and on Monday from 9 a.m. until service time at 10:00
a.m.
CCT
brother, Garland R. “Ray” Ekenstam, CCA LM-768,
passed away 6 May 2008
From Jim Lundie;
Ray Ekenstam was diagnosed with cancer only a few weeks
ago. He underwent surgery in Northern
California last Friday. The cancer was discovered to be so
advanced as to be un-operable. Four days later he passed on.
Ray served in the mid sixties as a Combat
Controller. Stateside, he was stationed at Elmendorf,
AK. He was a member of the CCT team in RVN in 1968 where I
served with him. In Viet Nam Ray was the type that much
preferred being on mission than sitting in Saigon. I worked a
few with him and know him to be a talented and dedicated
soldier.
After leaving the Air Force Ray continued his education and earned his
degree in electrical engineering. He had his own very
successful company and worked right up to the time his terrible illness
struck him down. He lived in Tustin California with his two
dogs.
Ironically I became re-acquainted with Ray during Ron Smith's long
battle with cancer. Smitty was alone in central
California, struggling with his disease. When Ray found out
he traveled frequently to the San Simeon area to help him in his battle
with the VA, and to comfort him as only a brother-in-arms can
do. After Smitty's death, Ray arranged and paid for the
funeral, helped pay off immediate obligations and assisted Smitty's
elder sister in settling his meager estate.
I will miss Ray Ekenstam knowingly. Many others will as well,
without realizing it. He leaves behind a vacuum that God will
have to search hard to fill............... Jim Lundie
 |
William J. Polston |
|
U.S. Veteran SMSgt. William J.
Polston, age 75, of Jacksonville went to be with the Lord on Saturday, April 26,
2008. He was born in June 19, 1932 in Lake City, Arkansas to the late
Gaylord and Pauline Cummings Polston. He is also preceded in death by son, Michael
Polston and sister, Verble Hill. Bill was a proud career military man who
spent 28 years in the Armed Services and retired from the U.S. Air Force in 1976.
He served in both the Korean and Vietnam Wars and earned The Airman’s
Medal and Purple Heart. After his retirement he served in various positions for over 30
years at VFW Post 4548, most recently as their Post Chaplain.
Bill is survived by
his loving wife of 55 years, Bessie; sons, David Polston of Dallas, Texas, Glen Polston of
Irving, Texas and Daniel Polston of Cabot, Arkansas; five grandchildren,
Mark, Brandon, Matthew and Rachael Polston and Marie Rich as well as one
great-grandchild, Brooklyn Rich.
Funeral services will be 10:30
a.m. Tuesday, April 29, 2008 at the McArthur
|
 |
Assembly of God Church in
Jacksonville with Rev. Larry Burton officiating.Interment will follow at Arkansas
State Veteran’s Cemetery in North Little Rock. Visitation will be Monday,
April 28, 2008 from 6 to 8 p.m. at the funeral home.
Dick
Brawley
As you
know, our prayers have helped Dick hang on for a few more years than
most thought possible. I know Dick and Dee are thankful for
those
years and lucky to have them.
R.I.P. my
Friend! 04/22/08 Dick left to be with the Lord Jesus Christ
……………….
From Dee
Brawley; Hello Sgt.Mac and to all the
visitors to Sgt. Mac's Bar,
I am so glad to have such a venue to share some of the final days of my
"HERO" Richard L. Brawley, my "Bear" as I lovingly referred to him. He
has packed his last chute and stood in the doorway to heaven.
When the Lord turned on the red light and said" Brawley, your leading
the stick" , off he went in peace to learn the answers to all the
questions we will have to wait to know, until it is our turn in the
door to that beautiful light.
Having the privilege of being the "last" Mrs. Brawley, gave me an
almost 28 year lifetime of happiness, trials, love, and laughter and a
friendship that I know I shall never have again. I will love
him
all of my life and thereafter. He loved all of his CCT and
other
military brothers with a passion and dedication that was witnessed by
me and his family with great pride and gratitude. During
these
past four to five years when he was in the midst of his "battle" with
failing health, I could never quite convince him that to me he always
looked liked the handsome guy with the sexy mustache who really knew
how to wear a beret and his uniform smartly. He loved his job and all
of you and his experiences molded that lifetime link with you all. I
thank you from the bottom of my heart for all the emails and phone
calls you made that lifted him up when he was not at his best, and made
him light up with the glow of real true friendship and love.
He
was never one to be too proud to tell a "brother" that he loved them,
and he really meant it. You will all continue to be my
"brothers"
too.
Dick left me at 11:20 AM on 22April 2008, in a peaceful sleep, and it
was his wish to continue to serve others as he agreed too let the
doctor's study the disease processes that brought his early life to a
close, and the results of a new medication that really helped him for
awhile, but his heart was just too damaged and his body too tired. No
one but God and him and me knew how he lived on this past three years,
with as little pain as he experienced other than his poor
legs.
He had a great spirit, and desire to live and hopes that others could
and will be helped by studying his case.
I will be bringing my HERO home to Florida to receive his
Honors
Military burial at Barrancus National Cemetery some time in
June.
When I know more specifics I will report them to you. I would
love to meet more of you if at all possible and don't be surprised if
you see me at a reunion on of these days. Dick wanted so
desperately to get well enough to attend at least one more.
God bless you all that served with him and those who continue to serve
as the "First There....That Others May Live" and for being such
wonderful and faithful friends. Sincerely. Mrs. Richard,
"Dick" "Dickie" "Dick Decent" Etc. Etc. Etc. Brawley, AKA Dee
to
you, my friends
PS. I would love to hear from any of you that may remember
stories of times you were with Dick and maybe some funny anecdotes, as
the active duty CCT time was before my time. I would love for
those who have some to know him later in life could get a few laughs or
information that we could all share. I will continue to monitor Dick's
email, rlbrawley@charter.net
or you may write directly to me at grammiedee@charter.net.
Dale "Critter" Jensen .......
R.I.P.
 |
Pictured; Doug Kimme,
Critter & son Eric, Steve Polofka, & Rich Quigley......
Lieutenant Colonel Dale T. Jensen, age
51, passed away unexpectedly Wednesday, September 26, 2007 in Sparta,
Wisconsin. Dale was born on May 12, 1956 to the late Otto and Viola
(Barkow) Jensen in Wild Rose, Wisconsin. On September 7, 1985 he
married Kathy Aspeslet, and together they had three sons. Dale enlisted
in the US Air Force, in 1974, and then when he left the Air Force in
1980, he joined the Army Reserves, obtaining the rank of Lieutenant
Colonel. He proudly served his country, earning several awards and
decorations.
Dale
is survived by his wife, Kathy; sons, Private Bradley Jensen, Will
Jensen and Erik Jensen, all at home; and two sisters, Patty (Vernon)
Jensen, and Lois Gamner, both of Texas. He further survived by many
relatives and friends. Dale is preceded in death by four brothers,
Randall, Elwood, Allen and Darrell.
|
Funeral
services for Dale will be at 11:30 a.m., Monday, October 1, 2007 at
Valley Funeral Home with Pastor Matthew Duin officiating. Visitation
will be on Sunday, September 30, 2007 from 1:00-5:00 p.m. and again on
Monday from 10:00am until the time of services. Burial will take place
at Saxeville Union Cemetery, with full military honors.
LTC Dale T. Jensen
enlisted in the USAF in 1974 as a Combat Controller
at LRAFB and Clark, PI. After leaving the AF in 1980, he
enter
the Army Reserves and was commissioned from the University of Wisconsin
La Crosse in 1985. He had numerous assignments to include
Company and Battalion Commander, as well as Division Operations Officer.
His
Military Education includes
Airborne Jump School, Basic Survival, Pararescue Rock Climbing, HALO,
SCUBA, Ranger, BNCOC, Infantry OBC, Long Range Surveillance Leader
Course, FA OAC, CAS3, and CGSC.
His Awards and
Decorations include the
Legion of Merit, Korean Defense Medal, Army Commendation Medal, Army
Achievement Medal, Global War on Terrorism Service Medal, Combat
Readiness Medal, AF Good Conduct Metal, Ranger Tab, Expert Infantryman
Badge, Master Parachutist Badge, Military Freefall Badge, and SCUBA
Badge.
Critter was a good
man and put many a smile on my face. He died unexpectedly from a blood clot.
R.I.P. My Friend! |
 |
TSgt William Jefferson, KIA
Afghanistan
|
Sgt.
William Jefferson Jr. of Norfolk died Saturday,
03/22/08, near Sperwan Ghar, Afghanistan, of wounds suffered when his
vehicle encountered an improvised explosive device. The 34-year-old was
assigned to the 21st Special Tactics Squadron.
While others finish high school unsure of their
futures,
William H. Jefferson had no doubts as he graduated from
Norfolk’s Lake Taylor High School in 1991.
He had already selected his life’s path
and planned to march down it in a Marine Corps uniform, said his
sister, Tammy Davis, 37, of Virginia Beach.
And
he did, making a career of the military that eventually brought him
into the Air Force.
On Saturday, he was serving in Afghanistan when the
vehicle he was in hit an improvised explosive device.
The Pentagon announced Sunday that the 34-year-old
technical sergeant died from wounds suffered in that blast, near
Sperwan Ghar.
“The whole draw was to serve his
country,” Davis said Sunday night. “For the last
two years of high school, he knew he wanted to go in the
service.”
He had already selected his life’s path
and planned to march down it in a Marine Corps uniform, said his
sister, Tammy Davis, 37, of Virginia Beach.
And
he did, making a career of the military that eventually brought him
into the Air Force.
On Saturday, he was serving in Afghanistan when the
vehicle he was in hit an improvised explosive device.
|
The
Pentagon announced Sunday that the 34-year-old technical sergeant died
from wounds suffered in that blast, near Sperwan Ghar.
“The whole draw was to serve his country,” Davis
said Sunday night. “For the last two years of high school, he
knew he wanted to go in the service.”
Jefferson
was assigned to the 21st Special Tactics Squadron
based at Pope Air Force Base, N.C.
He
was on his third tour in that part of the world, his sister
said.
In
e-mails home during his deployments, Jefferson had said he
could see improvement over time.
“He
talked about the differences he saw,”
Davis said, “that everyone was making things better. He
definitely believed that he should be there and that the U.S. was doing
the right thing. He fully supported it 100 percent.”
He
was to have returned stateside in 30 days, Davis said.
Jefferson
had settled on the Marine Corps
“because they said he could get into sky-diving school and
scuba school,” Davis said.
He
spent four years in the Corps. But even as he grew into a
good warrior, he also realized he wanted to be a good husband, she said.
“He
had decided he wanted to marry his high school
sweetheart,” Davis said, “but he realized that in
the Marine Corps, he was gone way too much.”
So
Jefferson traded his uniform, donning Air Force blues,
determined to serve and have a family.
“He’s
been in the Air Force 12 years and
planned to stay to retirement,” Davis said.
He
had earned his bachelor’s degree and was working
toward his master’s, his sister said.
“He
wanted to teach high school. He was leaning
toward history or government.”
She
said he had settled on that as his next profession
“because he thought that kids at that age need direction to
pick the right path.”
Jefferson
“just thought he could help
kids,” she said.
He
and his wife Kristy – his high school sweetheart,
from Virginia Beach – would have marked their 15th
anniversary in May.
Their
second child, a daughter to be named Natalie, is due in
May. Their daughter, Tyler, turned 8 two weeks ago, Davis said.
The
family has been living in Fayetteville, N.C.
Jefferson’s
parents live in Hampton Roads, in
Norfolk.
“Everybody
loved him,” Davis said.
“It didn’t matter who he met, he just attracted
people. He had a great sense of humor, just a big kid.”
She
said the family also has learned he was respected. They
have spoken with other men in his unit who said he was “a
mentor, a great leader.”
When
asked if there was anything she wanted to add about her
brother, Davis’ voice grew stronger.
“Just
tell people how proud we are of
him,” Davis said.
“He
was doing his job. He was doing what he thought
was right,” she said.
“He
is actually the all-American boy story; two
kids, white picket fence,” she said. “A true hero
in every sense of the word.”
To the
Special Tactics Family,
It is with great sadness
to tell you
that we have lost an ST warrior deployed from 21 STS yesterday in
Afghanistan. TSgt William Jefferson (WJ) was killed when the vehicle in
which he was riding was struck by an IED.
TSgt Jefferson is
survived by his wife
Kristy and daughter, Tyler. I ask you to join all of us here
at
Hurlburt and our deployed locations as we come together to provide
support and love for the families, friends and teammates of our fallen
warrior.
We will pass information
to you on the
funeral service and memorial as we get it. Please route all
RFIs
through the STG/OSS and minimize calls to the family, 21 STS-fwd and
home station so they can focus on taking care of the family.
Thanks in advance for
your thoughts, prayers, and support as we get through this difficult
time for the ST family.
Sincerely, Col Marc
Stratton
William H.
Jefferson Jr.
NORFOLK - Tech. Sgt. William Haywood Jefferson Jr., stationed in
Fayetteville, N.C., died March 21, 2008, from wounds suffered in
Afghanistan. William was born July 21, 1973, in Norfolk. He grew up in
the Norfolk area and graduated from Lake Taylor High School in 1991; he
enlisted in the U.S. Marine Corps that same year. He served as an
infantry man in the 2nd Recon Battalion in Camp LeJeune, N.C., from
1991-95. After which he made a career change in the U.S. Air Force. He
became a Combat Controller with the 21st STS in 1996. He served as a
Combat Controller from 1996-2008. In his Combat Control service, he was
awarded Combat Controller of the Year in 1999 as well as many other
achievements within his career field. He attended Embry-Riddle
University and earned his BS in professional aeronautics in 2004 and
was working on his master's degree. He was posthumously awarded the
Purple Heart, Bronze Star and Air Force Combat Action Medal. Will
enjoyed skydiving but most of all playing Texas Hold'em poker. He is
survived by his wife, Kristy; 8-year-old daughter Tyler and expected
daughter, Natalie Grace, all of Fayetteville, N.C.; his parents, Linda
and William Jefferson Sr. of Norfolk; sister and brother-in-law, Tammy
and John Davis; two nieces, Emily and Deanna of Virginia Beach;
grandmother, Nora Jefferson of Norfolk; and many loving aunts, uncles
and cousins. His family said, "Will was well respected in and out of
his career field. He was loved by all who knew him and will be deeply
missed." Services will be held at Kellum Funeral Home, Rosewood Chapel,
Virginia Beach. Viewing for family and friends is scheduled for today
from 6 to 8 p.m. Honor services are scheduled for Saturday at 2 p.m. In
lieu of flowers, the family has requested donations be made to Special
Operations Warrior Foundation, P.O. Box 13483, Tampa, FL 33681-3483,
(813) 805-9400. www.specialops.org.
You may offer condolences to the family at www.mem.com.
Danny
L. Kimme is the son of Combat Controller Doug Kimme. Danny
gave
his life, KIA Iraq, fighting for our freedoms. R.I.P. Danny
 |
FISHER
– A Fisher native, Army Pfc. Danny L. Kimme, 27, was killed
in Balad, Iraq, on Wednesday, Jan 15th, 2008
The
Department of Defense announced the deaths of three soldiers Thursday
who were serving in Operation Iraqi Freedom.
They died of wounds
sustained when they were attacked by grenade and small arms fire during
combat operations.
The
soldiers were assigned to the 1st Squadron, 32nd Cavalry Regiment, 1st
Brigade Combat Team, 101st Airborne Division (Air Assault), in Fort
Campbell, Ky.
The other
casualties were: Pfc. David H. Sharrett
II, 27, of Oakton, Va., who died in Pallouata, Iraq; and Spc. John P.
Sigsbee, 21, of Waterville, N.Y., who died in Balad, Iraq.
Pfc. Kimme is the
son of a Champaign police officer, Doug Kimme. Both picture left.
|
He
is also survived by his wife, Corinne, of Fort Campbell, Ky., and
mother, Patricia Barry, of Jacksonville, Ark., according to the Defense
Department.
Pfc. Kimme entered the
Army in October
2006. He arrived at Fort Campbell in March 2007. His awards and
decorations include the National Defense Service Medal, Global War on
Terrorism Service Medal, Army Service Ribbon and Weapons Qualification
Expert.
A memorial service for
the fallen solders will be held in Iraq.
Army
Pfc. Danny Lee Kimme, 27, the son of Patricia Barry and Doug Kimme,
was killed in Belad, Iraq, on Wednesday,
January 16, 2008, while serving in Operation Iraqi Freedom. His unit,
1st Squadron 32nd Calvalry Regiment, 1st Brigade Combat Team, 101st
Airborne Division (Air Assault), In Fort Campbell, Kentucky, were
attacked by grenade and small-arms fire during combat operations.
He is survived by his wife with child, Corinne; mother, Patricia Barry;
father, Doug Kimme; sister, Nicole Barry; step-father TSgt. Darren
Barry; and brother, Steven Willis.
He was a devoted son, husband, father, and brother.
Danny believed in America and was proud to serve.
Funeral service will be at 11:00 a.m., Saturday, January 26, 2008 at Roller-Owens
Funeral Home Chapel, 5509 John F. Kennedy Blvd., North Little
Rock, AR 72116 (501-791-7400). Interment will follow at Cato Cemetery,
in Faulkner County.
Friends, There will be a Memorial for Danny Kimme
on Saturday / Feb. 09,
2008 at 5:00 pm to 7:00 pm at the Holiday Inn in Urbana, Il.
Doug
Kimme
Doug774@email.msn.com
Doug and I want to thank
all of you
for your involvement. I was surprised at the number of Gold
Star
Mom's that contacted Doug, but then I really don't understand why I'm
surprised. These ladies have gone through and continue the
grief
that Doug has just inherited.
Danny's death has touched
us as if he was part of the Brotherhood and as the son of one of our
own, he is.
I received some Rules of
Engagement, written by a Gold Star Mom, and thought I should share
them; "By: Virginia A. Simpson, Ph.D"
1. I am not strong. I'm
just numb. When you tell me I am strong, I feel that you don't see me.
2. I will not recover.
This is not a
cold or the flu. I'm not sick. I'm grieving and that's different. I
will not always be grieving as intensely, but I will never forget my
loved one and rather than recover, I want to incorporate his life and
love into the rest of my life. That person is part of me and always
will be, and sometimes I will remember him with joy and other times
with a tear. Both are okay.
3. I don't have to accept
the death.
Yes, I have to understand that it has happened and it is real, but
there are just some things in life that are not acceptable.
4. Please don't avoid me.
You can't
catch my grief. My world is painful, and when you are too afraid to
call me or visit or say anything, you isolate me at a time when I most
need to be cared about. If you don't know what to say, just come over,
give me a hug or touch my arm, and gently say, "I'm sorry." You can
even say, (and this is sooooo True)- "I just don't know what to say,
but I care, and want you to know that."
5. Please don't say,
"Call me if you
need anything." I'll never call you because I have no idea what I need.
Trying to figure out what you could do for me takes more energy than I
have. So, in advance, let me give you some ideas:
Bring food.
Offer to take my children
to a movie or game so that I have some moments to myself.
Send me a card on special
holidays,
birthdays (mine, his or hers), or the anniversary of the death, and be
sure and mention his name. You can't make me cry. The tears are here
and I will love you for giving me the opportunity to shed them because
someone cared enough about me to reach out on this difficult day.
Ask me more than once to
join you at a
movie or lunch or dinner. I may say no at first or even for a while,
but please don't give up on me because somewhere down the line, I may
be ready, and if you've given up, then I really will be alone.
6. Try to understand that
this is like
I'm in a foreign country where I don't speak the language and have no
map to tell me what to do. Even if there were a map, I'm not sure right
now I could understand what it was saying. I'm lost and in a fog. I'm
confused.
7. When you tell me what
I should be
doing, then I feel even more lost and alone. I feel bad enough that my
loved one is dead, so please don't make it worse by telling me I'm not
doing this right.
8. Please don't call to
complain about
your husband, your wife, or your children. Right now, I'd be delighted
to have my loved one here no matter what they were doing. (You can call
now I do want to hear how your life is going)
9. Please don't tell me I
can have
other children or need to start dating again. I'm not ready. And maybe
I don't want to. Besides, what makes you think people are replaceable?
They aren't. Whoever comes after, will always be someone different.
10. I don't even
understand what you
mean when you say, "You've got to get on with your life." My life is
going on, but it may not look the way you think it should. This will
take time and I never will be my old self again. (I never will be
either I was his wife now I am his widow.) So
please, just
love me as I am today, and know, that with your love and support, the
joy will slowly return to my life. But I will never forget
and
there will always be times that I cry. Don't tell me I will move on. I
don't see that and when you say it, it hurts very much.
There
are men who have a determination of
spirit that transcends
the aspirations of most. These men answer a call, which comes deep from
within
the essence of their own convictions.
They share
a kindred amongst themselves and though never spoken,
its' strength exceeds the power of any outside ideals forced upon
it.
The sacrifices made from their ranks are
great, and each loss
falls hard among those who remain. Yet they continue, knowing each time
they
step into the sun, the rays that penetrate their souls are the voices
of
their comrades leading them on to the next adventure.
Coke Braxton
Names are but a catalyst to bring forth our memories of that
person and
our memories are what keep that person fresh in our hearts.
I have
a few more names to pass on to you and as your memories of that person
flood
into your heart, you'll enjoy a smile on your face and the happiness of
visiting
a lost friend;
Charles Abee,Clark Alberty, Ransom Andrews, Frank Anthony, Bob
Annis, Derek
Argel, Nick
Athans, Dave Atkinson, Ray Ayers, Jim Bach, Dick Baker, Cecil Balcom,
Charlie
Ballard, Jerry Bennett, Jim Bezonia, Dick Bisball, Paul Bisnet, Bob
Bjornstad, Glen Bloomer, Peter G. Bonazoli, Tommy Botts, Joe Boyland, Lew
Brabham, Dick Brawley, Wayne
Brewer,
Drummond Brown, Lawrence Buening, Jeremiah Burke, Steve Busby, Dick
Callahan, Donald "Mike"
Callahan, Joe Callina, Norm Campbell, Ralph Carroll,
Ray Carroll, John Chapman, Bob Cheffins, Eddy
Clark,
Steve Collette, Charlie Condict, Mark Conlin, Larry Courtroul, Pete
Cox, Casey
Crate,
Noah Crocker, Dion Daugherty, Logan Davis, Jan Davis, Timithy P. Davis,
Billy Dennison,
Danny
Deavers, Zeke Dewey, Mike Dionne, Travis Dixon, Charlie Drew, Tom Drinkwater, Dave
Driscoll,
Harold Eaves, Doug Eccleston, Lemuel Egleston, Ray
Ekenstam, LaMar
Eikman, John
England,
Bob Engleman, Burgess Everson, David Fagan, Guy T. (Tom) Fagan, David
Farmer,
Warren Fisk, Calvin Florian, Bob Ford, Harold Foster, Paul Foster, Dick
Foxx, Harold
Freeman, Jeremy Fresques, John Fuller, John Gaa, Ron Gale, Art Galvan,
Jerry
Gauthier, Norris Gentry, George Genung, Jackie
Gilmer, Roy Givens, Jon
Goerling,
Dennis Gordy, Alfred Gordy, George Gray, Rod Gress, Scott "Jewels"
Giuliani, Andre Guillet,
Johnny
Hall, Dick Hall, George Hamblin, Jackie Hardin, Lyle Hendricks, Dave
Henry,
Billy Henson, Bill Herdliska, Everett Herron, Larry Hicks, George
Higby,
Terry Highland, Jim Hilliard, Ron Holder, Gary Hooper, Gene Hoover, Art
Howard, Don
Howie, Bobby Hudson,
Dave Hughes, Derek Hughes, Jim Hughes, Alan Hutchinson, John Jacoby,
William Jefferson, Dale"Critter" Jensen, Bill
Jerkins, Barnard Johnson, Charlie Jones, Hosea Jones, John
Juergensen, Jim Kauffman,
Ralph Kelly,
Tom Kelsh, Ed Kimble, Monte Kirkpatrick, Joe Klauser, Jim Klyce, Howard
Land,
J.P. Lagerloef, Tom Laney, Bob Lanier, Cliff Larimer, Moe Lattimore,
Joel Launer,
Rondal Lavall, Mark
Lee, Bob Lee, L.V. Lewis, Don Linden, Ray Litz, Floyd Loveland, Derek
Lyske,
George MacLean, Ed Marion, Emillio Martinez, Louis Martinez, Chris
Matero,
Dave Mayer, Eugene McCarthy, Jack McConnell, Dave McCracken, Jim
McGonigal, Mark McQuiston,
Dan Meyer, Jerry Miedrich, Jim Mobley, Tom Monley, Noel Moore, Harry
Morgan,
Vernon Morgan, Mike Nazionale, Dewitt Neal Jr., Pete Neal, John Nightingale, John Norsworthy, Marty
North, Joe Orr, Bill Pack,
Ernest
Padillia, Danny Page, John Paivanas, Chuck Paradise, Dick Patton, Bob
Pechtold, Jim Phillips,
Joe Phillips, Jim Philpot, Danny Pike, Maurice Pittman, Bill Polston,
Jim Proctor,
Delta
Prosser, Frank Pumphrey, Scott Queen, Larry Rainey, Jim Ray, Steve Ray,
Bob
Revland, Ed Rhodes, Everett Robbins, Outlaw Robbins, Paul Roberts,
Lonnie
Robinson, Juan E. Rodriguez, Pat Rogers, Luis Salgado, Gary Samdal, Tom Sanders, Scott
Sather, Henry
Schaeffer,
Mark Scholl, Roger Schuh, John Semple, Adam Servais, Lester
Shaw, Bob Shea, John Sheptak,
Dick Sigman, Don Smith, Pete Smith, Panuk Soomsawasdi, Dwight Srnka,
J.D.
Steagald, Bill Stevens, Tom Stone, Franklin Strange, John V. Stryker, Allan Sundlie, Sunny
Sutton,
William
L. Swope, John Taft, Leonard Thomas, Jim Thompson, Jerry Thompson, Fred
Thrower,
Tony Tino, Terrance Todd, Bryan Towle, Martin Tracy, George Tummolo,
Vic
Valle, Paul Van HeffronWayne Viars, Clyde Wales, John Watts, John
(Jack) "Spider" Webb,
Skip Weiss, Bob
Werkmeister,
Monkey West, Leo Whiticar, Bob Whitney, Frank Woodring, and Ken Young
CCT,
THEY NEVER SAY GOODBYE
They are one. Each a part of
the other.
They never say goodbye.
They always say, I will see you later.
They meet upon a training field. They meet upon a battlefield.
They meet in the sea and the sky. They meet back at the Team.
They meet upon the street or reunion.
Yet they never say goodbye.
They always say, I will see you later.
Even though they are a thousand miles from each other.
They are always only a thought away.
They never say goodbye.
They always say, I will see you later.
They may pass from our sight. They may pass from this world.
Yet they always see each other…….Everyday.
They have shared their sweat, their tears, their pains, their
heartaches,
their stories,
Their love, their joy and each other.
They are one. They are brothers.
Never far away.
They never say Goodbye.
They always say, I will see you later.
By; Randy D. Schlotman
Combat
Controller
Karen Downing, wife of Combat Controller Gary Downing and
retired Combat
Controller, Jim Boyce, have "A Labor of Love" in keeping the memories
of
all listed above, fresh in our hearts. Johnny Pantages, who
provides
a server to host SgtMacsBar, also provides space for Karen and Jim to
honor
our fallen.
Will you help Karen and Jim help us? As I age my
memory stumbles
and I ask you to help keep my memories from fading. More
importantly
I ask that you help the families of our fallen preserve their heritage.
The CCT Memorial Website is a place where family and friends
share
experiences and photos of our loved ones while refreshing their spirits
within
our heart.
Jim and Karen are devoted to honor our fallen and this honor
comes from
you! They will keep the memories of our fallen alive,
through your
memories and I ask that you share yours with all. Visit the
CCT Memorial
Website today and please be involved in honoring our fallen;
May They Rest In Peace, And Never Be Forgotten!
Some
say life is just a stepping stone along the path to
eternity……… Mac
