Category Archives: Fallen Shipmates

Jack Cargal
VP-4 1962-66 & 1976-82

Shipmates,
It is with regret that I pass on this sad news. Jack Cargal passed away on the morning of 25 April 2011. The email below was sent by Jacks daughter Mary Ann and forwarded to me. I will forward his obituary as soon as it is published.
As Bill Broadwell said, “Master Chief Jack Cargal was a good friend as well as a valued shipmate. He will be missed by all who knew him.”

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“I just wanted to let you know my father just passed away about an hour ago.

He wanted me to thank you and all his Navy friends for your friendship and
all the memories. His wishes are to be cremated and have half his ashes
placed at Punch Bowl memorial, and the other half sprinkled in the Ocean where he swam every Sunday morning. His service will probably be in early July when all our family will be together.
Please pass this e-mail on to all my fathers friends.
Thank you
Mary Ann ”
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Larry Hames
VP-4 1975 – 1978

Posted 10/2009

Hello, I just found the VP-4 Association website and would like to contribute my husband’s photo. Jack Schmitt was very proud to have served alongside the dedicated men and women of VP-4 on the Skinny Dragon team. Those days in Hawaii are among the best. Jack passed away in Kaohsiung, Taiwan in March, 2003. He directed E2-T programs in concert with Navy Air, Information Spectrum Systems and ROCAF. Jack’s legacy is at: http://jmschmitt.freeservers.com/ I plan to join squadron mates and friends on November 18, 2009 at the Navy Memorial, Washington DC for the VP-4 plaque dedication Looking forward to the Navy Memorial ceremony Karen Schmitt Director, Public Relations National Defense Transportation Association www.ndtahq.com

Posted 07/2009

Wilburn “Jack” Ward, age 71, VP-4 1964-66, formerly of Cherrylog, Georgia, died on Thursday, June 18, 2009, at his home in Willow, Alaska. Born on February 28, 1938 in Cherokee, North Carolina, he was the son of the late Clarence E. Ward and Julia (Dotson) Ward Sane. He spent his boyhood years in the Loudon, TN area. As a young teen he moved to Cherrylog, Georgia. He joined the US Navy at age 17 and following a 10-year military career, which included a tour with VP-4 as an AMS2 1964-66, he settled in New Paris, Ohio. In 1991, he followed his lifelong dream and relocated to America’s Last Frontier, Alaska, where he conducted a remote fishing transport business, meeting travelers and fellow wilderness lovers from all over the world and entertaining them with stories as his adopted persona, “Sourdough Jack”. He spent summers in a remote lakeside cabin which he built on land that he cleared, living simply without electric and running water. He loved exploring remote Alaska by snow machines and ATVs.Preceded in death by his first wife, Violet Chapman Ward; brothers, Herbert C., James, and Hershel Ward; and sister, Katherine Lankford. Survivors include wife, Cheryl Ward of Willow, Alaska; daughters: Elizabeth J. Demeritte of Hallandale, FL; Laura A. (John) Toschlog of New Paris, OH; and Helen M. Schultheiss of Fairfield, OH; son, Michael E. (Anice) Ward of Woodstock, GA; stepchildren: Lori E. (Bob) Newport of Cincinnati, OH; and Andy (Heather) Bittner of Cedar Grove, IN; brothers: William (Betty) Ward of Lenoir City, TN; Clarence Ward, Jr. of Loudon, TN; Freddy Ward of Loudon, TN; sisters, Helen R. Stevens of Lenoir City, TN; Violet Ward Arden of Loudon, TN; and Susan Stanley of Ellijay, GA; grandchildren: Seth, Lucas, and Stephen Frazee, and Christine and Edwin Demeritte; Michael (Julie) and Emma Toschlog; Jacob and Emily Ward; Courtney Hammons and Sydney Schultheiss; and Rachel Newport; great-grandchildren, Madison Hammons-Ewers, and Henry Toschlog. Funeral Services will be held Thursday, June 25, 2009 at 4:00 P.M., from the Logan Funeral Home Chapel, with Rev. Tommy L. Kyle officiating. The family will receive friends on Thursday, June 25, 2009 from 1:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. at the Logan Funeral Home. Interment will be at Stanley Creek Church of Christ Cemetery with Military Honors by the North Georgia Honor Guard.

originally Posted 07/2009

George A. Rogers Jr. 1936-2009

George Rogers Jr. passed away on July 12, 2009 after a valiant 6 month battle with pancreatic cancer. He was preceded in death by Roma, his wife of 51 years, in November, 2008. He is survived by his 3 sons and daughters-in-law, Mike (Lynn) of Jacksonville, Steve (Wendy) of Tallahassee and Doug (Anne) of Pensacola and 7 grandchildren. In addition he will be missed by his brother, Chuck and sister, Joanna, his Aunt Bonnie, and sisters-in-law, Sandra, Sylvia and Wanda. George Rogers was born on March 2, 1936 in Genoa, Nebraska the oldest child of George and Virginia Rogers. Raised in Lincoln, he played the sousaphone and bass in high school and earned recognition as an Eagle Scout. He married his best friend and sweetheart, Roma, in November, 1957 thus beginning a lifelong adventure together. In 1958 he graduated from the University of Nebraska with a degree in Mechanical Engineering and a commission as an Ensign in the US Navy. After flight school, where he earned his wings as a naval aviator, he served his country for 26 years earning numerous personal commendations including the Meritorious Service Medal, the Air Medal, the Navy Commendation Medal, along with numerous unit commendations. His career included tours with Patrol Squadrons 4 and 19, an instructor tour with Training Squadron 28 and assignments onboard the USS Kitty Hawk and the USS Saratoga with deployments to Vietnam, Japan and the Mediterranean. Following a final assignment to the Chief of Naval Education and Training at NAS Pensacola he retired from the Navy in 1984. He than began a 15 year second career with the City of Pensacola as the Administrator of the Inspections Services Department ensuring public safety through code enforcement, licensing and building inspections. He was appointed by Florida Governor Lawton Chiles to the Governor’s board for code enforcement, development and training. For many years he served on the board, and as the President, of the Building Officials Association of Florida. Up until his illness he served as a continuing education instructor throughout the state of Florida. Following retirement from the city he couldn’t sit still and began working for the University of Florida as an agent of the local extension office where he developed a passion for windstorm mitigation, green building and emergency preparedness. His work has been instrumental in the development of BRACE, a preparedness program that was recently briefed to the Director of the Federal Emergency Management Administration for possible national implementation. In addition to his many career interests George was a general aviation pilot and passionate golfer. He was a member and officer in many local civic and professional organizations including Pensacola Kiwanis Club, Pensacola Navy Flying Club, Order of Daedalians, Children’s Home Society, Toastmasters International, Community Emergency Response Team and the Boy’s Club of America. As a resident of Pensacola for over 30 years he loved the area and its people and wanted to be remembered for his contributions to the community and its citizens. He has directed the establishment of an Eagle Scout College Scholarship in his name to be awarded annually to a deserving college bound high school senior. A memorial service in his honor will be held onboard NAS Pensacola at the Naval Aviation Chapel on July 20th at 2:00pm. A reception will follow at the A.C. Read Golf Course Clubhouse. In lieu of flowers please make contributions in his name to Covenant Hospice of Northwest Florida (www.covenanthospice.org) or the Pancreatic Cancer Action Network (www.pancan.org). Again, Thank you all for your support during our time of sorrow. The families of Mike, Steve and Doug Rogers.

Posted Jan 2010

“Russ” Ackermann, 67, died at his home. He was born in Wheeling, WV and lived in Stuart for 13 years, coming from Idaho Falls, ID.

He attended parochial schools in Wheeling, and graduated from Central Catholic High School in 1960. He received a B.S. in physics in 1964 from Wheeling College (now Wheeling Jesuit University) and earned his M.S. in physics in 1972 from Akron University in Ohio. He served in the Navy during the Vietnam War. He participated in two deployments to Iwakuni, Japan, with adjunct service in Vietnam, Taiwan and the Philippines. He was honorably discharged in 1969, and decorated with the Armed Forces Expeditionary Medal (Korea), the National Defense Service Medal and the Vietnam Service Medal with one bronze star. He was a tire engineer with General Tire in Akron, OH; a software designer in Enka, NC; a mathematician with NOAA in Idaho Falls; and as a mathematician/computer specialist for Perot Industries headquartered in Plano, TX. He was an adjunct professor at Indian River State College, a Ham radio operator and participated as emergency coordinator for the Martin County ARES/RACES group.  He was a member of the Miles Grant Country Club and the Stuart-Jensen Elks Lodge No. 1870 of Stuart. He was first trumpet of the Stuart Community Band.

Survivors include his wife of 40 years, Arlene L. Brown Ackermann; step-children, Karen Buchholz Godin; Robert Buchholz and Trudy Buchholz; brothers, David Ackermann and Michael J. Ackermann Sr.; eight step-grandchildren and two step-great-grandchildren.

SERVICES: A memorial service will be at 4p Dec. 16 at Martin Funeral and Crematory in Stuart. A funeral service will be at a later date at the Chapel of Mary and Joseph at Wheeling Jesuit University in Wheeling, with private family burial at Mount Calvary Cemetery, Wheeling. Arrangements are by Martin Funeral Home and Crematory, Stuart, and Altmeyer Funeral Home and Crematory, Wheeling. A guest book may be signed at www.heavencalled.com.

Posted 05 JUL 2009
James Coleman

Captain James (Tex) Coleman (USN retired) of San Angelo, Texas passed from this earth on Monday, June 15, 2009 of natural causes at the age of 79. He was born on November 3, 1929 to Doris and Johnnie Coleman in Artesia, California and married the former June Overby of Kenedy, Texas on September 1, 1956. He is survived by his wife of 52 years June Coleman; sister Charlene Elkins Browne and her husband Morris Browne of Houston, Texas; son King Coleman of Raleigh, North Carolina; daughter Kim Meyer and her husband Mike Meyer of San Angelo, Texas; and son Kyle Coleman of Houston, Texas. He also has 5 grandchildren: Lauren Meyer, Steven Meyer, Jason Meyer, Patrick Coleman, and Jeffrey Coleman. Tex was a decorated aviator in the United States Navy where he served in the Korean and Vietnam wars. Among the squadrons he served in were VP-1 NAS Whidbey Island, WA and VP-4 NAF Naha, Okinawa 1960-62. Upon his retirement after 30 years in the Navy, he taught high school math in the Beeville, Runge, and Schertz-Cibolo Independent School Districts. He was a kind and loving husband, father, grandfather, brother, and uncle who will be deeply missed by all whose lives he touched. He was truly an officer and a gentleman. His family would like to express their appreciation to the following for their care and support: Dr. James Melott M.D., Dr. Michael Cornell M.D., Dr. Brad McIver M.D.; the 5th floor and ICU nursing staffs of Shannon Medical Center, Hospice of San Angelo, the staff of Myrtlewood Estates, Reverend Dr. Stephen Sweet, Reverend Ken Dahlberg, and the members of Sierra Vista United Methodist Church. A Memorial Service celebrating the life of Tex Coleman will be held at Johnson’s Funeral Home Chapel in San Angelo on Thursday, June 18 at 2:00pm. In lieu of flowers please make a donation to Hospice of San Angelo or your favorite charity. Family and friends may sign an online memorial at www.MeM.com

Posted 07 JUN 2009
Barry Hambrook Robinson

ROBINSON, BARRY HAMBROOK, – born March 28, 1930 in Croydon, United Kingdom and resident of West Knoxville since 1969, passed away, Saturday, March 14, 2009 at his home. He was an Elder and Treasurer of Erin Presbyterian Church. Barry retired as Vice-President and General Manager of Stevens Aviation after 20 years of service and as Commander in the US Naval Reserve after 28 years of service. He also served as President of the South Knoxville Rotary Club, Commodore of the Fort Loudon Yacht Club, volunteer for the 2nd Harvest Food Bank as well as many other civic activities and organizations. Barry received his BSME degree from Cornell University College of Engineering and became a U.S. citizen in 1953 prior to entering the US Navy. He is preceded in death by his daughter, Annette Louise Robinson of Knoxville and sisters, June Hutton and Monna Tarry of the United Kingdom. Barry is survived by his wife of 54 years, Cornelia (Keeny) Hall Robinson; sons and daughters-in-law, Barry Hambrook Robinson, Jr. of Virginia Beach, Virginia, Charles Hall and Bambi Lindell Robinson of Fort Worth, Texas and John Lewis and Helen Judi Robinson of Mt. Airy, Maryland; grandchildren, Sean William Robinson, Erica Nicole Robinson, Catherine Amanda Robinson and Joshua Andrew Robinson; sister, Diane (Susie) Virrel of Hastings of Hudson, New York. A memorial service will be 5:00 p.m. Wednesday, March 18, at Rose Mortuary Mann Heritage Chapel with Rev. John Stuart officiating. The family requests that in lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to: Erin Presbyterian Church Building Fund, 200 Lockett Rd. Knoxville, Tennessee 37919. The family will receive friends Wednesday following the service at Rose Mortuary Mann Heritage Chapel. www.rosemortuary.com

Posted 08 JUN 2009
Peter S. Guzzo

GUZZO Peter S., 49, of Spring Hill, FL died on Thursday July 24, 2008.
Mr. Guzzo was born in Passaic, NJ, lived in Lyndhurst for 20 years then California for 10 years and he was a Current resident of Spring Hill, FL for the past 19 years. He was a Navy Veteran who served in The Gulf War (1990-91). During his US Navy career he served as an AT2/AC in Crew 11 with USN Patrol Squadron Four (VP-4). He worked as a Computer Consultant, a private pilot, and was an avid coin collector. Peter was the beloved son of Salvatore M. Guzzo of Lakewood and the late Florence N. (nee Walz) Guzzo (1997), loving brother of Anthony Guzzo and his wife, Michele of Lyndhurst and Carol Ann Guzzo and her husband, Craig Flug of Oakland, and dear uncle of Anthony, Lauren, Rachel, Mia Guzzo and Christopher Flug.Relatives and friends are invited to attend the funeral from Nazare Memorial Home, Inc., 403 Ridge Road, Lyndhurst on Thursday, July 31, 2008 at 8:30 AM then to Our Lady Mount Carmel Church, Lyndhurst where at 9:30 AM a Funeral Mass. Interment Holy Cross Cemetery, North Arlington. Visiting hours Wednesday 2-4 and 7-9 PM. In lieu of Flowers, donations can be made to: V.A. Outpatient Clinic, 9912 Little Road, New Port Richy, FL 34654, Attn. Jeanne R. Botz

Posted 02 APR 2009
Hugh Eugene Hanna

HUGH EUGENE HANNA Born 1-8-1935, passed away at home at the age of 73 in Riverside, CA on 8-26-2008. He is survived by his wife of 31 years Ramona, son Jimmie and daughter Denise, grandson’s Joshua & Dillon. He spent 20 yrs. in the U.S. Navy from 1952-1972 as an Aviation Ordinance Chief. He was based in Alameda, CA but served in Vietnam on the USS Coral Sea; Also served aboard the USS Boxer & USS Yorktown with Attack Squadron VA-65 in the Korean War and on the USS Kearsarge and with Patrol Squadron VP-4 from 1959-62. His affectionate nickname while in the Navy was “Horrible Hughie”. He continued to support the Navy throughout his life. After his military service, he went to work for Stanford Research Center and later to FMC before retiring. He spent his life giving to anyone and everyone he could. He was a good man and will be truly missed. Arrangements entrusted to Chapel of the Chimes Memorial Park and Funeral Home, 32992 Mission Blvd., Hayward, CA 94544 510-538-3131

Posted 05 MAY 2009
Harvey Gene Poston

COLUMBIA, SC – Mr. Poston died Sunday, April 5, 2009. Born July 10, 1939, in Hemingway, SC, he was a son of the late Laron Jaro and Mettie Odell Jones Poston. He was a member of V.P.-4 while serving his country in the U.S. Navy as flight captain on a P2V aircraft. In 1971, he co-founded Southland Equipment Service, Inc. which still operates in Columbia today. Harvey was a member of Crescent Hill Baptist Church for 12 years, serving on the building committee and baptism committee as well as serving as a church greeter. He always enjoyed playing golf and driving his 1949 Ford Coupe.
Surviving are his beloved wife of 30 years, Diane Kay Poston; five daughters, Angela Locke (Ron) of Charleston, Kimberley Hicklin (Luther) of Elgin, Connie Rollins (Tim) of Irmo, Stephanie Yon of Myrtle Beach, and Joyce Leonhardt of Columbia; grandchildren, Rebecca and Kelsey Locke, James Dawson, Jeremy Yon, Ty and Chelsea Rollins, Allison Linton, Christopher Yon, Philip McCoy, Trey and Adam Leonhardt; great-grandson, Korey Dawson; sisters, Dene Sanford Wolfe (Asbury), Marie Nettles (Ed), Linda Merritt (Lee), and Patricia Mathis (Charles). In addition to his parents, Harvey was preceded in death by brothers, Howard and Odell Poston and a sister, Raye Padgett.

Posted 04 DEC 2008
Oliver W. Holmes

Please be advised that AXC Oliver W. Holmes, died on March 10th,
of this year, please remove his name from your e-mail list. Thank
you, his son, William T. Holmes

Posted 05 Mar 2008
James Alan Reese

James Alan Reese, 63, of Gold Hill, OR died Sept. 29, 2007, at his home.

A celebration of his life will be held at 2 p.m. Oct. 20 at his home. Conger-Morris Funeral Directors in Medford handled arrangements.

He was born Sept. 9, 1944, in Elmhurst, Ill., to Catherine and Vernon Reese. When he was a young child, his family moved to Azusa, Calif., where he lived until graduating from high school. At age 18, he joined the Navy and served as a flight engineer on P-3s. He served during the Vietnam War and, even after his plane was shot down, he volunteered for two additional tours of duty.

After 20 years of military service, he retired and moved to the Rogue Valley with his wife. He went to work for the Josephine County Sheriff’s Office as a road deputy and later moved to the corrections department. He retired eight years ago.

He enjoyed riding and training horses. He also adopted and gentled several wild mustangs. Along with his wife, he planted a Christmas tree farm. When the trees matured, he gave horse-drawn wagon rides and played Santa.

In addition to his wife, Victoria Reese, survivors include seven
children, Sandy and Brian Reese and Linda Salas, all of California, and David and Darrell Reese, Eileen M. Butchko and Aimee Simpson, all of Oregon; two brothers, John and Jeff Reese, both of California; a sister, Marianne Jones of Canada; and several grandchildren.

Posted 05 Mar 2008
William E. Heyl

I am writing to let you know that my Dad, William E. Heyl passed away on January 31, 2008, from ALS (Lou Gehrig’s disease). He was diagnosed with this horrible disease in January 2007.

I believe he belonged to your association and wonder if you put rememberances in your newsletter. He would have lost contact with many of his associates over this past year particularly. He shared many fond memories with my sister and me about VP4 and his career in the Navy.

Robyn Buechel
25 Linda Vista Drive
Monterey, California 93940
robnpete@sbcglobal.net

Posted 05 Mar 2008
Joshua “Red” Derosett
1924-2008

It saddens me greatly to report that Joshua “Red” Derosett AOCM USN Ret., a truly “Great American” passed on Feb. 29, 2008 in Lemoore, CA. A 30 year veteran of the US Navy, Red was one of my most “Unforgettable Shipmates”. His distinguished career included tours of duty in VP-14, VH-4, VF-193, CVW-21, VA-125, VP-4 and VF-152.
Among his awards are the Navy Distinguished Flying Cross with 4 Stars, the Navy Air Medal with 24 Stars, the Navy Good Conduct Medal with 8 Stars. I encourage all to view his tribute and his “Service Memories” on The Navy Log section of the United States Navy Memorial web site http://www.lonesailor.org/index.php

Respectfully submitted by Steve “Andy” Andruszkewicz VP4Reunion2005@aol.com

Posted 12 Nov 2006
John Edward Mishan, 91, retired Captain, U.S. Navy, born October 1, 1915, passed away in Honolulu on November 5, 2006.

John Mishan (CO VP4 1955-1957)

He is survived by two daughters, Jody Mishan of Honolulu, and Marlena Greene of New York City.

He graduated from Syracuse University, and received his Navy wings in 1941.

He held the following awards and decorations: Distinguised Flying Cross, Navy Commendation Medal with Combat V, American Defense Service Medal, American Campaign Medal; European-African-Middle Eastern Campaign Medal, World War II Victory Medal, China Service Medal, National Defense Service Medal and the Navy Unit Commendation.

While at the Pentagon in 1972, he earned a Masters in Administration in International Commerce from the George Washington University School of Government and Business Administration.

In his 8-year journey with Alzheimer’s Disease, he remained a hero and a gentleman throughout — strong, good-natured, and courageous.

Services will be held at Punchbowl National Memorial Cemetery of the Pacific, at 10:30am, Friday, November 17.

For additional information contact: Jody Mishan
Phone: (808) 988-3295
jmishan@hawaii.rr.com

Posted 13 Dec 2006
James P. Hopkins IV Naval Flight Officer

VP-4 1975-1978; VP-17 1985-1987

James P. Hopkins IV, 55, a retired Navy Lieutenant Commander who worked for the Federal Aviation Administration, died at Inova Fairfax Hospital Nov. 28, 2006 after a car accident at Old Keene Mill Road and Tiverton Drive in Springfield, VA.

He was born at Camp Lejeune, N.C Oct. 23, 1951. and grew up in Alexandria and graduated from Edison High School, where he was on the track and cross-country teams. He graduated from the U.S. Naval Academy in 1973 and for the next 20 years lived all around the world, with stints in Hawaii, Guam, Venezuela, Virginia and Okinawa, Japan, working as a navigator, tactical coordinator and defense intelligence analyst.

After his military retirement in 1993, he taught Naval Junior ROTC at Springbrook High

Survivors include his wife of 32 years, Kay Henning Hopkins of Springfield; three children, Joanne Hopkins of Arlington, Jeff Hopkins of Savannah, Ga., and Frank Hopkins of Springfield; his mother, Mary Lee Hopkins of Williamsburg; and a sister, Janet Davis of Herndon.

Interment at Arlington National Cemetery was a touching ceremony and most fitting for Jim, who unselfishly served his country for so many years. With full military honors, his caisson was drawn to the grave site by 6 beautiful black horses led by a marching band accompanied by a rifle platoon. On location, the rifle squad fired the traditional three volleys followed by a bugler playing taps that rivaled Pvt. Robert E. Lee ‘Prew’ Prewitt’s performance in “From Here to Eternity.” The flag folding demonstrated by the pall bearers was indicative of today’s military precision.

His grave site is on the highest point in the location with a panoramic view of many historical monuments. The view was augmented by a deciduous tree that displayed its unique limb configuration against a clear brilliant sky. The temperature was a bit cool when we arrived at the center; however, by the time we were at the grave site the sun was warming everyone with its bright rays, which is how I remember Jim. There was a large crowd representing, neighbors, church members, swim team acquaintances, and of course the VP-4 contingent:Frank & Kathy Leoffler, Randy Goode, Paul Jackson, Gary & Judy Stack, Claude Timmerman, Larry & Ronda Jahnke, Ben Francisco, John Kennedy, Bill Short, and Ted & Wanda Rogers.

In his honor, the FAA named the Final Approach Fix for VOR/DME RWY 4R going into former NAS Barbers Point HPKNS.

There is a condolence book at www.Washingtonpost.com. Kay is looking for stories and remembrances about Jim from his Navy days. The Post will make her a memorial book containing all the stories posted. Please include your remembrances in the condolence book.

Posted 21 Dec 2004
Marquette, Michigan

Captain Arthur King Bennett Jr., United States Navy Retired, died at Marquette General Hospital on 8th December from complications resulting from a fall at his home. He was 83. Marquette born and raised, Art Bennett’s rich and varied career as a naval officer, took him to every continent of the world and every state of the Union. After his retirement from the Navy in 1975, Art returned to Marquette County where he built his home on Conway Lake in Powell Township and resumed his life as an active member of the Marquette and Big Bay communities.

Posted 29 Sep 2006
Dee Combs:

Dee was 64 years old and he passed away working at his business, as the manager of a trailer court. It appears that he had a massive heart attack.

1st Memorial Service will be held in Salem, South Carolina on October 8, 2006. Dee and Linda (Lindsay & Taylor) touched many lives, please inform others from VP-4.

E-Mail: deecombs@bellsouth.net

Posted 25 Sep 2002
Hello,

My name is Donna Young and my ex-husband was assigned to VP4 1980-1986. His name was Stephen J. Facsko, Jr. and he was a Chief. Steve passed away last Sunday, September 22. I would like to let people know of his passing. A funeral service is being planned in the future at Arlington Cemetery (date unknown at this time).

My home e-mail is: you479@aol.com
Home phone: 540-659-5023

Donna Young