NONE WILL BE FORGOTTEN

If you wish to donate in memory of any of those listed, please click below.

HE RUNS THE RIVER NIGHT AND DAY
UPON HIS HEAD A BLACK BERET.
COMBING WATERS FILLED WITH DEATH
KNOWING FEAR WITH EVERY BREATH.
FIGHTING FOR A CAUSE THAT´S RIGHT
A CHANCE OF NOT LIVING THROUGH THE NIGHT,
SAILORS OF A DIFFERENT BREED
TRAINED TO FIGHT BORN TO LEAD.
FIGHTING BOATS WITH HULLS OF GREEN
THE VERY BEST YOU´VE EVER SEEN.
HE STANDS UP STRAIGHT WITH HEAD HELD HIGH
WILL ALWAYS LOOK YOU IN THE EYE.
SO MY FRIENDS WHEN I´VE GONE TO REST
LAY A BLACK BERET UPON MY CHEST.
by
Chief Robert "Willie" Wilson
River Division 592/ RPG-56

 

  In Memoriam...


WILEY F SMITH 

 

Memorium submitted by: 3/3/24 - Carl Scott

 

Wiley F Smith

 

He passed on 23 Sep 2023 (aged 75)

 

 

REST IN PEACE OUR BROTHER


FRANK RE 

 

Memorium submitted by: Nancy Re (12/16/2023)

 

 

Frank Re

 

In Florida  12/27 Wednesday 

9:30-11 Viewing     Beyers Funeral Home in Lady Lake, FL

12noon  Memorial Service & 1pm reception  North Lake Presbyterian Lady Lake,, FL

 

 

In New York 

1/20/2024

Noon - Celebration of Life at White Plains Presbyterian Church & Lunch

 

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

 

It is with a heavy heart that I need to tell you that my husband Frank Re went on his final patrol tonight 12/9 between 7:30-9:45 pm.  The pain and limitations for him have finally ended.

The love of my life and my best friend is gone.  I have been with this man as a friend, a boyfriend, the love of my life and my husband since I was 16 years old. He took me to our first official date just under 45 years ago for lunch and bought me a drink for my 18th birthday.  We married in 1983 and had 40 years together in September. For Better, For Worst, For Richer, For Poorer, In sickness and In health.  We have run the gambit.  But we did not quit.

His military service was a major part of our lives. He enlisted for Vietnam and signed up with the Navy for 4 years which he spent in the Blue Water and Brown Water of Vietnam on the largest (Aircraft carrier) and the littlest (River Patrol Boats) both with the US forces and as an Advisor.  Involved with many Veterans groups over the years, especially Gamewardens.

His service to our country included, unfortunately, a lot of exposure to Agent Orange.  The first effect - Diabetes, appeared back when our son Joe was an infant back in 1993. That led to numerous other health issues. This summer & fall were very hard with multiple trips to two hospitals. He battled stage 5 Kidney failure for the last 3 years with home dialysis and was on the transplant list until they identified Pancreatic Cancer at the end of September.   It has been a rough road regarding his health.   But we battled together.  He hated being stuck in bed and always preferred his recliner, books, computer, and TV controller. 

 

 

Nancy Re 

 

 

 

REST IN PEACE OUR BROTHER


DENNIS AMBRUSO 

 

Memorium submitted by: Scott Ericson (11/1/2023)

 

He passed away Sunday 10/29/2023 after a fall painting his beloved PBR.

From Jim Davy Gamewardens President:

"God  Bless him and his dedication to the PBRs."

 

 

REST IN PEACE OUR BROTHER


MARVIN McFEATHERS 

 

Memorium submitted by:Nancy Re (6/13/2023)

 

Marvin McFeathers

Obituary:

 

Marvin Clyde McFeaters Jr.

MARCH 31, 1945 – SEPTEMBER 10, 2020

 

Submitted by Charles Benninghoff, GWVN Life Member

Marvin Clyde McFeaters, Jr., a Life Member of Gamewardens of Vietnam, National Legislative Officer of the Catholic War Veterans of the U.S.A. and a retired insurance and investment broker, died September 10, 2020 at his home in Falls Church, VA.

Marvin was a decorated Vietnam War Navy combat veteran who served two and a half tours with units of the Task Force 116, including patrol du ties with River Patrol Section 543 in the Rung Sat Special Zone and Cua Viet, as well as in Vietnam’s Mekong Delta.

As a passionate supporter of services for veterans he also served in other national level offices of the Catholic War Veterans including as National First, Second and Third Vice Commanders. At the time of his demise, he was leading the CWV’s participation in the TUS-100 initiative to commemorate the Centenary of the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier at Arlington National Cemetery in 2021.

Mr. McFeaters was born March 31, 1945 in Arlington, VA to Marvin C. McFeaters Sr. of Oklahoma and Verna S. McFeaters of Iowa. Because of his father’s service with the U.S. Agency for International Development, he grew up in multiple locations and graduated high school from the American Community School at Beirut, Lebanon.

He served as an enlisted man in the Navy from 1967 to 1969, spending most of that time on one and a half tours in Vietnam with units of the River Patrol Force. He attained the rank of Petty Officer Second Class and was awarded the Combat Action Ribbon, the Vietnam Service Medal with one silver star, the Navy Unit Commendation Ribbon with one bronze star, the Meritorious Unit Commendation Ribbon and other decorations. He was a life member of the Gamewardens of Vietnam, the U.S. Navy River Patrol Force Association, the oldest continuously operating Vietnam Veterans’ organization in the United States. He was also a life member of the Disabled American Veterans.

Although his rating was Yeoman, he regularly partook of combat action patrols in both the Rung Sat Special Zone and the waters of the Cua Viet River in support of the 1st Marine Division which was defending the area known as Khe Sahn.

After his military service Mr. McFeaters obtained a Bachelor of Arts Degree with honors from Columbia University in New York City. He then went into the life insurance business, working for several national level firms before starting his own insurance brokerage firm in 1979, operating as sole proprietor and Principal until he retired from the business in 2019.

Mr. McFeaters served for almost twenty years in senior local and national level positions of the CWV. He received the CWV’s Order of Saint Sebastian Award in 2011, the organization’s highest award for dedicated service to the CWV. He also was the founding Chairman of the Greater Falls Church Veterans Council, a non-profit organization composed of posts of the CWV, the American Legion and the Veterans of Foreign Wars.

He suffered grievously from the impact of dioxin poisoning encountered during his Riverine combat patrols and was service-connected, among other health issues, for that exposure and resultant heart issues by the Veteran’s Affairs Administration, issues that did indeed take Marvin from us.

He is survived by his wife of nearly 45 years, Evelyne R. McFeaters, whom he met in New York City and married in Manila, Philippines. Other survivors include a sister, also of Falls Church, a nephew and several nieces residing both in the U.S. and the Philippines, and relatives in Kansas. He was a parishioner of St. James Catholic Church in Falls Church for 44 years. He worked with the Catholic Diocese of Arlington and the Archdiocese of the Military Services of the United States on military support programs.

NOTE:  In addition to his Catholic War Veterans obligations – which he considered a manifestation of his deeply-held faith, Marvin also regularly attended GWVN events and introduced me in 2000, upon my return, to Gamewardens. His close friends in Gamewardens also include Lt. Cole Oehler (awarded two Bronze Stars) and CWO Ralph Fries (who was instrumental in the organization, fund-raising and construction of the Vietnam Unit Memorial Monument (VUMM) located in Coronado, California (See https://www.mrfa.org/ ).  Marvin’s deep and resonate voice that could calm turbulent waters, along with his perpetually joviality are sadly missed by all who knew him.

 

REST IN PEACE OUR BROTHER


TERRY CALLAHAN 

 

Memorium submitted by: Jim Davey (03/12/2023)

 

River Division 572, 69-70, SN. Died in Tuscon, AZ.

 

REST IN PEACE OUR BROTHER


CHARLES ARDINGER 

 

Memorium submitted by: Jim Davy (1/5/2023)

 

Charles Ardinger

 

Obit - Charles Ardinger, 80 Wed, 01/04/2023 - 5:47pm admin July 7, 1942 — Jan. 3, 2023 HESPER - Charles Edward Ardinger, age 80, passed away on Jan. 3, 2023, after a brief hospital stay at Gundersen Hospital in LaCrosse, Wis. Funeral service will be at 11 a.m. on Friday, Jan. 13, 2023 at the Hesper Lutheran Church in Hesper, Iowa, with Pastor Dave Werges officiating. Visitation will be from 4-6 p.m. at the church and one hour prior to services. Burial will be in the Hesper Lutheran Cemetery. The Mengis Funeral Home in Mabel is assisting with arrangements. Charles was born on July 7, 1942 to Ralph and Clara Ardinger in Norfolk, Va. He graduated from Spring Grove High School in 1960. He then joined the U.S. Navy. On July 2, 1965, he married Georginia Leader in San Francisco, Calif. His various duty stations included Recruit Training, Great Lakes, Ill.; Atlantic Reserve Fleet, Orange, Texas; USS Mattaponi A0 41, San Francisco; CHB Subic Bay, PI, Danang, Vietnam; USS Graffias AF 29, San Francisco; USS Catskill MCS-1, Long Beach; River Assault Squadron 15, Boat Captain of Tango 151-11, Mekong Delta, Vietnam; U.S. Naval Training Center, Hancock, Mich.; U.S. Naval Station, Guantanamo Bay, Cuba; and Correctional Center, Corpus Christi, Texas. In June 1980, he returned to the Mabel area and bought and remodeled his grandmother’s house in Hesper, after retiring from 22 and one-half years from the U.S. Navy. Charles was a member of the American Legion Color Guard and Memorial Detail. He had worked for Jimmy Brown’s Tree Service and Ardell Peterson. He also maintained the Hesper Lutheran Cemetery and oversaw the Veterans headstones and loved riding his golf cart visiting his Hesper neighborhood and friends. Georginia noted she will miss him doing the cooking, washing the clothes, filling the coffee pot with water, shopping for groceries, opening the mail, and wrapping packages to send, to just mention a few things. Charles was a member of the Hesper Lutheran Church; life member of the American Legion, AMVETS, Disabled American Veterans, Military Order of the Purple Heart, Mobile Riverine Force Association, VFW and VVA; and a member of the Fleet Reserve Association, USS Graffias, USS Mattaponi, and Guantanamo Bay Association. He was past Commander of the American Legion Post 299 and the VFW Post 5769 in Mabel and past Treasurer and Membership Chairman of the Mobile Riverine Force Association. Charles is survived by his wife Georginia; son, Charles (Teresa) Ardinger, Jr.; cousin, Rita Anderson; nephews, Doug (Kristy), Brian and Greg, and other nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents Ralph and Clara; grandparents, Julius and Hilda Selness and Nellie Ardinger; and his brother, Ralph (Ingrid) Ardinger; and father and mother-in-law, Russell and Belle Leader. Fair winds and following seas.

 

REST IN PEACE OUR BROTHER


HAMILTON A. DUNCAN, Jr 

 

Memorium submitted by: Bill Deringer (12/20/2022)

 

HADuncan HADuncan

 

Gentlemen,

Sadly, I am passing along that Hamilton A. Duncan, Jr AEC USN (retired) passed away on 12/12/2022 at aged 90 in Norman, Oklahoma.

Duncan, as most people knew him, was proud of his Navy career including his years flying as air crew.  He was, however, proudest of his Brown Water Navy experience.  He loved to talk about the people he served with in Vietnam and his time in the River Patrol Division; he always remarked how accomplished and brave “those kids” were.  He was a Life Member of Gamewardens of Vietnam Association. 

Interestingly, Duncan’s future wife Nancy worked for a three letter organization & followed him to Vietnam. They were married by a Navy Chaplain in Saigon, married a second time at the US Embassy in Thailand because of some technicality then married a third time in Bali.  The third time stuck as they remained married until her death in 2002.

After retiring from the Navy, Duncan went on to work at the newly established Washington DC Metro system until his real retirement and could call himself a double dipper. 
He spent his retirement years busy with building and remodeling projects including a one-man remodel of his vacation house on the Potomac at Colonial Beach, VA and his house in Santa Fe, NM.

Not all of his stories can be repeated here but recalling them always makes us laugh.  One story I will share is when he came Stateside after his tour in Vietnam he was assigned to a Navy aircraft maintenance unit at
Andrews AFB.  He went to see his new boss and told him he wanted to go up for Senior Chief and asked for a recommendation.  Duncan said the guy looked him straight in the eye and said,”I can’t do that Chief, you’ve been working out of your rate for the last two years!” 

He will be sorely missed by his friends and family.

Thanks,

Bill

 

REST IN PEACE OUR BROTHER


DAVID LARSON 

 

Memorium submitted by: Steve Sumrall (11/03/2022)

 

David Larson

Jim Davy ask me to pass along the sad news that David Larson passed away last night.  This is hard news to hear, that David is no longer with us. David was a Vietnam War Hero.  He was awarded this nations second highest medal, the Navy Cross for gallantry. He went ashore with 6 other riverrats from his patrol with his M60 and they saved a LRRP patrol pinned down by a large NVA force.

David served as President of Gamwardens From 2016 to 2018. It is a credit to his memory that he had the respect and friendship of so many. There will be many attending his memorial.

 

Steve Sumrall

Pres. NW Chapter, Gamewardens of Vietnam

Jim Davy, GAVP President shared "It is with great sadness that I share that Dave passed on to be with God and his beloved Wife last evening.  One of our Past Presidents and always a representative for Gamewardens as well as our Navy Cross recipient." 

 

Click here for Trail of Honor article

 

 

 

REST IN PEACE OUR BROTHER


GUS NEVEREZ 

 

Memorium submitted by: Matt Zimmer  (9-30-2022)

 

Gus Neverez

 

It’s with deep sorrow that I advise the passing of Gus Nevarez. He was killed in a motorcycle accident in Visalia CA a few days after the Gamewardens reunion. He was with MD 112 out of Nha Be 1970. He was one of the nicest guys I’ve ever met and a great shipmate.

 

REST IN PEACE OUR BROTHER


RONALD LEE NESTOR 

 

Memorium submitted by: Richard J Cragg  9/22/2022

 

Ronald Nestor

 

 

Ronald Lee Nester, 74, of Columbus, passed from this life at 2:41 p.m. Tuesday, September 20, 2022 at his home surrounded by family. Ron was born October 9, 1947, in Oak Hill, West Virginia, the son of John W. and Mary E. Huffman Nester. On July 4, 1969 he married Irene Worrell. Mr. Nester was a United States Navy veteran, serving in the Vietnam era. He earned a Bronze Star and was a Purple Heart recipient. Ron was honorably discharged after his military service. He began working at Cummins Engine Company and retired after more than 31 years there. Ron was an avid hunter, proud member of the NRA and loved to fish. Two years ago, he even traveled to Brazil and fished the Amazon River. He was also a longtime member of Trinity Holiness Church in Trafalgar (Pastor Jerome Baker). He will be deeply missed by his family and friends. Survivors include his wife, Irene; daughters, Melody (Brian) Wilson of Bargersville, Angie (Matt) Meek of Columbus; grandchildren, Brianna Thorpe of Hope, Bailey Thorpe (Zach Baker), Dalton Carpenter (Gabby Rossittis), Cameron Naylor (Liberty Jones), Brianna Wilson (Gavin Voyles), Keith Wilson (Nancy Renteria), all of Columbus; great-grandson, Ryder Thorpe of Hope; cousins Star Smith, Leslie Nester, George Nester, Gregory Reed and aunt, Pauline Nester. He was preceded in death by his parents and brother, John Nester, Jr. The funeral service will be conducted at 1:00 p.m. Saturday at Barkes, Weaver Funeral Home on Jonathan Moore Pike with Rev. Don Ingram officiating. Visitation will be from 11:00 a.m. until the time of service Saturday at the funeral home. Burial will be at Flat Rock Baptist Cemetery. Military Honors will be presented by the Bartholomew County Veterans Honor Guard. Memorial contributions may be made to Main Street Hospice in Franklin, Indiana. Online condolences and special memories may be shared with Ron’s family and a video tribute may be viewed at www.barkesweaverglick.com.

 

REST IN PEACE OUR BROTHER


JIMMY "JD" DALE WELLS 

 

Memorium submitted by: Ken Delfino (03/06/2022)

 

Jimmy Wells
JANUARY 28, 1947 MARCH 5, 2022

  

‘DASH’ OF JIMMY WELLS’ LIFE

 

IF YOU LOOK, YOU WILL SEE A  DASH BETWEEN 1947 AND 2022.

 

WHAT IS THAT….JUST A NUMBERS SEPARATOR?

 

TO MOST FOLKS, YES…BUT IT REPRESENTS, THOUGH NOT TELL, ALL THAT HAPPENED BETWEEN THOSE TWO NUMBERS.

 

I WOULD LIKE TO TELL YOU A PART OF THAT DASH...A PART WHICH WAS FULL OF EXCITEMENT … GROWING UP FAST...AND A LEARNING EXPERIENCE FEW GET IN THEIR LIFETIMES.

 

MY NAME IS KEN DELFINO AND I LIVE IN KEYSTONE, SD...A MERE TWO MILES FROM MT. RUSHMORE.

 

I’VE KNOWN JIMMY SINCE JANUARY 1968 WHEN HE REPORTED TO OUR RIVER PATROL UNIT IN THE MEKONG DELTA OF SOUTH VIET NAM. HE WAS A FAIRLY QUIET KID, BUT HE WAS NOT NEW TO SOUTH VIET NAM. BEFORE JOINING US, HE HAD SPENT A YEAR WITH ONE OF OUR SWIFT BOAT UNITS BASED ON THE CENTRAL COAST OF THE COUNTRY. THE JOB OF THE ‘SWIFTIES’ WAS TO PATROL THE COASTS AND INTERDICT OR DESTROY ANY ENEMY CRAFT TRYING TO MOVE CONTRABAND UP AND DOWN THE COAST.

 

THOSE GUYS DID OKAY AS JIMMY’S UNIT HAD EARNED A NAVY UNIT CITATION BEFORE HE LEFT.

 

HOWEVER, THAT MUST NOT HAVE BEEN EXCITING ENOUGH FOR HIM SO AS SOON AS HIS YEAR WITH THEM WAS UP, HE PUT IN A TRANSFER TO OUR ‘PLASTIC BOAT’ UNIT – KNOWN AS OPERATION: GAMEWARDEN.

 

NO, OUR BOATS WERE NOT MADE OF PLASTIC, BUT OF FIBERGLASS - -STILL NOT BULLET-STOPPERS, BUT WE WERE A LOT FASTER AND SMALLER TARGETS!

 

JIMMY WAS A GUNNER’S MATE AND HIS KEY JOB WAS TO MAINTAIN OUR WEAPONS AND BE OUR BOAT TRAINER FOR REFRESHER TRAINING AND ANY NEW WEAPONS WE MIGHT HAVE.

 

IF YOU LIKE SHOOTING, WE HAD THREE .50 CALIBER MACHINE GUNS, AN M-60 LIGHT MACHINE GUN, BELT-FED GRENADE LAUNCHER AND ON OUR TWO-BOAT PATROLS, ONE BOAT WOULD HAVE A  60-MILLIMETER MORTAR AND THE OTHER WOULD HAVE A FEW HAND-HELD ROCKET LAUNCHERS. EACH CREWMEMBER  WOULD HAVE HIS RIFLE OF CHOICE; AN M-14 OR THE M-16 AS WELL AS A PISTOL AND THE BOATS WOULD EACH HAVE A SHOTGUN. SO THOSE WEAPONS WERE JIMMY’S MAIN RESPONSIBILITY AS WELL AS MAKING SURE THESE WEAPONS HAD PLENTY OF ‘FOOD TO EAT’ AND SPIT OUT!

 

JIMMY JOINED US ON JANUARY 8, 1968 WHEN OUR UNIT WAS STATIONED IN MY THO (MEE-TAW) WHICH IS 40 MILES SOUTH OF SAIGON LESS THAN THREE WEEKS LATER HE GOT THE EXCITEMENT HE WAS LOOKING FOR WHEN OUR TOWN WAS ATTACKED BY THREE VIET CONG BATTALIONS (1200 MEN) DURING A MAJOR VIET CONG/NORTH VIETNAMESE OFFENSIVE WHEN ALL PROVINCE CAPITOLS WERE ATTACKED.

 

WITH OUR TWO BOAT DIVISIONS AND A SEAL TEAM, WE HAD 150 PLUS A VIETNAMESE RANGER UNIT NEARBY….AND 100 OF OUR 15O, INCLUDING 10 PATROL OFFICERS, WERE ON BOATS OUT ON THE RIVER!

 

THE RANGERS REACTED VERY QUICKLY TO DEFEND OUR TOWN ALONG WITH OUR SEAL TEAM WHILE OUR BOATS WERE SCRAMBLED TO RESPOND TO PROBLEMS ELSEWHERE. IT WAS ALMOST A WEEK BEFORE THE TOWN WAS CLEARED OF THE ENEMY.

 

AT ONE POINT WHILE WE WERE PASSING IN THE STREETS, I ASKED HIM IF HE WAS HAVING FUN YET?

 

WE SAILORS FOUND OUT VERY QUICKLY HOW GUTTY AND FEARLESS THIS NEW KID WAS.

 

ON APRIL 8TH HIS PATROL WAS AMBUSHED AND AFTER THE ATTACK HIS BOAT PULL ALONGSIDE A SAMPAN IN WHICH WAS AN INJURED VIET CONG. THEY TOOK HIM ON BOARD TO BRING HIM IN FOR TREATMENT AND JIMMY NOTICED THAT PART OF THE PRISONER’S SKULL WAS MISSING.

 

JIMMY REWRAPPED THE WOUND SO IT WOULD BE BETTER PROTECTED AS THEY RACED INTO MY THO TO TURN HIM OVER TO THE VIETNAMESE FOR HOSPITALIZATION AND FOLLOWUP, DURING THE 15-MILE RETURN TO BASE, JIMMY HELD THIS ENEMY SOLDIER’S HEAD IN HIS ARMS TO PREVENT FURTHER INJURY.

 

TWO WEEKS LATER HIS PATROL WAS DOING A NIGHT INSERTION OF AN ARMY RECON TEAM. AS THE SOLDIERS WERE OFF-LOADING, ONE OF THEM TRIPPED OVER A CLEAT AND FELL OVERBOARD BACKWARDS INTO THE DARK AND SWIFTLY MOVING WATERS.

 

JIMMY DID NOT HESITATE AS HE DOVE IN...WEARING HIS HEAVY FLAK VEST. HE DOVE DEEP AND MANAGED TO ‘FIND’ THE SOLDIER WITH HIS HANDS AND DRAGGED HIM UP TO SAFETY. THE SOLDIER WAS THEIR LIGHT MACHINE GUNNER AND HE HAD A COUPLE HUNDRED  ROUNDS OF AMMUNITION.

 

FOR THESE TWO ACTIONS HE WAS AWARDED THE NAVY COMMENDATION MEDAL WITH  A COMBAT ‘V’. FOR RESCUING THE SOLDIER, HE SHOULD HAVE BEEN AWARDED THE NAVY-MARINE CORPS MEDAL OR THE ARMY SHOULD HAVE AWARDED HIM THE SOLDIER’S MEDAL BECAUSE THAT ACTION TOOK PLACE WHILE NOT UNDER ENEMY FIRE.

 

AFTER A FEW WEEKS, JIMMY AND I ENDED UP ON THE SAME BOAT, PBR-151.

 

ON THE NIGHT OF JULY 26TH AS WE WERE PULLING INTO A TOWN TO PICK UP A  S.E.A.L. RECON TEAM, A SHOT RANG OUT JUST AS I BUMPED INTO SOMETHING. I DIDN’T REALIZE I WAS HIT...I JUST THOUGHT I HAD BUMPED INTO SOMETHING REALLY HARD AND COULDN’T STAND.

 

WHEN I REACHED DOWN TO TRY TO STRAIGHTEN OUT MY KNEES, I REALIZED I’D BEEN HIT AND YELLED AT JIMMY TO TAKE OVER BECAUSE HE WAS SECOND-IN-COMMAND.

 

HE CAME BACK AND LIT A  BATTLE LANTERN AND SAW HOW BAD IT WAS (FUNNY, IT DIDN’T HURT THAT MUCH...AT THE TIME!), BUT IT WAS A MESS!

 

HE BANDAGED ME UP PRETTY GOOD AND I WAS MEDEVACED TO A NEARBY ARMY HOSPITAL.

 

TURNS OUT THAT MY FEMORAL  ARTERY HAD BEEN SEVERED AND HAD JIMMY NOT TAKEN IMMEDIATE ACTION, YOU WOULD NOT BE HEARING THESE WORDS RIGHT NOW. I ALSO DID NOT KNOW THAT I HAD BEEN SHOT IN MY RIGHT LEG AS WELL AND HAD LEAKED OUT OF THAT ONE FOR AT LEAST HALF AN HOUR!

 

SO I GOT TO SPEND THE NEXT FEW MONTHS RECUPERATING IN A VARIETY OF ARMY, AIR FORCE AND NAVY HOSPITALS UNTIL DISCHARGED ON DECEMBER 30TH. I ENDED UP RETIRING ON A MEDICAL DISABILITY TWO WEEKS LATER.

 

BECAUSE OF JIMMY I HAVE, BEEN ABLE TO EXPERIENCE SO MUCH OVER THESE PAST 54 YEARS – MEN GOING TO THE MOON AND BACK SEVERAL TIMES...THE “FALL OF THE WALL” AND BREAKUP OF THE SOVIET UNION...THE BIRTH OF MY DAUGHTER...THE BIRTHS OF HER CHILDREN...A 32-YEAR CAREER WITH A ONCE GREAT AIRLINE…WALKING THE HALLOWED GROUNDS OF NORMANDY...GETTYSBURG...FLANDERS’ FIELDS...YORKTOWN... BASTOGNE AND BELLEAU WOOD BATTLEFIELDS...SEEING THE CUBS FINALLY WIN A WORLD SERIES...WATCHING THE GIANTS WIN SEVERAL AND THE ‘49ERS WIN FIVE SUPER BOWLS...35 YEARS SERVING WITH KIWANIS CLUBS...HAVING THE GOOD FORTUNE OF ONGOING RELATIONSHIPS WITH FRIENDS I’VE KNOWN SINCE HIGH SCHOOL AND BEST OF ALL HAVING A WONDERFUL WIFE WITH WHOM  WE HAVE SHARED SOME MOMENTOUS TIMES AND LOOK FORWARD TO MORE.

 

DURING HIS TIME IN IN THE NAVY, JIMMY EARNED THE FOLLOWING MEDALS AND RIBBONS:

 

NAVY COMMENDATION WITH COMBAT ‘V’ - NAVY ACHIEVEMENT WITH COMBAT  ‘V

 

NAVY-MARINE CORPS COMBAT ACTION RIBBON -TWO PRESIDENTIAL UNIT CITATIONS

 

NAVY UNIT CITATION – NATIONAL DEFENSE - VIET NAM SERVICE (7 CAMPAIGN PERIODS)

 

VIETNAMESE CROSS OF GALLANTRY - U.S. NAVY VIET NAM NAVAL SERVICE

 

VIETNAMESE CROSS OF GALLANTRY UNIT AWARD - VIETNAMESE CIVIL ACTIONS  UNIT AWARD

 

VIET NAM CAMPAIGN - COLD WAR

 

 

TO YVONNE AND YOUR FAMILY, I AM HONORED AND PRIVILEGED TO HAVE SERVED WITH JIMMY.  TO THE CHILDREN, GRANDCHILDREN, NEPHEWS, NIECES AND COUSINS, PLEASE KNOW THAT JIMMY WAS FEARLESS IN COMBAT AND GRACIOUS TO WOUNDED ENEMY SOLDIERS AFTER THE BATTLES ENDED.

 

 

REST IN PEACE OUR BROTHER


ROBERT G McCLURE 

 

Memorium submitted by: His Son 7/12/2022

 

The XO of RIVDIV 543, and CO of RIVDIV 515 has passed.

 

 

REST IN PEACE OUR BROTHER


KENNETH HAMMON 

 

Memorium submitted by:Margaret Hamman 4-22-2022

 

 Ken passed on 12/26/2020 - He was a HAL-3 Seawolf

 

OBITUARY KENNETH HAMMON 

 

REST IN PEACE OUR BROTHER


JOHN SELETYN 

 

Memorium submitted by: RH FRIES (4-12-2022)

 

I received John's obituary from his wife this evening. He served with CTF-116 River Division-535 in the Mekong Delta as a PBR Boat Captain.

 

His obituary:

OBITUARY

 

 

REST IN PEACE OUR BROTHER


MILTON LARKIN - QMCS 

 

Memorium submitted by: JERRY GANDY (4/11/2022)

 

Another of our Riverine Shipmates has taken his last patrol.  Milton Larkin QMCS, has passed away.  He

was a member of Gamewardens, Vietnam to Present Inc, Mid Atlantic Chapter.  God be with Milt's family

and loved ones.

 

Jerry

 

 

REST IN PEACE OUR BROTHER


FERNLEY WAGNER 

 

Memorium submitted by: Glenn Wagner Col USMC(ret) (3/12/2022)

 

Another Plank Owner has passed away!

Obituary can be viewed here >>> Fernley R. Wagner, Jr 

 

Fernley Wagner

I regret to inform you of the passing of my father LCDR Fernley Wagner on 25 Jan, 2022.  He was 88 and died of lung cancer.  My father was a career submarine sailor who retired from the Navy after 24 years of service. How he wound up in Viet Nam on PBRs for two tours is a story in itself.  Like most veterans he didn’t talk much about his combat experiences but he did talk about the people he knew and worked with.  He was proud of his service to his country and shared that with his family.  His three sons wound up serving a total of 58 years in the Navy and Marine Corps.

 I am sure he would wish you a great reunion in San Diego, a city he always enjoyed visiting. Please keep the memory of my father and all of the other Gamewarden members alive by doing what you do.  The  American public must be reminded of the sacrifices that are made by the few to protect our freedoms.

 

 

REST IN PEACE OUR BROTHER


JOHN FREAD 

 

Memorium submitted by: Family Member (3/11/2022)

 

My father passed away on 2/5/2022 

 

 

REST IN PEACE OUR BROTHER


RICHARD MARCINKO 

 

Memorium submitted by: Yahoo! News (12/26/21)

 

A revered Gamewardens Plank-Owner has passed.

 

Richard Marcinko

Richard Marcinko was awarded more than 30 medals and citations during his career with the US Navy

Richard Marcinko, who has died at the age of 81, made his mark on the US military as founding commander of Seal Team Six, one of America's elite special forces units which would later carry out a deadly raid against Osama Bin Laden.

A Vietnam War veteran, he led the group for its first three years, and was awarded more than 30 medals and citations during his career with the US Navy.

His direct and abrasive leadership style brought great success but often caused conflict with superiors. Some accused him of encouraging a reckless, "bad boy" culture at Seal Team Six.

Off the battlefield, Marcinko faced legal battles and was briefly jailed for defrauding the US government.

Despite this, he played a vital role in boosting America's counter-terrorism capabilities at the tail end of the Cold War.

His larger-than-life personality, and his autobiography Rogue Warrior, helped to cement Seal Team Six's place in military folklore and popular culture.

'I'm good at war'

Marcinko was born in 1940 in Lansford, a small mining town in Pennsylvania.

His parents were immigrants from Slovakia and Herzegovina, and all the men in his family were miners, Marcinko recalled in Rogue Warrior.  "Life was simple and life was hard, and I guess some of them might have wanted to pull themselves up by their bootstraps, but most were too poor to buy boots," he wrote.

After dropping out of high school, Marcinko tried to enlist in the US Marines but was rejected because he hadn't received a high school diploma.

 

After enlisting in the US Navy at 18, he was deployed in 1967 to Vietnam with Seal Team Two as a commissioned officer.  During the conflict, Marcinko was decorated with the Vietnamese Cross for Gallantry and won the first of four Bronze Stars. He said in his autobiography that the North Vietnamese had placed a bounty on his head, such was his success on the battlefield.  "I'm good at war," he once told People Magazine. "Even in Vietnam, the system kept me from hunting and killing as many of the enemy as I would have liked."

Bar fights and kidnapped admirals

Following two tours in Vietnam, and assignments in the US and Cambodia, Marcinko was promoted to command his old unit, Seal Team Two, from 1974-76.

In 1980, the US launched a failed operation - dubbed Eagle Claw - to rescue 53 Americans taken hostage at the country's embassy in Iran.  In light of the debacle, Marcinko was chosen to command a new, dedicated counter-terrorism unit for the navy.  Only two Seal (Sea, Air, and Land) teams existed at the time, and he called his new unit Seal Team Six, hoping to confuse enemy nations about the size of the force.

He trained the new unit hard, claiming that they had a larger allowance for ammunition than the entire US Marine Corps.  He also gained a reputation for flouting the rules, and garnered a maverick image for Seal Team Six within the military community.  In Rogue Warrior, he wrote that drinking together - and sometimes getting into bar fights - was important for team cohesion.  But the team's "bad boy" culture was not welcomed by everyone in the military, including William McRaven (now an admiral), who joined Seal Team Six as a junior officer and would later lead the raid against Bin Laden in 2011.  The officer complained of difficulties with keeping his troops in line and was temporarily pushed out of the unit.  Despite these concerns, Marcinko was lauded for his work and led the team for three years, at a time when two-year commands were the norm.

 

After his time with Seal Team Six, he was tapped by the navy to create another special unit, named Red Cell, to test security at military and intelligence sites.

The team managed to plant bombs near Air Force One and infiltrate a nuclear submarine base among other things.

'An unrelenting drive for success'

Marcinko retired from the Navy in 1989, and later faced legal troubles that he attributed to his success with Red Cell.  In 1990 he was convicted of defrauding the government over contracts for hand grenades. He was initially given a 21-month prison sentence, but was released after 15 months.  In 1992 he told broadcaster CBS he'd been "singled out" because his Red Cell exploits had embarrassed US Navy officials.  Admiral James Lyons - who had chosen Marcinko to lead Red Cell - denied there was any vendetta. He told People Magazine that "the general take was that Red Cell was a good thing", and said Marcinko could "get carried away".

Rogue Warrior sold millions of copies. Marcinko also co-wrote several works of military fiction, ran a private security firm, hosted a radio talk show and served as a consultant for movies and TV shows, including 24.  A first-person shooter video game named Rogue Warrior was released in 2009, with Marcinko as its protagonist, voiced by actor Mickey Rourke. It was widely slated by critics as one of the worst games ever made.

 

Though a polarising character in some circles, Marcinko left an undeniable mark on the US military and its counter-terrorism capabilities.  "While we had some disagreements... I always respected his boldness, his ingenuity and his unrelenting drive for success," Admiral McRaven told the New York Times. "I hope he will be remembered for his numerous contributions to the Seal community."

 

 

REST IN PEACE OUR BROTHER


VIRGIL ERWIN 

 

Memorium submitted by: Nancy Re (11-11-2021)

 

TAPS: Virgil Erwin

 

Virgil A Erwin III died 5 July 2021. A Sailor with dreams, a Father with pride, a Husband with faults, a Man with integrity, Ashes cast upon Mother Ocean. Virgil A Erwin III, born 10 November 1943 in Ft. Worth, Texas, son of Billie Jean Leath Erwin and Captain Virgil A Erwin Jr. USN, who retired in 1967 as Chief of Naval Forces, NORAD

Virgil A Erwin III graduated from Western State in Colorado with a BA in Business and commissioned an Ensign in the US Navy in 1966. After two years aboard a destroyer and promoted to Lieutenant, Virgil commanded Patrol Craft Fast 67 in Vietnam from 1968 to 1969. He was awarded the Bronze Star, two Navy Commendation Medals, two Presidential Unit Citations and recognition from the South Vietnamese Government

Virgil left the Navy in 1970 to pursue a career in medical instrumentation and semiconductor sales with Dow Corning and later with Millipore Corporation. Virgil retired in 2005 as Vice President, Worldwide OEM Sales, Entregris Corporation. “My most enjoyable assignment was European General Manager, Microelectronics Division of Millipore,” Virgil said at his retirement ceremony in Glasgow, Scotland. It was during this assignment, living in France from 1993 - 1995 that Virgil was recognized by senior management for his ability to successfully create and lead a multicultural, multinational team.

Virgil was elected Director and Vice President of the 800 member Swift Boat Sailors Association in 2007 and was Chairman of their Reunion in San Diego. Virgil also served as a Director for the Vietnam Unit Memorial Monument Fund, which manages the memorial site on the Naval Amphibious Base in Coronado, California.

Virgil has published two books, one recounting his experience in Vietnam titled, “Cat Lo: A Memoir of Invincible Youth” and one about he and his family sailing a small boat to the South Pacific in “Hand, Reef, and Diaper: A Voyage of Discovery”.

Virgil is survived by his brother Randall, sister-in-law Nancy, cousin Barbara Jelniker, sons Christopher and Bret, daughters-in-law Gena and Lilly, grandchildren, Reese and Grady, and his Siberian Husky, Kobe, who is enjoying his life now in the beautiful Rocky Mountains with Christopher.

Virgil will be remembered for his passion for sailing, for backpacking in Yosemite and for respecting the inherent integrity of people in every culture of the world.

The Celebration of Life will take place inside the Maritime Museum of San Diego (upstairs) at 11:00 AM (Pacific), Saturday, September 25, 2021. 

 

REST IN PEACE OUR BROTHER


 Richard A Lutes Jr.  

 

Memorium submitted by: Nancy Re (11-11-2021)

 

 

 

Facebook Memorium -- Richard A. Lutes Sr.

WISCASSET – Dick was born and raised in Newburyport, Massachusetts. He died of cancer at the veteran’s hospital in Augusta, Maine.He was a career sailor and served in Vietnam, many aircraft carriers and Naval Air Stations as an Airframes structural Mechanic. He was assigned to the airframes maintenance field and promptly shipped to South Vietnam. In Vietnam he volunteered for the black berets on the Patrol Boat River in the Mekong and Perfume River. He assisted with sniper, marine and army support as a sniper and machine gunner on the patrol boats. Returning from Vietnam he served as a military fire chief, office of inspector general, aviation maintenance inspector, enlisted aviation maintenance leader for many aircraft carriers.Eventually Dick retired and returned to Maine a place he called home for 50 years. He kept busy as operating crew for Bath Iron Works. Commercial fishing of tuna and lobster, carpentry, trapping and record collecting.Dick was predeceased by his mother, Pauline (Hamel) Lutes and father, Charles Lutes.He is survived by Nancy (Harding) his wife of 59 years. Siblings: Jacqueline, Robert, Carol and Keith. His sons: Richard and Steven. Grandchildren: Heather, Steven Jr, Ashley, Megan, Emily, Samantha and Jennifer and many great grandchildren.A life celebration has been for planned for Saturday October 16, 2021 between 1-4 p.m., with Military Honors at 2 p.m. Location, 95 Lowelltown Road, Wiscasset, Maine. Arrangements are by Daigle Funeral Home, 819 High Street, Bath. Condolences may be made online at http://www.Daiglefuneralhome.com.

 

REST IN PEACE OUR BROTHER


KENNETH QUINLAN 

 

Memorium submitted by: Ralph Fries (11/11/2021)

 

Kenneth W Quinlan

Here is the link for my Dad's obituary.  Click Here - Christine

 

Good Morning to you all,

 

I was notified this morning and it is with a deep heart felt sympathy to learn that Kenneth Quinlan passed yesterday, November 10, 2021 while sitting in his chair at his home in Sauk Centre, MN at the age of 73 of cancer. He was a plank owner of River Section-535 when activated at Nha Be, RVN on October 18, 1967. He was assigned to PBR-727 as a crew member during his tour in-country. He was a fantastic Sailor, warrior, and person I knew personally for the past 54 years.

 

He is survived by his wife Diane and four children.

 

God Bless to you all,

 

Ralph J. Fries

River Section-535

 

 

REST IN PEACE OUR BROTHER


BILL MARAUGH 

 

Memorium submitted by: Nancy Re (09/14/2021)

 

Bill Maraugh's wife Catherine called today.  Bill passed away July 30, 2021.

Maraugh Obit

 

REST IN PEACE OUR BROTHER


JIMMIE LEE THOMPSON

 

JIMMY LEE THOMPSON

 

Memorium submitted by: Robert Brower (8/25/2021)

 

Jim was in River Division 593 and served in  Viet Nam in 1969 to 1970.  He earned a Bronze Star and a Purple Heart as an outstanding forward gunner.

He was very active with veteran issues in the state of Iowa and nation-wide.  He was the Iowa President of the Viet Nam Veterans Motorcycle Club, and a plank member of that organization.

Jim passed quietly in the early morning hours following his battle with heart problems.  Many of us will miss him.

 

REST IN PEACE OUR BROTHER


ARTHUR BEATY 

 

 

Memorium submitted by: R, Heathero: (08/19/21)

 

 

 

REST IN PEACE OUR BROTHER


TERRY CHELIUS

 

 

 

Memorium submitted by: R, Heather  (08/19/21)

 

 

On April 5, 2019 Terrence Scott Chelius of Eckert, Colorado passed quietly and peacefully into the loving arms of God Almighty after a brief illness. Terry was preceded in his passing by his parents Jack and Anne Chelius and is survived by his sister, Ms. Suzanne Vinnola, his two Daughters Terri Heather Chelius and Shana Jensen, three grandchildren Morgan, Matt, and Sarah, and two great-grandchildren Hunter and Gunnison.

 

Terry was born on October 14, 1939 in Golden, Colorado and was a highly decorated retired U.S. Navy Boatswain Mate Chief (BMC) and three-tour Vietnam combat veteran, who was awarded three purple hearts.  Terry belonged to the most highly decorated U.S. Navy Unit of the Vietnam Conflict, the River Patrol Unit “Riverine Force” also known as the “Black Berets”.

 

When not serving his country in the military, Terry was a law enforcement professional and veteran of the Colorado Highway Patrol (CH.P.), the Larimer County Sheriff’s Office (L.C.S.O.), and the Denver Police Department (D.P.D.).

 

“Fair Winds and Following Seas Chief”, you shall be missed by many!

 

 

 

REST IN PEACE OUR BROTHER


ROBERT GURZYNSKI 

 

Memorium submitted by: Mrs. Sandra Gurzynski (7/27/2021)

 

On behalf of my husband, Robert (Ski) Gurzynski.  While in Vietnam, he served with River Division 533 until November 1969 and retired from the Navy in 1987.   In case anyone he served with is searching for him, please update your records so they know he is no longer with us.  Ski was diagnosed with a Glioblastoma 4 brain tumor in 2015 and passed away on November 13, 2016.  He now rests in Arlington National Cemetery in Washington, D.C.

 

REST IN PEACE OUR BROTHER


JON FISCHMAN 

 

Memorium submitted by: Jim Davey(06/17/21)

 

Jim Davy here I am the National President of Gamewardens and I am very sorry to hear about your husband I have forwarded your message to our folks to post on the website may Gods blessings be with you and your family at this time of loss.

 

 

 

REST IN PEACE OUR BROTHER


EN3 KENNETH F HALPEN,

 

Memorium submitted by: Patricia C Halpen (06/10/2021)

 

My husband passed away 5/2/21. 

 

REST IN PEACE OUR BROTHER


RICHARD SIEBERT 

 

Memorium submitted by: (05/27/21 - Claire Siebert)

 

I am sorry to have delayed informing you of the death of member #638 (bi-annual) of Richard Siebert, 34 School Street,  Byfield MA 01922-1611.  He passed away from Agent Orange in 2014. 

 

I wish you success in gathering your service-members.  The joy and validation he received by participating in reunion activities and staying in touch with the men he served with (and many he never knew back in the day) really touched his life.  We miss him very much.

 

Thank you for your service & God bless you and yours

Claire Siebert

 

 

REST IN PEACE OUR BROTHER


PAUL QUINLAN 

 

Memorium submitted by: (Nancy Re - 05-25-21)

 

Paul was reunited with the love of his life, Tommie Quinlan on May 24, 2021.

Eternal rest grant unto him oh Lord and let Your perpetual Light shine upon him. May he rest in the peace of Christ.

Funeral arrangements are as follows:

Visitation at Faith Chapel South, 100 Beverly Parkway, Pensacola on Sunday, May 30, from 5 - 7 p.m. Rosary will be at 5 p.m.

Funeral Mass is on Tues, June 1 at 11:30 a.m. at St. Anne's Bellview, Saufley Field Road, Pensacola, followed by burial at Barrancas National Cemetery with full military honors at 1 p.m.

 

TAPS: Paul Quinlan - Click Here

 

REST IN PEACE OUR BROTHER


EDWARD H. LAVILETTA 

 

Memorium submitted by: (Nancy Re - 05-25-21)

 

TAPS: Edward Laviletta

Edward Laviletta Obituary (2019) - The Burlington Free Press (legacy.com) - Click Here

 

REST IN PEACE OUR BROTHER


GARY GRAHN 

 

Memorium submitted by: Brenda Grahn (05/01/21)

 

This is Brenda.  I wanted all of Gary's friends to know he passed away peacefully this morning with me and his oldest son by his side.  I'm sure going to miss that man.  Please keep our family in your thoughts and prayers. Obituary available HERE.

 

 

REST IN PEACE OUR BROTHER


RONALD ALVIN DIX 

 

Memorium submitted by: Jim Davey (04-18-2021)

 

Ronald Alvin Dix Passed away February 24, 2021, he served in TF-116 River Division 512 from Jan., 1969 to January 1970. He is survived by his wife Darlene.

 

 

REST IN PEACE OUR BROTHER


BMCS WALTER D. CAMPBELL Jr 

 

Memorium submitted by:Nancy Re (04/07/2021)

Walter D Campbell

 

I was notified by the NE Chapter President this morning about the passing of BMCS Walt Campbell this morning.  

Walt had been in a nursing home after having a stroke while performing burial duties.  He will be terribly missed by the Northeast Chapter.   Walt was 91 years old 

 

REST IN PEACE OUR BROTHER


DAVID REGISTER 

 

Memorium submitted by: Family: (12/24/20)

 

Regretfully, another brother has gone on his last Patrol.

 

See his obituary here: Obituary - Fitzgerald, GA - Paulk Funeral Home

 

REST IN PEACE OUR BROTHER


GERALD (JERRY) BROOKS

 

Memorium submitted by: His wife Sherry (10/23/2020)

 

Went on his last patrol on 10/22/2020, he was buried with honors performed by the American Legion. He was in Riv Div 535 from 3/68 to 3/69.  His was on PBR 724.  His obiturary can be viewed at HERE .

 

REST IN PEACE OUR BROTHER


TED LEVY 

 

Submitted by Ken Delphino: 10/20/2020

 

I just now received an e-mail stating that CAPT Ted Levy passed away. I first met Ted in Viet Nam when he was assigned as our river division’s first XO. While we were waiting for our boats to arrive, he would go out on patrols. One night I decided to go out on patrol as well with a sister unit...not knowing that a bed check was done every night! Good thing I told someone I was going out that night or there would have been a search. When our patrol came in, there he was...standing on the dock ready to go out again.

He didn’t yell or scream..just looked at me and simply asked, “What are you trying to do Delfino, win the war all by yourself?”...to which I responded, “No sir...you’re trying to do the same thing!”.

 

Mr. Levy was a good officer...not full of himself and close to his men. He came from River Division 511 to help us form up along with my first skipper, Steve Watson. The last time I saw him was in January ‘67 when he was relieved by LTJG Bob Moir.

I can’t remember exactly when we found each other or who found whom first, but we reconnected electronically and have been in fairly regular communication. After September 11, 2001, he went to Israel and tried to join the Israeli Navy..but like the rest of us Viet Nam veterans, they said the equivalent of “Thanks, but no thanks” in Hebrew!

 

Fair Winds and Following Seas Mr. Levy as you report to our ultimate Commander-in-Chief at your final PCS. I know there’ll be side-boys wearing Black Berets to welcome you aboard.

 

Respectfully submitted,

Ken Delfino

United States Navy (Ret)

 

P.S. If you wish to send Carol a card, her address is: Mrs. Carol Levy – 3773 Sunridge Drive – Park City, UT 84098

 

 

REST IN PEACE OUR BROTHER


LARRY BISSONNETT 

Larry, always a friemdly smile 

 

Silver Star, Bronze Star/V, Purple Heart, two(2) Presidential Unit Citations(as OIC), Combat Action Ribbon, Meritorios Service Metal, and others

 

Memorium submitted by: Tom Armstrong (8/14/2020)

CDR Bissonnett served the Association in the positions of President, Board Member, Webmaster, Supply Officer, and SHIPMATE TO US ALL  Larry was always finding a way to give. Yes he will be sorely missed.  We were blessed and honored to have known his leadership and friendship. 

 

Tom Armstrong

Shipmate and Webmaster

 

Memorium submitted by: James Davey (8/14/2020)

The Death of a dear friend and shipmate

It is with a heavy heart and a saddened soul that I send you the news of the loss of a true shipmate, friend and brother, Larry Bissonnette passed away last night of a sudden heart attack, I have talked with Darlene his widow and told her that if she needs anything Gamewardens is here at any time; for anyone wanting to send a sympathy card it is, Darlene Bissonnette, 211Hoh St. SE., Lacey, WA 98516. 

Many of us served with Larry in Vietnam and I have been in touch with him for many years and spent many wonderful times with him following Vietnam and then following both of us retiring from the Navy this is very hard for all of us. If you have any questions please feel free to call, text or e-mail me I am also sure I don't have the full crew on this message, so feel free to foward it to all.

Jim Davey

President

Gamewardens Association, Past and Present

 


Memorium submitted by:  Steve Sumrall (8/14/2020

NorthWest Chapter and friends,

It is with a heavy heart that I report the passing of Larry Bissonette, the father

of our chapter.  Darlene called yesterday just after Bruce and I returned from Des Moines after getting the Ops boat In the water. She said that Larry had just returned from the Rite Aid with a new medication and was sitting next to her reading the med. bottle and had an apparent abrupt heat attack.

Larry had described to Steve Morrison some heart issues he was experiencing and was planning on seeing the doctors at UW medical.

Larry was commanding Office of RD-593 in Vietnam, was always a leader of men, and had the respect of all those he knew, then and now.

Rest in peace my fine friend.

Steve Sumrall

President

Norwest Chapter

 

REST IN PEACE OUR BROTHER


GERALD BUSIC 

 

Memorium submitted by:Paul Conk (8/1/2020)

 

With Deep regret I have to inform you that Gerald Busic has passed away on 6/21/2020 and buried on 6/56/2020 due to the Virus. I new Gerald since 1994. He was a Good friend anD I miss him, I am a member of the sea wolf Assoc. Yours Truly Paul Conk

 

REST IN PEACE OUR BROTHER


RALPH D. FLORES 

 

Facebook Entry (7-31-2020)

 

------ SUBMITTED TEXT ------------

 

REST IN PEACE OUR BROTHER


ED GANDY 

 

Memorium submitted by:Jim Davy (6/1/2020)

 

"I am sure some of you have heard by now that we have lost one of our old-time members, Ed Gandy passed away Sunday, May 31st 2020 at the age of 93, I have known Ed for over 50 years and he was a real Boat Guy having done more time in Vietnam than anyone else I knew, I say for all of Gamewardens that this is a very heavy loss for all of us."

 

REST IN PEACE OUR BROTHER


Capt. Kenneth Leland Meek 

 

Memorium submitted by:Nancy Re (5/17/2020)

 

Click HERE to read his obiturary.

 

REST IN PEACE OUR BROTHER


JOHN HERKE 

 

Memorium submitted by: Tom Armstrong (4/9/2020)

 

This is one of the saddest days of my life as I need to inform you of the passing of our shipmate JOHN HERKE.  He has been fighting pancreatic cancer for a while  He passed in his sleep last night around 9 pm.  He was my lifelong friend, since we were juniors in high school.  I will miss him terribly. 

 

John was a Life Member of numerous military associations including Gamewardes of Vietnam, Past to Present and the UDT-SEAL Association.  John served with River Divisions 521, 531 and 532 in Vietnam in 1969 and 1970 as a forward gunner.  John was awarded the Navy Commendation Medal for his service in Vietnam.  He holds his head high on this his last patrol.

 

John and his wife Margaret lived in Denton, NC on High Rock Lake.  He was a generous man, a talented pool player, and the friend everyone would love to have.  He will be cremated, no services will be held at this time. 

Though he supported the needs of our organization directly and often,  he also supported several college students on his own, his 'Herke Scholarships'.


From the President of GW, Jim Davey:

"Yes it is a very sad day for all of us, we all loved John.   What a great man and a great supporter of our group."


From Vice-President, Jerry Gandy:

"John and I served together in RIVDIV 532.  He always pumped me up to be a better Patrol Officer than I really was.  I will miss and morn that guy! Funny thing; When I got blewn up in NAM and was medevaced, the word was that I had been killed, so they divvied up my stuff.  John got my Beret and a shirt.  He was quite shocked, years later when he saw me at a reunion.  When he got home from that reunion, he mailed me my beret! "



John in red, Joe Dizona an I

John on the left,  with his two reunion shipmates Joe Dizona and Tom Armstrong

 

REST IN PEACE OUR BROTHER


PAUL DAVIDSON 

 

Memorium submitted by: Susan Davidson/Jerry Gandy (4/17/2020)

 

-

Paul Davidson, 71, beloved husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather passed away suddenly at home on April 9 in East Fishkill.

Paul was born in the Bronx on July 23, 1948 to Jack and Elizabeth Davidson. He graduated high school from the SS John W. Brown Liberty Ship, docked in Manhattan in 1966. During the Vietnam War, he first served on the destroyer, USS Robert H. McCard and then joined Operation Game Warden, Task Force 117 on a Patrol Boat River (PBR) which patrolled the Mekong Delta, 1967-1968. He earned three bronze stars and the Presidential Unit Citation. He left all his medals at the Vietnam Veterans Memorial in Washington D.C.

When he came home, he became a New York City cab driver until he was employed by Penn Central, then Conrail as a freight conductor (“the brains of the crew”) on the river line from northern New Jersey to Selkirk, NY.

Paul was a kind soul, whose generosity towards others was unparalleled. Upon his retirement, his selflessness was best exemplified in his years of volunteer work for the veteran and older adult communities.

In 1994 he began the Disabled American Veterans (DAV) Transportation Program at VAMC Castle Point, which is still in existence today. He began the program driving veterans from the Castle Point parking lot to the Outpatient Clinic in a golf cart. In nine short years, the DAV Transportation Program had a fleet of nine vehicles, including a wheelchair-accessible vehicle. He and his crew drove to VA Facilities in Albany, Northampton, Long Island, Manhattan, New Jersey and Castle Pt. In 1997 he received Honorable Mention from the DAV’s national George H. Seal Memorial Award for his extraordinary service to veterans and he was Castle Point’s Volunteer-of-the-Year.

In 2003 he joined the local American Red Cross as an Emergency Response Vehicle (ERV) driver. He worked tirelessly to provide relief to those in crisis at all hours of the day and night. He was Volunteer-of-the-Year for his efforts.

In 2008 he volunteered for Friends of Seniors, driving seniors and veterans to their medical appointments all over Dutchess County, up to Albany and down to New York City. He remained a volunteer driver until his passing.

He was a dedicated, uncompromising advocate for all veterans, meeting with members of the U.S. Congress, the NY State and Dutchess County Legislatures, and veterans organizations in an unending effort to champion veterans’ entitlements. He was a lifetime member of the Disabled American Veterans. In the 1980’s and 1990’s, he was a member of the Color Guard at the VFW Post 5913 in Wappingers Falls and served as adjutant of the Beacon VFW Pvt. William B. Wilson, Post 666. He was a hero to all who loved him and all who knew him.

Paul was also a numismatist and an avid jazz aficionado. He will be remembered for many things he accomplished in his life, but to those who were fortunate enough to know him, he will be remembered for his colorful personality, his unique sense of humor and his gentleness.

Paul is survived by his wife, Susan, his son, John (Stacey), his daughter Rachel Wallace (Tony), step-daughter, Jessica Madden (Paul Nuhn), grandchildren Amber, Mary, Joseph, Christine, Trent, Kaiya, James Madden, and great-granddaughter, Layla.

Paul will have a private burial at Saratoga National Cemetery on Thursday, April 16. A memorial service will be announced at a later date. All arrangements were made by McHoul’s Funeral Home, 895 Rte. 82, Hopewell Junction.

                      

 

REST IN PEACE OUR BROTHER


JOHN KIRK FURGESON 

 

Memorium submitted by: Ken Burkett (3/24/2020

 

 It is with a sad heart that I tell you of his passing on Sunday March 22 at Raincross Nursing Facility in Riverside, CA.  He will be laid to rest on April 2 with a graveside service limited to 10 people due to the COVID-19 virus.  For his history, pictures and videos of Kirk go to kirkferguson.com.

   

REST IN PEACE OUR BROTHER


TERRY SMITH 

 

Memorium submitted by: Carol & Bob Tipton(10/11/2022)

 

His obit:

It is with deep sorrow that we announce the death of Terry Smith (Panama City, Florida), who passed away on February 2, 2020, at the age of 70, leaving to mourn family and friends. Leave a sympathy message to the family in the guestbook on this memorial page of Terry Smith to show support.

He is survived by : his wife Jo M. Smith; his sons, Ralph E Lasso, Jr. (Donna) and Scott J. Lasso (Sarah Beth); and his sister Diane Smith. He is also survived by 7 grandchildren; 5 great grandchildren

 

 

REST IN PEACE OUR BROTHER


TED YAFFE 

 

Memorium submitted by:  Web Master (8/11/19 )

 

Ted Yaffe, born 3/3/48 in Baltimore, passed away on 8/9/19. He was a loving husband, father, uncle, brother-in-law and friend. He enlisted in the Navy at the age of 17, sailed the seas and saw the world. He served in Vietnam as a Gunners Mate on PBR's in the Brown Water Navy.
If you knew Ted, you know that he was a man of few words. Pretty much, "fine thanks," covered it. Ted's passion for woodworking created pieces for loved ones to last a lifetime.Ted loved his four legged friends & they loved him. Pay tribute to Ted with a donation in his name to the Defenders of Animals Rights, Inc, 14412 Old York Rd., Phoenix, MD 21131,
www.adopt-a-pet.org, 410-527-1466.

 

REST IN PEACE OUR BROTHER


Al Sears 

 

Memorium submitted by:Tom Burden on 8/10/2019

I'm not a member but thought I'd pass the word that OSCS Al Sears died we think early July. I belong to the Goatlocker as did Al we hadn't heard from him last time June 29th, a member close by asked the Sheriff to do a hospiyality check, his wife answered the door and said he had passed. He was a good man and friend, I believe Al was a RD-1 when he was on the boats.

 

REST IN PEACE OUR BROTHER


GARY MOSS 

 

Memorium submitted by: David Clouse Feb 24, 2019

This is to let all know that our shipmate Gary Moss has crossed the river.  Date of death is unknown, but his Funeral was Wed the 20 of Feb at Immanuel Lutheran Church in Pensacola FL

 

 

REST IN PEACE OUR BROTHER


DENNIS SCULLY 

 

Memorium submitted by: Nancy Re (12/10/2018)

 

With great sadness I need to inform you that the NE Chapter Dennis Scully passed away

 

 

REST IN PEACE OUR BROTHER


MMC WILLIAM E. FERGUSON  

 

Memorium submitted by: Nancy Re and Wes (11/26/2018) 

I just received word that William Ferguson passed away in a nursing home. William was an MM1 and was attached to RivDiv 533 from 4/ 69 to 9/69 and RivDiv 572 from 10/69 to 3/70. Fair winds and following seas to MM1 Ferguson

 

REST IN PEACE OUR BROTHER


CECIL MARTIN 

 

Memorium submitted by: Jerry Gandy (4/20/2018) 

  It is with a heavy heart that I advise the chapter of the passing of LT. Cecil Martin. Cecil was a heroic PBR sailor and a good friend to many of us. Cecil was awarded the Navy Cross for his valorous actions in Vietnam. He went on to advance from First Class Petty Officer to Lieutenant in the U.S. Navy, and lived a very active life contributing much to Game Wardens and the PBR-FVA organizations before being taken from us by that awful, dreaded enemy, cancer. We wish the best to his family and say Bon Voyage, and following seas to our dear, dear friend, Cecil.



Jerry Gandy

 

To all,

This is a very sad time for all of us as Cecil was not only a hero to all of us but a great friend and supporter of Gamewardens. Over the years I have, many times, ask Cecil for his advice on one thing or the other and he always provided me with excellent feed back, he will be truly missed by all who knew him and called him a shipmate and friend. Gamewardens extends it's condolences to the Martin family and all of those that knew and loved Cecil.

 

Respectfully,

Jim Davy

MCPO/USN/RET

 

REST IN PEACE OUR BROTHER


T. C. ONEYEAR 

 

Memorium submitted by: Dennis Ambruso & Gerry Gandy (4/20/2018) 

 

Though not a member of Gamewardens, he was known and admired by many of us.

 

Due to an accident at his home he now reports to the ultimate "Commander in Chief".

For those of you that knew TC, knew him as a ole' boatswain mate who loved his Navy, gruff, tough, in your face, always showing one how to make fast a line to a cleat or a bollard! TC spent some good times on my PBR 721, cruising the Pasquotank river , or crewing during the many memorials down here on the water, and loved a cold beer with his shipmates anywhere . TC loved his Navy, but his first love was his wife Cheryl, and family, who even I couldn't pry away from for a PBR ride, or a cold beer. TC will be missed by those who knew him, and we all wish him Gods speed, and of course "Fair winds and a following sea", but some how, I don't think that was his style!

 

T.C. Oneyear ,BMCM (SW)(Ret.),  Click here for his obituary. 

 

REST IN PEACE OUR BROTHER


Jim Love 

 

Memorium submitted by: Ron Laratta (4/2/2018) 

 

SN Jim was in RS-532 in 68'-69' at My Tho and Tre Cu - PBR 140

He passed away 11/23/2017 of 'natural causes' at Salt Lake City, UT

 

To Great Friend and Crewmember Jim Love:

A number of your close friends and I were heartbroken to learn of your passing.

You kept the young spirit alive and well while on the dangerous rivers and canals

of Vietnam  You presented a great outlook on life and demonstrated kindness and

compassion with everyone you met.

It was a pleasure to serve with you as a crewmember, and to hang out and socialize

 with you afterward, during our reunions over the years.

We will miss your ‘floppy’ hair (always getting in your eyes) and wonderful smile.

Your colleagues and I pray that you now Rest in Peace my dear friend.

Ron Laratta GM2 PBR140 Vietnam

For the "Bad Guys" - life is good . . . UNTIL ---- NAVY Special Warfare shows up!

 

 

REST IN PEACE OUR BROTHER


Glen McCrory 

 

Submitted by: Randy Prunty (2/13/2018) 

 

Glen Served in RD-553 '69-'70.

 

His Wife sends this obiturary:

Lifelong resident of San Antonio, Glen McCrory, passed away January 4, 2018. He descended from early Texas settlers in Fayette County, Texas. Following family tradition, he raised cattle on the original McCrory land and held a deep love and loyalty to his heritage.

Glen joined the U.S. Navy in 1966 and completed two tours of duty in Vietnam. He was a PBR Sailor, EN3, special warfare combat crewman, Brown Water Navy. He performed more than 200 combat patrols. In recognition of service to his country, he was awarded the following:

Navy Commendation with Combat V 
Presidential Unit Citation PUC 
Combat Action Ribbon CAR 
Navy Unit Commendation NUC 
RVN Gallantry Cross 
Vietnam Service Medal w/ Silver Star 
National Defense Service Medal 
Vietnam Campaign Medal

Unfortunately, the effects of heavy exposure to the chemical "Agent Orange" would return home with him. 
Glen went on to work thirty-six years as an engineer for Southern Pacific and Union Pacific Railroads.

He is survived by wife, Sue; son, Sam; step-daughter, Michelle Christopher; granddaughter, Courtney Christopher; grandson, Sean Christopher; great-granddaughters, Harley and Madison. Not much made Glen happier than to have Harley come through our door calling for the "Pap". Any wish or want she had was his command.

Also survived by the nephew he loved like a brother, Tim Horgan (Cindy); nieces, Lisa (Horgan) Barnes, Blake and Piper Barnes; niece Judy Temple (Lee); niece, Deborah Armstrong (Dale); nephew, Geoff Seckman; very special friends, Bur and Mary Jackson (San Antonio) and Arnold Doudney (Oklahoma); Bill Christopher (San Antonio).

I hope you are fishing at the coast you so loved. I hope you are riding your horse, checking your cattle, checking your fences. I hope you are driving your '49 Ford and your Mustang as fast as you like, and the purple sage you so loved is in bloom forever. A kinder, gentler, more loving man does not exist. 
The "light" in my life is gone and my heart is broken. I will see you on the other side, my love.

GRAVESIDE SERVICE 
TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 27, 2018 
1:45 P.M. 
FORT SAM HOUSTON NATIONAL CEMETERY

 

 

REST IN PEACE OUR BROTHER


William E. Hayenga Jr. 

 

Submitted by: Steve Watson (1/25/2017)  I just found this in the current issue of the Purple Heart magazine. He was in RD-535.

 

William E. Hayenga Jr., 68, of Lafayette passed away on Saturday, September 24, 2016 at his home. He was born November 21, 1947, in Rockford, IL, to the late William and Ruth Neblock Hayenga. Bill attended Hononegah High School in Rockton, IL and Purdue University. He was a veteran of the Navy serving in the Vietnam War and was awarded a Purple Heart and the Navy Cross. On October 20, 1990 he marreid Susan L. Meadows in Lafayette and she survives. Bill served as the Postmaster in Fowler for 15 years and previously worked for the Postal Service in Lafayette in various positions. He was a member of the VFW 1154, American Legion Post 11, 40 & 8, Navy Club 12, League of Postmasters, NAPS, Legion of Valor, NRA and The Military Order of the Purple Heart. Bill enjoyed fishing, playing with his grandchildren, socializing, and living large! Surviving are his children Jennifer J. Vandervate (Terry), William E. Hayenga III (Skye Abt), Joshua J. Hayenga and Cyndy S. Howard all of Lafayette. His pride and joy grandchildren: Emily, Clayton, Maddy, Jonny, Cassidy, Ansley, Jace and William E. Hayenga IV. Also surviving are his sisters, Cheryl L. Roden (Rick), Ruth A. Welcher (Tom) all of Lafayette and a brother Daniel S. Hayenga (Linda) of West Lafayette and sister-in-law Susan A. Hayenga. Preceded in death by parents and siblings: Maryangela Tammy Hayenga, Kathy Rogers, Michael S. Hayenga and Gene W. Hayenga. Visitation will be from 5:00 pm to 8:00 pm Wednesday at Soller-Baker Lafayette Chapel, 400 Twyckenham Blvd. Service will be 10:00 am Thursday at Soller-Baker Lafayette Chapel, Rev. Joseph Park officiating. Interment will be at Tippecanoe Memory Gardens with American Legion Post #11 graveside rites.

 

Memorial Contributions may be made to: Leukemia Lymphoma Society or Wounded Warriors Project. You may sign the guest book, leave memories and photos at  www.soller-baker.com.

 

See more at: Legacy.com

 

 

REST IN PEACE OUR BROTHER


Ron VanSlyke  

 

Submitted by: Karen VanSlyke (1/25/2017)

 

It is with profound sadness to inform you of the loss of a fellow PBR gunner's mate, Ron VanSlyke. I wish to thank you all for bringing your PBR craft  to the Rose Festival and to help my husband, Ron, heal some very deep wounds. You were all so wonderful to share your stories and let him know he was not alone in his suffering. He will be missed terribly! Again, thank you so very much and keep doing what you're doing to help all the Brown Water Navy Vets!

Ron VanSlyke was born in Spokane, WA February 5, 1950 to Richard and Vivian (Nelson) VanSlyke, Ron graduated from John Rogers High School in June 1968. He enlisted in the US Navy after graduation and served in the Brown Water Navy in Vietnam from 1968-1971. He received 3 purple hearts and was the sole survivor of 3 attacks on their PBR in the Mekong River. After returning home, Ron took time to travel across the United States and during a stop in Chicago, decided to try out for the Chicago Cubs open try-outs and played shortstop for the Cubs for one season. He settled in Spokane and trained to be a journeyman steamfitter /welder working for the Local 44 union (which his grandfather founded) and then in 1995 moved to St. Helens, OR and worked for Local 290 union in Portland until his retirement in 2014. 

Ron enjoyed fishing, riding on his Harley Davidson, his 4 cats and 2 dogs, music and traveling. He is preceded in death by his parents and his sister, Darlene Gray.

He is survived by his wife, Karen; daughters Stephanie and Alexis; stepdaughter, April; 2 granddaughters and a grandson.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Disabled Veterans of America, Wounded Warriors Families, and your local Humane society. 

 

 

REST IN PEACE OUR BROTHER


Warren "Tom" Thomson  

 

Submitted by: Jay Eichhorn (10/16/2016)

 

Warren Keys Thomson, 76, “Uncle Bubba”, of Georgetown, TX, recently died, along with his fiancé, Johanna “JoAnn” Sturm, in an auto accident on Leander Rd in Georgetown, TX.
 
Warren was born in Augusta, GA, August 12, 1940, and lived in numerous places throughout his life. Warren proudly served and retired from the US Navy in 1981 as a Chief Petty Officer, after 23 years of service, including 3 tours in Vietnam as a “River Rat” aboard PBR’s (Patrol Boat Riverine) and among numerous other awards and commendations earned the Silver Star for bravery behind enemy lines. 

Please sign the guest book at his memorial site, here.

 

 

REST IN PEACE OUR BROTHER


 Bill Goldman   

 

Submitted by: Al O'Canas (11/11/2016)

 

I talked with Bill Goldman this past Wednesday (11/9/2016) and I was having trouble hearing and keeping a conversation with him, which happened quite a bit the last several months. I just received a phone call from his cousin, Richard Sommers and he informed me that they had to take Bill to the hospital. He is having trouble breathing and he is not expected to make it through the night. Bill has lead a real rough life from his wounds during the Nam. His cousin, Richard Sommers called me about two hours later and told me that Bill had just passed away. His kidneys were failing and then his heart started to give out.   

Bill served in the Navy for 12 years. He served on the USS WEXFOR CTY before going to PBR’S. Bill was severely wounded on Jan 18th of 1968.

 

 

REST IN PEACE OUR BROTHER


 SEE BELOW - Reported as Passed Away   

 

Reported by: United States Postal Service/ Nancy Re

No details are available at this time re: the below.  

E6

CARL

COLLIER

VA 52 VAL 4 VP 9

CWO3

JAMES T.

DuBOSE

Riv Div 522

CAPT

ROBERT H.

FRED

TM1

MALCOLM W.

FULLAM

Riv Div 534 & 593

JOHN

KEIPER

Riv Div 543 & 544

RADM

ARTHUR W.

PRICE, JR.

CTF 116

SM3

MERLE E.

SCHLOTTERBACK

Riv Div 593

MR

BARRY C

BENNER

NSA SAIGON, NHA BE, BINH THUY

CWO

RUSSELL J.

KIPKOWSKI

Riv Div 511

JAMES A.

RAMSDEN

JOSEPH

SCHREIBER JR

MINE FORCES 

GMGC

WaltER F.

SUAREZ, JR.

 

RDC

RONALD J.

WEEKS

Riv Div 593 & 544

BMCS

ALBERT C.

MAXSON

ALB 1 & Stabron 20

 

REST IN PEACE OUR BROTHERS


 Frank Duhlke   

 

Submitted by: Facebook  entry

 

Passed away 10/2015 of lung cancer. Extreme exposer to Agant Orange was noted on his death certificate.

 

REST IN PEACE OUR BROTHER


 John Choat   BM1 RD-533 '68-'69

 

Submitted by: Facebook entry

Passed away 3rd quarter 2016.

 

 

REST IN PEACE OUR BROTHER


 Art Kern   RD-551

 

Submitted by: Facebook entry

 

Passed away 12/26/2015.

 

REST IN PEACE OUR BROTHER


 Mike Wacasey   "Big Mike" RD-532

 

Submitted by:  Facebook entry

 

Passed away Sunday 10/11/2015.

 

REST IN PEACE OUR BROTHER


 Roger D. Kauffman   VN 1968

 

Submitted by: SBU XI

Roger, 68 years young of Drexel, MO, passed away August 14, 2015.

 

 

REST IN PEACE OUR BROTHER


 Rear Admiral Kevin Francis Delaney   Seawolves '68

 

Submitted by

The retired Admiral passed away on April 7, 201 following a lengthy illness.5

 

 

REST IN PEACE OUR BROTHER


  Ron Weeks   

 

Submitted by: Facebook entry

 

Although I know only some of you, it is my sad duty to inform you Ron Weeks passed away Saturday, 23 August 2014. Ron was in poor health and did not visit much these last years because he was particularly susceptible to any kind of infection. Most of those in RivDiv 593 remember Ron as RDC Weeks who served in 593 in the early days of 544/593

 

REST IN PEACE OUR BROTHER


  Wesley G Smith   RS-541 '66-'68

 

Submitted by

Notified of passing 1/4/2015.

 

 

REST IN PEACE OUR BROTHER


  William G. Williams  MN1

 

Submitted by: Facebook entry

 

 A member of Task Force 116. I regret to inform you he passed away on August 7, 2008 and is buried in Albert G. Horton Memorial Veterans Cemetery, Suffolk, VA. He was born Apr 29, 1931 and was 77.

 

REST IN PEACE OUR BROTHER


  Billy Lee Melton  

 

Submitted by: Facebook entry

His passing was June 18, 2015

 

 

REST IN PEACE OUR BROTHER


 Ed Delarsoa 

 

Submitted by: Facebook entry

His passing was shared July 22, 2015

 

 

REST IN PEACE OUR BROTHER


LT Larry Dean Countryman   NSA Na Be

 

Submitted by

USN(RET) / Ozark, MO, 10 AUG 15 He served with honor and distinction in the US Navy for 22yrs and achieved the rank of Lieutenant before retiring in August of 1978. During his time in the Navy he was assigned to the Naval Support Activity Detachment in Nha Be Vietnam, USN Recruiting Station, El Centro CA. , Charleston Naval Base and attended the Naval Air Technical Training Center both in Millington TN. He served aboard the USS Perkins, USS Simon Lake , USS Umpqua where he was acting XO for decommissioning, the USS Charleston and the USS Cascade where he was stationed with his family in Naples, Italy from 1971 – 1974. Shared
August 8, 2015

 

 

REST IN PEACE OUR BROTHER


 Captain Joseph "Roy" Faulk  (Commander TF-116 1970)

 

Submitted by William Straight BStr8@aol.com 12/6/2015

 

Captain Joseph "Roy" Faulk, USN, who served in 1970 as Commander, River Patrol Force (Task Force 116), based at Sea Float, passed away on January 6, 2016. He will be remembered as an excellent naval officer and leader by those who had the privilege to serve with him. 

 

>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>><<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<

 

Joseph Roy Faulk, 92, passed away on January 7, 2016 at Maison Teche Nursing Home. He was born in Kaplan on November 4, 1923 to Adore' and Regina Fabre Faulk. After graduation from Kaplan High School, he attended SLI until the beginning of WWII, at which time he enlisted in the U.S. Navy and became an aircraft carrier pilot. During his time in the Navy, he commanded a jet fighter squadron, a 12,000 ton ship, The Cavalier USS, and he was also a central figure of the famed Task Force-116 River Patrol Boats aka PBR's during his service spent in Vietnam 1970. He was engaged in a great deal of fighting and was awarded several medals including the Bronze Star and the Distinguished Flying Cross.

When he returned from duty in Vietnam, Roy commanded the New Orleans Naval Air Station in Belle Chase. He retired from the Navy with the rank of Captain after 31 years of service. Roy was a silver life master bridge player, an excellent golfer and gardener, an avid reader, and enjoyed scuba diving.

He is survived by his wife of 27 years, Marie Daigre Faulk; daughters, Shelley Moore and Grace Kester; sons, Michael Faulk and Derek Faulk; two stepsons, David Kester and Bill Kester. He is also survived by 9 grandchildren and 3 great grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his parents, a daughter, Jennifer Shawn Faulk, and his siblings, Francis Broussard, Janelle Monroe, and Dennis Faulk. Roy donated his body to medical science. On Saturday, January 16, 2016, visitation will commence at 10:00 AM at Our Lady of Perpetual Help Catholic Church followed by a memorial Mass at 11:00 AM officiated by Father Mark Derise. The family would like to thank the staff at Maison Teche Nursing Home for the wonderful care that was given during his stay there. 

 

 

REST IN PEACE OUR BROTHER


 Wayne Penny   (RS-532 68-69)

 

Submitted by Richard Cragg (rjc29339@aol.com) - 12/6/2015

 

This from Dick:

Wayne Penny, a plank owner and Gunners Mate in River Section/Div 532, passed away on Thanksgiving in Sargent, Nebraska.  I am getting the memorial and obiturary from his sister.  Please pass on to all 532 members.  Keep Wayne and his family in your prayers.

 

 

REST IN PEACE OUR BROTHER


 "Big Mike" Wacasey   (RS/RD-532 68-69)

 

Submitted by Paul Wayne Cagle - 10/18/2015

 

Mike Casey passed away this Sunday afternoon (10-17-15).

I will never forget him. God Bless and Keep You 'Big Mike". That was his nickname in Nam.  See you one day on the Other River Bank.

 

 

REST IN PEACE OUR BROTHER


 Harry Douglas Ramsden    (ASKAR NAG '68-'69)

 

Submitted by Harold Huggins 9/1/2015

 

Harry Douglas Ramsden, 79, died Tuesday, November 11, 2014 at Delta Medical Center. A 31-year Navy Veteran Master Chief Ramsden was also Vietnam Veteran and Purple Heart recipient. After the Navy, he earned his Business Degree and Masters Degree at the University of California Laverne where he graduated Sigma Cum Laude. He taught at San Diego Community College and was a manager of the Link Trainer for the U.S. Navy at Point Loma, CA. He was a member of Munford Baptist Church over 20 years and taught Sunday School. He also taught Computer at Rosemark Academy and was a Volunteer Substitute Teacher at Munford Elementary School where he was known as, "Mr. Harry". He was a member of Gideon's International; Mason s, Shriner s; VFW, and the Fleet Reserve.

 

His survivors include his wife, Jung Sook Ramsden of Millington; children, Carol (Bobby) Pruitt; Cindy(Danny)Gentry; David Teresa) Francis; Ted Francis; Chris (Betty) Ramsden; Lance (Tamara) Ramsden; Joshua Ramsden; and 12 grandchildren; brothers, Jack Ramsden; Jim Ramsden; sisters, Barbara Falise and Jean Storms. The family will receive friends at Munford Baptist Church on Wednesday, November 12, 2014 from 5-7. Funeral Services will be at Munford Baptist Church on Thursday, November 13, 2014 at 1:00 p.m. Interment will be at Northridge Woodhaven Cemetery.

 

 

REST IN PEACE OUR BROTHER


 William 'Bill' Maki    (MINRON 113)

 

Submitted by Harold Huggins 9/1/2015

 

Gamewarden William "Bill" Maki, MINRON 113

 

We sadly note the passing of another Brother.  Though ceremonies have already occurred it is good to know that one of his brothers Ken Delfino was able to attend his funeral and offer these words to his family and friends.

 

Good morning and thank you for allowing me to make some comments.

My name is Ken Delfino and I serve as a director for Gamewardens: Viet Nam to Present and I am here to say farewell to our shipmate Bill on behalf of the officers and men of our organization.

First off to the Maki family and friends, I wish to express our deepest condolences on Bill’s passing. We are glad he made it home for we know the dangerous work that he and his crews did.

Operation: GAMEWARDEN encompassed the men of Task Forces 116 which were mostly river patrol boat units, but also included support activities, SEAL teams, Special Tactics Assault Boats, a Light Attack Helicopter Squadron and Mine Squadrons 112 and 113.

Our mission was to protect the South Viet Nam’s capitol of Saigon from the west, south and east by interdicting all enemy water traffic and capturing or destroying it. One of the primary missions was also to keep the Long Tau River shipping channel open and that was the main function of the Mine Squadrons.

These wooden boats took off before dark from our base in Nha Be and started their long patrols down and back up the Long Tau river sweeping it for any mines that might be planted to sink a ship in that channel.

One ship blown up in that river would have taken away a major supply route for the allied efforts.

The men of MINRONS 112 and 113 did their jobs magnificently for during their entire tour, not one ship was sunk in that channel.

Bill and his crews were not as heavily armed as our river patrol boats were and their coxswains and machine gunners were easy targets for the Viet Cong to pick off because to their boats’ proximity to the shore.  However, these men heroically did their jobs every single day and no one quit for they knew the importance of their work.  Bill and I may have crossed paths in the chow hall or bar or even at one of the pho stands in Nha Be; I can’t remember, but his name did ring a bell with me and it may have been because we crossed paths at a Gamewardens’ reunion.

I am not here because we were close friends or even crewmates…I am here because he is a brother.  It’s been said that “The bond of friendship between men forged in combat is second in strength only to that between a mother and child”.  While enlisted men rarely have sideboys when arriving or leaving a command, I have no doubt that he did have sideboys when he arrived at his Final Change of Station in the formation being those men of MINRON 112 and 113 who were killed in action.

Fare winds and following seas shipmate Bill…until we meet again.

 

 

REST IN PEACE OUR BROTHER


 C. E. Buddy Dunstan    (RIV SEC 512 and 522)

 

Buddy passed away on May 23 at the VA Medical Center Memphis.

 

He proudly served his country as a Boat Captain receiving a Purple Heart and Bronze Star. Buddy leaves his wife of 46 years, Charle Clark Dunstan, one daughter Missy Dunstan Ashe (Ken) and two granddaughters, Dunstan and Kailee Ryan Ashe.

 

 

REST IN PEACE OUR BROTHER


 Gary Borodaeff    (RD 512  69-70)

 

Gary Borodaeff passed on July 13, 2013

 

From Rob Marter: "He was my Brother-in-Law and was a good man. RIP.

Click here to View his tribute page.

 

 

REST IN PEACE OUR BROTHER


 Jim Walker    (HAL3  67-68)

 

I am sad to report that we have lost another brother;

 Seawolf 36 has flown his final earthly mission. Lt. James R. (Jimmy) Walker (HAL -3 Ace and Navy Cross awardee) succumbed to his illness and passed away 2/7/2014.  He is no longer in pain and for that we give thanks to God!

 

 

REST IN PEACE OUR BROTHER


 Chief Rodney Jones    (RIver Division(s) 532 and 594, 2/68-2/69)

 

I am sad to report that we have lost another brother;

Chief Jones died 11/22/2014. His funeral was scheduled for the following Wednesday. His wife and daughter would like to hear from Carl who used to work with him on the boats @ Camp Elliot.

Wife Mary. 858-273-5822 --- Daughter Patty 858-531-3860

 

 

REST IN PEACE OUR BROTHER


 Jackson Fondren Niles    (River Division 532)

 

(posted Oct 22, 2014 by way of Jerry Gandy)

 

I am sad to report that we have lost another brother; Jack Niles, River Division 532....Arrangement are as sent below by Paul Cagle. Thanks Paul.

 

In Memory of

December 18, 1933 - October 18, 2014

Obituary

 

Jackson F. Niles, 80, current residence of Washington, NC, passed away on October 18, 2014. He was born on December 18, 1933 to the late Oliver H. and Ruby Niles in Clarksdale, MS. He is predeceased by his wife of over 50 years Barbara T. Niles and son Ronald Niles.
Mr. Niles retired from the US Navy and earned many honors including the Purple Heart.
He is survived by his step-daughters Deborah Woolford and Carol Ann Kulikowski; two sisters Shirley Berry and Sandra Fay Keech and husband Kenneth; four grandchildren Tara Humphrey, Taylor Woolford, Mark J. Marcus and Bret Niles; one great grandchild Carly Marcus, and many nieces, nephews and loved ones in Washington, NC.
A graveside service will be held on Wednesday, October 22, 2014 at 11AM at Rosewood Memorial Park, 601 N. Witchduck Rd., Virginia Beach, VA. You may offer your condolences at www.kellumfuneralhome.com

 

REST IN PEACE OUR BROTHER


 Captain Frank Yusi    (River Section 533)

 

(posted June 7, 2014 by way of Al Ocanas)

 

It is sad news that I will report, Captain Frank Yusi passed away last night. His daughter, Beth, just called me and she will post it on Caring Bridge soon. Frank, as some of y'all know was a Good Man, Officer and Brother! He will be missed by us who knew him. I for one am glad that I had the pleasure of knowing him, serving with him and patrolling with him. God speed Frank. You will be missed, but never forgotten.

 

Al.

 

 

REST IN PEACE OUR BROTHER


 William (Bill) Cater

  

(posted May 29, 2014)

 

Gamewardens, It is with deep sorrow that I must inform you of Bill's passing on April 2nd, 2014. He died of heart failure. We enjoyed the reunions we attended and were planning on coming this year. You may read his obituary online at newcomer Newcomer Funeral Home. Thank you for all the warmth and friendship over the years.



Sincerely,
Jayne

 

REST IN PEACE OUR BROTHER


 BMC Kieth J. Pecha

 

(posted Feb 11, 2014)

To All River Rats from James Davy,

I just found out today that shipmate and friend Keith Pecha passed away. I am not sure of all the details but I guess he died in December and the word has been slow in reach us. Keith was V.P. West Coast for many years and was a very nice man, he will be missed.

 

Please send any additional info re: Kieth to the GWP&P Webmaster
  

 

REST IN PEACE OUR BROTHER


 SCPO Charles Clepper

  

(posted Jan 5, 2014)

To All River Rats from Al Sears

Info on passing of SCPO Charles Clepper who was a River Rat, not a SCPO then, retired as SCPO.  I have no idea of Riv Div/Unit the notice did have a photo of him in greens with his Beret perhaps one of the Gamewardens will have served with him, he lived in the Pensacola Area.

Please send any additional info re: Charles to the GWP&P Webmaster

 

 

REST IN PEACE OUR BROTHER


 WOC-B Jerry Jernigan

 

(posted Dec 26, 2013)

To All River Rats from Alice Schultz

Subject: Death of Jerry Jernigan
It is with much sadness that I forward this to you.

I WAS JUST INFORMED OF A GOOD FRIEND WHO PASSED AWAY LAST WEEK DEC 19 AT HIS HOME IN ALBANY OREGON.   HE WAS A MEMBER OF GAMEWARDENS OF VIETNAM.  HIS NAME IS JERRY JERNIGAN AND HE WAS A    CHIEF WARRANT BOATSWAIN.  HE WAS ON THE SWIFTBOATS.  HE AND HIS WIFE JUST VISITED ME 2 WEEKS AGO.  WILL YOU PLEASE LET ANYONE WHO KNEW HIM ABOUT THIS?   THANK YOU ALL   ALICE SCHULTZ 

 

 

REST IN PEACE OUR BROTHER


 EN3 Jimmy Maddox

 

(posted Fri, June 15, 2013)

To All River Rats from Paul Cagle

 

Subject: Death of Jimmy Maddox River Section/Division 532

It is with much sadness that I forward this to you.  Some of you may or may not remember EN3 Maddox of PBR 139.

 

Also learned that Larry Lafontain of 532 died in 1988 at the age of 39.

From The Valley Courier, Friday Feb 15, 2013

Jimmy G. Maddox, 65, died Oct. 27, 2012 in Las Vegas, Nevada of congestive heart failure with his children by his side. He was born January 11, 1947 in Phillips, Texas to James and Wanda Maddox. The family moved to South Fork in 1956 where he later graduated from Del Norte High School in 1965.

Following graduation, he served two tours of duty in the Navy and was a veteran of the Vietnam War where he received a Bronze Star with Valor. He worked as a logger and a heavy equipment mechanic in the mining industry. Jimmy enjoyed photography, scuba diving and boating on Lake Mead with family and friends. His greatest passion was driving his IMCA modified race car. Although he never came in first, he was never last!

Survivors include: two daughters, Carrie (Chris) Crane of Montrose, Colorado and Nikki Smartt of Corvallis, Oregon; and a son, Tyler (Trista) Maddox of Springfield, Oregon; five grandchildren, Emily and Sam Crane, Shayanne, Jayciee and Kamilla Maddox, and two step-granddaughters, Kara and Kirsten Smartt; a brother, Michael (Pauline) Maddox and sister, Patti Buffington, of Del Norte; five nieces and one nephew, as well as great nieces and nephews and many friends.

If you would like to share your memories, go to Facebook and search for “In Memory of Jim Maddox” where the family has set up a memorial page for him. You will also see what plans there will be for the celebration of his life later this summer.

 

 

REST IN PEACE OUR BROTHER


 Henry C. Sala, Jr

 

(posted Fri, June 14, 2013)


To All River Rats:

  It is with deep sadness that I inform you that my husband, Henry C. Sala, Jr. passed away May 14, 2012.  He was proud to be a life member of the Gamewardens of Vietnam although his health did not allow him to attend the reunions.

 

Mildred Sala, Wife

 

REST IN PEACE OUR BROTHER


 En1 Charles (Charlie) Edward Baxter

 

(posted Mon, Apr 29, 2013)

To All River Rats:

It is my sad duty to report the loss of another brother-in-arms; En1 Charles (Charlie) Edward Baxter, River Section 512, 1966 -1967 surrendered up his sword to his maker after a prolonged illness and was committed to the Lord in a service at Mt. Tahoma National Cemetery on Friday, April 26th 2013.  He served honorably and will be sorely missed.

 

Albert Moore

 

 

REST IN PEACE OUR BROTHER

 

 Lt. Michael Kennedy Glynn

 

(posted Oct 17, 2012)

My name is J. Patrick Glynn, younger brother of Michael Kennedy Glynn, who served in Riverine as a Lieutenant on a PBR and was a member of the Gamewardens of Vietnam. I know that he was in the same OCS at NETC, Newport, RI, in 1965 as Richard Marcinko, and that they served in the delta about the same time. Among his medals, Mike received the Bronze Star with V device for his service and received a Purple Heart from wounds in combat. Beyond those details, I know little of Mike's service. He retired from the Navy, after 26 years, in 1986, and opened a marine supply business in Newport. For the past 18 years, he lived on Fort Myers Beach, FL. I am writing you now to report that my brother died yesterday, August 26, 2012, after a bout with cancer. If any of his former colleagues in your association knew Mike, I wanted to let them know of his death. If you have a way to pass along the information, I would appreciate it. Even though I knew little about his actual service, I was always proud of my big brother.

Thank you.
J. Patrick Glynn


Lt. Glynn served in River Section 513

 

 

REST IN PEACE OUR BROTHER


 Chief Joe Osman

 

(posted Aug. 8, 2012)

  The Chief as Patrol Officer

 

BMC, First Class U.S. Navy Retired Joseph K. Osman, a lifelong resident of West Babylon until his retirement as a Senior Court Clerk of Suffolk County Family Court, passed away on Saturday, July 28th, 2012 in Hampton Bays, New York.

 

Osman was the recipient of The Purple Heart and Bronze Star, as a Patrol Officer of River Division 554 in the rivers of Vietnam in 1969. His actions were detailed in a New York Daily News article on July 31st, 1969, as he led his patrol, whose boats were stacked with ammunition, through the rivers of Vietnam and helped repel two other separate attacks on his base camp.

Osman is survived by his wife of fifty-five years, Catherine, his seven children – Kenneth, Robert, Catherine, Kevin, Thomas, Patricia and Joseph, his sister Carol, 20 grandchildren and 11 great-grandchildren.

BMC  Osman is interred at Calverton National Cemetary in Calverton, New York.

 

 

 

REST IN PEACE OUR BROTHER


 Robert A. Fred

 

(posted Feb 10, 2012)
This from Jerry Gandy:

Attached (below), please find the obituary of Capt. Robert (Bob) Fred, USN, Ret.  Bob was a mainstay of the Mid Atlantic Chapter, Gamewardens Association, Vietnam to Present, and leaves a deep void to fill.  We will miss, mourn and remember him in fondness. 

 

Go with God and rest easy our Brother!
Jerry

Captain Robert (Bob) Fred
Capt. Robert H. Fred

Norfolk - Robert H. Fred, Capt. USN, Retired, passed away Feb 9, 2012 at DePaul Medical Center. He was born Oct. `16, 1934, in Gardner, Ma. and was the son of the late John and Gabriel C. Fred.

Bob Enlisted in the US Navy shortly after graduating from high school. His Navy career spanned 36 years. From Airman Apprentice to the rank of Captain. During this time he was the commanding officer of the USS Hunterton County (LST 838) as a unit of TF-116 in Vietnam; the USS Opportune (ARS-41); the USS Newport (LST-1179);Commodore of Service Squadron 8, Little Creek, Va.; and Commodore of Mine Group 2, Charleston, S.C.

During his Navy career, he was the recipient of the Legion of Merit, Bronze Star (two awards with Combat V), Meritorious Service Medal (two awards), Navy Commendation Medal, Navy Achievement Medal (two awards), as well as numerous other decorations, medals, awards, citations, and campaign ribbons.

Bob was a lifetime member of Foreign Legion, and was a lifetime member and active participant of the Gamewardens Association. He was an avid woodworker and enjoyed his fellowship with the Tidewater Woodworker's Guild. He was very interested in photography and the computer and thoroughly enjoyed these hobbies.

Bob is survived by his loving wife of 38 years, Geraldine A. Fred, two daughters, Judith R. Fred, and Jacqueline M. Powell, and her husband Terry; two sons, Robert H. Fred Jr., and James E. Fred. He had five grandchildren and seven great-grandchildren. He is also survived by his brother, Michael Fred and his wife Lana. He was predeceased by his sister Sandra Simkewicz, and his first wife Marie E. Janssens.

The family will receive on Saturday Feb. 11, from 7 to 9p.m. in Smith and Williams Funeral Home Norfolk Chapel, 818 Norview Ave. A funeral service will be held 12:30p.m. Sunday, Feb. 12th in the funeral home. Burial will be at Massachusetts Veterans Memorial Cemetery at a later date. You may pay condolences at  www.smithandwilliamsnorfolk.com

 

 

REST IN PEACE OUR BROTHER


 Clarence G. Cooper  

 

(posted Feb 4, 2012)

Published in The Virginian Pilot on February 1, 2012

 Please click to Visit Guest Book

 


 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Virginia Beach - Clarence G. Cooper, 78, of Virginia Beach, Va. Beloved Dad, Grandpa, Navy and Vietnam veteran, Bronze Star (valor) recipient, veterans advocate and dear friend, "Coop" passed away January 29, 2012 in Va. Beach surrounded by family and friends. He was preceded in death by his wife of nearly 36 years, Evelyn. Coop is survived by a brother, Ronald Cooper of Granbury, Texas; daughter, Vicki Hughes of Newport News Va.; a son, Eric Cooper of East Hartford, Conn.; grandson Derek Hughes and granddaughters Jessica and Elena Cooper. He will be greatly missed. A memorial service will be held for Coop, Friday, February 3 at 11 a.m. at the Pbr 109 Gamewardens of Vietnam Memorial located on the Joint Expeditionary Base Little Creek-Fort Story. Please enter the base using gate #3. In order to attend the service, the Base requests you call the funeral home at 428-7880 and provide your name and your driver license number for entrance onto the base. Following the service the family will host a reception from 1230-1430 in the Willoughby Room at the Norfolk Hilton located at 1500 N. Military Hwy, Norfolk, Va. In lieu of flowers please consider a donation to a veterans or troop-support organization, or simply thank a veteran. H.D. Oliver Funeral Apts., Laskin Road Chapel is handling arrangements and online condolences may be made to the family hdoliver.com here.


Compiled Facebook messages

Mike Worthington -- Coop--I enjoyed the phone conversations and emails from you over the years--RIP my BROTHER--fair winds and following seas--a TRUE AMERICAN HERO---HOOYAH!!!

Cindy Ann LaBrode-- God Bless Coop's Family and friends. My Prayers are with them.

Thomas Morris -- RIP Coop.

Dan Arnes -- Condolences to the family. I posted on Seawolf forum for those Seawolves who knew him.

Bruce Cullen -- Thoughts and prayers brother, God Bless!

Jennifer Shuler Wooten -- May he rest in peace and I hope he finds my Dad in the afterlife. God bless the family.

Pete Lund -- Prayers are with another great sailor and veteran.

Robert Kilkelly -- Until the sea gives up her dead; we shall meet again

Nancy and Frank Re -- COOP, we will truly miss you.  I remember the first reunion when you took us to the exchange to get the ribbon bars for Frank.  Thank you for being a friend to all of us  - for your kind and gentle direction and soft strength.  All our love goes with you.  Rest in Peace.

Mike Worthington -- Coop--I enjoyed the phone conversations and emails from you over the years--RIP my BROTHER--fair winds and following seas--a TRUE AMERICAN HERO---HOOYAH!!!

Cindy Ann LaBrode -- God Bless Coop's Family and friends. My Prayers are with them.

Thomas Morris -- RIP Coop.

Dan Arnes -- Condolences to the family. I posted on Seawolf forum for those Seawolves who knew him.

Bruce Cullen -- Thoughts and prayers brother, God Bless!

Jennifer Shuler Wooten -- May he rest in peace and I hope he finds my Dad in the afterlife. God bless the family.

Pete Lund -- Prayers are with another great sailor and veteran.

Robert Kilkelly -- until the sea gives up her dead;we shall meet again.



REST IN PEACE OUR BROTHER


 Richard (Dutch) Schultz  

 

(posted 10/2011) - This from Alice Schultz.

"TO ALL   PLEASE NOTE THAT MY HUSBAND RICHARD HAS PASSED AWAY AFTER A LONG ILLNESS.  HE DIED YESTERDAY (Oct 1, 2011) AFTER A LOT OF SUFFERING."  PRAY FOR HIM.
ALICE

 

 

 

REST IN PEACE OUR BROTHER


 Vaughn S. Shuler

 

(posted 10/2010) - Gamewardens', Vietnam to Present, 1st Vice President was laid to rest in the Veteran's Cemetery, Culpeper VA, with full military honors on October 20, 2010.  His interment followed funeral services at Preddy Funeral Home, Gordonsville, VA.

There, in support and remembrance of Vaughn, was his loving family and the following; Gamewardens of Vietnam and wives: Clarence Cooper, Craig Vanderhoef, Dennis Scully, Ed Vick, Gary Marker,  Ham Duncan, Jerry Gandy, Jim Morgan, Laurence Bissonnette, Larry Weatherall,  Newel Butts and wife, Pat Doyle, and Allen ("Wes") Weseleskey and wife.

Vaughn, noted for his out-spoken and candid manner was loved and highly respected by us all and, his absence will leave a vacancy within Gamewardens' Vietnam to Present, that can never be filled. We will all miss him. Hooooyah shipmate!

 

REST IN PEACE OUR BROTHER


 William Hedrick, Sr.

(ABCS)(posted 10/2010) - Gamewardens' Association, Vietnam to Present River Division 553 passed away Nov. 6, 2010 at 0230 hours.

 

 

REST IN PEACE OUR BROTHER


 Chief Robert "Willie" Wilson

 

River Division 592/ RPG-56 (posted 11/2010)

This by way of Ralph Christopher.

It is with heavy heart that I send this letter out and feel free to pass on. My friend and fellow river rat brother Don DeCrona sent me the sad news this morning that another Naval Legend has passed on.

ATLANTIC HIGHLANDS, NJ Police have identified the two people involved in a fatal one-vehicle crash on Wednesday as a married couple from the Port Monmouth section of Middletown. Robert Wilson, 75, died after the crash at Riverview Medical Center, Red Bank, according to Chief Jerry Vasto. His wife, Elizabeth, 73, was flown to Jersey Shore University Medical Center in Neptune, where she remained listed in critical condition today, Vasto said. At about 12:31 p.m., Robert Wilson was driving a van with his wife in the front passenger seat, heading east on Route 36, when he crashed into a tree, according to Vasto. An investigation is still ongoing and an autopsy on Robert Wilson is scheduled for later today, Vasto said.

I first met Willie at the Wall in DC with his son Chet and he was very kind to me and gave me a Pbr ball cap that I will always cherish in the memory of him. We spent the next two years emailing and talking on the phone while writing River Rats and he volunteered all his info to me in memory of the river rats and the brotherhood we share. Willie was a chief mineman and patrol officer with RIVdiv 592 and when they turned their Pbrs over went on with them to serve in RPG 56 of which he was immensely proud. He had been stationed on YRBM 21 with me and my NSA brothers and we spent many hours recalling those days of duty honor and sacrifice on the Mekong, Grand Canal and Vam Co Dong. Willie lost his CO, LCDR John Poe in Nam but never forgot him or any of his shipmates and spent many hours helping me record their stories of which I will always be in his debt. He never treated me like a E4 support puke and supported me and my work for many years and so did his wife Betty and son Chet. I have been so blessed to have had men in my corner like Willie and the rest of you and thank the lord for this. With the passing of my buddy and silent partner Tom Glickman who was my mentor and worked hard with me thru two books, GWVN East Coast Vice President Vaughn Shuler and now Willie Wilson we have all lost three brothers who were our leaders in Nam and remained our friends through life. It seems only fitting to me that I end this sad note with the poem that Willie wrote and donated to me and my book River Rats and I have already requested that my wife do the same for me as Willie requested on the last two lines of his heart felt poem.

HE RUNS THE RIVER NIGHT AND DAY
UPON HIS HEAD A BLACK BERET.
COMBING WATERS FILLED WITH DEATH
KNOWING FEAR WITH EVERY BREATH.
FIGHTING FOR A CAUSE THAT´S RIGHT
A CHANCE OF NOT LIVING THROUGH THE NIGHT,
SAILORS OF A DIFFERENT BREED
TRAINED TO FIGHT BORN TO LEAD.
FIGHTING BOATS WITH HULLS OF GREEN
THE VERY BEST YOU´VE EVER SEEN.
HE STANDS UP STRAIGHT WITH HEAD HELD HIGH
WILL ALWAYS LOOK YOU IN THE EYE.
SO MY FRIENDS WHEN I´VE GONE TO REST
LAY A BLACK BERET UPON MY CHEST.

by
Chief Robert "Willie" Wilson
River Division 592/ RPG-56

 

 

REST IN PEACE OUR BROTHER


 Tom Glickman  

 

(posted 11/2010) - Captain, U.S. Navy Retired - Gamewarden member passed in August, 2010.

This by way of Jerry Gandy.

It is with a heavy heart that I must let you know that a most loyal and loving Chapter Brother has passed away. Tom, who lived here in Virginia Beach was quite active with Gamewardens and the local chapter. He will be missed by those of us who held him so dear to our hearts.

 

 

 

REST IN PEACE OUR BROTHER


 Don English

(posted 11/2010) - Passed away on Friday night, November 12th, 2010. (Thanks to Herb/Lorie Stephan)

 

 

REST IN PEACE OUR BROTHER


 Captain Burt Witham

Click for closeup

 

The first Commander of Task Force 116 and Operation Game Warden - will be sorely missed.

 

Captain Burton Brooks Witham Jr., 85, (USN Ret.) of Englewood, Fl., formerly of Virginia Beach, VA, passed away peacefully on August 7, 2008. 

Burt was born in Portland, Maine, the son of Burton B. and Celia A. Witham. He served in the U.S. Navy for 32 years retiring in 1973.  Captain Witham was Commander of Task Force 116/Gamewardens from mid-1966 to April 1967.  He was a 32nd degree Mason, an avid hobbyist and community volunteer.  He is survived by his daughters, Mary Huddleston of Huntersville, N.C.,  Anne Kilpatrick of Easley, S.C.; three granddaughters and two great-granddaughters.  He was preceded in death by his wife of 47 years, Caroline Milliken Witham.

 

Click here to view an oral history interview done in 2007.

 

 

REST IN PEACE OUR BROTHER


 EN3 Robert L. Blais   In honorarium.

 

PBR 139 - KIA 31 January 1969

HE WAS A MATE
He was a mate, a real good mate 'e was,
A friendly sort of feller, liked a joke;
And if it had to happen, it's a shame
It had to happen to such a decent bloke.

But - ah, fair dinkum, don't it make you wonder
What God in Heaven's thinkin' about up there;
The way He chooses who to sacrifice
To me somehow it doesn't quite seem fair.

You'd think He'd want to take a bloke like me
Who'd be no loss to no-one here on Earth;
But no, He always seems to pick the best
Whose life amounts to ten times what mine's worth.

But I suppose He'd say it's not His fault,
It's us and how we treat our fellow man;
And if too many good blokes' lives are lost
We can't just blame it all on His great plan.

He slung us here on Earth and said "Righto,
Get on with it you blokes, the world is yours";
But all we've done is fight among ourselves
And destroy each other with our endless wars.

Now, there's a sort of aching here inside,
I can't quite put my finger on what's wrong;
But a sailor can't afford to feel this way,
He's got to grit his teeth and carry on.

So how's a bloke supposed to deal with this?
I know they trained me well, I can't complain;
But this is somethin' you don't learn about
When they teach you how to play the sailor's game.

They teach you how to shoot and how to kill,
You even learn which enemy to hate;
But nowhere in their training do you learn
How to live with the loss of a real good mate.

(author unknown)

A warrior's marker!

 

REST IN PEACE OUR BROTHER


 BMC James J. (JIM) Rice

 

(posted Fri, Dec 22, 2013)

To All River Rats from Gary Grahn

Click here -->Legacy Obituaries

Virginia Beach - James J. "Jim" Rice, 73, passed away peacefully December 14, 2013 in the comfort of his home surrounded by his loving family.

A native of Deep River, CT, he made his home in Tidewater, Virginia after he joined the military.

Jim served his country proudly as a Chief Boatswain's Mate in the U.S. Navy, retiring with over 20 years of dedicated service. He was a veteran of the Cuban Missile Crisis, and the Vietnam War, serving aboard the PBRs, patrolling the rivers in Vietnam.

Jim was an avid Redskins fan, enjoyed country music and Nascar, as well as dinners out with his family.

He is survived by his best friend and loving wife of 51 years, Myrtle; daughter Rene and her husband, David Thomas of Texas; son Joe and his wife, Patty; daughter Kelly and her husband, Roy Whitehouse; as well as four grandchildren, Craig, Bailey, Hunter, and Conner; and his sister Joan Johnson of Vermont; as well as many other family members and friends. He was preceded in death by his granddaughter, Angel Whitehouse.

A celebration of life will be held at 7:00 pm, Monday, December 23, 2013 at Family Choice Funerals & Cremations. 5401 Indian River Road, Virginia Beach, VA 23464.

A graveside service will be held at 1 p.m., Thursday, December 26, at Albert G. Horton, Jr. Veterans Cemetery in Suffolk with full military honors, followed by a reception at the Rice Home.

Jim was loved by everyone who knew him and will be dearly missed by his family and friends. As an expression of sympathy, memorial contributions may be made in Jim's honor to the veterans charity of your choice . Friends are invited to sign the online guestbook at www.familychoicefunerals.com .

Published in The Virginian Pilot on Dec. 22, 2013



REST IN PEACE OUR BROTHER