0
+
Willits Sawyer
I joined the Navy at 17 but got in the NROTC college program and did four years
of college and midshipman duty and when I graduated in 1961 they made me an Ensign
I spent year in the fleet and then tadpole training
which wasn't all that hard for me-- I wasn't great. I just didn't quit
and finally made it through with no major set backs or problems
I am sure I was very lucky
cheers Willits
Gerald P. Ruggles R.I.P.
Charles “Chuck” Joseph Conklin
R.I.P.
1944
- 2017
Chuck will always be remembered as
“the snare man” a true teammate in every sense of the word, a valued friend, and a cherished Christian brother. (the greatest Snare Man of all time).
Chuck’s strength and size befitted his duties as the “Snare Man” to his team…grabbing them out of the water as his boat passed to retrieve teammates.
His strength and abilities afforded him the opportunity to be a member of the team retrieving the Gemini 12 astronauts from the ocean upon their re-entry from space.
Frederick G. Robbins R.I.P.
1925
- 2016
Frederick G. Robbins, 91, in Virginia Beach, Virginia on 02 February 2016. Fred graduated with UDTR Class 005 on 01 August 1950 in Little Creek and served with Underwater Demolition Team FOUR during Korea. Frederick G. Robbins CPO USN
91 yr old WWII and Korea served in the D-Day invasion of france.
KABUL, Afghanistan — A military helicopter was shot down in eastern Afghanistan, killing 31 U.S. special operation troops, most of them from the elite Navy SEALs unit that killed
al-Qaida leader Osama bin Laden, along with seven Afghan commandos. It was the deadliest single incident for American forces in the decade-long war.
The Taliban claimed they downed the helicopter with rocket fire while it was taking part in a raid on a house where insurgents were gathered in the province of Wardak late Friday. It said wreckage of the craft was strewn at the scene.
U.S. officials confirmed to NBC News that the U.S. believes the helicopter was shot down. One senior defense official,
speaking on condition of anonymity, said the military does "not have any indication that it was anything other than" hostile fire.
NATO confirmed the overnight crash took place and that there "was enemy activity in the area." But it said it was still investigating the cause and conducting a recovery operation at the site. It did not release details or casualty figures.
22 SEAL Team Six members killed when their Chinook transport helicopter was shot down in Afghanistan on August 6.
In this military community, few need to be reminded of the loss suffered one year ago, when a Chinook helicopter carrying 38 U.S. and Afghan troops, including 25 members of Special Forces, was felled in Afghanistan by a rocket-propelled grenade.
It was the greatest loss of American life on a single day in the nearly decade-old war, and it felt personal.
Many of the victims of the Aug. 6, 2011, crash were members of Virginia Beach-based SEAL Team 6, the unit that had killed Osama bin Laden three months earlier during a clandestine raid in Pakistan.
The pride and gratitude felt then - after nine frustrating years, our guys had taken out the man who planned the terrorist attacks of Sept. 11 - was shared by all of America. A great triumph of a long and painful war.
And then, one of its greatest tragedies: 17 SEALs from this same top-secret counterterrorism unit, along with eight other U.S. Air Force and Navy personnel, seven Afghan soldiers, an interpreter, a military working dog, and a five-member helicopter crew, had plummeted 150 feet. The helicopter crash killed everyone on board.
An investigation found that Taliban fighters "on a heightened state of alert" shot down the helicopter, but it cleared commanders of making tactical mistakes that made the helicopter crew vulnerable to attack.
The crash, like the one before it in June 2005 that killed 16 SEALs and Army special operations troops, is a sad reminder, not just of the cost of keeping us safe, but of the impact of the military on our region in human terms.
These men weren't just revered service members. They were husbands, brothers, sons and fathers. They were people many of us knew:
Darrik Carlyle Benson. Brian Robert Bill. Christopher George Campbell. Jared William Day. John Douangdara and his military working dog, Bart, who died at his side.
John Weston Faas. Kevin Arthur Houston. Jonas Benton Kelsall. Louis James Langlais. Matthew David Mason. Stephen Matthew Mills. Nicholas Heath Null. Jesse Daryl Pittman.
Thomas Arthur Ratzlaff. Robert James Reeves. Heath Michael Robinson. Nicholas Patrick Spehar. Michael Joseph Strange. Jon Thomas Tumilson. Aaron Carson Vaughn.
Kraig Michael Kaleolani Vickers. Jason Ray Workman. Alexander J. Bennett. John W. Brown. David R. Carter. Spencer C. Duncan. Patrick D. Hamburger. Andrew W. Harvell. Bryan J. Nichols. Daniel L. Zerbe.
This community misses them still.
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Navy SEAL Defies Political Correctness, Shocks Everyone By Doing This to a Koran
Bracken On Iran
Posted on January 13, 2016 | 87 Comments
https://westernrifleshooters.wordpress.com/2016/01/13/bracken-on-iran/
matt bracken
UPDATE 1515EST 14JAN2016: See updates at GoV here.
Via comments at American Thinker:
I rarely pull out my dusty old trident, but in this case, here goes. I was a
Navy SEAL officer in the 1980s, and this kind of operation (transiting small
boats in foreign waters) was our bread and butter. Today, these boats both not
only had radar, but multiple GPS devices, including chart plotters that place
your boat’s icon right on the chart. The claim by Iran that the USN boats
“strayed into Iranian waters” is complete bull$#it.
For an open-water transit between nations, the course is studied and planned in
advance by the leaders of the Riverine Squadron, with specific attention given
to staying wide and clear of any hostile nation’s claimed territorial waters.
The boats are given a complete mechanical check before departure, and they have
sufficient fuel to accomplish their mission plus extra. If, for some
unexplainable and rare circumstance one boat broke down, the other would tow it,
that’s why two boats go on these trips and not one! It’s called
“self-rescue” and it’s SOP.
This entire situation is in my area of expertise. I can state with complete
confidence that both Iran and our own State Department are lying. The boats did
not enter Iranian waters. They were overtaken in international waters by Iranian
patrol boats that were so superior in both speed and firepower that it became a
“hands up!” situation, with automatic cannons in the 40mm to 76mm range
pointed at them point-blank. Surrender, hands up, or be blown out of the water.
I assume that the Iranians had an English speaker on a loudspeaker to make the
demand. This takedown was no accident or coincidence, it was a planned slap
across America’s face.
Just watch. The released sailors will be ordered not to say a word about the
incident, and the Iranians will have taken every GPS device, chart-plotter etc
off the boats, so that we will not be able to prove where our boats were taken.
The “strayed into Iranian waters” story being put out by Iran and our
groveling and appeasing State Dept. is utter and complete BS from one end to the
other.
Related: WeaponsMan’s coverage of the incident
Lt. to Rtr.: Dennis McCormack and Gary Fraser
Class 27-E
Timothy J. Farrell R.I.P.
April 11, 1959 - December 26, 2015
Timothy J. Farrell, 56, of North Andover, Massachusetts on
26 December 2015. Tim graduated with Class 100 on 26 January 1979 in Coronado
and served with SEAL Team ONE, NSWU-1 and SEAL Team THREE. DERRY NH- Navy SEAL
Senior Chief Timothy J. Farrell 56, of Derry N.H., died Saturday ; born in
Lawrence, Mass . Tim served 21 years in as a U.S. Navy SEAL.
the toughest Frog Ive ever know; a damn good mechanic too, and a solver of
problems, and one hell of a sky god and puncher, he could de-cleat any man. He
operated in 12 SEAL platoons. A legendary Frogman 24/7. He was the last one of
our clan I thought would die. he was bullet proof in Balkans wars and same in
early days of Iraq running route Irish everyday, He was a pioneer, and and one
of the reasons there are NO more pirates, in anti-piracy ops as Team Leader
aboard the SS Alabama, [captain Phillips ship.]
He was more than a platoon and teammate; he handed you keys to his Harley or
scooter in Thailand and said, "call me if it breaks," He was the
ultimate host with massive bbqs and booze and his girlfriend filling an entire
table with smoking hot thai food.
He moved to new Hampshire from 15 years in Thailand as his daughter was turning
13 and ready for American high school way ahead of any American due to his
values and teachings about hard work and the british prep school she attended
since age 3 in Pattaya.
He always had intel and always put family first. He had your back, and
perimeter, and tip of the spear. He was humble, but would attempt, and mostly
succeed, to crush most warriors in any physical evolution. I loved him like a
big brother and the Sea-Daddy that he was. I will never forget, nor will I cease
to remind men of his legacy.
NOTE: There should be a picture other than boot camp of a Frogman. The funeral
home is insensitive and ignorant of warrior legacy.
Doc James Beard sends from Michigan
Rio, That is MIKE Plt. Ben Luc. My platoon. Top l to r HMC Charles Hill, BT1 Leonard Van Orden, BM2 Frank Czajkowski, RMSA David Hoover, PN3 William Foley, ETSN David Johnston Middle l to r QMC Thomas Norton, RMSN Steven Jones, YN3 John Chalus RM3 Thomas Christopher, SFP2 Paul Bourne, SF3 Randy Kaiser Bottom l to r LTjg Walter Merrick LT Michael McCrary. The Others are Vietnamese and I don't know their names. I am pretty sure I got this right. John Chalus
Frank Dew Stoneburner R.I.P.
Brandan Camp
Chris Ring Swims the Mighty Mississippi River
Doc Riojas,
The following consists of the names of the first two platoons at Det Golf
that deployed to Vietnam from ST-1 (picture attached above – it consisted of
two plts: Golf plt and I don’t remember the name of the other one –
Franklin might):
thank you, Maynard
Weyers
X Names:
SEAL Team ONE, 1st Platoon to Deploy to Vietnam
Standing – Left to Right: Lt. Michael E. Tomsho
LTJG William R. Pechacek (Golf Platoon)
BM1 Roger J. Moscone (Golf Platoon)
GMG2 Robert L. Parsons
HM1 Issac L. Suazo
DM1 Alwyn J. Smith
SM2 John G. Campbell (Golf Platoon)
PH2 James K. Pahia, Jr.
SF 1 Ted D. Mathison
PR2 Richard A. Pearson (Golf Platoon)
EN1 Robert M. Henry (Golf Platoon)
SM! Carl D. Marriot
BM2 Leon F. Rauch (Golf Platoon)
BM2 John M. Eschete
EN1 Billy G. Davis
Kneeling – Left to Right: LT Maynard R. Weyers (OIC Det Golf)
EA1 William E. Raschick, Jr.
RD2 Billy W. Machen (Golf Platoon)
EM2 Charles J. Shenners (Golf Platoon)
BT 2 Leonard J. Van Orden
ET1 John V. Wilcoxen (Golf Platoon)
HM1 Robert E. Cline (Golf Platoon)
LT Ronald K. Bell (other Platoon CDR)
LTJG Thomas R. Truxell (Golf Platoon CDR)
In the Boat: EN2 Turner (Nha Be Support – manned and maintained the LCM)
Missing from Picture: SM3 Reinold L. Benzschawel (Golf Platoon)
Former
Navy SEAL wounded in South Tampa shooting dies
David Hyde R.I.P.
David Hyde, "Big Bird", 79, passed away Monday,
November 9, 2015 in Asheville,
I had the pleasure of serving with Dave at Seal Team Two . At the time , we both
worked for " Rudy ( BMCM/Seal ) " , in the Training Platoon . I'll
never forget our " Winter Warfare Training ". Dave had his "
Rucksack " loaded down and his " Overwhites " on . As the guys
came down the slopes , he would ambush them ! From then on , Rudy dubbed Dave
" Big Bird " ! Learned much from him . " Fair Winds and Following
Seas " shipmate . Hnery R.Kawecki, BMC/Seal USN •
Dave "Lil Fat Rat" Sutherland ST-2 in
'nam
Jonesy, Gerry FLowers, Doc Riojas in Vancouver Canada Vacation 2012
Greg Walker
Timothy Aloysius Holden
Harry
Humphries
Robert "Eagle" Gallagher, Minh, Mrs.Minh, Ron Yeaw, Spatt, Riojas
Robert Berry: 1950's Frogs reunion
http://harrisondaily.com/news/officials-
dedicate-ratzlaff-avenue-u-s-navy-seal-died-in/article_
7c768470-fee9-11e2-88c3-0019bb2963f4.html
Damien Rio "lil rio" Vaquez, Jodie (widow of Curtis Ashton KIA SEAL), Harold 2nd husband; and Lourdes Tolentino: Doc's wife
Damien Rio Vasquez and Troy R.I.P.
Erasmo Elias Riojas, Dolores Texas ~1932 sitting in running creek with water.
Doc Riojas' wife: Lourdes Tolentino and my Grandaugher Amanda Lorraine Torres at South Padre Island ~1983
JAN JANOS PHOTOS
July 2013
Mack Boynton U.S. Navy
UDT
-THREE- ONE -ELEVEN- TWELVE- COMODUONE
This is what 95 looks like on an old
Frogman (2013) COMUDUONE 1958
COMUDUONE 1958
Mack Boynton, All UDT's became SEAL Teams ! Mack, You are a Navy SEAL !
Joe Silva & Katie Northrup
Walter M. Harkey Minh Nuygen
Jon Tumilson and K9 Hawkeye
Roy "Rusty" Cambell
Don Griffin
Don Shipley and John Wayne
Sam Orr, R.I.P. Go HERE for all of Sam Orr's SEAL Memorials
Bo Reichenbach Navy SEAL WIA Afganistan
PICTURES FROM MCPO ROBERT STONER
From: Robert Stoner
Sent: Wednesday, June 05, 2013 1:35 AM
To: Erasmo "Doc" Riojas
Cc: Norm Olson
Subject: ST-1 Photos from 1966
Doc,
I just got some photos of ST-1 at Nha Be (I think) in 1966. Do you know anything
about the people in the pics? GMCG (CC) Jim Gray sent them to me, and he's
working on getting whatever background he can find. I've also copied Norm
Olson.
Norm,
Do you recognize anyone here? If you have contact with guys who were there at
the time, will you contact them and have them get back to me?
Thank you.
----- Original Message -----
From: Norm Olson
To: Robert Stoner ; Erasmo "Doc" Riojas
Sent: Wednesday, June 05, 2013 6:40 AM
Subject: Re: ST-1 Photos from 1966
Don’t have a clue. Norm Olson
From: Robert Stoner
Sent: Wednesday, June 05, 2013 9:52 AM
To: Norm Olson
Subject: Re: ST-1 Photos from 1966
Do you have any contacts in ST-1 that were there in 1966 that might help?
From: Janke, David [mailto:David.Janke@opco.com] Sent: Wednesday, June 05, 2013 3:21 PM To: 'Maynard
Weyers' Subject: RE: ST-1 Photos from 1966
Maynard, how did you even see me…I was so well camouflaged! You did see Johnny
Gulick, with his “shit eating grin”. I asked Johnny to ID as many as he can also.
Best to you, Midge …and “Wonder Dog”. Are you coming down to the reunion, ”Our 50th for Class 29”.
David
From: Maynard Weyers [mailto:maynardweyers@verizon.net] Sent: Wednesday, June 05, 2013 12:44 PM To:
Janke, David Cc: RStonerCRD21@msn.com; Norm Olson; 'Anderson Franklin' Subject: FW: ST-1 Photos from 1966
David,
I recognize you and some of your plt. Can you provide the names for Robert Stoner?
If will give you something to do besides make buckets of money. J
Best,
Maynard
From: Norm Olson [mailto:trident33@comcast.net] Sent: Wednesday, June 05, 2013 11:32 AM To: Robert Stoner Cc: Bell Ron; Flynn
Cathal; Weyers Maynard; Anderson Franklin Subject: Re: ST-1 Photos from 1966
Franklin Anderson, Maynard Weyers and Ron Bell come to mind, as well as Irish Flynn. I don’t know if the addresses for Ron, Irish or Franklin are current, but Maynard’s is. Norm
to RStonerCRD21, Norm, Anderson, me
Robert,
ST-1 Photos from 1966
Maynard Weyers
Most (if not all) of those guys are from David Janke’s plt. He and his Asst. Plt Cdr (John
Gulick) are trying to provide the names (see David’s email below). I recognize most of them but don’t remember their names.
Standby.
Maynard
Robert Stoner Pictures
From: Franklin Anderson
Date: May 4 2013
to: Doc Riojas
Subject: Rattlesnake Logic
Texas Rancher uses Rattlesnake Logic for Bombing at Boston
Now the news media will spend days trying to determine why these men did what they did in Boston . They will want to know what America did to make these brothers so angry with us. They will want to know why these men were not arrested before they did something unlawful. The media will be in a tizzy about the new era of home grown radicals
(jihadist) and about how they could live among us and still hate us.
Here in west Texas , I have rattlesnakes on my place. I have killed a rattlesnake on the front porch. I have killed a rattlesnake on the back porch. I have killed rattlesnakes in the barn, in the shop and on the driveway. I kill every rattlesnake I encounter. I kill rattlesnakes because a rattlesnake will bite me and inflict me with poison. I don’t stop to wonder why a rattlesnake will bite me. It will bite me because it is a rattlesnake and that is what rattlesnakes do. I don’t try to reason with a rattlesnake…I just kill it.
I don’t try to get to know the rattlesnake better so that I can find a way to live with the rattlesnakes and convince them not to bite me…I just kill them. I don’t quiz a rattlesnake to see it I can find out where the other snakes are because (a) it won’t tell me (b) I already know that they live on my place…I just kill the rattlesnake and move on to the next one. I don’t look for ways that I might be able to change the rattlesnake to a non poisonous rat snake. I just kill it.
Oh, and on occasion I kill a rat snake, because I thought it was a rattlesnake at the time. Also, I know that for every rattlesnake that I kill, two more lurk out there. In my lifetime I will never be able to rid my place of rattlesnakes.
Do I fear them? No! Do I respect what they can do to me? Yes!
And because of that respect I give them their fair justice….I kill them.
* Maybe as a country we should give more credit to the jihadist just being a rattlesnake!
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WEBMASTER NOTE:
Captain Franklin, I agree, but then I was never politically correct! Doc RIo
Chuck Detmer, John Dearmon, ?? , Doc Riojas Mrs.
Ray Tullas & Ray
source:
Navy
SEAL CDR Job Price remembered as Pottstown hero
By Don Seeley dseeley@pottsmerc.com Posted: Sunday,
01/06/13
Job Price with Pottstown High School wrestling coaches Jim Tskonas ,
left and John Armato right.
Clinton
Injured, US Navy Seal Killed In Secret US Mission To Iran
Posted by EU Times on Dec 30th, 2012
A new Foreign Military Intelligence (GRU) report circulating in the
Kremlin today is saying that United States Secretary of State Hillary
Clinton [photo 2nd right] was injured, and a top US Navy Seal
Commander killed when their C-12 Huron military passenger and
transport aircraft crash landed nearly 3 weeks ago in the Iranian city
of Ahvaz near the Iraqi border.
Official:
Navy SEAL died of apparent
suicide
This undated photo provided by the U.S. Navy shows Navy SEAL Cdr. Job
W. Price. U.S. military officials are investigating the apparent
suicide of Price, 42, of Pottstown, Pa., who died Saturday of a
non-combat-related injury while supporting stability operations in
Uruzgan Province, Afghanistan. U.S. NAVY / AP PHOTO BY KIMBERLY DOZIER
AP INTELLIGENCE WRITER WASHINGTON -- U.S. military officials are
investigating the apparent suicide of a Navy SEAL commander in
Afghanistan.
Navy SEAL Cdr. Job
W. Price, 42, of Pottstown, Pa., died Saturday of a
non-combat-related injury while supporting stability operations in
Uruzgan Province, Afghanistan.
From: Larry Bailey Maynard, I have permission to distribute this. The author's son
is a serving SEAL. Seems suitable for SEAL Ink. Chris Kyle: Hero to Zero as
seen by Obama Someone has to TEACH Barry about AMERICAN
VALUES……………………………..
Sent: Thursday, February 28, 2013
To: Maynard Weyers
Subject: SEAL Mom's Account of Chris Kyle's Funeral
LB
Chris Kyle, Patriotism and Texas February 12, 2013
I just wanted to share with you all that out of a horrible tragedy we
were blessed by so many people. Chris was Derek's teammate through 10
years of training and battle. They both suffer/suffered from PTSD to
some extent and took great care of each other because of it. 2006 in
Ramadi was horrible for young men that never had any more aggressive
physical contact with another human than on a Texas football field.
They lost many friends. Chris became the armed services number #1
sniper of all time. Not something he was happy about other than the
fact that in doing so he saved a lot of American lives. Three years
ago, his wife Taya asked him to leave the SEAL teams as he had a huge
bounty on his head by Al Qaeda. He did and wrote the book The American
Sniper. 100% of the proceeds from the book went to two of the SEAL
families who had lost their son in Iraq. That was the guy Chris was.
He formed a company in Dallas to train military, police and I think
firemen as far as protecting themselves in difficult situations. He
also formed a foundation to work with military people suffering from
PTSD. Chris was a giver not a taker. He along with a friend and
neighbor, Chad Littlefield, were murdered trying to help a young man
that had served 6 months in Iraq and claiming to have PTSD.
Now I need to tell you about all of the blessings. Southwest Airlines
flew in any SEAL and their family from any airport they flew into free
of charge. The employees donated buddy passes and one lady worked for
4 days without much of a break to see that it happened. Volunteers
were at both airports in Dallas to drive them to the hotel. The
Marriott reduced their rates to $45 a night and cleared the hotel for
only SEALs and family. The Midlothian, TX. police department paid the
$45 a night for each room. I would guess there were about 200 people
staying at the hotel. 100 of them SEALs. Two large buses were
chartered to transport people to the different events and they also
had a few rent cars. The police and secret service were on duty 24
hours during the stay at our hotel.
At the house (Chris & Taya’s home) the Texas DPS parked a large
motor home in front to block the view from reporters. It remained
there the entire 5 days for the SEALs to congregate in and all to use
the restroom so as not to have to go in the house. Taya, their two
small children and both sets of parents were staying in the home. Only
a hand full of SEALs went into the home as they had different duties
and meetings were held sometimes on an hourly basis. It was a huge
coordination of many different events and security. Derek was assigned
to be a pall bearer, to escort Chris' body when it was transferred
from Midlothian Funeral Home to Arlington Funeral Home and to be with
Taya. Tough job. Taya seldom came out of her bedroom. The home was
full with people from the church and other family members that would
come each day to help. I spent one morning in a bedroom with Chris'
mom and the next morning with Chad Littlefield's parents (the other
man murdered with Chris). Tough job.
Nolan Ryan sent his cooking team, a huge grill and lots of steaks,
chicken and hamburgers. They set up in the front yard and fed people
all day long. The 200 SEALs and their family. The next day a BBQ
restaurant set up a buffet in front of the house and fed all once
again. Food was plentiful and all were taken care of. The church kept
those inside the house well fed.
Jerry Jones, the man everyone loves to hate, was a rock star. He
donated use of Cowboy Stadium for the services as it was determined
that so many wanted to attend. The charter buses transported us to the
stadium on Monday at 10:30. Every car, bus, motorcycle was searched
with bomb dogs and police. I am not sure if kooks were making threats
trying to make a name for themselves or if so many SEALs in one place
was a security risk...I don't know. We willing obliged. No purses into
stadium! We were taken to The Legends room high up and a large buffet
was available. That was about 300 people. We were growing. A Medal of
Honor recipient was there, lots of secret service and police and Sarah
Palin and her husband. She did not impress me. She was taking the
opportunity to be interviewed for TV and dressed in high clog shoes
and corduroy jeans. She looked nice, but this was a very formal
military service. She was not dressed appropriately. The service
started at 1:00 and when we were escorted onto the field I was
shocked. We heard about 10,000 people had come to attend also. They
were seated in the stadium seats behind us. It was a beautiful and
emotional service. Bagpipe and drum corps was wonderful and the
A&M men’s choir stood through the entire service and sang right
at the end. We were all in tears.
The next day was the 200 miles procession from Midlothian, TX to
Austin for burial. It was a cold, drizzly, windy day, but the people
were out. We had dozens of police motorcycles riders, freedom riders 5
chartered buses and lots of cars. You had to have a pass to be in the
procession and still it was huge. Two helicopters circled the
procession with snipers sitting out the side door for protection. It
was the longest funeral procession ever in the state of Texas. People
were everywhere. The entire route was shut down ahead of us the and
people were lined up on the side of the road the entire way. Firemen
down on one knee, police officers holding their hats over their
hearts, children waving flags, veterans saluting as we went by.. Every
bridge had fire trucks with large flags displayed from their tall
ladders....people all along the entire 200 miles standing in the cold
weather. It was so heartwarming. Taya rode in the hearse with Chris'
body so Derek rode the route with us. I was so grateful to have that
time with him.
The services were at Texas National Cemetery. Very few are buried
there and you have to apply to get in. It is like people from Civil
War, Medal of Honor winners a few from the Alamo and all the
historical people of Texas. It was a nice service and the Freedom
Riders surrounded the outside of the entire cemetery to keep the crazy
church from Kansas that protests at military funerals away from us.
Each SEAL put his Trident (metal SEAL badge) on the top of Chris'
casket one at a time. A lot hit it in with one blow, Derek was the
only one to take 4 taps to put his in and it was almost like he was
caressing it as he did it. Another tearful moment.
After the service the governor's wife, Anita Perry, invited us to the
governor's mansion. She stood at the door and greeted each of us
individually and gave the SEALs a coin of Texas. We were able to tour
the ground floor and then went into the garden for beer and BBQ. So
many of the team guys said that after they get out they are moving to
Texas. That they had never felt so much love and hospitality. The
charter buses then took the guys to the airport to catch their
returning flights. Derek just now called and after a 20 hours flight
he is back in his spot.
Quite an emotional, but blessed week.
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From a retired firefighter and Army/National Guard LTC.
It is about the funeral of Chris Kyle, the American soldier who was
murdered while trying to help a soldier suffering with PTSD.
The highest ranking officer at the service was a Brigadier General,
and many, many military service people both active, reserve, and
retired were here! Sara Palin quietly slipped into the service
avoiding all press, to pay her personal and very private respects to
the family, along with many others who did not want to make their
appearance look like an attention grabber. Chris's casket was solemnly
brought in by a military color guard and escort and placed on the
Texas star in center field in front of the podium. The military honor
guard never left the casket from the time his body was first placed in
it days earlier until he was finally laid to rest. Chris Kyle's wife
was the final speaker with a Marine escort at her elbow the entire
time. The Marine gave her a white glove to dry her tears as she wept
during her message, NO ONE..not one single person.. could hold back
tears, and many openly sobbed as she spoke!! No one could believe how
she got through it, especially when she spoke of being a broken woman
by this loss, and yet when she spoke of his strength, we all knew that
she was drawing her strength from Chris, even then. The entire stadium
politely applauded her as she left the podium. All of the local
television stations carried the service and broadcast live, as well as
rebroadcast late that night.
Yesterday, Tuesday, even in the pouring rain, the funeral procession
left from his hometown of Midlothian, TX, just 15 minutes south of
Dallas for Chris's final resting place in Austin, a 240 mile journey.
The funeral procession stretched for 200 miles!!! The beginning of the
procession arrived in Austin just 30 minutes after the end of the
procession was just leaving his hometown 200 miles away!!! It was the
largest and longest procession in the history of the State of Texas.
Every single overpass was filled with people holding flags and paying
respect. Military from all branches stood at attention along the side
of the interstate highway. Some of the overpass bridges had huge fire
department ladder trucks set up with enormous U.S. flags stretched
from the top one towering ladder to the top of the other in a formal
salute to this hero. The cemetery where Chris is laid to rest is
reserved for only people who have made incredible sacrifice for the
State of Texas and the United States. He is laid to rest near Sam
Houston, the man who ultimately fought for the freedom of Texas from
Mexico and the Statehood of Texas. Ann Richards, the first female
governor of Texas, along with most of the other governors and heroes
whose entire life was dedicated to the freedom of this nation are laid
to rest there!
Obama may have snubbed this hero, but trust me, he did not have the
final say in how this hero was remembered! The State of Texas and all
of the local military gave this brave warrior the proper honor he so
deserved. We all wept with both sorrow and pride for this incredible
warrior, friend, husband, and father.
Don’t forget FLAGS AT HALF-MAST FOR WHITNEY, NO MENTION ABOUT CHRIS
FROM BARRY when you vote for the next Democratic person running for
office.
Life is a gift, Freedom is a responsibility.
http://www.justhelicopters.com/HELIARTICLES/tabid/433/ID/3779/NAVAL-Rotorcraft-Pioneers-Part-I.aspx
http://www.history.army.mil/brochures/kw-chinter/chinter.htm
C. Gardner Sullivan II, R.I.P.
C. Gardner Sullivan II passed away on January 10, 2013 in
Scottsdale, AZ. He was 82 years old and was the son of C. Gardner
Sullivan and Ann Beatrice May. He was born on October 25, 1930 in Los
Angeles, CA.
He graduated from Beverly Hills High School, Pomona College and
attended graduate school at Mills College.
Mr. Sullivan served in the US Navy as a Lieutenant for nearly five
years and was the Officer in Charge, Underwater Demolition Team
12, Kwajalien Detachment. His passion was for the Navy and the
UDT-SEALs.
He had a diverse career in the business world serving as President, I
Network.TV, I Entertainment Inc. and CEO for Cyborex Laboratories. He
was the Manager for Computer Systems (West) and the Manager for
Special Projects (Iran) for IBM World Trade Corporation for 13 years.
Mr. Sullivan was an accomplished musician and composer where he
produced several amateur musical productions. He entertained and
inspired people with his piano and violin playing with magical moments
that came through his music.
C. Gardner Sullivan II, R.I.P.
Jose Taylor Brumuller
A.D. Clark and his "killer Costa Rican wife"
Larsen Jensen (SEAL)
J. Robert DuBois
Navy SWCC Dan Hathorn
On Tue, Jul 30, 2013 at 2:47 PM, Dan Hathorn wrote:
Doc,
Greetings from the beautiful Va Beach. I'm not sure if you got a chance to get up to the reunion this year or not, if you did I hope you had a good time and saw some friends.
I'd like to introduce myself: I am Dan Hathorn, I graduated SWCC class 44 back in 2003. I have been deployed many times to PACOM, CENTCOM, & EUCOM. I was always in an MCADS detachment with the boat teams every time with one exception when I did an Riverine Task Unit.
I'd like to draw attention to your profile about me on your website. I understand you have me listed as a NAVY SEAL and this just isn't the case. I was injured in 2009 and post injury I went to work for WARCOM at the SEAL/SWCC Scout Team under SOCM (RET) Mark Courrier for 4 years. I have recently medically retired as a result of my injuries. The article in the
DENVER POST that you have listed is a bit of a stretch, from the reporter, but that was dealt with at the WARCOM level when it came out. I am asking that you remove me from your website. I've been taking some calls about this profile recently and until just now I was unaware of it's existence. I am not one to go around telling people that I am something I am not. It's not my style. I would appreciate your cooperation in this matter.
It's a sore spot for me as a lot of my friends who are team guys are now calling my integrity into question. I'd be more than willing to chat with you on this subject anytime.
thanks brother for all your service and dedication, you are a patriot!
Dan Hathorn
WEBMASTER:
Dan, Thank you for speaking to me over the telephone. The DENVER POST
is no different than any of the other Newspapers. Their job is
to sell newspapers. I believe that this should take care
of the issue of your service with Naval Special Warfare. Don't
feel bad, I have been called a "wannabe SEAL" when asked my
UDT/R class number. But that is another
story.
E. Doc Riojas, U.S. Navy SEAL
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Navy
SWCC
Dan Hathorn hopes to be first injured athlete to compete in
standard Olympics POSTED: 06/09/2012 By John
Meyer The Denver Post
Read more: Navy SEAL Dan Hathorn hopes to
be first injured athlete to compete in standard Olympics - The Denver
Post http://www.denverpost.com/extremes/ci_20818371/navy-seal-dan-hathorn-hopes-be-first-injured-athlete-standard-olympics#ixzz222CzGsCh
Read The Denver Post's Terms of Use of its content: http://www.denverpost.com/termsofuse
Navy SWCC Dan Hathorn
Andy Rieckhoff & Kyle Chapman
Frog's Breath Beer
John Wolfram , Minh getting baptised
Marcus Luttrell & Lou Boyles
Minh & Wife in the House Navy SEALs built for him near MyTho Vietnam
Hi Doc,
I saw this call for help for Minh and I thought I better respond. I
spent my 2nd tour in My Tho where I had the good fortune to have Minh as
my interpreter and friend for 6 months. I sent some money when the teams
called for assistance to get Minh and his family over here so that they
could live out their days in the comfort of America and among friends.
I was disappointed, as I'm sure everyone was, that the red tape
of immigration services got in his way. He was a patriot and a great
friend to all SEALS. I am going to send you some money for Minh but I
need an address and information as to how to make out the check.
Frank Cleary told me your great story that you got out of the Navy/Teams
and went to med school and now your are practicing medicine - what an
absolutely great story!. What type of medicine are you practicing? Now
that I am in my "later years" I may need your services.
I hope to hear from you soon
Bill Bishop
Minh, "Good to Go" with SEAL Team TWO; ONE purple heart, but no award due to US Military Laws
Minh pictured with Bob "Eagle" Gallagher c.1967
"This is to request help for a brave man who repeatedly risked his life to help SEALs during the Vietnam War.
Nguyen Hoang Minh operated with a number of SEAL platoons in the Mekong Delta in the late 1960's. He served as a field interpreter, fearlessly took part in some famous operations that helped to establish the SEAL reputation, and was wounded several times. After U.S. forces left Vietnam, the SEALs who knew him assumed he was dead.
Minh survived, but spent years in the notorious reeducation camps.
Having been on the losing side, he was ostracized by most of his countrymen and was never able to make a decent living. He and his family have endured great poverty and hardship over the past 38 years.
After his former Teammates found that he was alive, they raised money to bring him and his family to the USA. This proved unsuccessful, and the funds were given to Minh, who used them to build a small house for his family in My Tho and to help with medical expenses. The funds have long since run out.
Minh is now in his 70's and unable to work. Former SEAL Team TWO operator Erasmo "Doc" Riojas, in whose platoon Minh bravely served, has kindly and quietly been receiving donations from Vietnam-era SEALs and periodically sending them to Minh in Vietnam so he can live his final years with dignity.
Anyone who wishes to help this brave former ally is encouraged to contact Doc at docrio45@gmail.com
ZIPPO lighter gift from Doc Riojas
Minh in 2013
John J. Donovan of The Loving House Project in South Vietnam MyTho area
To: Raleigh Kraft
Date: Wed, Jun 5, 2013
Subject: Viet Nam
From: "Doc"
Dear Mr. Kraft
l have received your packages for 2 days ago. There are a book" GOOD to GO" and 2 seals team 2 badges. l like it very much. l only read some pages talking about operation at MO CAY BEN TRE. That operation there are sixty V.C. and some prisoners was captured by U.S SEAL team, 2; was there what beautiful operation, is! Thank you very much for packages you sent to me.
Doc, you know, when we fly by a helicopter at CHO THOM market we saw big v.c flag made by pole and Hang it before the door to market and we turn back to MO CAY district Chief and l asked him. How when division 7 operation this area? he said that about 2 years ago. But division 7 was wipe out about 250 soldiers and district Chief asked me, how many division will go operation here to MoCay?
I'm smiling I'm thinking by myself l said about two divisions. He is very happy when l said that because he didn't know we are SEALs that day we got operation there only twenty SEALs.
After operation there, there was sixty VC and many prisoners was captured by SEALs, after we took them to MO CAY district Chief and who asked me how many soldiers for this operation l told him twenty SEALs only.
but there 10 seals at VINH LONG and 10 seals at MY THO.
Doc, you we were there before right? You are the bravest how beautiful operation is. Thank you very much for money you gave to me. Best regards MINH
PS: l will read this book again. If l have spare time.
Best regardsYour
Amigo from Vietnam (name with held as security measure)
Mark Donald U.S. Navy SEAL Extraordinaire
James Janos aka: Jesse Ventura
Rudy Boesch and Erasmo Riojas
Willits
Jim Hawes
Lou Hyatt, Jackie Lee, Bill "Rat" Miller, Billy Christianson,
"Killer" John Eietsch and Frank Toms photo by
"Doc" Cox
Richard Marcinko
Caleb Nelson
50's Frogmen Reunion 2011
Hoot Andrews Kimberly & Aaron Vaughn
Eric Greitens
DR Wasdin Howard
Glen
Grinnage
Erasmo Riojas
T.L. Bosiljevac "Bad Bo" endorsement
SEAL Team Reunion 2011
from Kim O. on Vimeo.
W.C. Vietnam Era Frog/Seal
Photos, Thursday,
August 18, 2011,
SEPT 11, 2011 GULFCOAST SEALs
Lt to Rt: Matt nicola, Mark Nicola, Dave Kappus, Chris nicola, Mack Machowitz, Frank Sayle (kneeling, Doc Riojas, Jim Bracken, Bob Fuller, Marcus Presson, Rylan Bosher and Dan Potts (kneeling), Rex Hand, Mike McKean and me, Dan Potts Sept 11, 2011
from: Dan Potts djpfrog13
AT udtseals DOT org
to: GulfCoast SEALs
date: Mon, Sep 12, 2011
subject: Group Picture 9/11/11 at Watson's House of Ales,
Houston TX
Guys,
Our first annual "Toast Our Troops" event was held at
Watson's House of Ales here in Houston yesterday to commemorate all of
the fallen (but not forgotten) members of Our Family and the
"SpecWar" community as a whole. It was a fantastic
turnout on the part of everyone and especially the "Public"
who came out to support this event. This is the Group
photo in front of the "SpecWar" dragster.
Dan....WC 55
713-462- Home
281-850- Cell
"It does not require a majority to prevail, but rather an irate
tireless minority keen to start brush fires in the peoples
minds." Samuel Adams
IN GOD WE TRUST
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Eric Greitens
Erick Greitens in Iraq
Heath Robinson
Nicholas Bickle
Jim Hein
David Rutherford
Tommy Marquis
Roy Dean Matthews
Aaron Vaughn
Harry Humphries
Jack Lynch
Hugh Dunseath
Jim Cook
Hoss Kucinski
SEAL Team FOUR "Just Cause" operators. Top Row: Lt - Rt 4th man
is Issac Rodriguez, KIA in Panama.
East Coast Frogmen Photo by Lowell Gosser he is in the picture standing
Rt.-Lt the 4th man
Medical Doctors: E.Riojas, Consuelo, V. Kuri in Mexico Rural Clinic
Al Horner
Carlos Moleda
Walter L. Cary
Charlie AESCHLIMAN
Chris Osman
C.J. Caracci
Class 33 East Coast
CLass 150
Denny "Snake" Chalker
Dave Ferruolo
Dave Ferruolo
Dave Rogers
Lt to Rt: Ray SMith, ???, Dr. David F. Fish , ???, in Civies Hershel Davis
SEAL KIA's Afganistan
Ephrayim J. Aven
click
to enlarge
Viet Hai class
&
Frank Cucci
Joshua Harris
Josh Harris with Parents
Rescuers of SEALs in Afganistan
Jeff Reeves
Jim Rand
Bob Kerry MOH presentation
Young Lions
Dr. Fish & Mark David
Mark Metherell
? ? ? Mike Slattery
Nye
Air Show Leap Frogs
Joe Kernan
Frank Thornton, Rudy Boesch, Marge Boesch, Pete "The
Pirate" Jesse Ventura
Richard Machowicz (SEAL), Discovery Channel TV
Walking the Walk in mud
Scott Savor in Red T shirt
Halo Class ST-2: Jack Macione, Joe Di Martino, Stan Janecka, Jim Tipton, "Hoss" Kucinski, Jim Wallace, Bill Goines, Lenny Waugh, Shorty McKeowen, Richard Brozac and Fred "Doc" McCarty
SEAL Instructors BUD/S Coronado Ca.
SEAL Team FIVE Echo Platoon
Leap Frog getting ball autographed by Pujols
Terry Sullivan "Big Al" Ashton
Young Lions
Mike Thornton & Tom Norris and Gang
ST-2 guys
center Frank Thornton MOH
Shadow & Mike Mcquillis Slattery and UDT-13 men
Stewart Kerr MD Suth, KIA Afganistan
Terry Sullivan
Mike Thornton MOH 'nam war games
Contract SEAL in Iraq
Wesley P. Richey
Jim Watson and Buddies
West Coast Frogmen
Bernie Waddell
Is this guy for real SEAL? Webmaster need to know !
Doc Riojas Fred miller and Bill langley
SEAL Demo
Frank Thornton and LDNNs ?BSU sailor?
Mike Cura
Ryan Young
SO2 Ryan C. Job - Class 251 USN Retired
Ryan Job WIA, He is totally Blind
• To watch an interview with Ryan and Kelly Job, visit http://remaxsat.edgeboss.net/wmedia/remaxsat/sentinels/sof_scottsdale_vnr.asx.
Ryan Job U.S. Navy SEAL
SO2 Ryan C. Job - Class 251 USN Retired
It is with great sadness that the UDT-SEAL Association
informs the membership of the passing of SO2 Ryan C. Job -
Class 251 USN (Ret.)
Ryan was recuperating from reconstructive surgery and in
good spirits when he passed away unexpectedly September 24th
2009. The exact cause of his death is not known at this
time. Doctors performed surgery last Monday to repair damage
to his eye socket he sustained during a ST-3 combat mission
in Iraq on August 2nd, 2006.
Although Ryan lost his eyesight to a sniper's bullet and his
lifelong dream of becoming a commercial pilot, he returned
from Iraq determined to press on. He embraced his recovery
with the same passion and drive he embodied to earn his
Trident. He was supported by many caring people in his
recovery process these past three years, and none more
dedicated than his loving wife Kelly who is pregnant with
their first child and due in May. Ryan and his family drew
strength and inspiration from his teammates and veterans
organizations who rallied around him to help him reach his
goals. Ryan just graduated from college this last semester
and had recently started a new job with General Dynamics in
Scottsdale, Ariz. Ryan has been an inspiration to us all.
His passing is a tremendous loss for the Navy and this
Nation.
Ryan is survived by his wife Kelly, mother Debbie, father
Eric, brother Aaaron, sister Kelsie and grandmother Barbara
McCormick.
Ryan was the SEAL who was critically wounded preceeding Marc Lee's death in Ramadi on 2 August 06. Ryan was shot in the face and he has completely lost his right eye and may very well lose his left. He is recovering at Bethesda Naval Medical Center in Maryland right now. I had the privilege of speaking with Ryan this afternoon on the phone, and I was struck by the courage and committment of this young man even at what must be his darkest hour.
Ryan was very grateful for Marc, "shooting for me," while his platoon tried to casevac him from the Ramadi rooftop where he was hit. Ryan was also grateful that an M1 tank put two 120mm rounds into the building from which he was shot. He told me that he takes great comfort in the fact that the terrorist who took his right eye won't be around to enjoy it, and I heartily agree with him. Though he certainly knows that he won't have the chance, he emphasized repeatedly to me that all he wanted to do was to get back into the fight with his platoonmates and that he'd gladly give his left eye for the opportunity.
Where do we get such men?
I spoke with his mother and brother over beers at world famous McP's Irish Pub in Coronado, CA on Saturday. They had attended Marc Lee's memorial service. Ryan has a great family that love him, but like many of our hero's families, they don't have cash sitting around to spend on travel expenses and hotel rooms so they can visit their warriors during their recovery. I donated to the Naval Special Warfare Foundation so that these needs could be met. I'd encourage B5 readers to do the same if you are able.
I am trying to set up a fund for Ryan to get a Valour IT laptop which totals out at $800. I will put down the first $250, and I would ask that readers who feel led, would step up and put up the remaining $550.
Froggy is back:
I just wanted to report back to the B5 crew about the laptop drive for Navy SEAL Ryan Job at Bethesda. You may remember that Ryan was shot in the face in Ramadi on August 2nd and lost his right eye. His platoonmate, Marc Lee, provided the suppressing fire that allowed the platoon to medevac Ryan off of the roof where he was wounded. Marc's sacrifice of his life to allow Ryan a chance to survive earned him the Silver Star and his rightful place in the pantheon of fallen SEAL Team heroes.
I spoke to Ryan in the hospital last week and told him that I was going to try to raise money to get him a Valour-IT laptop-which we did here on B5 in EIGHT HOURS! I asked the Soldier's Angels rep to total up the donations received last week for Ryan and she just wrote me back to say that all told, we raised $2535! In addition to Ryan's laptop, three more wounded warriors will be getting one as well. I want to thank the B5 readers for their compassion and for actually putting their money where their heart is.
I also wanted to give a shout out to Beth, Lynette, Patty, and Adele from Soldier's Angels for their rapid response to my request for Ryan and for personally ensuring that Ryan received the computer last Saturday morning. Your efforts are appreciated. And I don't want to forget the man who started it all-Chuck Z- has been working behind the scenes to oversee the delivery. HOOYAH Chuck!
Ryan Job
We are saddened to announce that Ryan Job succumbed to complications from recent surgery. It has been reported by the news media that there were mistakes made by the surgeons during his last surgery. He lived a significant 28 1/2 years from March 11, 1981 - September 24, 2009
----- Original
Message -----
From: Patrick Park
To: Doc Riojas, and other SEALs were CC's
Sent: Sunday, September 27, 2009 10:00 PM
Subject: Another SEAL has been called home by the Lord Our
God
My friends,
Two days ago, I lost a friend you have never met. That
happens to us all from time to time, but Navy SEAL Ryan Job
was pretty special and I thought you would like to know
about him. I have attached his obit. Here is a link to a
YouTube posting of a story done on him by a local TV
station.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=J0x74rKDjaw
I met Ryan because I contribute to the Paws for Patriots
program of the Southeastern Guide Dog Association. This
worthy program provides trained guide dogs to veterans who
have lost their sight. I read about Ryan receiving his new
dog Trey in the newsletter a year ago or so. I was about to
head to Phoenix to spend some time with my buddy Mac (a
retired Customs agent who had trained with the SEALs) so I
called Ryan and invited him and his wife, Kelly, to join us
for dinner.
When we showed up at the appointed hour, Kelly was not
feeling well, so we seized the opportunity to whisk Ryan off
for some industrial strength male bonding at his favorite
watering hole. Well, of course, we had a blast. After we got
him modestly snozzled, and he found out about our slightly
unsavory law enforcement backgrounds and attitudes, he
loosened up and displayed his wicked sense of humor.
One quick example: Ryan leaned over and invited us to peer into his prosthetic eye. There, deep within, was a tiny gold SEAL emblem (what SEALs call a “Budweiser”). A couple of weeks later, I suggested to Mac that he take Ryan shooting at the range where Mac is a member. Sure enough, Ryan jumped at the chance to smell some gunpowder. The owner put them in one of the VIP lanes. Mac gave Ryan verbal corrections and the range to target and when he was lined up, Mac would tell him, “Send it.” So well trained are SEALs that Ryan was producing some excellent groups. There was only one other shooter and he was in the adjacent lane.
During a reloading break, he asked Mac why he was giving Ryan directions and Mac replied, “Because he’s blind.” The guy looked at Ryan’s target, then at his own, and just packed up and left. He was being out-shot by a blind man!
The SEAL Team community has already rallied to support Ryan’s family. Two teammates flew out immediately and others are gathering. I wish I could attend the funeral Thursday, but I know he will be surrounded by mates much closer to him than I was. Well, you can read about his indomitable spirit in the attachments. I am just happy to have spent a few hours with him.
I found a prayer given for SEALs of an earlier generation that seems completely appropriate. As you may know, the word “insert” in the penultimate sentence is a term of art used by covert operators to describe their entry into the target area. No self-respecting SEAL would do anything so prosaic as merely walk in through an open gate, you know.
INVOCATION PRAYER
SEAL Team One Presidential Unit Citation Award Ceremony
9 January 1975
Dear Father in Heaven, if I may respectfully say so, sometimes you are a strange God. Though You love all mankind, it seems You have special predilections, too. You seem to love those men who can stand alone, who face impossible odds, who challenge every bully and every tyrant – those men who know the heat and loneliness of a Calvary. Possibly, You cherish men of this stamp because You recognize the marks of your only Son in them. Since this unique group of men known as the SEALs knows Calvary and suffering, teach them now the mystery of the resurrection – that they are indestructible, that they will live forever because of their deep faith in You. And when they do come to Heaven, may I respectfully warn You, dear Father, they also know how to celebrate. So please be ready for them when they insert under your pearly gates.
Bless them, their devoted families, and their country . . . We ask this through the merits of your Son, Christ Jesus, the Lord. Amen.
Reverend E.J. McMahon, S.J.
God bless Ryan and his family (and Trey). of you.
John
SO2 Ryan C. Job - Class 251 USN Retired
Cameron McDonough
The Making of U.S. Navy SEALs
Monsoor KIA
Monsoor KIA Tattoo
Marc Lee KIA