Page Fifteen

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

Charles “Chuck” Joseph Conklin R.I.P. 1944 - 2017
Gerald P. Ruggles R.I.P.

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

 

Gary Don Fraser R.I.P.
1938 – 2015

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.

Former Navy SEAL wounded in South Tampa shooting dies

Brandan Camp

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
Harry Humphries
Timothy Aloysius Holden
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
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 Shipley and John Wayne
Don Griffin

Sam Orr,  R.I.P.     Go HERE for all of Sam Orr’s SEAL Memorials


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

 

venue-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!

This email was cleaned by emailStripper, available for free from http://www.papercut.biz/emailStripper.htm

WEBMASTER NOTE:

Captain Franklin, I agree, but then I was never politically correct!    Doc RIo

                                             

 

 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.

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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Chris Kyle:  Hero to Zero as seen by Obama

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.


            

 

 

Someone has to TEACH Barry about AMERICAN VALUES…………………………….. 
Life is a gift, Freedom is a responsibility.

 

 

 

 

 

 

http://www.justhelicopters.com/HELIARTICLES/tabid/433/ID/3779/NAVAL-Rotorcraft-Pioneers-Part-I.aspx

 

 

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"

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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Andy Rieckhoff & Kyle Chapman
Frog's Breath Beer
John Wolfram , Minh getting baptised

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 

 

ZIPPO lighter gift from Doc Riojas Minh in 2013

“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

 

 

 

 

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
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.
SEAL Team FOUR "Just Cause" operators. Top Row: Lt - Rt 4th man is Issac Rodriguez, KIA in Panama.
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

         
              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
Scott Savor in Red T shirt
SEAL Instructors BUD/S Coronado Ca.
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 Team FIVE Echo Platoon
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
Bernie Waddell
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.

 

Navy SEAL Ryan Job

Posted By Froggy

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    

      

The Making of U.S. Navy SEALs
Monsoor KIA

                                                                                Marc Lee KIA

                                                            Monsoor KIA  Tattoo 

                          
                      Chris Sajnog HMC

 
                     Jesse  Ventura

   Are these guys SEALs? Where are their UDT lifejackets?

Lt.Ed Rohrbach
Mitchell Hall
Roy Boehm
SEAL Team TWO collage 'nam Medals Presentation Garnett, Finley, Earley, Scolise, Rogers, Tollison, Gormly C. Ashton, Brumuller, Martin, Anderson,Keener, Burbank, Kochy
Tom Keith ST-2
John Kainer and Family
John Kainer
Josh T. Harris Motorcycle
Richard "Rogue Warrior" Marcinko
50's Frogs photo thanks to J. P. Cooper: Front Row: Lt to Rt: J.P. Cooper, R.J. Fitzpatrick, R.W. Schultz, B.R. Hall, H.O. Cunningham, M.R. Byers, Rb Asdal, R. M. Campton, S.L. Romero. BACK ROW: Lt to Rt: S.R. Pheleps, C.F. Dauphimee, A.D. Mitchell, B.S. Daleymple, J.L. Park, L.S. Schmidt, R. T. Henry, W.J. Jones, Ltjg Ed Frzy (KIA) & Ltjg Johnson
Chaz Heron
David Goggins, Duncan SMith, Mitch Hall
Lance Armstrong Capt. Duncan Smith

                                                                                  

 Final remarks from Commodore Evin H. Thompson
                      
Naval Special Warfare Group Four

 

  I believe in the love of a good woman, that cats are better than dogs, that hunting is better than fishing, that boating is better than swimming, that a
warm calm summer day is better than a cold rough winter night, that the
novels of Hoaratio Hornblower are the greatest works of naval warfare every
written, and that good whiskey should be drunk straight. 

I believe that your knife should always be sharp, that Hank Williams Senior
and Junior are the greatest musicians of all times, that an occasional flame
throwing builds character and gets a good point across, and that violent
extremists need to be crushed like cockroaches. 

I believe that the only news worth watching is FOX and that country music
should be a part of everybody’s daily life, that once a decision is made by the
commander, everyone should saddle up and get riding with the herd. 

I believe that lord made everyone essentially want to do good and that every
sailor can accomplish great things, and that the vanguard of freedom of the
American way of life is maintained by those that have worn the uniform in the
past, wear the uniform today and will wear the uniform in the future. 

I believe in our Commander in Chief, that every American should be required
to read the Constitution once a year and I believe in the American Dream. 

God Bless each and every one of you, god bless Naval Special Warfare Group
FOUR, and God Bless America ON TIME, ON TARGET, NEVER QUIT! 

31 July 2008

Naval Amphibious Base, Little Creek, Virginia

article taken from the UDT-SEAL Assn Magazine: The BLAST     Evin H. Thompson

 

 

 

 

Who is this Frogman?

Hey Doc,
Nice site. I look around frequently.
Just a note.
On your page https://www.sealtwo.org/page15.htm down toward the bottom is a short blurb on Donald Beem and his career. I had the pleasure of being his senior enlisted on a task unit tour. Great man.
BUT… that picture above it is NOT HIM!  haha. I think he’d get a laugh if he saw it though. I don’t believe I have any of him or I’d send you one. I’m sure there are some around though.
I have his email address.

FITH
Michael Kruse
  He may be reached on the SEAL VTC

                       Out of the 226 Navy men who entered BUD/S Training Class 54 in 1970, only 48 graduated. Jerome native Donald Beem was one of them.     His career spanned five decades and eight presidencies, more than any other frogman currently serving in the Naval Special Warfare Community, earning him the coveted title of “Bull Frog” in 2005, according to the office of the Naval Special Warfare Command. His honors include the Legion of Merit, the Bronze Star, and Meritorious Service Medal to name just a few

          At 86, retired Carbide engineer still building on his busy life

 

“After I, Bob Perleman, graduated, I joined the Navy and went to Hollywood, Fla., for my first training. It was there that I joined the Underwater Demolition Team, UDT, a forerunner of the Navy SEALs. Most of the assignments were to the amphibious landing craft. I didn’t see any fun in sitting in one of those. The only way to get out of that was to volunteer for the Underwater Demolition Team.

 “At the time I volunteered, they wouldn’t take married men. Pat and I got married between assignments and moved to Fort Pierce. I was the first married man in underwater demolition.

“I was in the South Pacific, Korea and China. Underwater demolition teams were created because the U.S. was trying to capture these islands that were Japanese bases. The Japanese had built concrete barriers and railroad rails imbedded in the sand. When a landing craft came in, they would get stuck and the Japanese would blow up the landing craft. Our job was to clear the beaches so landing craft could get to them.

http://wvgazette.com/News/SandyWells/200902010443                  

 

                      
                   Lt. to Rt: Carl Swepston, and  ??, ??         

Robert J. Thomas ST-2
John Frisch
"Patches" Watson

                
                         The Good, The Bad, and the Ugly !    SEAL Team TWO,  Vietnam War games”
                                        Harry Constance, Jack Rowell, BSU-1 sailors and the “Japs”

                                                  

 

Extreme fitness 101: What is Navy SEAL Hell Week?

Alden Mills, creator of the Perfect Pushup, is CEO of Perfect Fitness, based in CA. Massachusetts born, Alden went to the Naval Academy where he went on to become a Navy SEAL. After retiring in 2000, he earned his MBA at Carnegie Mellon. As a SEAL Team TWO Platoon Commander, his platoon was chosen for a study to determine why SEALs suffered unusually high injury rates during their careers. After learning injuries were linked to their training methods (ago-old body building drills), SEAL trainers switched to Functional Training. Alden learned firsthand the value of optimal exercise routines.

what is Navy SEAL Hell Week?

 

And what does it have to do with extreme fitness? Why should you care that I’m a former SEAL? On the surface it seems logical – former Navy SEAL writes about extreme fitness. I know a few things about suffering through Hell Week — we’re talking 1,000 situp sets and 20 mile runs with 40lbs on my back and 5 mile open ocean swims in 55 degree water, but honestly, how many people really care about that, let alone would actually do it in their normal fitness routine? Throw in 4 hours of sleep in 5 days and there’s only two kinds of folks that I can think of – sadists and those trying to be Navy SEALs.

SEAL training is certainly not for everyone and it’s not designed to be for everyone, BUT the lessons learned in SEAL training can be for everyone. Though the workouts above sound so extreme they might be considered ludicrous, to all of us going through SEAL training those workouts just pushed us a little further than we had been the week before – they kept us out of our comfort zone…………………….. 

Resources: Hell Week  – The Commandos, 1992

http://www.examiner.com/x-14489-Extreme-Fitness-Examiner

 

Willam Brown
Pete Slempa Jr.
Jason Redman

From: “Pete Slempa” sonny [at]  sipnsearch DOT com
To: “Doug Blosser:  letters [at]  chronline DOT com
Sent: Wednesday, March 16, 2011 5:08 PM
Subject: VETERANS RECGONITION, LACK OF.



  Mr. Blosser;

 

Every day, Veterans from every walk of life pass away with little or no recognition except those in the immediate family and close friends. Try to imagine what our lives would be like without the millions of men and women who served, bled and died through out history to save our country and our way of life from occupation and tyranny. 

Yet on this day, American men and women are still at battle because diplomacy and our politicians have failed in the attempt  for world peace. They than go to war to cover up their short comings. The last time we as a nation won a war was in WW-2. That was when the Generals and Admirals where in charge of winning the war and the few embedded news correspondents understood the consequences of their reporting. 

The American people in general do not grasp the concept that religious fanatic’s do not want peace. They want total control of the world population. They understand the concept of divide and conquer with the help of our media and the abuse of our constitution.


Those men and women now serving in the Armed Forces and in our local, state and national law enforcement deserve our full unwavering support if we as a nation expect to survive the current onslaught of the radical Muslims who will do every thing in their power, including sacrificing themselves, to dominate or eliminate those who stand in their way. For the sake of our grand children and great grand children and the generations beyond, our generation must be willing to do whatever it take to identify, locate and eliminate our enemies.

On this Memorial day give thanks to those who are serving, those who have served and pay your respects to those who have passed on.

Pete Slempa USN-Ret

149 Post Ln.
Chehalis, WA.
262-0732

 

Chris Burns, Brian Drechsler, Todd Tinsley, Jay Redman Dan Valaik Joseph Maguire Jerry Weers
Bill Langley and Allan Archey
Allan Archey and Russell Bourkard
Neil Guinan
Ray Cottom
Ray Cottom
Paul Tharp


Laddie Shaw
He  has the honor of winning the first Superfrog Triathlon ever held on the West Coast

July 20 1969, Earthmen had landed on the moon.

 The Coronado Bay Bridge was not yet complete, the ferry was still running, the Trade Winds was still the “hang out” and a group of ‘tadpoles’ were gearing up for Hell Week. My BUDS class 53 started Hell week July 20 1969. 

How could one ever forget a man walking on the moon the same night a group of men were set to jump into San Diego Bay.

 Buzz Aldrin stepped off the lunar module onto the moons surface and Vince Olivera stepped out of his office in Bldg 208 and said “One small step for man and one big step for you bananas…now hit the bay”! 


Laddie Shaw 
BUDS 53

Mark Donald awarded Navy Cross. He is a former Recon USMC who sucessfully got a transfer to the U.S. Navy to become a Navy Corpsman. After his training he was assigned to ST-2. He later became a Physician Assistant, was commissioned and saw action in Afganistan. He was also awarded the Silver Star and the Bronze Star for Heroism.
Jim and Karen Allgeier sent this info of this platoon Back row L to R: Scotty Slaughter, unknown, Frank Wysocki, unknown, unknown, Bob Auger, Lt. Clark on end? Front Row L to R: Skinny Andy Anderson, Ed Schmidt, Bobby Putman, Chris Kellas, Chuck "Upchuck"?, unknown, Dave Nye? I'm not sure about Dave Nye
James Tiffe got bitten by a Shark in FL
Doc Craig
Tom Hatchett
Don Rose Ray "Pudge" Hollenbeck

The picture on the left toward the end was Doc Craig while the one to
the right of him is of Don Rose and Ray “Pudge” Hollenbec. They are
still as ugly as ever, just thought I would let you know in case you
wanted to change them.  Doc Craig

Ernest H. Greppin III
Scott Tyler & Charlie Ebersol
Stuart Sorg
Sol Atkinson, Fred Miller, JoAnn Atkinson, Linda Miller
Front Row L to R: Jake Rinebolt, Fred Koche, Larry Bailey, Moose Bointnott, Bob Gormley, Richard Marcinko, walking Capt Simmons
Lt to Rt: Bill Garnett, Bob Gormly, Fred Doc McCarthy, Charlie Bump, Pierre Birtz
Stand L to R: 1967 Pierre Birtz, Bill Garnett, Charlie BUmp ,
Solomon "Sol" Atkinson Bob Gormly; SITTING: Jess Tolison , Fred Mc Carty
From the book by Tom Keith "SEAL Warrior. Death in the Dark" squatting down is Jim Finley Mayor of MyTho
From Tom Keith's Book "SEAL WARRIOR, Death in the Dark"

Folks are asking Doc Riojas “how to find a picture” on www.sealtwo.org 
HERE IS NOW !

 
SEAL TWO Photo ALbums by Doc Rio SEARCH this site ONLY!
 
 
 

“LONE SURVIVOR” the movie showed an “FNG” reciting our well known poem: AROUND THE WORLD TWICE but in the film it was edited.             Here is a LINK to the real one:    AROUND THE WORLD TWICE!   

     Mi Vida Loca – Copyright ©1998 – All Right Reserved email: Webmaster  Erasmo  Doc Riojas  at  docrio45 [at] gmail.com

 

Hello Folks, 

At long last I’ve published the third book in my Indomitable Patriot series, The Indomitable Patriot: the Submariners. 

The book takes us back to 1943 and the OSS. The USS Great White (SS-299) has just put an OSS team ashore in the Philippines and has gone hunting for Japanese tonnage to sink. She almost gets more than she bargained for when she tangles with a Japanese battleship with five escorts. Will she survive her assault and live to fight again? 
Lieutenant Commander Marcus Spencer, captain of the Great White experiences a number of twists and turns in his career as well, mainly involving the OSS and their covert activities in the Northern Mariana Islands. I’ve also introduced naval aviation into this book to present many thrilling scenes taking place above, as well as below the surface of the Pacific Ocean. 

As with my previous Patriot books, this book is historically accurate fiction. The book is geared toward submarine warfare and along those lines I read and reviewed dozens of actual patrol reports of USS Wahoo, Tang, and a number of WWII submarines. I lucked out in one additional way however. 
   My technical editor was a retired Navy Command Master Chief who spent his entire naval career aboard diesel and nuclear submarines. His tireless efforts have enabled me to write a book about submarine warfare a reader with no knowledge of the boats will understand and enjoy, and a submarine sailor (also called a “Bubblehead”) will enjoy the realism, jargon and accuracy of the story. 

If interested in looking further, just click this link and as-if by magic you will be transported to Amazon and the books listing. It’s available in both print and Kindle formats. 
http://www.amazon.com/The-Indomitable-Patriot-Submariners-Volume/dp/1530641098?ie=UTF8&keywords=carl%20mclelland&qid=1459365936&ref_=sr_1_4&s=books&sr=1-4 
I hope, regardless of your decision to check out the book, everybody is healthy and prosperous.

 All Best,   Carl McLelland, Vietnam Veteran

 


THE INDOMITABLE PATRIOT  Fertig, The Guerrilla General

One of our guys, although he had the misfortune of going Army instead of Navy, has become a writer in
his old age. His first few books were about the paranormal… he likes to chase ghosts in his spare time. But his latest
endeavor; Wow! He has started a new series of books he calls Behind the Lines. His first book, recently completed and
published is titled “THE INDOMITABLE PATRIOT: Fertig, the Guerrilla General.” It’s a historically correct novel about Wendell Fertig in the Philippines in World War II.  Here’s what the book looks like. 
Cover Final :
May, 1942. General Wainwright has just surrendered the Philippines. Wendell Fertig, a Corps of Engineers Lieutenant Colonel, refuses to comply and flees into the mountains of Mindanao. Fertig is soon
joined by dozens of former Philippino Army scouts who encourage him to form a guerrilla Army. Over the next few months Fertig is joined by several other displaced American soldiers, one of whom builds a small, makeshift transmitter and establishes contact with the Navy. 
General MacArthur denounces Fertig, going on record claiming it’s impossible for a guerrilla movement in the Philippines to succeed. The O.S.S. decide to take a chance and covertly supplies Fertig by submarine. Once he receives the tools to wage war, his achievements become legendary. By the time MacArthur returns to the Philippines in 1944 he is met on the beach at Leyte by a force of over twenty thousand of Fertig’s guerrilla Army. 

This fictional accounting is based upon the actual military records and reports of one man’s impossible achievements against overwhelming odds; against an enemy who outnumbered him a hundred to one. Wendell Fertig, a civil engineer and untrained amateur in the ways of war, defied the predictions of the experts and brought the Japanese Army to its knees. Enjoy this first installment in the new Behind The Lines series of combat thrillers based upon historical records.


The book is available from Amazon in either print or Kindle versions, or by special order from almost any book retailer.
(He’s not Tom Clancy yet. They don’t stock his books but they can order them). These links will take you to the Amazon listings. If you look at the Kindle listing there is a Look Inside feature that lets you read through the first chapter. 
Print: 
http://www.amazon.com/Indomitable-Patriot-Fertig-Guerrilla-General/dp/
1512025623/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1431972445&sr=8-1&keywords=the+indomitable+patriot 


Kindle: 
http://www.amazon.com/Indomitable-
Patriot-Fertig-Guerrilla-General-ebook/dp/B00XUSX4RU/ref=sr_1_1?s=digital-text&ie=UTF8&qid=1432050603&sr=
1-1&keywords=the+indomitable+patriot
 

About the Author     Carl’s professional career began as an Army and then FAA air traffic controller. He advanced from a small radar van in the Central Highlands of Vietnam to the TRACON in one of our nation’s busiest airports. He also became a commercial pilot and flight instructor, retiring after thirty-nine years of flying. By 1986 he was experiencing severe burnout. He put himself through the police academy, resigned from the FAA and became a deputy Sheriff in Reno, Nevada. He retired after a distinguished career on the street. Not only the cop on the beat, Carl became a renowned traffic accident reconstructionist on his departments Major Accident Investigation Team, as well as a highly acclaimed crime scene investigator. Throughout his life Carl has been a student of the paranormal and often experienced the effects of the supernatural in his personal life. In 2012 he became involved in the saga of the haunted Allen House in Monticello, Arkansas and its resident spirit, Ladell Allen Bonner. The result of dozens upon dozens of paranormal interactions with Ladell led Carl to write his first book about Ladell’s life and death. Writing that first book sparked a latent avocation in his life: writing. Carl has always been a connoisseur of military history, and that interest began a new direction for his writing. This latest book is the story of Wendell Fertig, and the beginning of a thrilling new series, ‘Behind The Lines.’ While the stories are fictionalized, they are all based upon factual military history. Join in with Carl and enjoy his books as you gain an interesting new insight in what war is all about.

The following is typical of the reviews I’m receiving on the book: 


Just finished your book and you get 4.0 marks from this old Navy Seal. Really enjoyed and it adds to my hobby of WWII.
Spent 22 years of my 34 in and out of the PI. Have traveled every island and was trained a marksman by RJ when we were
stationed at Team 2 during Vietnam. Still a very good friend I keep in contact with. Going to recommend it to my friends,
at least the ones that can read.

 THE INDOMITABLE PATRIOT  Fertig, The Guerrilla General

Doc Riojas Comment:  Once i started reading this book, i have find myself hard to putting it down! because of my very old age (84 yr old eyes and at the end of being able to correct my vision) I find that the way  the paragraphs are other important text are spaced to be extremly easy to read.

Having retired from the Navy and traveled to that part of the orient reminds me of my days as a guerrilla combatant as part of the Navy SPecial Warfare serving as a Navy SEAL in the Jungles of Vietnam.

The author is equally as good a military writter as Tom Clancy.  This story may possibly be material for a great movie similar to the the movie produced about the POW rescue in WWII by Filipino Guerilla fighters and the U.S. Army Rangers.  “The Great Raid”

Do not wait to buy it tomorrow, order it today !  It was recommended to me by CDR R.D. Thomas (recommended for the Medal of Honor by the US Army, but our politically correct US Navy downgraded it to a Navy Cross. SHame on them !