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W.C. Reunion 75 photo   by Lou Boyles

—– Original Message —–
From: Lou Boyles
To: Doc Rio
Sent: Thursday, August 20, 2009 6:45 PM
Subject: WC Reunion 75 photo 

Hey Doc,
Here is a classic for you. I think I counted 18 Guys in this photo that have gone on up to the big ‘DZ’ in sky. I’m not sure about a couple. There may be more. I took a large copy to the Reunion last week and caused quite a stir.

 Some great Guys in there. I took it at the Coronado Women’s Club in 75. That was the only year that we were there. I don’t think they wanted us back. Don’t know why. I just got some of the Guys together and climbed up on the roof to grab a shot. Had a great time at the Reunion last weekend as always.

 They said it was confirmed that the Leap Frogs were to be disbanded. That is sad, especially for me. I was in the jump team for 11 years and was the one who came up with the name ‘Leap Frogs’. 

Jack wants me to do a story on it for the Blast. I’ll work on it. 

Take care my Friend, 

Lou Boyles

Capt David Garner Wilbourne, USN (Ret ) passed away on January 18, 2010 in Corpus Christi, TX.  He was born April 29, 1942 in Harrisonburg, VA.   His life had been dedicated to his country with his 26 year naval career as a Senior Naval Officer obtaining significant combat experience in Naval Special Warfare (UDT/SEAL) serving three tours in Vietnam.

He was a thoughtful and caring man whom will always be honored and respected for his achievements and contributions to the UDT/SEAL and  Intelligence communities. 

Capt Wilbourne’s ashes will be scattered at sea by fellow SEAL’s at sunrise on Sunday November 7, 2010 during Veterans Day services off the shore of the UDT/SEAL Museum located in Ft. Pierce, Florida.   For his family and those who truly knew him he will be loved and dearly missed forever.

    is your photo missing?       send it       to Rio at       docrio45    gmail.com

IN MEMORIUM

“Curtis Ashton(KIA), Roberto Ramos(KIA), and Jerry Waters (Killed in Training)

Jerry Sweezy  R.I.P.
U.S. Navy SEAL
R.I.P

picture taken Nov1997 by Doc Riojas

IN MEMORY OF JERRY SWEEZY SEAL Team TWO Jerry Sweezy dies at the Highland Hospital in Shreveport LA. after a long illness. May he Rest in Peace. Jerry Sweezy was admitted on ~March 23, 1998 and was on total life support equipment for many weeks. He died on May 4th, 1998. Jerry died of after a long battle with Respiratory & Cardiac Failure. Jerry was out of bed doing PT , eating, and markedly inproving when on this date he complained of chest pain and collapsed as related to Jerry Jr. by his nurses. Please mail your condolences to: C. Jerry Sweezy Jr., His Son.    Subject: Re: Jerry’s Religious Service Sat 9th, 1998 Date: Sun, 10 May 1998 14:50:18 +0000 From: seige73@mercury.shreve.net To: Erasmo Riojas <el.ticitl@worldnet.att.net> CC: Tom Blais <maxtrack@erols.com> Doc, thanks friend, dad will truly be missed, yet i know hes still here….with us,our thoughts and memories.   We were lucky, fate has its way with us, we met some people that helped with dads arrangements, on the day he died….my wife was helping them with their insurance. The total cost of every thing was about 950.00. Which was great, dad had 1300.00 in his account.  These people have been wonderful, the services we had SAT were FREE….Yes they did it for FREE!!!  The man and his wife understood, and Dad being a Vet and SEAL had a special place in their hearts, he had been in the NAVY and served in Vietnam too. We had the Flag ,i put all his medals ,and recent pictures by his side. We had a good turn out ,about 10-15 people!    That was dad, touch people the minute they met him.     Any way thanks for everything and please let everyone know he was happy, and was truly loved by all!!                Clayton J Sweesy  Jr  and Rita Shawan Sweesy  </maxtrack@erols.com></el.ticitl@worldnet.att.net>

“Any man who may be asked in this century what he did to make his life worthwhile . . . can respond with a good deal of pride and satisfaction, ‘I served in the United States Navy’.” President John F. Kennedy 1963 Annapolis MD 

Dennis “Rud” Rutherford
Date: Wed, 29 Jul 1998     21:26:02 -0600
From: Darryl Young 
 Organization: M@RSWeb/ISM
To: Ken Gless 
CC: Doc Riojas  , Gary Stubblefield  , Ty Zellers  , “Vistica, Greg”     
  Teammates… Another Teammate is now gone…
“Rud” called my Friend/Teammate Pierre Remillard, Class 42, Sunday evening from a cell phone while sittin out on a tree limb with a noose around his neck… He talked for 45 minutes, telling Remi he loved him & all his Teammates… He then hung up the phone & jumped… I may be down for a couple of days till this shit wears off… Another reason to hammer these freakin wannabe’s till the day I die!!!
the D.D.

• We Erase all”WANNABEs” SEAL? Wannabe’s are a disgrace to the Human Race and to their families! Wannabe’s are:YELLOW Phony COWARDS!

  ---

  
  Mikey Boynton  R.I.P. 

  
  Navy SEAL
  Team TWO My Friend and Teamate Robert “The Eagle” Gallagher has been keeping me up to date on Mikey’s death. We were all in the origional 7th platoon back in 1966-67 , SEAL Team TWO.  

   

IN LOVING MEMORY TO MY BEST FRIEND.

DOW F. BYERS YNCS (DV)(PJ) ( SS)   R.I.P.

1931 – 1990

In 1990, after we attended Rudy Boesch’s retirement ceremony, and a tour of Disney World, Lourdes, Mandy (grandaughter) and I visited the Byers in Brooksville FL (please see color picture of us.) Dow looked great, seemed very very happy and was spending much of his time painting, and tending to his horses at his ranch. We talked about old times at UWSS, and at Little Creek. Dow was retired from US Navy, and also from Old Dominion University where he was the Chief of the Security Department. He employed several retired SEALs and had a successful second career there. He was living with Annise (wife), Terry(daughter), David (his son), and Bevin Richards (his grandaughter) in Brooksville when he met his untimely demise. He was found many hours after his fatal CVA by his children. He was cremated and his ashes were scattered over the ocean by his son David Byers. Attending his family gathering after his death were his sole survirors: Marijeane Buers-Perry, Dan Perry and Kristen Perry Terry Anne Byers-Richards, Dennis Richards, and Bevin Richards Becky Byers-Menendez, CDR Jack Menendez, Velika, and Jamie. David Byers, Cheryl Byers, Christopher Byers, and Jennifer Byers Guests were: John Francis Rabbitt Erasmo “Doc” Riojas and Lourdes Tolentino CPO (Ret) his friend from Old Dominion came with Johnny Rabbitt, sorry, his name escapes my memory. Annice B. Byers resides with her daughter Marijeane Perry in Pride, LA. 70770   “Doc “Joe Curchill

A U.S.Navy SEAL: HospitalCorpsman

Joseph “Doc” Churchill   R.I.P.

“Doc” Churchill entered the Navy at age 17, trained as a Hospital Corpsman, and became a Fleet Marine Force Corpsman during WWII and later served in the Korean Conflict, and was awarded a Bronze Star for valor. This medal was to be upgraded 35 years later to the Navy Cross. After Korea he became a member of Underwater Demoliton and later became a Navy SEAL. He spent seven six month tours in Vietnam as a Navy SEAL with SEAL Team ONE. He was seriously wounded by the VietCong and was awarded a Silver Star for heroism. He was cited by the Chief Of Naval Operations as showing inspiring leadership, sense of responsibility, for courage under fire and in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Navy. Senior Chief Hospital Corpsman Churchill retired from the Navy in 1970 after 25 years of active duty. His awards include the Navy Cross, Seven Purple Hearts, Silver Star, Bronze Star, Navy Commendation Medal (four awards), three Presidental Unit Citations, Navy Unit Commendation, and many others After retirement from the Navy “Doc” went on to graduate from the Med-X program at the U.of Wash as a Physician Assistant. He worked at his profession for one year. He then enrolled as a KCSO road deputy which was under the sheriff’s office for ten years. During this time he completed his studies in law and justice and graduated from CWU with a BS in Law & Justice. In 1982 he passed a state qualifying exam for lay district court judges. He defeated an incumbent judge to win his first term on the bench. Close friends of Joe said that Klickitat County has enjoyed the services of a full time district judge for a partime salary. He was able to devote more time to it than a part-time attorney. “Doc” Churchill was not satisfied to stand still from bettering his position. He then graduated at the top of his classes in many intensive judicial courses, and was one of the 35 non-attorney judges selected from across the US to attend a one year pilot program at the National Judicial College in Reno, NV. This was to promote higher learning within the non-lawyer community who served on the bench. “Doc” earned a Master Degree in Judicial Administration for non-attorneys. He completed his two-week residency before Christmas.The Professors said he was one of the finest students they have ever taught. His friend Ralph Nickerson noted. “The Professors were going to use several of his test answers as examples.” He worked like a Trojan, ” Nicerson said. “Doc was never satisfied with what he knew.” Judge Joe “Doc” Churchill won his third term to the East District COurt bench in December of 1990 and he and his wife Suzanne left for Tuscon, AZ to celebrate their 25th wedding anniversary. On New YEar’s day in 1991, “Doc” became ill and was diagnosed as having inoperable pancreatic and liver cancer. He died on Thursday, February 7th 1991 at the age of 64. JUDGE CHURCHILL: ‘ABOVE AND BEYONDTHE CALL TO DUTY’ IN LIFE AND IN COURT. The Glendale Sentinal 2-14-91 “Doc” Churchill was an active member of the ASR/ARS Association  

Editor’s Comment: I had the pleasure of knowing and working with “Doc” Churchill in Vietnam. He was a Corpsmans’ Corpsman, tough, strong willed, and extremely pleasant man to work alongside. “Doc” Churchill was a man who’s name will live forever in the Teams. Erasmo “Doc Rio” Riojas, 

IN MEMORY OF     Lloyd Cobb (SEAL)  R.I.P.
  

GEORGE WILLIAM HOHNHAUS    R.I. P.

 GEORGE WILLIAM HOHNHAUS    R.I. P.   June 10, 1921 – April 6, 1998 George William Hohnhaus was a decorated Navy veteran of World War 11 and the Korean War and a long-time employee of the Scripps Institution of Oceanography, UCSD, La Jolla. His stature and achievements were legendary. Almost every senior scientist at SIO has a story about “Big George,” his activities and the many ways that he made the field operations successful. George was usually a gentle giant though wrathful when the occasion demanded. And when Big George began a task it was always done right and on time. George joined the Navy in 1940 and became one of the first Navy frogmen as a member of UDT 1. He loved the Navy and the water. For action at Inchon, he was awarded the Bronze Star with V. George ultimately received a Medical Discharge from the Navy after fourteen years of service. But his injury didn’t slow him down. His accomplishments at Scripps ranged from diving and personally pulling and redirecting the course of the submerged Cousteau Diving Saucer (Soucoupe) to the narrow rim of Scripps Submarine Canyon for its first successful deep dive in that canyon, to the numerous Scripps cruises and expeditions where his tasks ranged from explosives “shooter” to the successful retrieval of samples from the deep sea floor. Big George served on every major Scripps Expedition from 1954 until his retirement in 1975. These expeditions included the Acapulco Trench (1954), Downwind (1957), and Moho (1962-67). On one of the early expeditions he received a special commendation from US Navy Task Force VII for meritorious service during the first underwater atomic test known as WIGWAM conducted at Bikini Atoll in May 1955. During an expedition aboard the Horizon a new seamount was discovered and named Hohnhaus Seamount in his honor by Chief Scientists Bill Menard and Harmond Craig. Let the Team Log note, he will be missed. HOOYAH,GEORGE! 

                                     A dredge haul on R/V Horizon during Nova Expedition, 1967. C.E. Alison, Baron E. Thomas, David A. Johnson, George Hohnhaus

 Keith Kimura  R.I.P.

This is a re-print of a letter from the Blast. On January 11th, I lost my only brother and best friend. It seemed like a bad dream that I wasn’t waking up from. The night before I had received the dreaded phone call. Keith had been in some kind of accident in the dive tower at BUD/S. He was unconscious and hooked up to a respirator. It didn’t seem possible. He had just called me minutes before he had to go up in the tower. We were planning a trip to Colorado for his birthday next month. When I heard what had happened, I immediately jumped on the next plane to San Diego. I only purchased a one way ticket. I figured he would probably need my help around the house while he was recuperating, but when I stepped off the plane I learned that my brother was already dead. I couldn’t believe what had happened. Keith was in the prime of is life. How could this have happened to him? Keith had graduated as Honorman of BUD/S Class 177. He spent five years at SDVT-2, where he did everything from his regular corpsman duties to becoming a sniper instructor. Last October, Keith left Virginia Beach for Coronado, where he had become a Dive Phase instructor. Keith was extremely talented. He was an incredible artist, and his art work meant everything to him. He was dedicated to his job and always challenged himself to be the best at everything he did. He was a perfectionist. He set goals for himself that other deemed impossible, but somehow he always succeeded. He always finished everything he set out to do. One of the last goals Keith had set for himself was to summit Mt. McKinley in the Spring of 1998. He never got to accomplish this, but we’re trying to make his last wish come true. We’re planning an expedition to McKinley in the Spring of 1998. This expedition will include Keith’s closest friends, frogmen from both the East and West coasts, as well as myself. We plan to reach the summit of the mountain and spread some of his ashes on top. To finance this trip, we have set up a memorial fund in Keith’s name. We will be selling prints and T-Shirts featuring his artwork, as well as accepting donations. The money will go to outfitting the climb, as well as projects that meant a great deal to Keith. All inquiries and contributions may be sent to: The Keith Kimura Memorial Fund Virginia Beach, VA 23450-0296 please inquire about his artwork. 

An interesting sidebar: Doug Young, retired HMCS and formerly of ST-2, ST-3, and NSW Det Kodiak, organized the climb.  He was unable to participate due to business but provided much of the expertise which allowed this team to go forward.  Doug organized a team and led an ascent of Denali several years ago.  He turned back just short of the summit because one of the pairs split up [in violation of his standing order] several hundred feet below the summit when one climber grew weak.  The healthier of the pair told his buddy to sit down and he would link up with him on the way back down.  Doug encountered the man left behind and sacrificed his opportunity to summit to insure the man’s safety.  The window closed because the next day the team had to begin their return trip. The man who left his buddy summitted [he was not a SEAL] but Doug demonstrated the true strength of character and integrity which far surpasses that climber’s accomplishment. Doug intends to on day summit Denali. Well wishes to all. Dan’l Steward 5/1/98 

Contributions to the on going memorial for fallen SEALs No sacrifice is too small! For information Please Email: udtseal@infi.net or go to: http://www.udt-seal.org/ 

IN LOVING MEMORY TO MY BEST FRIEND

JOHN FRANCIS RABBITT    R.I.P.
MAY 23, 1933 – JAN 3, 1998  

Johnny’s Auto Plate

   “They shall not grow old as we that are left to grow old. Age shall not weary them, nor shall the years condemn At the going down of the sun and in the morning. We shall remember them.” —-Laurence Binyon

J.F R.     NAVY SEAL TEAM TWO      HANGS UP HIS FINS

John Francis Rabbitt, an East Coast legend in his own mind. He retired from his last good deal, rent-a-cop job at NSWDG on May 23, 1996. He thrilled his shipmates with his speech.

“I’d like to first thank all of you for attending this ceremony, and especially CAPT Olson and CDR McTigue, and everyone else responsible for making this ceremony a reality.

After spending eight uneventful years as an Airdale, in 1959, I was stationed at one of the best liberty ports on the East Coast (Argentina, New Foundland). It came to my attention from a notice in the Plan of the Day that volunteers were wanted for UDT. I was in good shape, (played handball once or twice a week), so I volunteered.

I arrived at the Main Gate at Little Creek in late June and requested transportation to the UDT Training Area. The Marine asked if I was sure about this and I answered, “Right, I deserve it as a First Class Petty Officer.” He called and was told to have me stand by as someone would be right there with a jeep. One hour later I asked directions to the area and started hoofing it. I had made my first mistake in UDT, and hadn’t even checked in yet.

After doing a half hour of PT inside the instructor’s hut, I was thrown out and pointed to my barracks, which was a World War II butler hut. After a shower, I was getting my seabag squared away when Second Class Shipfitter Anderson came up and ask me if I wanted to go jogging. I looked at him like he had lost his marbles, and told him training started Monday and I was going ashore. As he jogged away I heard him mutter, “You’ll never make it.” Second mistake at UDT!

I was hauled back to the base late Sunday night by the shore patrol without my I.D. card, which they turned over to the O.O.D. The next morning at 9: A.M. my presence was requested at the Training Officer’s office. Mr. Wilson (Jim), later known as the “Little Brown Nut”, asked me for the details. I told him seeing as I wouldn’t be going on liberty again for 16 weeks, I had overreated. He said he did the same thing only he didn’t get caught. He flipped my I.D. card back to me and said, “No problem here, you’ll never make it anyway.”

Sixteen weeks later, minus 88 people, ten others and myself were standing before an Admiral receiving our graduation diplomas. The Admiral’s comment to me was, “My, you’re an old one!” I was 26, and the oldest guy in the class.

I spent four good years at UDT-21. Got married in ’60 to a beautiful girl named Viola, had twin boys in ’62, and was still on my honeymoon after four years, being gone most of the time in the Med, Caribbean, and assorted schools. I put in for shore duty at Key West and transferred in ’67.

Four years later and two more additions to my family, Margaret and Patricia, I was asked by the Commanding Officer where I wanted to go. UDT personnel had the choice of East Coast, West Coast, and UDT or SEAL. Well, I wasn’t about to become a West Coast puke, which was what us superior East Coast FROGS called them. I’d already done the UDT bit, so I asked for and got SEAL 2 on the East Coast.

As I checked into SEAL Team, I was greeted by Rudy Boesch, who told me in this order: “Get a haircut, you’ve got the weekend duty, and don’t unpack your seabag-you’re going to Ranger School on Monday.” It was Friday afternoon. “By the way, welcome back”, he said.

I did four more good years in SEAL Team, and as I was getting kind of long in the tooth, I decided to retire on my 38th birthday. May 23rd was a Sunday, so I retired on the 24th, 25 years ago tomorrow.

The late Dow Byers, retired Senior Chief, came to my rescue and got me a job at Old Dominion University, where I stayed for 14 years. We both rose from the ranks. I made Sergeant. Dow made Chief of Police. During this time, Viola and I put the four siblings through O.D.U. (Old Dominion University), at one time having two seniors, a sophomore, and a freshman all living at home. Dow retired, and I decided to become a mailman. Wrong career move; it was on the same level of Ranger School in my memories. Billy Coulson, my former UDT classmate, notified me of an opening out here at Dam Neck, and I quit the Post Office five minutes later. Which brings me to the present.

One other sea story and I’ll quit. I’d just like to state that I was never arrested with Fox, Owl, Byrd, and Lyons. It was just Fox and me at the Wingding in Ocean View doing some male bonding at 2 A.M. When we didn’t depart the premises quickly enough for the Proprietor, we found ourselves handcuffed in the back seat of a patrol car with one officer asking us our names. I piped up wisely telling him he wouldn’t believe us if I told him, and he said, “Try me!” I said, “O.K., mine’s Jack Rabbitt and his is Jim Fox.” He said, “O.K. wise guy, we’ll find out your names once we get to the station.” Needless to say, we couldn’t get our I.D. cards out fast enough. They shook their heads and called the UDT O.O.D. to come pick us up. The next day we both paid $25 bucks and that was it.

Finally, I again would like to thank my wife, Viola, for putting up with me these past 36 years. I know I couldn’t have done it without her. Thanks again for attending.

John Francis Rabbitt and Viola 

Augie Maynard  R.I.P.

  After a long battle with cancer, has found everlasting peace. Our most sincere condolences to his widow and family. 230 Laurel Creek Road Statesville, NC 28677  The UDT-SEAL Assn informed me today Sep 1, 1998. We regret to inform the Membership that Chief Petty Officer (Retired) Augie Maynard of the East Coast UDTs passed away this morning. 

Bill ‘Red’ Fisher  R.I.P.

( In 1957, Bill graduated in Class 19.)
(see class 19 reunion picture underSEAL Reunion Bash 1998) Date: Thursday, September 10, 1998 7:56 PM  We have another Team Mate who has gone on to that ‘Big DZ in the sky’. Bill ‘Red’ Fisher died yesterday. They had turned his ventilator off as they could do no more for him. He had been suffering from a brain tumor for a long time. it has been shutting down parts of his body over a period of time.  Then a few weeks ago his house burned. He was able to get out and went to the burn center. He talked all the way to the center but never was able to speak again. He finally had congestive heart failure and they turned off his support.  The viewing will be tomorrow and the Funeral will be at 1400 Sat. (29th) in Silver Point, TN. He will be remembered by all who knew him. If you knew, him you could not forget him. Hey, we don’t forget Team Mates anyway.  I’ll add his Wife’s address at the end. Please pass this on to all your Team Mates by e-mail. Thanks. Joyce Fisher 4418 Fisher Road Silver Point, TN 38582 tel: 931-858-4261   931-858-4261 Lou Boyles   boylesl@netw.com  Navy Military Funerals Navy military funerals are based on a few simple customs and traditions. Such funerals are open recognition of the Nation’s debt for the services and sacrifices of its Navy men and women. The ceremonial customs comprising the elements of a naval funeral are rooted in ancient naval and military usage. Based on expedients used on the battlefield, these customs have come to assume a deeper significance than that of mere expediency. The flag that covers the casket today symbolized the services of the deceased in the armed forces of the United States; the Nation regards the burying of its military dead as a solemn and sacred obligation. The tree volleys that are fired, accoring to ancient belief, were to scare away evil spirits. It is appropriate that taps be played over the grave to make the beginning of the last, long sleep, and to express hope and confidence in an ultimate reveille to come. The reversal of rank at funerals is an acknowledgment that at death all persons are equal. This is signified by positioning the honorary pallbearers, and all other mourners, if practicable, in reverse order of rank.    Erasmo”DocRio” Riojas .

                                           L. M. (Malcolm) Campbell

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