FRANKLIN R. HOOKS II, CAPT, USMC

★★★ Memorial Monday ★★★

CAPT Franklin Hooks, II, USMC '97 was lost on June 27, 2004 when the F/A-18C Hornet he was piloting crashed into the Atlantic ocean. He was a member of Marine Fighter Attack Squadron (VMFA) 115, flying from USS Harry S. Truman (CVN 75).

Franklin was raised by his maternal grandparents, who adopted him when he was 7 years old.

"He was just supernatural," a neighbor remembered. "You could search the world over, and you wouldn't find anybody better than Frankie Hooks."

Franklin was an Electronics Technician prior to attending the Naval Academy. He earned his wings in September 2000 and had flown combat missions from Truman in early 2003 during the invasion of Iraq.

He was survived by his wife of two years, Cindy, and his grandmother.

His memorial service closed with his reply to his grandmother when she cautioned him to be careful: “Don’t worry about me. I’m having fun!”

To Honor! ⚓

https://usnamemorialhall.org/index.php/FRANKLIN_R._HOOKS_II,_CAPT,_USMC

STEVE MORIN, JR., SGT, ARNG

★★★ Memorial Monday ★★★

SGT Steve Morin '97 was killed in action in Iraq on September 28, 2005 when the vehicle he was in was destroyed by an improvised explosive device. He was a member of the Texas National Guard's 111th Engineer Battalion, 36th Infantry Division.

Prior to attending the Naval Academy he was an enlisted sailor; he returned to the fleet sometime after the beginning of his 3/c year. He served his country in the Navy for 14 years prior to joining the National Guard for two more. Steve had degrees in economics and finance from Texas Tech University.

It was at Texas Tech that he met his wife, Gwendolyn. She said of her husband, "He’s very strong willed, very determined. Humorous, a clown, but he was also very disciplined and very passionate about what he believed in. He always wanted to serve his country."

In addition to Gwendolyn he was survived by his 12 year old daughter, Brianna; 6 year old son, Esteban; his parents, Steve and Audrey; a sister and a brother.

To Honor! ⚓

https://usnamemorialhall.org/index.php/STEVE_MORIN,_JR.,_SGT,_ARNG

MATTHEW S. SHUBZDA, LT, USN

★★★ Memorial Monday ★★★

LT Matt Shubzda, USN '98 was lost on October 18, 2002 when the F/A-18 he was piloting collided with another over the Pacific Ocean near Monterey, California. Three other crewmen were also killed.

The Matt Shubzda Memorial Scholarship is presented to the graduating senior of Naaman Forest High School (Garland, TX) who best exemplifies overall excellence and who has also demonstrated active participation in extracurricular activities as well as strong leadership and academic skills. In high school he played baseball and football, and was voted "Freshman Class Favorite" and "Junior Most Handsome."

A native of Sachse, Texas, Matt had been married since only June to his high school sweetheart. He was also survived by his parents, sister, and two younger brothers, one of whom is a USNA '00 graduate and also a F/A-18 pilot.

To Honor! ⚓

https://usnamemorialhall.org/index.php/MATTHEW_S._SHUBZDA,_LT,_USN

SETH R. MICHAUD, CAPT, USMC

★★★ Memorial Monday ★★★

Captain Seth Michaud, USMC '98, was lost on June 22, 2003 when a B-52 dropped nine bombs near his position during a military exercise in the Republic of Djibouti. He was 27 and a CH-53E helicopter commander.

Seth was an outstanding athlete, an Eagle Scout, and remembered by a childhood friend as "one of the most upstanding kids you'd ever meet."

He met his future wife, Karen, on the ski slopes of Colorado while he was still a midshipman. They were married in 1999 and had a son, Ian.

Seth's dad, Francis, said "You were so proud to be a daddy. All of the phone calls and stories were about Ian, there were even more of those than about flying. … As a young man you were full of integrity, a person who made a difference in our world. You are my hero and I know you are with us today with that grin."

In addition to his wife, son, and father, Seth was survived by his mother Karen, brother Ethan, and sister Sam. (Sam has been a core member of the Run To Honor board for several years.)

To Honor! ⚓

https://usnamemorialhall.org/index.php/SETH_R._MICHAUD,_CAPT,_USMC

Alumni KIA in WWII While Serving in Canadian Armed Forces

★★★ Memorial Monday ★★★
There have been reports of several American military veterans who have joined Ukraine's fight against Russia. This fight for American ideals of a free and democratic nation is nothing new for Naval Academy alumni: During WWII, four men were killed while serving in the Royal Canadian Air Force; another was killed in the Royal Canadian Army. All five had joined (and one was killed in action) prior to the United States' entry into the war.

• 1LT Donald Ayer, RCA '34
• FO (Flight Officer) John Avise, RCAF '34
• FO William Mathews, Jr., RCAF '40
• SGT John Jacques, RCAF '41
• Flight LT David Laird, RCAF '42

They are listed with their classmates, and with other alumni killed in action in WWII, in Memorial Hall.

To Honor! ⚓

RAUL D. JIMENEZ, LT, USN

★★★ Memorial Monday ★★★

LT Raul David Jimenez, USN '98 was lost on January 27, 2006 when the T-34 training plane he was aboard crashed about three miles south of Naval Air Station Corpus Christi, Texas. He was the instructor pilot; the student aboard was also killed.

In high school, David was a member of the football team, the baseball team, the band, and student council. He graduated 7th in his class. At the Naval Academy he earned his degree in Aerospace Engineering.

David's first tour was as a helicopter pilot. He was survived by his wife, Laura, to whom he was married in 2004; and his mother.

To Honor! ⚓

https://usnamemorialhall.org/index.php/RAUL_D._JIMENEZ,_LT,_USN

JOHN N. WILT, 1LT, USMC

★★★ Memorial Monday ★★★

1LT John Wilt, USMC '00 was lost on May 8, 2002 when the T-39 training aircraft he was aboard collided with another over the Gulf of Mexico. The other six instructors and students aboard the two planes were also killed.

"John Nelson Wilt was born August 26, 1978 in Longview, Texas, the son of Nelson and Ann (Pusack) Wilt. His father was a C-130 pilot in the U.S. Air Force. John graduated from O’Fallon [Illinois] Township High School in 1996. He played the tuba in the Marching and Concert bands, participated in the Model United Nations, was a class officer and a member of the football, track and speech teams. He loved reading and also loved running, competing in two marathons. He was an active member of St. Michael’s Episcopal Church in O’Fallon."

To Honor! ⚓

https://usnamemorialhall.org/index.php/JOHN_N._WILT,_1LT,_USMC

CHRISTOPHER H. SNYDER, LT, USN

★★★ Memorial Monday ★★★

LT Christopher Snyder, USN '00 was lost on December 13, 2005 when the SH-60B Seahawk helicopter he was piloting crashed into the Pacific Ocean shortly after takeoff from USS DeWert (FFG 45). The two others aboard were also killed; they were part of a detachment of Helicopter Anti-Submarine Squadron Light (HSL) 48, based in Mayport, Florida.

Chris is remembered as an excellent naval officer and great friend. He was survived by his intended fiancé, his mother, sister, and several aunts and uncles.

To Honor! ⚓

https://usnamemorialhall.org/index.php/CHRISTOPHER_H._SNYDER,_LT,_USN

ALAN A. PATTERSON, LCDR, USN

★★★ Memorial Monday ★★★

LCDR Alan Patterson, USN '00 was lost on March 11, 2013 when the EA-6B he was aboard crashed during low-altitude training near Whidbey Island, Washington. The two others aboard (Valerie Cappelaere Delaney '09 and William McIlvaine '10) were also killed. They were all members of VAQ-129; Alan was an instructor in the squadron.

He married the former Denise Schabener and had two wonderful daughters, Emma Grace and Annsley.

His father wrote:

Love defined Alan’s life, and all things forthright were merely different angles of the love Alan sent downrange and the love he pulled to him every timeline tick of his being. One must only look to the great Love of his life, Denise, who was his welcome companion and soul-mate from the moment their pre-destined union began. Alan loved his daughters, Emma Grace and Annsley. There was nothing he would not do for them, nor were there limits to the attention he necessitated to their lives and well-being. A more positive presence, one would not find other than Alan. Alan honored his family, because he loved his family. His devotion to his parents was paramount, always finding the time to say thank you for the opportunities and support they gave him. He loved his siblings, wasting no moments to be there for them if needed or asked.

To Honor! ⚓

https://usnamemorialhall.org/index.php/ALAN_A._PATTERSON,_LCDR,_USN#Obituary

RONALD D. WINCHESTER, 1LT, USMCR

★★★ Memorial Monday ★★★

1LT Ronald Winchester, USMCR '01 was killed in action on September 3, 2004 when an IED detonated near his vehicle in Al Anbar province, Iraq. He was a member of the 1st Battalion, 7th Marine Regiment, 1st Marine Division, I Marine Expeditionary Force. It was his second combat tour in Iraq; his first was as a platoon commander during the invasion in March 2003.

Ron was part of a longstanding family history in the military; his grandfather had also served in the 1st Marine Division. He is survived by his parents, as well as aunts, uncles and very close friends. More than 1,000 people attended his funeral and the Southern State Parkway on Long Island was closed for the procession.

“When he came home last time, he sat in the dining room telling stories,” family friend Maureen Chiaramonte recounted, “He said, “Aunt Mo, you know what it’s like. You get a choice to sit on the bench or play the game. I don’t want to sit on the bench.”

To Honor! ⚓

https://usnamemorialhall.org/index.php/RONALD_D._WINCHESTER,_1LT,_USMCR

BRET T. MILLER, LT, USN

★★★ Memorial Monday ★★★

LT Bret Miller, USN '01 was lost on October 28, 2009 when the training aircraft he was piloting crashed into the Gulf of Mexico.

His obituary reads:

He was born the son of Rick & Judy (Neumann) Miller, the youngest of three children. Bret grew up in East Troy. He graduated from East Troy High School with the class of 1997. He was well known for his academic and athletic achievements. He was a National Honor Society Scholar as well as the school's all-time leading scorer in basketball. Bret was a four time varsity letter winner in golf and basketball and graduated with high honors. Bret earned an appointment to the United States Naval Academy in Annapolis, MD, where he graduated with the class of 2001. He continued to play basketball and earned a bachelor of science degree in ocean engineering. Upon graduation from USNA in 2001, Bret discovered his love of naval aviation. He attended primary flight training at VT-28, followed by advanced multi-engine training at VT-31, where he earned his Wings of Gold. Following additional training at the [fleet replacement squadron], he reported to the War Eagles of VP-16 for his fleet tour. Bret earned qualifications as patrol plane commander, [functional check flight] pilot, mission commander and instructor pilot and successfully completed two deployments. Bret was a leader and a professional in every sense. He essentially held every qualification in the T-34.

Bret married the true love of his life, Brianne M. Voss, on Oct. 8, 2005, at St. John's Lutheran Church in Elkhorn, WI. While serving in Jacksonville, FL, they welcomed their first son, Chase, in February 2007, and patiently awaiting the arrival of their second son in March 2010. Bret was a devoted husband, father, son, brother and friend. He is survived by his wife, Brianne; son, Chase; parents, Rick and Judy Miller of East Troy, WI; mother-in-law, Twila Voss of Elkhorn, WI; a sister, Tara (Gary) Grocholski of North Prairie, WI; a brother, Chad (Laura) Miller of Watertown, WI; two nieces, Hailey and Grace Grocholski; a nephew, Noah Miller; a brother-in-law, Braidon Voss of Elkhorn, WI; two sisters-in-law, Brittney Voss of Menomonie, WI and Brooke Voss of Elkhorn; grandparents, Elaine (Alex) Gamez of Pewaukee, WI and Shirley Williams Bohrman of Oconomowoc, WI. Bret was preceded in death by his father-in-law, David Voss; grandparents, Harold Neuman, Harry "Ozzie" (Shirley) Miller and Jack "Buck" Bohrman.

Bret and the other officer aboard, LT Joe Houston '02, were members of Training Squadron (VT) 27.

To Honor! ⚓

https://usnamemorialhall.org/index.php/BRET_T._MILLER,_LT,_USN

LANDON L. JONES, LCDR, USN

★★★ Memorial Monday ★★★

LCDR Landon Jones, USN '01 was lost on September 22, 2013 when his helicopter was destroyed on the deck of USS William P. Lawrence (DDG 110) while operating in the Red Sea. The other crewman aboard was also killed.

One classmate said, "Landon 'LBJ' Jones was a wonderful husband, great father and an excellent pilot. The world was a better place with Landon in it and he will be missed by all of his friends."

From the Lompoc Record:

Vincent Culliver, a friend of Jones’ since first grade, recalled when Jones resolved to play hockey and made his own ice rink. “I told my kid the other day, ‘Never say you can’t do anything; Landon made an ice rink in his backyard with wood,’” Culliver said during his eulogy. “He just set some wood up, put the water out there – he knew it was going to freeze the next day – and the next thing you know he was ice skating in a circle.”

Jones was also a thrill-seeker who loved fast-moving vehicles from a young age, his friends and family remembered at the service. As a child he built model airplanes and drew cockpit controls onto cardboard boxes so he could pretend he was flying. As he grew older, he eventually owned a Chevrolet Camaro and a Dodge Viper.

Ned Shores, Jones’ biology teacher at Cabrillo High School, said that affinity for excitement was one reason he decided to pursue the career path he did in the Navy. “Landon told me that if he didn’t get the F-18, then his second choice was not going to be flying other planes because they’re boring,” Shores said. “But he was going to fly helicopters because flying helicopters demanded (that) you gave all your attention.”

Landon was survived by his wife Theresa, sons Anthony and Hunter, mom Debbi, father Larry and brother Nolan.

To Honor! ⚓

https://usnamemorialhall.org/index.php/LANDON_L._JONES,_LCDR,_USN

NICOLAS J. JURON, LT, USN

★★★ Memorial Monday ★★★

LTjg Nick Juron, USN '02 was lost on December 13, 2005 when his SH-60 Seahawk crashed into the Pacific Ocean off the coast of Columbia during anti-drug operations. His helicopter had just launched from USS DeWert (FFG 45). The two other crew aboard were also killed.

A native of Lexington Park, Maryland, Nick received a perfect score on his SAT, was a member of the National Eagle Scout Association, and earned a spot on the USA Rugby team. He was remembered a friend, teammate, and classmate as "one of the smartest guys I knew as well as a fierce competitor both on and off the pitch."

Nick has a memorial marker in Arlington National Cemetery.

To Honor! ⚓

http://usnamemorialhall.org/index.php/NICOLAS_J._JURON,_LT,_USN

MATTHEW C. FREEMAN, CAPT, USMC

★★★ Memorial Monday ★★★

Capt. Matt Freeman, USMC '02 was killed in action in Afghanistan on August 7, 2009. A naval aviator, he was embedded with the Fourth Marines Embedded Training Team when he was killed by rifle fire. (His wings were those of his grandfather, a RADM, and his father, CDR Gary Freeman '76).

A Marine remembered:

As we moved in and took fire a bullet hits in between me and Capt Freeman and goes through the floor. We rush out and charge the hill with our other brothers. I remember seeing Matt majestically pull an Afghan rifleman by the belt to pull him back in the midst of fire because he was so scared he was going to get hit and wouldn’t move. Matt returned fire and talked on the radio to the apaches above and looked like a combat angel. I’ve never seen somebody so cool. We made the decision to move to higher ground and Matt and I cleared a home and made for the roof. There was a lull in the fighting. We started talking and he told me about his wife, a precious girl, and how he couldn’t wait to talk to her on the phone with her later. I then snapped a photo of us looking cool. The fighting picked back up when I felt a bullet hit near my feet and I said we need to get down. “You go first, I’ll cover you.” Those were the last words he said to me.

I still hurt ten years later. I miss a friend I only knew for about 16 hours more than anyone should. And getting to know his precious family has been a joy. Matt will be remembered as the coolest, strongest, most courageous man I know. My sons will know him and honor him like I do. Matt, you are sorely missed, even ten years later. I love you, man. I can’t wait to finish our conversation as we praise God together in Heaven.

Matt was survived by his wife, parents, grandparents, two sisters, brother, and many other loving nephews, aunts, uncles, and cousins. He is buried at the Naval Academy Cemetery.

To Honor! ⚓

https://usnamemorialhall.org/index.php/MATTHEW_C._FREEMAN,_CAPT,_USMC

JOHN J. HOUSTON, LT, USN

★★★ Memorial Monday ★★★

LT John "Joe" Houston, USN '02, was lost on October 28, 2009 when the T-34 plane he was aboard crashed into the Gulf of Mexico.

"Joe was the embodiment of the Naval Academy mission. He was disciplined, methodical, quick to praise others, selfless in his time with friends, a servant who participated in humanitarian causes outside the Academy, and above all else, wholly devoted to the Navy and his country. The hallmarks of Joe that we in 2nd Company came to know were: a pristine uniform, flawless physical conditioning, a humble manner, and perhaps a late study light that always seemed to be burning. Joe was an exemplary midshipman, scholar and patriot who yearned to be a leader."

Later: "He loved being an engineer, adventuresome, loved Texas A&M (that's where his dad went), always had an A&M hat on during liberty. Some of his stories I can't tell in public...but one of the funnier ones, we had finished a Friday parade, showered, ready to go out on a Friday night for dinner, movie, etc, he can't find his keys anywhere...we're all tearing apart his room, the 3-1 deck, wardroom, etc. No luck. Finally decide to either walk or another person go get his illegally parked car. We walk outside Gate 3 by the chapel, his car is parked there, keys in the ignition, running, lights on; he had gone to get his parked car, got a spot outside the gate, and just gone blonde on us..."

Joe was survived by his son Asher, fiancée Jennifer, parents, brother, and sister-in-law.

To Honor! ⚓

https://usnamemorialhall.org/index.php/JOHN_J._HOUSTON,_LT,_USN

JAMES P. BLECKSMITH, 2LT, USMCR

★★★ Memorial Monday ★★★

2LT J.P. Blecksmith, USMCR, '03 was killed in action in Fallujah, Iraq, on November 11, 2004, while leading the 3d Platoon, Company I, 3d Battalion, 5th Marines. Ed, his father: "J.P. wanted to lead his men effectively in combat, and bring them all home safely. He accomplished both of those goals. He just couldn't save himself."

Four other Naval Academy alumni, beginning with LTCOL David McDougal '33 on Okinawa, have been killed in action with our nation's enemies while serving in the 3rd Battalion, 5th Marines.

J.P. was survived by his parents, his brother, and his sister.

To Honor! ⚓

https://usnamemorialhall.org/index.php/JAMES_P._BLECKSMITH,_2LT,_USMCR

https://usnamemorialhall.org/index.php/Category:3rd_Battalion,_5th_Marines

NELS A. GUNDERSON, III, LT, USN

★★★ Memorial Monday ★★★

LT Nels Gunderson, III, USN '46 was lost on May 2, 1956 when his F2H Banshee crashed on approach to USS Yorktown (CV 10).

In December 1950 he had to ditch his aircraft into the sea off the coast of Korea.

There wasn't much to the landing. Nothing much different from an arrested carrier landing except that when I looked up, the nose started to sink and water started to come in the cockpit. So, I stood up, looked down to see if my raft and chute were there, they were, so I stood on the edge of the cockpit and jumped away from the plane. I inflated my life jacket after I was well clear of the plane, took off my chute and broke out my raft. I inflated the raft and hopped in just as old 509 went down. I estimate this took about 30-45 seconds. So within 1 1/2 minutes my mode of transportation changed.

He was survived by his wife, their three children, his mother, and two brothers.

To Honor! ⚓

https://usnamemorialhall.org/index.php/NELS_A._GUNDERSON,_III,_LT,_USN

BRIAN R.S.J. DEFORGE, 1LT, USMCR

★★★ Memorial Monday ★★★

1LT Brian Deforge, USMCR '03, was lost on June 26, 2006 when the F/A-18C he was piloting collided with another near NAS Lemoore, California.

"Brian was a driven young man who set goals and did whatever it took to achieve them. He was a kind human being who considered all others his equal, regardless of their rank or social status. He was a devoted son, brother, cousin, nephew, grandson, husband and father. While at the Naval Academy, Brian met and courted his bride, the former Jane Romano. They were married on Kent Island in Maryland in June of 2003. Brian always dreamed of being a jet pilot, and upon graduation from Annapolis, his dream was fulfilled when he was selected for Marine Corps aviation. Together, Brian and Jane embarked on an adventure in Marine Corps ground and aviation training that took them to Virginia, Florida, Texas and California. Brian excelled as a student pilot and during training in the T-45A Goshawk, he earned the coveted Top Hook Award aboard the USS John F. Kennedy. Upon completion of Primary Flight training, Brian earned his dream selection; he would go on to train in the fighter jet, F-18 Hornet in Strike Fighter Squadron 125. Brian was an excellent student and he truly loved to fly."

"Brian is survived by his wife, Jane; their children, Brian Jr. and Alison; his mother and step-father, John and Patience Landry; his father and step-mother, Robert D. and Carolyn Deforge; his brothers, Aaron, Ryan, Brad, Robby and Zach; his maternal grandmother, Anna St. Jacques; his paternal grandfather, Robert P. Deforge; and many aunts, uncles, cousins and friends."

To Honor! ⚓

https://usnamemorialhall.org/index.php/BRIAN_R.S.J._DEFORGE,_1LT,_USMCR

MICHAEL L. LICALZI, 1LT, USMCR

★★★ Memorial Monday ★★★

First Lieutenant Michael LiCalzi, USMCR, '04 died on May 11, 2006 when his tank rolled off a bridge into a canal in Al Anbar Province, Iraq. Three other men, all members of the 2nd Tank Battalion, 2nd Marine Division, were also killed.

Mike graduated from Chaminade High School in 2000. He ran track and cross country, and was part of crew. He was also a member of the German Club. His outside activities included surfing and later in his life, he even took Italian cooking lessons. Mike graduated from the United States Naval Academy in 2004 with a B.S. in Economics.

A native of Garden City, New York, he was survived by his parents and siblings.

To Honor! ⚓

https://usnamemorialhall.org/index.php/MICHAEL_L._LICALZI,_1LT,_USMCR

AARON D. COX, CAPT, USMC

★★★ Memorial Monday ★★★

CAPT Aaron Cox, USMC '05, was lost on May 5, 2009 when the Super Cobra helicopter he was co-piloting crashed while on a training flight in San Diego County. A native of Little Rock, Arkansas, he was born in Phoenix in 1982.

Voted "Best Personality" at his high school, Aaron was a member of the cross-country track team, the all-state swim team, and the Little Rock Lasers swim team. His family remembers: "A super friend who embraced all of life enthusiastically and unconditionally, inspiring others to 'Follow me!'"

He was survived by his parents, sister, maternal grandmother, and many aunts and uncles. "Also surviving Aaron are the friends he collected throughout his life. Wherever he went, Aaron met people with an easy smile and an open heart. He will be remembered for the kindness, honesty, loyalty and devotion he gave freely and consistently to his family, friends and country, and for a wisdom beyond his years."

To Honor! ⚓

https://usnamemorialhall.org/index.php/AARON_D._COX,_CAPT,_USMC