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Welcome to the VMF/VMF(aw)/VMFA-115 Reunion Association Homepage
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Click Here to Read About The Silver Eagles Past Year. "One Fight, One Team, One Family, One Fifteen" ******************** Check out our new Challenge Coin!
If you would like to have one, send a $10.00 donation (along with $2.50 postage) to the Association and we'll send it right out. Please include you name, address, phone number and e-mail along with the years you served with the squadron and your MOS. Make checks ($12.50) payable to VMFA-115 Reunion Association. Send it to: VMFA-115 Reunion Association c/o Jim Brady 1314 Somerset Road Severn, MD 21144-1943 The Association appreciates your support and the coin is truly one-of-a-kind that you'll be proud to own. ******************** ******************** List of Reunion Attendees, 2003 - Present ******************** If you have not been able to attend a reunion we would still like to have your name on our online roster. E-mail me at vanmac@bellsouth.net and I will add your name to our New Additions Roster. Thanks for your interest in the 115 Reunion Association. Van McCarty, administrator.
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Santa Barbara, 1944. Joe Foss is standing in front of the down prop. ********************
Here's an interesting fact about the above insignia from Conrad A. "Al" Jorgenson, Colonel, USMC, Retired:
"Thanks for the coin. I thought you might be interested
in the origin of the Silver Eagle design. I was the S-2 of VMF (aw)115
during the first three years of the F4D period (1957-1959). Hap Langstaff
was skipper (after Flickinger crashed the first Ford to be delivered and
Smoke Spanjer was sent to HQMC. Hap decided we needed a new logo and asked
that squadron members submit ideas. My NCOIC , TSGT N. O. Hall submitted
the winning design. Only he had the diagonal lines going from top right to
bottom left. Someone pointed out that in old heraldry that meant the owner
was a bastard. TSGT Hall changed the stripes and came up with essentially
what you have now."
******************** Click here for Fall 2006 Newsletter Click here for Spring 2006 Newsletter Click here for Fall 2005 Newsletter Click here for Spring 2005 Newsletter Click here for Fall 2004 Newsletter Click here for July 2004 Newsletter Click here for May-June 2004 Newsletter Click here for Spring 2004 Newsletter ******************** 2008 Reunion, Arlington, Virginia
Trip to National Museum of the Marine Corps in Quantico. Front l-r: McCarty, Sypkens, Monihan, Yahner. Back l-r: Wallestad, Beye, Sheffe, Brady. Not pictured Gill and Reader.
Our visit to the Holocaust Memorial Museum included a private Luncheon and a Guest Speaker for our group.
Here's the crew in the Ready Room, that's John Gibson up front in the green shirt.
Following dinner at the DoubleTree, here the Baker's Dozen for 2008. Front l-r: Wallestad, Brady, Alton, Gill Back l-r: Sypkens, Gibson, Yahner, McCarty, Sheffe, Monihan, Reader, Horne, Beye ******************** 2007 Reunion, San Diego, California
WWII l-r: Brummell, Hodson, Alton, Sypkens
Korea l-r: Rogozinski, __?__ , Reader, Gilbert, Brummell (WWII), Zaccagnino, Gill, Blais
Vietnam and Beyond l-r, front row: Wallestad, Street, Gollihur, Horne l-r, back row: Chouinard, Redmond, Takahashi, ______, Cannon, Kittrell, ______, ______, Hagen, Teague (above photos are courtesy of Emily Teague) (If anyone has notes and/or pictures you would like to share, please send them to me. We'd like to know a little bit about who was there and a few highlights of the September reunion. Thanks.) ********************
2006 Reunion, Laconia, New Hampshire 2006 Reunion Attendees
Click here for Proclamation from Governor
The Pride and Joy of the Reunion Association. Our WWII vets in attendance. They are from left-to-right: Don Sypkens, Dottie Alton, Andrew Moynihan, Ed Davis (also a WWII Marine, friend of Moynihan) Bill Hodson and Ken Goode. (photo: Jim Brady)
Part of the group on tour–from left to right: John Moynihan, Nate Hazeltine, John Kennedy, Jim Gill, Lisa Chouinard, John Chouinard, Jim Brady (on plane), Joyce Bankester, Patty McDaniels, Carol Ann Egy (climbing on plane) Ken Uhl, Dorothy Hodson, John Reader, Bill Hodson, George Martina, Lisa Hazeltine, Andy Moynihan, Dottie Alton, Don Sypkens, Roy Alton and Ed Malin. (photo: Jim Brady) A Special Thanks to John Gibson: Lisa sends out a special "thank you" to John for bringing his wonderful, large display of airplanes that he has assembled. Everyone agreed the display was a fantastic addition to the hospitality room. We appreciate you!
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The 2005 Reunion is now in the history books. We all had a wonderful time renewing old acquaintances, sampling that famous gulf coast cuisine, and spending time at the National Museum Of Naval Aviation located on board N.A.S. Pensacola. Look for a recap of activities in the Fall 2005 Newsletter. Click here for a list of the faithful Attendees. A special thanks to all the family members and friends who accompanied their Marines to our reunion.
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Here is a list of Attendees of the 2004 Reunion which was held in Quantico, VA (Dumfries) in August. In addition to seeing old friends and meeting new ones, our itinerary included visits to all the war memorials in Washington, D.C., a trip to the new air and space museum (The Steven F. Udvar-Hazy Center) and a spectacular Sunset Parade at the famous 8th & I Marine Barracks. We especially enjoyed the company of the 59-61 Group which chose to be a part of this year's reunion. Details of all the reunion activities are contained in the Fall 2004 Newsletter. Thanks to our Chairman, Lynn Hagen, for the time and effort in putting the newsletter together for us to enjoy.
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Here is a list of Attendees of the 2003 Reunion which was held at Beaufort, SC in July. The reunion was held in conjunction with the squadron's 60th anniversary. The squadron personnel simply overwhelmed us with their open arms and hospitality. Marines spanning the entire 60 year history were in attendance--from the F4F's of Guadalcanal to the F18A's of Operation Iraqi Freedom and all those other fantastic flying machines in between.
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The military.com web site has a VMFA-115 unit page which I also recommend. It only takes a few minutes to register, and it contains a lot of names and useful information. Give it a click and see for yourself. ******************************************** PAGES FROM THE PAST
The above photo was taken on December 18, 2000. Caption: "Six generations of Silver Eagles commanding officers were present for the VMFA-115 change of command." (This would have been Lt. Col. Lewis relieving Lt. Col. Walsh). Names I have so far (left-to-right): Lewis, Levesque, ????, Holt, Chisum, Walsh. Any help with the unidentified CO would be greatly appreciated. Thanks. vanmac@bellsouth.net Footnote to above picture: Lt. Col. Tim Holt died on May 29, 2008 after a long battle with cancer. He was CO of VMFA-115 from 1 June 90 - 14 August 92. He lived in Beaufort, SC. ********************
ordnance men standing immediately behind sign: (l) ????? (r) Richard M. "Charlie" Brown personnel in line behind them: (left to right) Andy Riggle; Major C. W. Heinzerling, Jr., Maint. Officer; Capt. John French, Pilot; Sgt. Maj. W. F. Sears; J. L. "Jimmye" Jones; Robert C. Greenlee; Lt. Les Amick, RIO; Lt. John Fogg, Pilot & O.I.C. Ordnance Shop; Walley Gordon on top of Phantom: J. E. Labor photo taken ????, ??, 1970 photo and names compliments of Dick Brown who has a journal of his return visit to Chu Lai, along with pictures, posted at www.homestead.com/firstmaw under "Chu Lai, Now & Then." ******************** (Dave Horne provided this account of VMFA-115 being redeployed to Da Nang in 1972. It has more details than you'll find in the squadron's history book.) VMFA 115 Deployment 1972 26 March 1972 --- In the latter part of March 1972 the North Vietnamese commenced an overt invasion of South Vietnam. On 5 April 1972, the 1st MAW received a warning order from FMFPAC to be prepared to deploy two squadrons to RVN. The decision was made to use the F-4 squadrons of VMFA-115 and VMFA-232 from MAG-15. On the morning of 6 April the 1st MAW received word that JCS had issued an execute order for the deployment of the two tactical squadrons to RVN. Immediate action was taken to stage the two squadrons to NAS Cubi Point to await the execute order from COMSEVENTHFLT. At noon, the first elements of the two squadrons were airborne on their way to NAS Cubi Point. At 1744 on 6 April the execute order was received from COMSEVENTHFLT and was immediately passed to NAS Cubi Point. The lead element of VMFA-115 arriving just minutes later. This operation to rapidly deploy the two squadrons into Vietnam was marred by the loss of an F-4 on departure from NAF Naha enroute to NAS Cubi Point. Both crew members were lost in the accident. The total time required for the deployment of MAG-15 (Fwd), with two F-4
squadrons (VMFA-115, w/12 F-4B aircraft and VMFA-232, w/15 F-4J aircraft), along
with support elements from H&MS-15 and MABS-15, was just 2 days. The last
increment of follow-on cargo to the initial lift arrived on the fourth day. The
total lift of MAG-15 (Fwd), including supporting elements, totaled 984 Marines,
2,099,702 lbs of cargo (187,020 cubic feet) amd was provided by the Pacific
Command Transportation Management Agency (PATMA), the Military Airlift Command
(MAC), and Marine KC-130F (VMGR-152) assets. After COMUSMACV imposed a two day
stand down for air crew orientation, the first combat sorties were flown on 9
April. The command element of MAG-15 deployed to RVN with the squadrons was
designated as MAG-15 (Fwd). These squadrons would move to Nam Phong, Thailand during the summer of 1972. <<<+>>> (Dale Martin submits this information on Mike Koehnen. Mike was responsible for setting up the website for marines who served at the "Rose Garden". We have been fortunate to have some Rose Garden marines attend our reunions. You can find their website at www.namphong.com.) Michael D. Koehnen, 53, of Jamestown, ND passed away on Friday, September 23, 2005 at MeritCare Hospital in Fargo, North Dakota. Michael was born March 13, 1952, in Jamestown, the son of Aloyis and Jeanette (Balken) Koehnen. He grew up in Jamestown and attended Saint John’s Academy and Jamestown High School. He married Sharon Lien of Jamestown on June 21, 1973. A Vietnam Veteran; Michael proudly and honorably served in the United States Marine Corps from 1970 to 1974. He later attended Jamestown College. Michael then served with the Jamestown Fire Department for 18 years, and became City Fire Marshall. Michael was working for the United States Postal Service at the time of his passing. Michael was a Life Member of the Veterans of Foreign Wars. Michael made many good friends through his mastery of computers, technology, and the Internet. Michael is survived by his wife Sharon (Lien) Koehnen of Jamestown, ND, father Aloyis Koehnen of Peoria, AZ, sister Vicki Novak of Durango, CO, sister Nancy Mosley of Pembroke GA, brother Richard of Chula Vista, CA, sister Andrea Carper of Pueblo, CO, and hundreds of heartbroken Marine Veterans. He was preceded by his mother Jeanette (Balken) Koehnen. 230 Years of U.S. Marines are calling out "Welcome Home.” We will sorely miss you Brother. Rest in Peace.
<<<+>>> Association Member R.J. Renock has set up a "Related Homepage" at military-dot-com's VMFA-115 Unit Page. He also posted pictures from Chu Lai taken during his 68-69 tour. Check it out: http://unitpages.military.com/unitpages/unit.do?id=765203 <<<+>>> And Don Franklin contributes this link for the Skyray fans...Try this site for F4D-Skyray information and image. http://www.vectorsite.net/avskyray.html <<<+>>>
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2009 Obituaries: Don Sypkens, 1923 - 2009
Donald Walter Sypkens, 85, Turney, Mo., passed away,
Monday, February 9, 2009, at the Cameron Regional Medical Center. Born in a
farmhouse near Pinagree, North Dakota, on Aug. 27, 1923, he grew up in
Rockwell City, Iowa. In 1950, he married Dorothy (Mann) Sypkens, she
preceded him in death in 1992. On Dec. 16, 1961, he married Carol A.
(Miller) Sypkens, who also preceded him in death in 1989. Joining the
Marines in 1942, he was assigned to VMFA-115 Joes Jokers Corsair Squadron.
He took part in WWII battles from Guadalcanal to Zamboango, Philippines, as
a Corsair mechanic. After the war, he worked for Trans World Airlines for 38
years as a Flight engineer flying the Constellation, Boeing 707, Lockheed
L1011 and Boeing 747. His joy was working on his farm near Turney. He was an
active member of the First Christian Church, Plattsburg Masonic Lodge 113,
Moila Shrine, Plattsburg VFW Post, Save-a-Connie, VMFA-115 Reunion
Association and the TWA Heart of America Seniors. He follows his sisters,
Helen Morris and Marion Jenner; his parents, William and Mary (Meyer)
Sypkens. He is survived by his children, Sally Stewart, Lenexa, Kan., Nancy
Fricke, Merriam, Kan., Rebecca Koestner, Oviedo, Fla. Steven, Sypkens,
Turney, Linda, Sypkens, Columbia, Mo., Cynthia Gassman, Kearney, Mo., Lara
Klover, Lone Jack, Mo., Chad Sypkens, Hillside, Ill.; his brother, Arnold
Sypkens, Highland, Calif.; 16 grandchildren and one great-grandchild.
Services 1 p.m. Saturday, First Christian Church, Plattsburg. Interment Log
Church Cemetery, Plattsburg. Family visitation 6 to 8 p.m. Friday, Bailey &
Cox Family Funeral Service, Plattsburg. The Family suggests memorial gifts
to Moila Shrine.
Published in the Kansas City Star on 2/11/2009
You may view/sign Don's guestbook by clicking on
this link:
As most of you know Don attended each and every
reunion the association has held. His WWII buddies called him "Whitey".
2008 Obituaries: Ray Teague, Chairman 2007-2008
Ray Gene Teague (condolences may be sent to the family on the funeral home's registry by clicking on this link) http://www.funeralplan2.com/waynebozefh/
2007 Obituaries: Gilbert J. Jolly October 17, 1923 - September 15, 2007
The Jolly Family, along with many friends, co-hosted the 1999 Reunion in Biloxi, Mississippi. Gilbert, an original member of the squadron, is remembered as being the squadron's barber and oh the stories he could tell.
2006 Obituaries: (notification from Harry Rawlinson regarding JOE McGOVERN) "Carol Ann Edgy phoned me this afternoon and advised that original pilot of VMF-115, Joe McGovern, had passed away yesterday afternoon. He was 84 years of age. It is believed that only two pilots from the original founding of VMF-115 are still alive. The Funeral will be Sunday, Jan. 8, 2006, in Sarasota, FL, where he lived. His wife, Deedee, is doing OK. His address and phone number is the same as listed on our Squadron Reunion List." (announcement in local newspaper)
Joseph I. McGovern, 84, Sarasota, died Jan. 6, 2006, at Hospice House of
Sarasota.
He was born in the Chicago area and came to Sarasota in 1967. He graduated from Loyola University and DePaul Law School and was president of the John J. Maloney Brokerage Co. He was a fighter pilot in the Marines 115th Squadron during World War II and served in the South Pacific and the Philippines. He was a member of St. Michael's Catholic Church. Survivors include his wife of 60 years, Nadine; children Chris of Glenwood Springs, Colo., Terry of Spring Hope, N.C., Patrick of Atlanta, Kathy of Nokomis and Michael and Dennis, both of Sarasota; 13 grandchildren; and eight great-grandchildren. A memorial Mass will be at 10:30 a.m. Tuesday at St. Michael's Catholic Church, Siesta Key. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to TideWell Hospice and Palliative Care, 5955 Rand Blvd., Sarasota, FL 34238; or to a favorite charity. (personal note) Joe was last with us at the 2003 reunion in Beaufort. For those who attended the memorial service for the late Joe Foss during the gathering, you might remember Mr. McGovern as he graciously offered "Words of Tribute" to his former CO during the program held on the runway at Page Field, MCRD, Parris Island. He was tall, deep-voiced and always a pleasure to be around. The members of the VMFA-115 Reunion Association sends our deepest regrets to his family. 1-9-06/VM also, (notification from Lynn Hagen regarding JOHN B. MAAS) "In the last Leatherneck magazine is the obituary of John B. Mass, who passed away at 85. The obituary gives credit for 380 missions in two wars with 5.5 kills, and credited with being in VMF-112 and VMF-322. He died August 7, 2005." (entry for Col. Maas at http://www.wwiimemorial.com) Activity during WWII Marine Fighter Pilot. He was in the first Marine Squadron to land and fight at Guadalcanal in 1942. He was a fighter pilot all through the war in the Pacific. He was a much decorated Major at the end of the war. (notation in Fall 2004 Newsletter) An email from Matthew Peck in July, a former XO of the VMFA-115 in Vietnam, dropped a note stating that Col. Maas is a really top notch Marine. His email said that Col. Maas is known far and wide as "Blue Lead", his call sign at 115/K-3 in Korea. (2004 reunion attendees) Will remember that Col. Maas was the featured speaker at our banquet. He was CO of The Silver Eagles from September 52 to January 53. We are truly sorry to hear of his passing.
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Our condolences go out to the families of Jake Stub and Frank Hooks. News of Jake's passing reached us last week. At 85 he was the oldest pilot of the original VMF-115 squadron still with us and he was a regular at the annual reunions. Jake did the honors as guest speaker at the 2003 reunion. According to a write-up in the September 2003 newsletter, "Jake Stub was called "General" by the enlisted men. It was their way of showing respect for a great leader, top pilot and officer." In WWII, he was credited with downing four Japanese aircraft. Jacob O. Stub was living in Nevada prior to his death. Captain Franklin R. Hooks II, age 32, lost his life this past weekend in an accident as his F/A-18+ went down on a training mission in the eastern Atlantic Ocean. He was flying off the USS Harry Truman. Captain Hooks was the point man for the '03 reunion. He did much of the planning for the squadron's 60th anniversary celebration while still at sea participating in Operation Iraqi Freedom. In fact, he set up this home page which he graciously transferred to the association for our use following the reunion. Capt. Hooks' Hornet was on static display in the 115 hangar for reunion goers to see up close and even sit in its cockpit (aircraft 211, his call sign "Puj"). Frank lived in Beaufort with his wife, Cindy. The 115 Reunion Association thanks these two Marines for their service to our country and for the examples they set for us to follow. We will miss Jake and Frank more than words can ever say. Godspeed, Sirs. 6-29-04/VM
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