As reported by Roy Warren, via Bill Feasenmyer - LTC Bob Howard (Medal of Honor winner) age 70 died in Waco, Texas while being cared for by his daughter in December 2009.  LTC Howard went to Rigger School in the early 50’s and received a commission shortly thereafter and was awarded the Medal of Honor in Vietnam as a SFC.  He served at Bragg in Special Forces.

     As reported by Barry Gannon, via Del Weitman - Marie Cole, the wife of Gary Cole (one of our Aussie brothers) passed away on 7 Dec 2009.  She will be missed by all that knew her.

     Loving Father, Wayne Coker, informs us that his son Brandon S. Coker passed away on 25 Apr 09.  Brandon was a Police Officer for Vance County NC's Sheriff department.  He died in an accident while on duty responding to reckless driver call.  Brandon was previously a Parachute Rigger, earning the Dodge Award and was recognized as the Honor Graduate during his training at Ft Lee.  He will be missed by all that knew and loved him.

     Bill Feasenmyer sends:  With great sorrow I report that MSG Richard "Rick" Raskin passed away on 31 August 2009. His children, John and Patty, informed me of his passing on Tuesday 8 Sept and asked that I inform the Rigger community.  No cause of death was given, but I know Rick suffered long, on and off, with lung cancer and is in a much better, more peaceful  place now.  I served with "Bones", as he was affectionately known, in the 1950's at the 11th PM Co. at Fort Campbell, KY., as did a bunch of you as well. He was one of my main instructors at the 11th Rigger's parachute packing course held in 2nd Pack for all us new guys. I was an E-2 at the time fresh from the 511th PIR and so happy to be there!  Rick was one of those anomalies that you run into in the Army, every so often......he was a Platoon Sergeant  that everyone liked. I never heard a complaint about him, and coming from an E-2 that's quite something.  Please remember him and his family in your prayers and thoughts.

     Frank Castillo reports - "COL (R) John E. Dawley Jr. passed away 6 March 2009 at Loyola University Medical Center, Maywood, IL and was buried at Arlington National Cemetery on  April 21, 2009 with full and most deserving Military Honors.  Col Dawley, Big John,  admired and respected, was a soldier’s Commander.  He commanded 600^th QM Co (AERS), 530^th S& S “Super-Leg” BN ,  and the Airborne Dept. Ft. Lee.  God Bless Col (R) John E. Dawley  Jr. ,  All the Way Sir!"

     Del Weitman sends - the Fayetteville Observer reports that SFC (R) Thomas B O'Donnell, Sr, 78, of Fayetteville, died Monday Feb. 23, 2009.  He was a veteran of both the Korean and Vietnam wars and a strong supporter of the Red Hat Chapter.

     It is has been reported that MSG (R) Samuel M. Mayfield passed away on 24 Dec 08.  He died from congestive heart failure.  He will truly be missed by all.

     Art Ricci reported to the RHC on 20 Dec 08, "I just wanted to pass on the information that CW4 Bill Chrisman passed away Friday 19 December. Bill was 82 years old."

     Jeff Salbrun reported to the RHC on 14 Nov 08, "Our fellow friend and Airborne Rigger Todd McInnis has tragically passed away this past 2008 Veteran's Day. He will be greatly missed...."

     It is with a heavy heart that I inform you that PVT Willington Rhodes passed away in his bunk at Bagram AFB, Afghanistan on 16 Jul 08.  His death is non-combat related.  He will be missed by all.

     Charlie Watts forwards us the following:  Once again I must inform you of the death of a fellow parachute rigger.  SP4 Jerry L. Good (age 70) living in Hickory, NC for the past 50 years died of surgery from a colon operation.  Jerry was with us in 549th QM CO in Japan from 1958 to 1960.

     Superchief reports that SFC (R) Cecil E. Sprague and CW3 James E. Davis (age 84) have died.  CW3 Davis had been battling cancer for years.  SFC Sprague was a WWII vet that made the Corregidor combat jump with the 503rd PIR.  

     Carlos Carr reports that CW2 Gabriel Caron, a former 600th QM rigger, died in a car accident on 27 Dec 07 in Lowville NY.  This Iraq veteran is survived by two sons.  God bless.

     Fellow Riggers report the death of  MSG (Ret) James A. Green, Jr., of Fayetteville , NC .  He died on 3 Jan 2008. Please remember him and his family in your prayers.

     Frank Castillo reports that CSM (R) Dennis A. Ramos passed away Thursday, 29 Nov 07.  CSM (R) Ramos was best known to the Parachute Riggers of that era as the Desert Shield and Desert Storm 1^st COSCOM SGM.

     Frank Castillo reports that SGT James "Jim" Boyle passed away in the hospital 28 Oct 07 of heart related complications.  Frank said, "We shared great moments at several RHC meetings".

     1SG (R) Charlie Watts sends:  "I am saddened to inform you that Mrs. Sarah Hanson, Widow of PSG (Ret) Raymond C. Hanson, notified me today that Ray passed away before 2:00 AM this morning, 27 Oct 07."

     Reported by CW4 Leo Venckus, "It is with a heavy heart that I have to inform you on the passing of CW3 (R) Jeff Martell.  He passed away after a brief but aggressive battle with cancer."  He is survived by his wife Cathy and two sons, Jeremy and Jordan.

     The RHC regrets to inform its members that SFC Daryle Taylor, age 42 died Tuesday, 18 SEP 07 in Charlotte, NC. Cause of death is unknown and as you can imagine is a shock to everyone. He recently retired from the Army as a Parachute Rigger assigned to the ABNSOTD.

     Charlie Watts sends:  "It is with a great deal of sadness and remorse that I report the very recent deaths of the following comrade Rigger Veterans: 1SG (Ret)  Julian Roach,  Gary Roosa (Former Corporal), and Edward M. Plank (Former Corporal)"

     Superchief@nc.rr.com sends:  "I regret to inform you SFC (R) Austin E. Estes, age 82, died at his daughter’s house in New Mexico . No other information is available.  SFC (R) Estes served in the 549^th and was married to Mrs. Kyoko Estes for over 45 years."  Our thoughts and prayers will be with you.

     I regret to inform you that CW2 Eugina Emmons lost her fight with cancer Saturday, 14 Apr 07,  at her home in Fayetteville.  She is survived by her husband and four children.  Our thoughts and prayers will be with them all.

     I regret to inform you that Marilyn Kennebeck, wife of auctioneer and former Vice President of the RHC (Jim Kennebeck) passed away early Sunday morning (18 Mar 07).  There are no services planned.  All of our thoughts and prayers will be with them.

     From 1SG (R) Charlie Watts:   I regret to inform you that SSG (R) Dean Branson, age 82, died Friday, 30 Dec 2006 in a Tulsa , OK hospital.  Source of this information was an e-mail letter from CW4 (R) Roy Warren which was forwarded to me by recipient ‘Aohiobuckeye@c.s. com ’

     Colonel (R) William Pencak died Friday 22 Dec 2006 at his Clarksville , TN residence.  Visitation is scheduled for 3:00 to 6:00 PM Wed 27 Dec 2006 followed immediately by Funeral Services at McReynolds Nave Funeral Home in Clarksville , TN.   Burial with full Military Honors will be at 3:00 PM Thursday, 28 Dec 2006 at Greenwood Cemetery in Clarksville , TN.  Please keep him, his widow Jean, and his family in your prayers.

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