Mario Francisco Espino, a Navy Aircrewman, avid waterman, and proud local of Kailua, Hawaii, was born October 1st, 1987, in El Paso, Texas. He passed September 30th, 2020, the day before his 33rd birthday. Mario served as full-time support for VR-51 Windjammers at Kaneohe Marine Corps Base, which not only allowed him the opportunity to explore the world but provided him with an extended Navy family that he deeply cherished. 

Mario lived a vibrant and active life, embracing every moment to its fullest. He enjoyed traveling the world while at the same time pursuing his passions for surfing and photography. He exemplified the “Spirit of Aloha” through his profound love for the island, its people, and his devotion to his wife, family, God, and friends. Mario’s love of the ocean was only surpassed by the love and aloha he spread with everyone fortunate enough to have met him.

Warrant Officer W-1, U.S. Navy

Veteran of:

U.S. Navy 1946-1948, 1949-1954, 1955-1968
Cold War 1946-1968
Korean War 1950-1951
Vietnam War 1967-1968 (KIA)

Gene Tinnin was born April 11, 1929, in Houston, Texas. He enlisted in the U.S. Navy on April 11, 1946. He was a mess cook at Reception Station Treasure Island, California, then as a guard at Fleet Activity Yokosuka, Japan. He served aboard the heavy cruiser USS Chicago (CA-136) and the aircraft carrier USS Ticonderoga (CV-14).

Petty Officer Tinnin reenlisted in the Navy on April 5, 1949, and then served as an electronics technician (ET) aboard the heavy cruiser USS Macon (CA-132). He was an ET aboard the battleship USS Missouri (BB-63) including Korea.

Petty Officer Tinnin attended Underwater Demolition Team (UDT) training with Class 009 at NAB Little Creek, Virginia, from July to October 1952, and then served with UDT-4 until he left active duty on April 9, 1954.

He reenlisted in the Navy on December 7, 1955, and served as an ET aboard the USS Vandivier.

Petty Officer Tinnin again attended UDT training with Class 017 at NAB Little Creek followed by service with UDT-21 at Little Creek. His next assignment was with SEAL Team TWO at NAB Little Creek, followed by Officer Candidate School for Warrant Officer training.

He was appointed a Warrant Officer in the U.S. Navy and served with SEAL Team ONE at NAB Coronado, California. He deployed to South Vietnamuntil he was killed in action on August 20, 1968.

Kevin graduated from Tolar High School in Tolar, TX in 2009.  He chose to go to the Navy to help pay for college and for the discipline he knew he needed.  He was known for his giant smile and innocence.  It was easy to find him during Boot Camp graduation because he was (even though he was probably not supposed to) smiling from ear to ear.  His friends in the Navy were protective of him and hold him in very high regard even now.  

Gregory Ellis's dedication to service lead him to the United States Navy, where he embraced the call of duty with honor and commitment. He carried with him the values of integrity, strength, and loyalty traits that defined both his military service and his personal life. Greg always made time for his family and friends. With his trademark sense of humor, infectious laugh, and big smile, he knew how to make even the most serious situations light-hearted and fun. He will be remembered as someone with a giving heart, gentle spirit, and friend to all.