Christopher Colafati

BU2 Miguel A. Ortiz "Mikey" entered the Navy and joined the Seabees in Aug 2004 as a Builder and made deployments to Okinawa, Japan, Iraq and his final deployment was to Romania and Bulgaria. He and his friends made the best of their deployments by engaging with local villagers both young and old. What his friends told me about Mikey after he passed away in Jul '08 was that Mikey always had a smile on his face no matter what. He was always willing to help his friends out. Mikey was living life to its fullest by making the best of the adventures he went on with his friends and family. He wasn't afraid to try new things, snowboarding, skating, dirt biking, 4 wheeling, etc. His friends shared so many pictures of their adventures and so grateful they captured so many amazing memories together. Mikey never met a stranger; he was so kind to everyone. His laugh was contagious. He is missed.

Joseph Clark Schwedler, known by his family and friends as Clark or often “Clarkie,” was killed near Fallujah, Iraq on April 6, 2007. Clark grew up in Crystal Falls, a small town in Michigan's rural Upper Peninsula. He was the oldest son of C. Joseph and Susan Schwedler and beloved brother of Tom and sister Kate. He is missed greatly by his parents, siblings, tight-knit extended family of aunts, uncles and cousins, and the many friends he made during his life in Crystal Falls, while at school at Michigan State University, and while serving in the Navy.  Schwedler graduated from Forest Park High School in 1997.  He then spent a year working and skiing in Telluride, Colorado before heading to college at Michigan State University. Inspired by the events of 9/11, Schwedler enlisted in the Navy in March 2002 and graduated from BUDS training with Class 246 in 2003. He was then assigned to SEAL Team Four in Virginia Beach and was deployed to Iraq twice where he participated in over 100 combat missions. Schwedler’s military honors include the Bronze Star Medal with "V" for Valor, the Purple Heart, and Navy and Marine Corps Commendation Medal with "V" for Valor. Clark was a natural leader who always looked for opportunities to be kind, build community, and to help others do their best.  His memory lives on in the hearts of all those who knew him.

LTJG Alfred H. Suhr began his tour on February 15, 1969, in Dinh Tuong Province, South Vietnam. He was willing to fly for the Seawolves to support his military family and because of his deep love of flying. He was the son of Emma and Alfred Suhr, immigrants who raised their family on a large farm in Missouri with his sister, Wilma Anne. He married Carolyn R. Kearley on December 31, 1966, and became the father of twin daughters, Christine and Kimberley, on May 15, 1968. Known for his giving nature, kindness, and zest for life, LTJG Suhr lived each day to the fullest. He is sorely missed and forever loved.

Isaiah was the youngest of his 5 brothers . He loved his family and God . He was a very talented artist, loved making paintings for all his friends, always cooking and loved making his special beef jerky for everyone. Isaiah was so happy and honored to become a Sailor, he dreamed of that for a long time, and we were so proud of him becoming a chef of submarines. His smile and giving nature is missed beyond measure. 

LTJG Coker was a stellar performer Salem High School ROTC becoming the ROTC Commander his senior year. He went on and graduated from Virginia Military Institute, Class of 2013 with a degree in Mechanical Engineering with concentration in Aerospace and Nuclear Engineering.  He had huge Pride in the American Flag and always participated in the Color Guard activities.  He was selected for the USN Flight School and went on to be selected to fly the SH-60R Helicopter.  His Navy Call Sign was ‘Brainiac’.  Had a passion for his 1993 Nissan 300Z with the hope of one day racing it.

Michael Kaske grew up in Chisago City, Minnesota and graduated from Chisago Lakes High School in 2005. During school he was a member of the golf team. He was also active in Boy Scouts, where he achieved the rank of Eagle Scout. After graduating Michael enlisted in the Navy and began his service in August of 2005.

Three tours of duty had Michael deployed to Iraq, the Persian Gulf, and the Western Pacific. He was assigned to the USS Higgins DDG76 (a guided missile destroyer) home port was in San Diego, California. Michael achieved the rank of Petty Officer 2nd Class E-5. His Primary duties were as an Engineman. In addition, he was part of a 15-man VBSS (Visitor Boarding Search and Seizure) team that is designed to capture enemy vessels, combat terrorism, piracy and smuggling.

Michael’s hobbies included hunting, fishing, golf, snowboarding, cars, motorcycles, bodysurfing, and most of all spending time with family and friends. He enjoyed working with animals at a local veterinary clinic. He was also a bit of a prankster...his friends and coworkers could attest to that. He always had a smile on his face.

Unfortunately, just days before his 22nd birthday Michael died from injuries suffered in a motorcycle accident while homeported in San Diego, California. He had planned to reenlist and go to Navy Diver School. We honor him for his service to our country, his three deployments to foreign lands, and the energetic life that he lived.

The essence and impact of human beings are easier felt and often better understood after passing. The state of mind experienced when they are no longer in our midst renders life unintelligible and creates long term conflict with our emotions and, ultimately, in the lasting mental, physical and spiritual wellbeing of us, the families we raise and nurture as well as in the manner we enjoy our present way of life as we aim to protect existing and future generations at all costs. Why? Because the sacrifice made is worth it!! 

For his absence to be bearable and available to our next generation, we must consciously continue training and growing leaders with integrity and substance. Leaders who possess unwavering empathy for others in respectful and fair ways. Leaders with unconventional resourcefulness and collective vision to serve others. And above all, leaders with uncompromising conviction and courage to accomplish a mission regardless of its complexity, magnitude and overall difficulty.

Bartos joined the German Air Force right after his 18th birthday, and soon deployed to Holloman AFB, NM.  Never did we think he´d be stationed in the USA, nor that he'd remain there.  After leaving the GAF, he served in the US Navy, and made America his adopted country. He was an exceptional person in so many aspects; a beloved son of whom his parents are incredibly proud, my little brother whom i dearly love and to whom i always looked up, a father who loved his little boy beyond imagination, a valued friend, always there when needed, and he was a dedicated military member who served with steadfast pride, and deep care for his Navy family. He was the funniest person to be around, but he would always speak his mind and have the backs of those he loved. Fair winds and following seas, Sailor – You´re missed by many!

CPO Rice dedicated his life to serving his country in the United States Navy. He served on the USS Philadelphia, USS Louisiana, and the USS Hampton during his 19 years of service. CPO Rice loved his job and was respected by many. His service to our country will never be forgotten.

Commander-Select in the United States Navy

Dwayne was a kind and gentle soul who loved bicycling and underground music. He had the temperament and intelligence to bring calm to chaos, which made him very good in his line of work as a Surface Warfare Officer. Dwayne's 19-year career in the U.S. Navy ended with him just three months shy of being promoted to full commander.  He enrolled in the U.S. Naval Academy at 17, graduating in 1999 with a Bachelor of Science Degree in English. His career in the Navy took him all over the world with the USS Peleliu (2000-2002), Commander, Amphibious Squadron Three (2002-2004), Naval Air Station Sigonella (2004-2006), USS Lassen (2007), Commander, Naval Surface Force U.S. Pacific Fleet (2007-2009), USS Mobile Bay (2009-2011), USS Boxer (2011-2013), and the USS Essex (2013-2014). 

DARRYL LAMOTT HALEY BORN ON SEPTEMBER 4, 1986. HE LOVED TO PLAY BASKETBALL AND HE WAS A GAMER. WHEN WAS YOUNG HE LIKED TO READ ALSO. HE HAD ONLY ONE CHILD, HIS NAME IS ZYBIR HALEY. HE LOVED HIM DEARLY. GOING INTO THE NAVY WAS SOMETHING HE ALWAYS WANT TO DO. I’M SO GLAD THAT HE WAS ABLE TO DO WHAT HE DREAMED OF. THE DAY I RECEIVED HIS NAVY PHOTOS, THE SMILE ON MY SON FACE TOLD IT ALL I KNEW HE WAS HAPPY. I MISS HIM EVERYDAY NOT BEING ABLE TO TALK TO HIM. HE WAS MY GO TO, HE KNEW THINGS I DIDN’T WANT ANYBODY ELSE TO KNOW, NOT HAVE THAT HURTS M HEART. I’LL DEAL WITH IT DAY BY DAY. HE IS TRULY MISSED BY HIS BROTHERS AND SISTERS(NAKIA,CHANTA,JALEEL,SHAQULLE) I WEAR YOU AROUND MY NECK EVERYDAY AND TO MY SURSPISE I MET A LOT OF PEOPLE THAT KNEW YOU AND STILL MEETING PEOPLE TO THIS DAY. MOMMY JUST WANTS YOU TO KNOW THAT I LOVE YOU AND MISS YOU A LOT, SO PROUD OF YOU

EMC Walters of Pensacola, FL devoted over 18 years to the world's greatest Navy. He was a devoted sailor and enjoyed exploring the world. He began his career by decommissioning the USS John F. Kennedy, then moved to the USS Essex in Sasebo, Japan. He enjoyed shore duty at Naval Submarine Base Kings Bay in GA where he earned Shore Junior Sailor of the Year for COMSUBLANT. After this he went back to sea duty with Assault Craft Unit Two where he and eventually earned his Craft master qualification (his favorite job in the Navy!) He finished his career as an RDC at Recruit Training Command, preparing the next generation of sailors for the fleet. This was his second most favorite job, despite the rigorous hours. Austin loved music, grilling, cold beer, good cigars, being outside, nights around a bonfire, and spending time with his family and friends. He was a simple guy and enjoyed the little things in life. Above all else, he was a devoted and loving father to three beautiful girls who miss him dearly. Til Valhalla.

Alexander was born in Vilnius, Lithuania, and spent his earliest childhood in an orphanage. Adopted at age four and a half, he came to California, first to Los Angeles and soon to Lucerne Valley, in the high desert close to Big Bear. Here he attended elementary and high school, made many friends, and enjoyed outdoor activities—sports and scouting. During elementary school, he played soccer and baseball; in high school, he distinguished himself in football and wrestling, earning numerous awards. He also did well academically and joined the Future Farmers of America. He belonged to the local Cub Scouts, as well as the Lithuanian Scouts Association, which met in Los Angeles and held summer camps in the Big Bear hills.

When the time came to attend college, Alexander opted to join the Navy and went to Chicago for basic training in 2009. He finished at the top of his class and was offered computer work on a submarine. However, he chose to join the USS Blue Ridge (LCC 19) a few months later and sail to Japan. He had been interested in Japan and studied the Japanese language in high school. The news of Alexander’s death due to an accidental fall in Yokosuka in September 2010 was a terrible blow to his family and friends.

Besides funeral services in Kaunas, Lithuania, there were several memorials in California for Alexander – Martyn, as we called him. He was remembered for his excellent service in the Navy by Naval officers, for his extraordinarily good and friendly character by family and friends; for his leadership in the Lithuanian Scouts by fellow scouts. Martyn loved animals as well as people. He enjoyed good food and good times. He was a whiz with computers and apparatuses of all kinds. But his most fervent interest seemed to be nature and “survival in nature.” Early on, he explored Lucerne Valley with his buddy Chris Anderson; then Big Bear hills with the scouts, and on our travels, numerous places in Lithuania with family and relatives.

Martyn enriched the lives of everyone he knew; his memory thrives among family, friends and shipmates. We are forever thankful for his brief but splendid presence among us.

As we sit here today, remembering our son, Todd Ethington, gone from us to his Heavenly Home so many years ago, it seems only yesterday that we received our last phone call from him. He always ended his calls with I Love you, tell Dad the same. Todd was always such a old soul, starting his first job throwing papers, at the age of Eleven, and continued his work ethics, through high school, playing varsity basketball. He joined the Navy, serving on the P3 aircraft, quickly raising to the rank of Senior Chief. He was born on October 12, 1968, and passed away on October 10th, 2007. He loved the Navy, and during his passing Harold and I understood, after meeting with his crew, why he loved serving with them. God Bless all our military for their unwavering protection and sacrifice, Harold and Joan Ethington.

Broken Chain

We little knew that evening that God was going to call your name. In life we loved you dearly, in death we do the same. It broke our hearts to lose you, you did not go alone; for part of us went with you the day God called you home. You left us peaceful memories, your love is still our guide, and though we cannot see you, you are always by our side. Our family chain is broken and nothing seems the same, but as God calls us one by one, the chain will link again.

  By: Ron Tranmer

The Citadel Class of 2009

Born in Wichita Falls, TX, Steven joined the Navy as an Ensign and served aboard the USS Ramage, USS Normandy, COMOPTEVFOR, and the USS Stethem. He enjoyed his deployments and visiting foreign ports, but loved his family. He was a proud father of 2 boys and loved taking them to the park and on walks. He enjoyed every breath he took and always had a smile on his face. Steven enjoyed his time in the Navy, exploring foreign ports on deployments, and excelling at his many jobs. He could make his sons, Alex and Nathan laugh better than anyone.

Survived By:

Spouse: Patty Hopkins

Children: Alex 7 and Nathan 5

Hopkins Parents: Laura and Lyle Hopkins

Pets: Golden Retrivers, Milo 11 and Rascal 9

Charlie was born to run. Top miler and ran for Indiana University. When he broke the 4-minute mile, “Mom, I’m in the best shape of my life….I’m going to BUDs to be a Navy SEAL”. Charlie was a member of SEAL Team 3 and SEAL Team 1 when he died fighting hundreds of ISIS terrorists. Charlie will always be remembered as a fun loving, funny, athletic, adventurous man who loved our country. He is missed everyday.

Cameron was born in Natchitoches, LA and graduated from North-western State University. He was a Naval Flight Officer. He loved his time in the Navy, 3 cruises and made lots of wonderful friends.

Survived By: Parents: Evan & Margaret Hall, Catie Hall, Michael Hall

Navy Ensign John R. Elliott, a graduate of the United States Naval Academy Class of 2000 (born November 17, 1977, died July 22, 2000) was killed in a head-on collision with a drunken driver while driving home from Annapolis, MD to Egg Harbor Township, N.J. for his mother’s birthday celebration.  The son of Bill and Muriel Elliott, Ensign Elliott, was preparing to enter Naval Flight School in Pensacola, Fla. that fall.

In his memory, John’s Law in NJ requires police to impound the cars of drunken drivers for 12 hours. The John R. Elliott HERO Campaign www.herocampaign.org promotes the use of designated drivers nationwide in partnership with schools, colleges, bar and tavern owners, police and NFL and MLB teams. The Capstone Character and Leadership Seminars are also offered at the Naval Academy in memory of Ensign Elliott. He was laid to rest with military honors at the Naval Academy Cemetery.