TAPS
"If the Army and the Navy,
Ever look on Heaven’s scenes;
They will find the streets are guarded
By United States Marines."
SEMPER FI from your brother and sister Purple Foxes
Bill, or as his service buddies knew him, “Willy” or “Maka” honorably served in the
Marines for 10 years and then served another 10 years in the Navy,
retiring after 20 total years of faithful service.
In lieu of flower donations may be made to
Shriners Children’s Hospital at shrinerchildrens.org or
St. Judes Children’s Hospital at stjude.org.
Ed Schriber was enshrined in the Peoria AZ Honor Wall on Veterans day 2023,
along with 10 other vets from the area. Ed was a Purple Fox in '68-'69 era
and retired sometime in the early 90's as a colonel. He is very active in
patriotic organizations and support of conservative issues in his area.
In Vietnam, he earned multiple campaign medals, 28 Air Medals, as well as the Combat Action Ribbon,
Meritorious Unit Citation with HMM-364 (Purple Foxes), the Vietnam Cross of Gallantry (twice),
and the Distinguished Flying Cross.
Jerry will be remembered for loving well and living life passionately. He loved his family,
served our country, respected animals, and treasured nature. Wherever he called home,
he became a recognizable smile, a loud laugh, and would help in any way he could.
RIP, Jerry
Semper Fi
Honoring Walter R. Ledbetter
HMM-364 - MAJ 64-65
HMM-263 - COL 69-70
"one of the best CO's of our time in RVN"
The Marines of HMM-263 are honoring Col Ledbetter with a booklet.
BRANDT, STEVE "BIG DAWG"
1STLT 70-71
Big Dog's Service Plans so far:
Burial will is scheduled for 14:30 Wednesday, October 25th
at Barrancas National Cemetery for close friends and family.
Process in from Harper Morris Funeral Home
2276 Airport Blvd, Pensacola, FL
to be able to get on the Navy Base. Be lined up between 13:45 - 14:00.
In lieu of flowers, donations in his name may be made to Paralyzed Veterans of America at secure.pva.org.
Online condolences can be extended through dignitymemorial.com/obituaries.
Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at hixsonwestlake.com for the Dautriel family.
A note from his sister…
Lenny La Sac passed away yesterday September 7th after a 10 month battle with cancer.
God called his name and he went quietly and peacefully.
Lenny wishes were to have no services. I will honor that wish.
I encourage you to celebrate his life by sharing kindness with others.
If you would like to make a contribution in his memory the Gary Sinise Foundation or
an animal rescue or no kill shelter would be appropriate.
Lenny touched many lives. Served his country for nearly 40 years.
Treasured his friends and family. Loved his dogs. He was a good man.
Lived life with a style that was all Lenny. He will be greatly missed by many.
He will hold a special place in our heart.
Semper Fi
In loving memory of my dear brother.
Lori Kutch
The family will receive friends at Sunset Funeral Home
starting at 2:00-4:00 pm on Sunday, August 27, 2023.
Funeral services will begin at 4:00 pm on Sunday in
Sunset Funeral Home Chapel with Pastor Josh Alderman officiating.
Military Honors will follow in Sunset Memorial Park.
Burial will take place at Old Center Church in
Newville, Alabama following the Military Honors.
In Lieu of flowers,
donations may be made to Old Center Church Cemetery Fund
at 764 County Road 89 Newville, Alabama, 36353,
or to Timber's Drive Church at 1461 Timbers Drive Dothan, Alabama, 36301.
PAUL KEVIN KING
Sgt 70-71
Passed on 31 July 2023, in Holliston, MA Obituary at Legacy.com
Ashes were interred St Mary's Cemetery in Holliston, MA.
donations in Paul's memory may be made to Wounded Warrior Project
EDWARD "ANGRY ED" MOORE 1STLT 63-64 (Photo, 2 Narratives)
Passed on 12 Dec 2022, in San Clemente, CA
ERNEST A. KAPUSTKA Sgt 63-64
Passed on 23 June 2016 .
Thomas J. Nolan III 1stLt, 1970-1971 1944 - 2012 Obituary
Paul V. McGovern 1stLt, 1963-1964 1938 - 2016 Obituary
The Last Vietnam Purple Fox,
DARYL D. RIERSGARD, 1STLT 70-71
A memorial service was held on 16 June 2022.
No further information currently available.
Five Active Duty Purple Foxes Lost
On Wednesday, 8 June 2022, the squadron lost five brother Marines.
On a routine training mission, their MV-22B Osprey crashed in the desert near Glamis, CA.
Top row from the left: Capt. John Sax, Capt. Nicholas Losapio, Cpl. Nathan Carlson.
Bottom row from the left: Cpl. Seth Rasmuson, LCpl. Evan Strickland
Lt. Col. John C. Miller, stated, "It is with heavy hearts that we mourn the loss of five Marines
from the Purple Fox family. This is an extremely difficult time for VMM-364 and it is hard to
express the impact that this loss has had on our squadron and its families.
"Our primary mission now is taking care of the family members of our fallen Marines and we
respectfully request privacy for their families as they navigate this difficult time. We appreciate
all the prayers and support from the strong extended Purple Fox family and want them to know that
more information will be forthcoming on how to help."
Semper Fi to our five brothers, and all heartfelt love and prayers to their families.
Pilots:
Capt Nicholas P. Losapio, 31 of Rockinghan, NH
Capt John J. Sax, 33, of Placer, CA.
Crew Chiefs:
Cpl Nathan E. Carlson, 21, of Winnebago, IL
Cpl Seth D. Rasmuson, 21, of Johnson, WY
LCpl Evan A. Strickland, 19, of Valencia, NM
I attended the Memorial Service for the crew that was lost last week, held at CamPen this morning.
It was a beautiful morning. As you would expect, it was done in an outstanding fashion. The hangar was packed.
I estimate over 1000 in attendance. There were about 700 seats, all filled, bleachers on the side and a crowd
three or four deep standing behind the chairs. The majority of attendees were Marines in camo utilities.
There was a lot of purple in the audience, wives/girl friends dresses, and purple shirts and ties on the civilian men.
I did wear my Purple Fox blazer. There was a brass ensemble from the band playing appropriate music as the people gathered.
The families of the five Marines were all represented. A bagpiper (former Marine) in full regalia, played before,
during and after the ceremony. The Chaplain gave an opening prayer.
Each of the five Marines was eulogized by a friend from the squadron. All were outstanding Marines in all respects.
All the remarks were very well done. The CO, who took over less than a month ago made his remarks. As he concluded,
there was a Missing Man fly‐by. The piper played the Marines Hymn and the buglers did an echo Taps. That concluded
the ceremony. Many lined up to meet and speak to the gathered family members.
As you may already know, the previous sqdn CO was LtCol Daniel Kaiser, son of our own Rudy Kaiser. Daniel was present.
All in all, it was a wonderful tribute to the Marines lost, but never forgotten.
Semper Fidelis,
Rich Bianchino
A rolling archive of taps notices as they appear on the main index page.
ROBERT J. "SKI" SLASKI GYSGT 65-66
Gunny Slaski's son Robert is looking for any information or stories about his father.
If you have anything to share, please send it to us, so we can share it with Robert.
FROM PAT's FAMILY
"...he would want you all to know there is a party happening...
We welcome our dad's friends to a Celebration of Life on Saturday,
May 14, 2022, 1:00-5:00pm,
in Pasco, Washington."
An Ode to a Purple Fox
When my time comes,
as for sure it will,
Speak of me not brave or ill,
Tell of me with tongue in cheek.
Remember me for all I’ve done,
not for my single faults,
Though they may be many, but for
My days of caring, my years of fun.
My days in the heat of battle,
not my wish to live again,
but looking back,
Now I know, have shaped who I am.
They call us Swift,
A proud call-sign to wear,
From our Yankee-Kilo cockpits,
The memories we all share.
Cry not for me alone,
Laugh when you think of me,
Know that I have out-run the herd,
Till the Lord decided to call me home.
Lift high your glasses,
A loud cheer from all my mates,
I will hear your call, and
I'll be waiting (for you) at Peter's gate!
Good-Time Chuck - RIP
Semper Fi
Oo-Rah, Oo-Rah, Oo-Rah!
J. D. Owens
1/6/2022
Pat passed away peacefully at home surrounded by his loved ones, who have expressed great thanks for the thoughts
and prayers of all his fellow Purple Foxes. The Purple Foxes meant the world to Pat, and he loved sharing lives,
frendship, and stores with so many associated with this great squadron.
Please do not contact the family at this time.
Mike Tennent is our POC with the family and will pass on any information to us.
FROM PAT's FAMILY
...he would want you all to know there is a party happening...
We welcome our dad's friends to a Celebration of Life on Saturday,
May 14, 2022, 1:00-5:00pm,
in Pasco, Washington.
(Group Rate at Marriott)
*** NOTE: CUTOFF DATE IS APRIL 1ST. ***
Please see the details on the invitation card on this post.
Please note the RSVP (for catering purposes)
and the opportunity to share additional photos for a slideshow.
Suggested dress code is nice casual meaning no tie required, but more formal than jeans.
We are looking forward to seeing you.
Thank you for sharing your memories of him via the Legacy/TCH obituary and on We Remember.
We are collecting your stories and photos for a family scrapbook. We appreciate very much knowing
that you all have wonderful experiences of adventure, friendship, and love with our dad.
Please understand that the internment will be a private family experience taking place well in
advance of this public event. We will have info/map on the location available at the Celebration
of Life for those who may want to drive up to visit the cemetery on their own.
Thank you also for understanding that our grief is sometimes quite private, especially for our mom.
Your cards are well-received and we are heartened by your support.
The event facility is just 10 minutes from the airport
and a number of hotels, for those traveling:
Red Lion
Best Western
Courtyard by Marriott
Holiday Inn Express
Hampton Inn
Mike Tennent has made contact with the Sales Rep at the Marriott Courtyard in Pasco.
You will find the information for your online reservation link below.
If you have questions or need help with the link, please do not hesitate to ask.
Event Summary:
Pat Kinney Memorial Service Group
Start Date: Friday, May 13, 2022
End Date: Sunday, May 15, 2022
Last Day to Book: Friday, April 1, 2022
Courtyard Pasco Tri-Cities Airport for 105 USD per night
Gene T. Elliott
GySgt 63-64
GySgt Gene T. Elliott was in charge of Maintenance while the squadron was in Danang.
Semper Fi Gene
Donald MacHarg
1STLT 68-69
Donald MacHarg passed away on 19 December, 2021 surrounded by family,
and having heard from close fiends during his illness.
No service is planned at this time, so we will update here if we are notified.
Don was a mentor to many new guys during the 68,69,70 era, and was admired by all.
After a long illness Dr Linkous passed on 23 October 2021. He was born in Hazard, KY, and grew up in Holden, WV.
After becoming a doctor he served as a Vietnam Combat Physician and served with HMM-364 saving the lives
of many.
Dr Linkous practiced family and emergency medicine for 50 years. An extraordinary man, we was an Eagle Scout,
Shriner, 32 Degree Freemason of Scottish and York Rites, Flight Surgeon for the U.S. Navy Blue Angels, and a
lifetime member of the USMC/Combat Helicopter Association.
Photo and 6 Narratives Obituary Obituary Guest Book
Semper Fi Dr Linkous
Memorial Party
Robert "Steiny" Steinberg SGT, 1967-1969 Passed in May 2021
A memorial party (celebration of life) for Bob Steinberg will be held on
26 June 2021 at 1600 (4:00 PM)
To be held at:
Hasta La Pasta
Spring, TX
Please RSVP by 19 June, so the restaurant can know how many persons to expect.
RSVP by email to the website at SLJNCO, and we will pass it on to Bob's son, David.
Robert "Steiny" Steinberg SGT, 1967-1969 Passed in May 2021
Steiny was well known to many active in attending the reunions, and many of the pictures on this site were shot by him. He will be sorely missed.
We will have offical information soon.
Semper Fi, Steiny
Carmine "Cash" Casciano 1stLt, 1968-1969 April 1943 - 17 May 2021
Excerpt from his
obituary:
"Carmine flew helicopters for extractions during the Vietnam War.
He was known as "Captain Cash" and was honorably discharged in 1969 with the rank of Captain after being awarded
the Purple Heart, the Distinguished Flying Cross, the Vietnam Campaign Medal, the Vietnam Service medal and
the Combat Action Ribbon.
"Visitation with Carmine's family will be held on
Monday, May 24, 2021 at the
DAVIS LIFE CELEBRATION FUNERAL HOME,
619 State Rd.,
Plymouth (Manomet)
from 10:00AM – 12:00PM,
followed by committal at the National Cemetery of Massachusetts,
Connery Ave.,
Bourne at 12:45PM.
In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to
Fisher House Foundation, 12300 Twin Brook Rd. #410, Rockville, MD 20852
"
Semper Fi Carmine.
TAPS
Brenda Sue Colson Passed in Apr 2021
Brenda was highly involved in passed reunions and was one of the orginal Foxy Ladies. Brenda Colson Obituary. We want to make sure we honor all those who were faithful to the Squadron.
TAPS
Ernest "Ernie" C. Cunningham MAJ, 1968-1969 Passed in Mar 2021
Ernest Cunningham retired from the Marine Corps as a Colonel, and was a proud member of the Golden Eagle organization. The Golden Eagles have an excellent write-up about Col Cunningham's history.
"My grampa, Ernest C. Cunningham passed away early this week. He was a phenomenal being who touched the hearts of all he knew.
He was a brother, uncle, proud father to five, a proud grandfather to seven and a super proud great grandfather to three! He wore that title well and deserved his rank as a GREAT!
He loved his dog, Scruffy and his late pup, Balut.
He lived an amazing life and was a hero as a Colonel in the Marine Corps. During his time as a Marine, he earned 3 distinguished flying crosses, 44 air medals and many more recognitions and certifications. See his awards here
He had a sense of humor like no other and taught us kids a few things at a early age - �a fat kid is a happy kid� (mostly to get us to eat our food as kids - but he wasn�t wrong...lol). Another great one - when he put his van in reverse and would say, �I�ll just back up till I hit something, that�s when I�ll know I�ve gone too far�. He always knew what to say and had a very clever sense of humor.
He was a great listener and always had wise advice to give. You could usually find him walking - whistling and never in a rush. He truly took his time and enjoyed the little things.
He was a hardworking, determined man who loved to be surrounded by his family.
I am so proud to have had a grampa like him.
We love you Grampa! Rest In Peace, you will NEVER be forgotten.
Semper Fi Ernest
"...there is a visitation for Ernie at the Harper-Morris Funeral Home at 0900 Tuesday, 30 March 2021 with a service to follow at 1000 at the St. Paul Lutheran Church, 4600 N. 9th Ave., Pensacola, FL. Ernie will be interred at the National Cemetery onboard NAS Pensacola."
Pidock, Gary E. 1STLT 69-70 
KENNEY, JOHN J. "JJ" SSGT 70-71 
