VVA Chapter 472, San Diego

Don is from Bakersfield, Ca. He was in the Army from 1968 to 1983, and served in the 82nd Airborne Division during his military career. He served in Germany; the Central Highlands, Phutai and Qhinon, Vietnam in 1971 to 1972, as well as Fort Bragg, NC. He is a graduate of Bakersfield College,California State University with a degree in Criminal Justice, Masters of Public Administration and earned a juris doctorate from Western Sierra Law School. He is a life member of the VVA and a current Board Member and on several committees.

21 1/2 yrs US Navy. Ken went to boot camp in San Diego A School, Millington, TN. Avionics Electronics Tech. NAS Lemoore with VA 12, VA212 serving on the USS Hancock. B school and then went to NAS Miramar with VF 124, VF 211 aboard the USS Constellation. Transfered to VF 126 on USS Constellation and retired while in VF 126. During my first stay in NATTC Millington 43 years ago I married my wife Linda; we have two children and five grandchildren. I am very active with my schools retiree group and also working with the community, and Chlidren Hospital. Christmas time you can catch me listening to children's wishes which began while stationed on the USS Hancock.

US Navy 1956-1975. Served Patrol Squadron 46, Quomoy-Matsu, while Philippine based. USS LONG BEACH (CGN9) commissioning crew, 1961. Vietnam cruise on BON HOMME RICHARD April – November 1970 to Yankee Station. Served on USS WASP, COM8, COMNAVYPHIL, HS2, VFP63, SANDIA BASE, Albuquerque, all as a photographers mate. Saddest moment: Preparing to go to Vietnam to assist in the liberation of the missing 1600 POWS but mission canceled due to small number of repatriates. Best Moments: Meeting my wife, Lita, in Manila in 1958, and two great sons, Paul and Mark, our pride and joy.

Don Leavitt
Board Member
Bio to come

Pat served in the U.S. Army 1968-1971 as a military policeman where he was attached with the 716th Military Policy Company 1968 to 1969. His duties consisted of working directly with the Vietnamese Consorts and their military police. He was present during the TET offensive in Saigon. Pat is semi-retired and teaches children how to play chess and other after school programs. He was born and raised in Chicago, graduated while living in Denver and lived all over the US while employed as a air traffic controller. He has lived in California for the past 20 years.

Robert J. DeStatte
Bob is from Perrysburg, Ohio, and served in the US ARMY from 1959-1979. He retired with the rank of CWO-3. He served in the Army Security Agency until 1963, and in diverse intelligence assignments from 1963-79. His served as a civilian with Defense Intelligence Agency (DIA), Special Office for POW/MIA, 1979-1993, and the Defense POW/MIA Office, 1993-2001, as a Senior Analyst for SE Asia. He served in Vietnam a total of 60 months between 1961 and 1975. He also served with the U.S. MIA Office in Hanoi for 48 months during 1991-1995. He speaks and writes Vietnamese fluently, and has translated several Vietnamese language war histories. He is married with two children and three grandchildren, and resides in Temecula, CA. His awards are too numerous to mention here.

Angel Aviles
U.S. Army, 1953-54 served with 2nd Infantry Division at Korea's 38th parallel, "aka" the punch bowl at Seoul. That was followed by 21 years with the U.S. Coast Guard, 1955-74, including a 1968 tour at Da Nang with Coast Guard Squadron #1. Chief Warrant Officer in both Army and Coast Guard. Angel went on to work for the U.S. Customs Service in New York, and as a federal agent with the U.S. Department of the Treasury doing criminal investigation until 1995. He is active in the Federal Law Enforcement Association and Military Officer Association of America.

Don Armitage
U.S. Army, 22 months in Vietnam, including Quinhon, Chu Lai and Phu Bai. Did construction survey work and reached rank of Spec 4. Currently provides apartment maintenance, and coordinates VVA Chapter 472 color guard.

Rene Elias Rodriguez
Rene was born in Puerto Rico and was raised by his grandmother. After coming to the United States, he joined the US Air Force. Rene's attachment and concern for people came early in his life. He was a Sunday school teacher for 9 years; a director of ESL School District in LA as a two year volunteer where he raised money for 18 scholarships for HS kids. As a member of a Latin Business Assn., he assisted disabled kids; started a program with the Conejo Ski Club helping local businesses donate food and time to collect furniture, clothing and food for mothers to be and shelter for abused women. He began a program INTERFACE to help abused teen and families suffering from domestic and financial problems. He donated money, office machines and repairs free of charge. When the City of Thousand Oaks dropped the DARE program, he began a fund raiser from May to September and raised over $44,000.00 which he immediately donated to the police department school district and mayor's office. Rene as a Board Member and involved with VVA472 and proposed and implemented the Mother's Day Brunch in Balboa Park, and assisting in fund raising for the HS6 Memorial Fund for six families.

Ronnie M. Murphy
SGT Murphy was born in Montana and raised on the Ft. Belnap Reservation. He joined the U.S.Marines at the age of 17. He was a Vietnam combat veteran and the recipient of four Purple Hearts while serving in the mountains near Laos and Cambodia all at the age of 20. He was severely wounded and medevaced to Danang; then Japan and ultimately Balboa Hospital. Due to his leg and head injuries he learned to talk and walk again. Although 100 percent disabled, Ronnie has dedicated his life into helping veterans and does not allow the souvenir of shrapnel in his head to slow him down; all this after working in construction until he was no longer able to do so. He volunteered at the VA hospital, LaJolla for ten years. Later he became President and coordinator of the American Indian Warriors until he joined VVA, Chapter 472. Ronnie currently attends multi-cultural fairs complete with color guard or for blessings in the American Indian tradition.He is presently a Board member and is married to Rhonda.

Sam Bonilla
Sam Bonilla,CWO-4, (PA/MSC/FMF),USN,(Ret). Active duty Dec 1957 - Nov 1984 Two tours in Vietnam as a hospital corpsman with Naval and Marine Amphibious Forces ('68, '69,'70). Received Navy Achievement Medal (w/Combat 'V' ) during Operation Swift Play/Swift Play II and Allenbrook - I Corps area in '68. Served FMF duty with 1st.& 3rd. Marine Div hospitals, clinics, research lab and as a student at 5 colleges and universities earning an M.B.A. Retired from Kaiser Permanente/San Diego in 2004 after 20 years as a physician assistant in Primary Care. On board of directors, VMMC, VVA 472 and other military organizations. Currently reside with Joyce in Temecula and Indio. We enjoy visiting friends, children, grandchildren. Hobbies are reading, Corvettes/Classic cars and baseball.

Joe Ciokon
U.S. Navy, 1956-2003, including 1967-68 in Saigon and 1983 in Beirut, Lebanon where he received Purple Heart for wounds suffered during the terrorist attack on Marine barracks. Military jobs included aerial photographer, newspaper editor, television news director and anchor for Armed Forces Radio and Television Service. Joe is a fifth degree black belt in Kodokan Judo, was assistant coach for 1980 and 1984 U. S. Olympic Judo teams, and is head coach for the Navy Judo Team. He currently volunteers at Public Affairs officer for the USS Midway (CV 41) San Diego Aircraft Carrier Museum. Married to Mary; three adult children.

Gene Dixon
Served in the U.S. Marine Corps,1954-1974, including two years on the USS Rochester in the Pacific, where he made sergeant. In 1966 he went to Camp Pendleton to put together an MP battalion to go to Vietnam. In May of that year he served as captain at the Da Nang air field, responsible for securing Air Force assets. Later served with the 9th Marines HQ on Hill 55; then on to Dong Ha. There, in 1967, he earned a Purple Heart for being wounded in both legs by rocket fire. At Quantico, Gene made major and for the next several years served in various capacities in the Pacific and California until retirement. Purple Heart, Navy Commendation with V/device, CAR, GCM, China Service Medal and Vietnam Service. Wife Kathie married Gene when he was a corporal; they have two sons and a daughter.

Don "Oboeman" Dodson
U.S. Army, 1968-71,musician in Army's 4th Infantry Division band at Pleiku and An Khe in 1969-70. Also in 433rd Army Band in Fr. Irwin, Calif, and 36th Army Bank in Fr. Huachuca, Ariz. Plays oboe, clarinet, bass drum. Currently is Risk Manager for City of La Mesa, is married to Kathi and has two grown children.

Ted Ewing
U. S. Army, 1967-69, including non-commissioned officer training in Germany before a tour of duty in Cam Ranh Bay with the 147th Field Service Company, providing logistics and supply service. Spec 5. Former President of VVA Chapter 472.

Paul Fusco
Born in Pittsburgh PA. Die hard Steelers fan. USN 1970-76, ETN-3/Crypto Tech, including 4 years aboard USS Blue Ridge LCC-19. Vietnam service included 3 cruises: 1972, Easter Offensive, defense of Da Nang, propaganda missions into Gulf of Tonkin, Fire Fight with artillery on Con Ho (Tiger Island). 1973, Standby for Peace Talks, Propaganda missions into Gulf of Tonkin. 1974/75, Standby for evacuation, evacuation of Siagon April 29th and 30th, where I earned the Humanitarian Award. Since then: Self employed business man, now semi-retired and working the job I've loved most in my life, The Veterans Museum and Memorial Center San Diego.

Cheri Halsey
U.S. Army (WAC), in Saigon and Long Binh 1967-68. Spec 5. Met Staff Sergeant Dave Halsey in Vietnam, and married him. Two children, two grandchildren. Now widowed and works at NAVMEDEN San Diego.

Joe Kiraly
U. S. Navy 1961-1982, Surface Warfare Officer. Career highlights include MidPac Operation Dominic (Atomic Veteran); Cuban Blockade (1962); USS Bonhomme Richard, Vietnam,1965; USS Gunston Hall, Vietnam, 1968; COMSERVLANT staff, Vietnam (1972-73); RTC Great Lakes, NAS Miramar. Medals and ribbons include Navy Commendation Medal, 3 Navy Achievement Medals (one with combat V), Vietnam Service Medal, 2 South Vietnamese Unit Citations, etc. Joe has been an administrative manager for the County of Orange doe 21 years, lives with his wife, they have one daughter and two granddaughters. Joe is a life member of the VVA, FRA, and MOAA.

Pat McTague
U.S. Army Nurse Corps, 1969-72, including 1969-70 as a captain at the 93rd Evac Hospital in Long Binh. Provided medical care to civilians at Bien Hoa orphanage and on med caps. Obtained master of science degree in nursing and became nurse practitioner in 1991. Currently works at Sharp Healthcare.

Casey Meehan
U.S. Navy, 20-year naval career included 1968-69 at the Danang Station Hospital. Like good friend Dottie Yelle, Casey was Commander, Nursing Corp. Now enjoying active retirement.

Captain Carl A. Nelson, USN (Ret), BS, MS, DBA
Captain Carl A. Nelson, USN (Ret), BS, MS, DBA Carl Nelson rose from enlisted recruit to highly decorated U.S. Navy Captain by way of the Naval Academy at Annapolis. He commanded five naval combat organizations including a guided missile cruiser, a destroyer Escort/FF, an ocean salvage ship (ATF) and two combat commands on the ground in Vietnam. Between 1963 and 1975, he served four tours of duty in the Vietnam War, one of which was as Senior Advisor in the Rung Sat Special Zone (RSSZ) where he flew 77 combat missions. In 1980, while in command of U.S.S. Worden CG 18, his ship rescued more than 150 Vietnamese boat-refugees. Dr. Nelson's second career, as a professor and author, has spanned more than 30 years. He is the author of eight works of non-fiction, and three novels, including the award-winning book titled The Advisor (Cô-Vân), about the Vietnam War and his latest book: The Message of the Puzzle Ring. He is a life member of Vietnam Veterans of America, Counterparts, and listed in the 2006 Who\'s Who in America a nd Who\'s Who in American Education and the 2007 Who\'s Who in the World. His website is www.carlanelson.us.

Ray Peterssen
U.S. Marine Corps, 1968-70, including 1969-70 as an ammunition tech with the 3rd Marines in Dong Ha and Danang. Plays guitar and has been active in the music industry as a music producer. Married to Lori with one son and a granddaughter.

Robert F. (Bob) Quimby
U.S. Army, served with First Infantry Division 1967-68 as RTO. Worked until 1987 for Department of Veterans Affairs as well as Postal Service. Has 14 years yoga practice. In 2002, Bob returned to Vietnam with Veterans Vietnam Restoration Project.

Tom Splitgerber
U.S. Navy, 1965-95, including 1970-72 on the USS Kitty Hawk which was deployed to Vietnam for 15 months. Dentist. Married to wife Judy for 44 years, and is currently the San Diego County Veterans Service Officer.

Steve Wallace
U.S. Air Force, in Danang 1969-70, air cargo work, reached rank of E-6 SSG. Former VVA Chapter 472 Vice President who, along with Pat McTague, ran the "Breakfast" fund raiser for about 2 years. Currently has own business, COMPUMAR, which represents Asian manufacturers in U.S. market.

Dottie Yelle
U.S. Navy, 21-year naval career included 1968-69 in Danang. Like good friend Casey Meehan, Dottie was Commander, Nursing Corp. Now enjoying active retirement.