Those gone but not forgotten

This page is dedicated to the memory of our deceased MRFA members

Our prayers and best wishes go out to those left behind. The Brothers and Sisters of the Mobile Riverine Force Association wish the departed fair winds and following seas and our thoughts will always be with you….

TAPS Tribute to a Fallen One

Robin Edmund Lee

Former Member, Robin E. Lee (EN3), passed away suddenly on January 3, 2012. While in Vietnam he served with River Assault Squadron 15 – River Assault Division 152 – onboard T-152-1 as an Engineman and 20 MM Gunner. You may contact the family C/O: 160 Kahana Ridge Drive, Lahaina, Hi 96761

Barney R. Shirey

Member Barney R. Shirey passed away on January 21, 2012. While in Vietnam he served on the USS Harnett County (LST-821) from March 1969 to February 1970. You may contact the family C/O: Margie Shirey, 7646 Western Oak Ln, Houston, TX 77040-2621 – (713) 320-5721 – mshirey22@comcast.net

Clarence G. Cooper

Member Clarence G. Cooper (QMCS (SS), USN Ret.) passed away on January 29, 2012. Senior Chief Cooper was a Plank Owner Member of the MRFA. He was also a past President of Task Force 116 – Gamewardens Association, Vietnam. While in Vietnam he served with River Section 511 from March 1968 to March 1969.

“Some of you may remember that when Clarence attended MRFA reunions he always brought Billy the Rat. He was an all around great guy who was always reaching out to his fellow shipmates who needed a helping hand. Clarence was a very large part of the original folks who started the Gamewarden Association. Chief will really be missed by all hands. He’s one of the last of a dying breed of Sailors of yester year. May he rest in peace…”

Albert “Cookie” Moore – MRFA President

Robert H. Fred

Robert H. Fred (Capt. USN, Ret.) passed away on Feb. 9, 2012. His naval career spanned 36 years, from Airman Apprentice to the rank of Captain. While in Vietnam Captain Fred served with Task Force 116 as Commanding Officer of the USS Hunterdon County (LST-838). He later commanded the USS Opportune (ARS-41); the USS Newport (LST-1179); was Commodore of Service Squadron 8, Little Creek, Va.; and Commodore of Mine Group 2, Charleston, S.C.

Merrill Davis

Member Merrill Davis passed away on February 21, 2012. During his Naval enlistment Merrill served aboard The USS Askari (ARL-30) from 1952 to 1953. He had been a long time Member of the USS Askari and Mobile Riverine Force Associations. You may contact his family C/O: Barbara Davis – mfdavis33@att.net

Richard L. Corrick

MRFA Plank Owner (1992) and Member, Richard L. Corrick, passed away suddenly on February 29, 2012 after a long and courageous battle with cancer. Our Brother passed over quickly while surrounded by his loving family so he and was not alone. While in Vietnam Rich served on R-112-1 from February 1967 to March 1968. You may contact the family C/O: Miss Patty Corrick (Rich’s spouse) – pattycorrick@yahoo.com

“Richard & I were in RivDiv-112 together and I have known him since 1966, may he rest in peace, and may God continue to bless his family.” – Billy Sanders

“I will never forget Rich’s words to everybody in the hospitality room at the last reunion. I was a little surprised that he even got up to speak, but when he spoke, I was blown away with his grace, his courage and his gratefulness of a life well lived. Courage can be found everywhere, not just on the battlefield. Rich proved that.” – Terry Sater

“We seem to lose so many of our brothers. Rich has been a close friend for many years and all of us will surely miss him. The reunions and our trip to DC on Veterans Day will never be the same without him. It seems like time is just eating away at us.” – Roy Moseman

“It was definitely sad to come home from the hospital today and learn of Rich’s death. He will definitely hold a special place in the hearts of all who knew him. God watch over you Rich.” – Don Blankenship

“He will be missed. RIP Brother Corrick. Rich was one of the best of the MRFA. Bravo Zulu” – Bob Pries

“Rich has been my Brother and Friend since the MRFA reunion started in Hickory, NC, in 1992. He was always ready to help out. Every time you see the Memorial Trailer, think of Rich. If not for him, we would not have the Trailer. Rest in Peace.” – Charlie Ardinger – RivRon 15 T-151-11 (05/68-07/69)

“It’s with a heavy heart and soul that I send you this TAPs. The Association just lost one of the best of the best. Plankowner and Board Member since 1992, Richard Corrick passed away from agent orange-related cancer, February 29, 2012. Rich served on R-112-1 (02/67-03/68). Thanks to Rich for making the MRFA Mobile Museum Trailer a reality. Rich hauled the Mobile Museum trailer to all of the MRFA reunions. Rich was a great human being he did so much for the MRFA. There’s no telling how many members he was credited with from stopping folks on the road, especially with a 9th Inf bumper sticker. A member once told me a crazy guy kept coming up beside him blowing his horn for him to pull over. He pulled over and Rich informed him of the MRFA. This was only one of many incidents. Rich had the MRF and 9th Inf logo on the truck and guys would pull him over. Rich always had extra newsletter and membership forms; he was a great asset. There was nothing he would not do for a fellow veteran. He was one of the most dedicated people I have ever met. He would say, “I’ll do it,” and he would do it. You could count on Rich to be there. He made all our reunions from the very beginning and our last reunion, knowing it would be his last. He said he had cancer and this would be his last reunion, but wanted us to know he would always be there in spirit and looking down upon us. I for one will miss my dear friend and brother as most of us that knew him will. Please don’t forget Rich for what all he gave to his Country and to all the members of the Association. Rest in peace my old friend there will never be another one like you. Please contact Miss Patty, 2964 Minetree Pynes Rd, Haw River, NC 2725809645; 336-578-2434; ortrlc@aol.com

Patty would like any donations made in honor of Rich to go to the Mobile Trailer; it was his idea and his Baby.” – Albert Moore

“Greater love hath no man than this, that a man lay down his life for his friends.” – John 15:13

John E. Fairley

Member John Fairley passed away on January 18, 2012. While in Vietnam he served on the USS Luzerne County (LST-902) from March 1969 to May 1970. You may contact the family C/O: Sally Fairley, 1509 W. Marlene Ave, Peoria, IL 61614-5710 – (309) 684-0519 – johnfairley4@yahoo.com

James W. Klug

Member James W. Klug (BMCM, USCG Ret.) passed away on January 1, 2012. While in Vietnam he served onboard the USGS Point Marone from 1967-1968. You may contact his family C/O: Marion Klug, 1514 Gully Rd, Glendola, NJ 07719-4443 – jimsandyklug@aol.com

William Anderson Patin

William Anderson Patin (USN Ret.) passed away on February 18, 2012. During his long Navy career William served two tours of duty in Vietnam. One tour was as an RD3 with Coastal Squadron One on PCF-18 from October 1969 to April 1970. He was one of the first African-American radar technicians trained by the United States Navy. William was also a retired U.S. Postal Service employee.

Richard Allen Abbs

Former Member Richard Allen Abbs passed away on February 5, 2012. While in Vietnam he served with River Assault Squadron 15 – River Assault Division 152 onboard T-152-3 from November 1968 to March 1969. Richard was wounded by a sniper on February 28, 1969, which led to his being medically discharged from the U.S. Navy.

William Miles Miller

BM1 William Miles Miller (USN Ret.) passed away on March 13, 2012. “Boats” served 21 in the United States Navy. While in Vietnam he was attached to River Assault Squadron 9 – River Assault Division 92 as a crewman onboard M-92-1. William also served on the following ship, some of which were off the coast of Vietnam: USS Fechteler (DDR-870), USS Blue (DD-744), USS Prairie (AD-15), USS Rupertus (DD-851) and the USS Paul Revere (LPA-248). You may contact his family C/O: Debra Lynn (Miller) Pyper, 1105 8th Street, Colfax, LA 71417 – bayou_deb@hotmail.com

“Bill passed at the Red River on his favorite place, his party barge. Mr. Bill loved his boat, his family, his many friends at the Verda Game Room, his little companion “Chief”, his dog and the morning coffee group, Richard and Chuck at the “roost”.” – Debbie (Daughter)

William A. Efird

Commander William A. Efird (U.S. Navy Ret.) passed away on March 15, 2012. He spent 22 years in the Navy. While in Vietnam Commander Efird was the Commanding Officer of APL-26 from 1968-69. You may contact the family C/O: 400 block Lynnhaven Rd., Virginia Beach, VA

Lauren L. Bushnell

Member Lauren L. Bushnell passed away on March 26, 2012 after a lengthy battle with cancer. While in Vietnam he served in Charlie Company – 4th Battalion – 47th Infantry – 9th Infantry Division from October 1968 to April 1969. You may contact the family C/O: Carol Bushnell, 1201 Scotsdale St., Dunedin, FL 34698 – (722) 400-6358

“I’m Free!! Don’t grieve for me, for now I’m free. I’m following the path God laid for me. I took His hand when I heard Him call. I turned my back and left it all. Be not burdened with times of sorrow. I wish you the sunshine of tomorrow. My life’s been full, I savored much. Good friends, good times, a loved ones touch. He will be sadly missed by his loving Wife, children, grandchildren and to my Vietnam brothers I am finally home.”

Charles A. Colon

Member Sgt. Charles A. Colon passed away on February 4, 2012. While in Vietnam Charles served in C Company – 2nd Battalion – 60th Infantry – 9th Infantry Division from June 1966 to June 1967. You may contact the family C/O: Sandra Colon, 2307 Pear St, Canon City, CO 81212-2549 – (719) 275-7302

Charlie E. Greenlund

Charlie Edwin Greenlund passed away on March 13, 2012. While in Vietnam he served with IUWG-1 Unit 4 as a Barber at Nha Trang in 1967 and 1968.

Roger D. Rollings Sr.

Member Roger D. Rollings Sr., 63, of New Port Richey, Florida passed away on April 20, 2012. While in Vietnam Roger served with B Company, 3 Battalion, 47th Infantry , 9th Infantry Division from September 1968 to July 1969.

Tom R. White

Member Tom R. White, 63, of St. Petersburg, Florida passed away on April 13, 2012. While in Vietnam he served honorably with the 2nd Platoon, C Company, 4th Battalion, 47th Infantry, 9th Infantry Division from May 1967 to November 1967. Tom recently retired from the US Postal Service after 29 years of service. You may contact the family C/O: Barbara White, 6701 Orchard Dr. NE., St. Petersburg, FL 33702 – (727) 522-9601 – caveman6701@yahoo.com

Wayne Allen Turney

Member Wayne Allen Turney passed away on May 10, 2012. While in Vietnam he served on the USS Guide (MSO-447) from December 1962 to July 1966. You may contact the family C/O: Darlene C. Turney, P. O. Box 693, Clinton, IA 52732

Dennis E. Borlek

Senior Chief Hospital Corpsman Dennis E. Borlek (USN Ret.) passed away on June 10, 2012 following a long battle with lung cancer. While in Vietnam he was a Staff Corpsman with River Assault Squadron 12 – River Assault Division 112 from January 1968 to March 1969.

Harry W. Greatbatch

Member Harry W. Greatbatch passed away on May 24, 2012 from side effects of Agent Orange poisoning. While in Vietnam he served with River Assault Squadron 11 – River Assault Division 111 onboard A-111-1 from March 1967 to March 1968. You may contact the family C/O: Mary Ann Greatbatch, 6908 Oleander Dr, Moss Point, MS 39562 – (228) 475-5032

Hollis G. Franks

Member Hollis G. Franks (U.S. Army Ret.) passed away on June 23, 2012 after a long battle with cancer. While in Vietnam he served with B Company, 4th Battalion, 47th Infantry, 9th Infantry Division from December 1967 to December 1968. You may contact the family C/O: Mary Bell Franks, 4026 Hillcrest Common, Livermore, CA 94550-3777 – (925) 373-7095 – hgfrank@comcast.net

Michael Hermann

Member Michael Hermann passed away on July 7, 2012 following a bout with cancer. While in Vietnam served with River Assault Squadron 11 – River Assault Division 111 onboard T-111-10 in 1968-69. Mike was a Plank Owner of the MRFA. You may contact the family C/O: Noretta A. Kingman, 856 Killdee Ln, Duscon, LA 70529 -(337) 935-6556

Richard R. Strasser

Member Richard R. Strasser passed away on April 22, 2012. While in Vietnam he served with E Company, 15th Combat Engineers from September 1967 to April 1968. You may contact the family C/O: Dawn Strasser, 319 Costner Rd, Boiling Springs, SC 29316-5318 – (864) 578-9601

Don A. Hughes

Don A. Hughes passed away on September 13, 2012 following a long bout with wounds received in Vietnam as well as Agent Orange related cancer. While in Vietnam he served with D Company, 15th Engineer Battalion (Combat), 9th Infantry Division from May to October 1967. You may contact the family C/O his son: William “Allen” Hughes, 1200 Goodyear Ave., Gadsden, AL 35903-2102 – (256) 390-0916

Gerald Saucier

Member LCDR Gerald Saucier (USN Ret.) passed away at his home surrounded by family on Friday, August 17, 2012. While in Vietnam he served as Captain of The USS Benewah (APB-35) from 1966 to May 1968. You may contact the family C/O: Margaret Saucier, 4936 Olive Grove Lane, Virginia Beach, VA 23455

“LCDR. Saucier was a great Commanding Officer who molded a young crew into and outstanding crew of Officers and Enlisted alike. When the Benewah was put into Commission in 1966 at the Philadelphia Naval Shipyard the civilians who had worked on her to get her ready for Vietnam did not live up to their part of getting the ship ready. Due to the urgency to get her into the Mekong Delta she was signed for and off to Vietnam she went. It took 60 some days get her there and many 16-18 hour work days 7 days a week to get her ready for her duty of supporting the new Navy boat crews, the Riverine Infantry of the 9th Infantry Division and the staff of the MRF. Through it all Commanding Officer Saucier did a great job of trying to please the MRF Staff, which was not an easy task.

Somehow the LCDR Saucier kept his cool under some trying times and conditions and always put his crew first. He was well respected by the crew as well. It was an honor and privilege to have served under his command. LCDR Saucier was truly an Officer and Gentlemen. I for one will never forget this kind and gentle man. The likes of him only come around ever so often. He will be missed by all who knew him and served under him.” – Albert B. Moore

Donald F. Sarault

Member Donald F. Sarault passed away at his home on August 26, 2012. While in Vietnam Donald served with D Company, 2nd Battalion, 60th Infantry, 9th Infantry Division from January 1968 to February 1969. You may contact the family C/O: Doranna Sarault, 301 Polk Ave., Fowler, IN 47944 – saraultd@att.net

Robert Currier

BMC Robert Currier (USN Ret.) passed away on August 16, 2012 due to Agent Orange Parkinson’s disease. While in Vietnam he served on the USS Benewah (APB-35) from 1966-68 on the Deck Force. You may contact the family C/O: Noel Denholm, 1806 167th Ave Cir., Omaha, NE 68130

Jerry Parmley

Member Jerry Parmley passed away on October 8, 2012. While in Vietnam Jerry served with Task Force 116 in PBR River Division 532 from September 1966 to September 1967. You may contact the family C/O: Linda Parmley, 50039 230th Ave, Lake Mills, IA 50450-7420 – parmleyl@wectatel.net

Larry D. Stalder

Member Larry D. Stalder passed away on September 24, 2012. While in Vietnam he served with River Assault Squadron 11 – River Assault Division 112 onboard T-112-13 from January 1967 to May 1967. You may contact the family C/O: Ann Marie Stalder, 1605 Greenwillow Ln, Red Oak, IA 51566-1303 – annabelle_05_89@hotmail.com

John R. Zivic

Member John R. Zivic passed away on November 4, 2012 following a long battle with bile duct cancer. While in Vietnam he served onboard the USS Vernon County (LST-1161) from 1967-1969. You may contact the family C/O his brother Bob: Bjz@aol.com

Burton C Newby

Member LCDR Burton C. Newby (USN Ret.), passed away on October 27, 2012. While in Vietnam he served as Commanding Officer of the USS Krishna (ARL-38) from February 1970 to February 1971. He was the CO when Krishna came under sapper attacks at Sea Float on 5 July 1970 and 1 September 1970.

Steve Olson

Steve Olson (USN Ret., HTC/DV), passed away on December 24, 2012, While in Vietnam he served on a PBR with River Section 511 – Task Force-116 out of Binh Thuy. Later Steve became a Saturation “Sat” Diver. He retired following a long and distinguished Naval career.

Dan Morgan

Member Dan Morgan passed away August 30, 2012. While in Vietnam Dan served with Naval Support Activity, Dong Tam from February 1968 to March 1969. You may contact the family C/O: Jayce Morgan, HC 1 Box 1570, Sycamore, MO 65760-9705

Walter J. Riedemann

Captain Walter J. Riedemann (USN Ret.), passed away on September 1, 2012. While in Vietnam Captain Riedemann served as Commanding Officer of the USS Tom Green County (LST-1159) from 1968-70. You may contact the family C/O: Nancy Riedemann 1341 Carolyn Dr., Virginia Beach, VA. 23451 – wjr1159@cox.net

James Washington Jr.

Member Chief James Washington Jr. (USN Ret.) passed away on October 2, 2013. While in Vietnam he served aboard the USS Fort Marion (LSD-22) from 1966 to 1968. Chief Washington retired with 27 years of honorable Naval service. You may contact his family C/O: 7304 Middlebury Cove, Austin, TX 78723-1532

Kenneth S. Ray

Member GMCM Kenneth S. Ray (USN Ret.) passed away March 29, 2012. While in Vietnam he served on the USS Vernon County (LST-1161) from June 1965 to September 1969. You may contact the family C/O: Hisako Ray, 614 N Wyomissing Blvd, Wyomissing, PA 19610-1760 – (610) 376-2189

Timothy J. Neary

Member Timothy J. Neary passed away on April 25, 2012. While in Vietnam he served on the USS Jamestown (AGTR-3) from January 1969 to December 1969. You may contact the family C/O: Stella Gayle Malone, 720 Bayshore Dr – Apt 403, Fort Lauderdale, FL 33304-3903 – (954) 868-4075

James Parker

Member James “Doc” Parker passed away on May 15, 2012. While in Vietnam he served in B Company, 3rd Platoon, 3rd Battalion, 60th Infantry, 9th Infantry Division from February 1968 to February 1969. You may contact the family C/O: Jan Parker, 925 11th St, Huntington, WV 25701-3318 – (304) 529-4721

Larry Gibby

Larry Gibby passed away on June 8, 2012. While in Vietnam he served with 3rd Battalion, 47th Infantry, 9th Infantry Division. You may contact the family C/O: 9614 NW Golden Ave, Vancouver, WA 98666-6446

Robert T. Dilworth

Robert T. Dilworth passed away on February 7, 2012. While in Vietnam he served with 3rd Battalion, 47th Infantry, 9th Infantry Division.

Stanley Jones III

Member Stanley Jones III passed away on December 12, 2012. While in Vietnam he served with River Assault Squadron 15 onboard T-47 from July 1969 to July 1970. You may contact the family C/O: PO Box 2127, West Monroe, LA 71294-2127

Frank T. Griffin

Member Frank T. Griffin passed away on October 24, 2012. While in Vietnam he served on the USS Tutuila (ARG-4) from June 1966 to March 1967. You may contact his widow C/O: Sherry, 19129 Cheyenne St, Clinton Township, MI 48036-2129 – (586) 468-2467

James Cook

James Cook passed away in 2013. While in Vietnam he served with A Co., 3rd Battalion, 60th Infantry, 9th Infantry Division.

Richard F. Dosa

Richard F. Dosa passed away on February 15, 2012. While in Vietnam he served with 1st Platoon – Delta Company -3rd Battalion – 47th Infantry – 9th Infantry Division.

Ronald D. Friberg

Ronald D. Friberg passed away on April 8, 2012. While in Vietnam he served with 1st Platoon – Delta Company -3rd Battalion – 47th Infantry – 9th Infantry Division.

A Soldier Died Today

Written by A. Lawrence Vaincourt
www.vaincourt.homestead.com

He was getting old and paunchy
And his hair was falling fast,
And he sat around the Legion,
Telling stories of the past.

Of a war that he once fought in
And the deeds that he had done,
In his exploits with his buddies;
They were heroes, every one.

And ‘tho sometimes, to his neighbors
His tales became a joke,
All his buddies listened,
For they knew whereof he spoke.

But we’ll hear his tales no longer
For old Bill has passed away,
And the world’s a little poorer,
For a soldier died today.

He will not be mourned by many,
Just his children and his wife.
For he lived an ordinary
And quite uneventful life.

He held a job and raised a family,
Quietly going his own way,
And the world won’t note his passing,
Though a soldier died today.

When politicians leave this earth,
Their bodies lie in state,
While thousands note their passing
And proclaim that they were great.

Papers tell of their life stories,
From the time that they were young,
But the passing of a soldier
Goes unnoticed, and unsung.

Is the greatest contribution
To the welfare of our land,
A guy who breaks his promises
And cons his fellow man?

Or the ordinary fellow who,
In times of war and strife,
Goes off to serve his Country
And offers up his life?

The politician’s stipend
And the style in which he lives,
Are sometimes disproportionate
To the service that he gives.

While the ordinary soldier,
Who offered up his all,
Is paid off with a medal
And perhaps, a pension small.

It’s so easy to forget them
For it was so long ago,
That the old Bills of our Country
Went to battle, but we know,

It is not the politicians
With their compromise and ploys,
Who won for us the freedom
That our Country now enjoys.

Should you find yourself in danger,
With your enemies at hand,
Would you want a politician
With his ever-shifting stand?

Or would you prefer a soldier,
Who has sworn to defend
His home, his kin and Country
And would fight until the end?

He was just a common soldier
And his ranks are growing thin,
But his presence should remind us
We may need his like again.

For when countries are in conflict,
Then we find the soldier’s part
Is to clean up all the troubles
That the politicians start.

If we cannot do him honor
While he’s here to hear the praise,
Then at least let’s give him homage
At the ending of his days.

Perhaps just a simple headline
In a paper that would say:
Our Country is in, mourning,
For a soldier died today.