Twin City Aero Historians

Gone West

"Gone West" is an old expression meaning those that have passed. TCAH honors and remembers club members that have "Gone West" each year at our annual banquet. This list includes members that were founders of the club, club officers and members that have passed away while a member. It is here that we honor the memory of our friends and fellow Aerohistorians in a more permanent way.

Tom Norrbohm, our club historian has been kind enough to assemble a list of people and some memories of each of these members as well as photos of each as they appeared at club meetings.

JOHN TOUHEY 12-10-77
	John joined TCAH in 1974. In spite of having to drive from Mankato every month, John rarely missed a club meeting. His interests varied from the Golden Age to the 60's, with a particular fondness in the AT-6/SNJ and T-28 aircraft. He was a member of AAHS and IPMS.

GEORGE MINARIK 2-4-82
	George joined the club in 1969. He first found out about our club when he attended our TCAH Display at Har Mar Mall in November of 1968, where at the show he met member Bob Nelson. The two formed a fast and lasting friendship, and the two frequently travelled to many air shows, IPMS Conventions, displays and hobby shops, together. George was a proficient modeler, with interests in WWI to present day. His legacy was an F8F Bearcat in markings of the MN Naval Reserves, which he entered in every contest until ruled that a model could win one time only. He got ribbed for that a lot. George held several club offices, that of Secretary, Treasurer and Contest Chairman.

GEORGE MINARIK 2-4-82

George joined the club in 1969. He first found out about our club when he attended our TCAH Display at Har Mar Mall in November of 1968, where at the show he met member Bob Nelson. The two formed a fast and lasting friendship, and the two frequently travelled to many air shows, IPMS Conventions, displays and hobby shops, together. George was a proficient modeler, with interests in WWI to present day. His legacy was an F8F Bearcat in markings of the MN Naval Reserves, which he entered in every contest until ruled that a model could win one time only. He got ribbed for that a lot. George held several club offices, that of Secretary, Treasurer and Contest Chairman.

BERNIE FLETCHER 11-14-84
	Bernie joined TCAH in 1969. His interests spanned just about anything with wings and an engine. Bernie was a member until 1975, and worked at Custom Model Hobby at 35th and Cedar Ave. S. and later at 44th and Minnehaha Ave. S. Both locations in South Mpls. He loved to work on odd ball kits and modifications, and would frequently share his current work-in-progress with customers. Common to many model builders, he accumulated kits faster than he could build them. This ratio increased when he worked at Custom Model Hobby and became overwhelmingly evident when he died in 1984, when several club members and friends assisted in settling his estate. Living in a modest mobile home, he would buy multiples of one kit, separate all parts from the tree and bag them. Instructions and decals were filed away separately, and the kit box thrown out. Do this to 10,000 plus kits and you have a nightmare, as over the years the bags would break and parts leak out. All this had to be sorted out, so the kits could be sold. We figured less than 100 kits were still in the original box.

BERNIE FLETCHER 11-14-84

Bernie joined TCAH in 1969. His interests spanned just about anything with wings and an engine. Bernie was a member until 1975, and worked at Custom Model Hobby at 35th and Cedar Ave. S. and later at 44th and Minnehaha Ave. S. Both locations in South Mpls. He loved to work on odd ball kits and modifications, and would frequently share his current work-in-progress with customers. Common to many model builders, he accumulated kits faster than he could build them. This ratio increased when he worked at Custom Model Hobby and became overwhelmingly evident when he died in 1984, when several club members and friends assisted in settling his estate. Living in a modest mobile home, he would buy multiples of one kit, separate all parts from the tree and bag them. Instructions and decals were filed away separately, and the kit box thrown out. Do this to 10,000 plus kits and you have a nightmare, as over the years the bags would break and parts leak out. All this had to be sorted out, so the kits could be sold. We figured less than 100 kits were still in the original box.

DAVE SANDSNESS 4-15-88
	Dave joined the club in 1970. Dave was not a model builder, but loved anything that had to do with aviation. He was an avid hot air balloon crewman when he wasn't taking photos. Dave was a first rate photographer. He was the club's 'unofficial' photographer. Most of the photos in the club history from 1970 until his death, were taken by him. That is why photos of Dave are so rare. He held every office in the club, including editor, except one..... club President. Dave was very active in the club, and attended just about every club meeting and business meeting ever held.

DAVE SANDSNESS 4-15-88

Dave joined the club in 1970. Dave was not a model builder, but loved anything that had to do with aviation. He was an avid hot air balloon crewman when he wasn't taking photos. Dave was a first rate photographer. He was the club's 'unofficial' photographer. Most of the photos in the club history from 1970 until his death, were taken by him. That is why photos of Dave are so rare. He held every office in the club, including editor, except one..... club President. Dave was very active in the club, and attended just about every club meeting and business meeting ever held.

BOB KAYE 10-8-88
	Bob was one of the charter members of our club when it was first formed in late 1966. Bob would only be a member for a few years, and paid us a surprise visit in 1987. He was an avid modeler and decal manufacturer. At a time when kit manufacturer's considered decals simply as afterthoughts, Bob went right to the heart of the problem. He researched for proper size and color that was a breakthrough at the time. He started his own company called Historic Aircraft Decals, with a monthly magazine called His-Air-Dec-News. This magazine was nationally distributed and featured a decal sheet stapled within its pages.

BOB KAYE 10-8-88

Bob was one of the charter members of our club when it was first formed in late 1966. Bob would only be a member for a few years, and paid us a surprise visit in 1987. He was an avid modeler and decal manufacturer. At a time when kit manufacturer's considered decals simply as afterthoughts, Bob went right to the heart of the problem. He researched for proper size and color that was a breakthrough at the time. He started his own company called Historic Aircraft Decals, with a monthly magazine called His-Air-Dec-News. This magazine was nationally distributed and featured a decal sheet stapled within its pages.

BOB NELSON 1-1-89
	Bob joined in 1969. His interests would involve mostly WWII and Airliners. There wasn't a contest that Bob didn't enter at least one of those types. Bob, along with George Minarik, Dave Galbraith and Jack Mugan was the club's equivalent of the 'Rat Pack'. Most, if not all, would travel together to various displays, air shows and the like. He was a frequent attendee of the Oshkosh Air show in the summer. Bob held club offices of President, V.P. and Secretary. Perhaps Bob's legacy is his performance in the club's infamous video done years ago, when checking to see if no one is around, he goes back to his workbench and proceeds to do touch and go's with an commercial airliner model.

BOB NELSON 1-1-89

Bob joined in 1969. His interests would involve mostly WWII and Airliners. There wasn't a contest that Bob didn't enter at least one of those types. Bob, along with George Minarik, Dave Galbraith and Jack Mugan was the club's equivalent of the 'Rat Pack'. Most, if not all, would travel together to various displays, air shows and the like. He was a frequent attendee of the Oshkosh Air show in the summer. Bob held club offices of President, V.P. and Secretary. Perhaps Bob's legacy is his performance in the club's infamous video done years ago, when checking to see if no one is around, he goes back to his workbench and proceeds to do touch and go's with an commercial airliner model.

KEN JOHNSON 12-31-90
	Ken joined TCAH around 1971. Ken was present at just about every club meeting. He was always in the background, conversing with everyone, even just to say "Hi". Although not a modeler (at least I don't think he was), his interest in aviation was abundant. Always willing to help out when help was needed. He held the offices of V.P., Secretary and Treasurer, his most frequent post (a total of 6 years).

KEN JOHNSON 12-31-90

Ken joined TCAH around 1971. Ken was present at just about every club meeting. He was always in the background, conversing with everyone, even just to say "Hi". Although not a modeler (at least I don't think he was), his interest in aviation was abundant. Always willing to help out when help was needed. He held the offices of V.P., Secretary and Treasurer, his most frequent post (a total of 6 years).

JACK BUTZ 6-94
	Jack joined us around 1972. Jack was a true aviation historian. His interests was collecting aviation memorabilia from civil aviation and the Golden Age of flight. At the Mini Air Expo displays in the 70's, Jack would bring the collection out and cover many tables with interesting artifacts ranging from patches, stickers, decals, stamps, pins, the list goes on. One of the more interesting artifacts was a Luftwaffe officer's uniform tunic. It wasn't anything rare, but it was how he got it. While rummaging around at a Goodwill Store, he found it and was able to get it for next to nothing. The uniform was in immaculate condition. Later he would display his collection at the local Airline Expo of which he was one of the premiere displayers.

JACK BUTZ 6-94

Jack joined us around 1972. Jack was a true aviation historian. His interests was collecting aviation memorabilia from civil aviation and the Golden Age of flight. At the Mini Air Expo displays in the 70's, Jack would bring the collection out and cover many tables with interesting artifacts ranging from patches, stickers, decals, stamps, pins, the list goes on. One of the more interesting artifacts was a Luftwaffe officer's uniform tunic. It wasn't anything rare, but it was how he got it. While rummaging around at a Goodwill Store, he found it and was able to get it for next to nothing. The uniform was in immaculate condition. Later he would display his collection at the local Airline Expo of which he was one of the premiere displayers.

MILES AIKEN 2-95
	Miles joined our club in 1980. His interest in aviation goes back to 1930 when he built R.O.G. stick models, balsa and basswood scale, and eventually gasoline powered flying models. His favorite era of aviation is WWI with a fondness for the Nieuport 28. He took flight lessons in the 30's and soloed in 1940 in a Cub J-3. He is also affiliated with or interested in the EAA, Antique Aircraft Association and the Minnesota Antiquers. He takes many photos and has placed in our club photo contest.

MILES AIKEN 2-95

Miles joined our club in 1980. His interest in aviation goes back to 1930 when he built R.O.G. stick models, balsa and basswood scale, and eventually gasoline powered flying models. His favorite era of aviation is WWI with a fondness for the Nieuport 28. He took flight lessons in the 30's and soloed in 1940 in a Cub J-3. He is also affiliated with or interested in the EAA, Antique Aircraft Association and the Minnesota Antiquers. He takes many photos and has placed in our club photo contest.

KOSTA ASSELANIS 7-23-97
	Costa came to the club in 1988. His main modeling interests was 1/144th and 1/72nd scale. A 1976 graduate of the Air Force Academy, he would go on to serve in the USAF for 10 years. Afterwards, he flew for Northwest Airlines. He was involved in the Confederate Air Force Wing South St. Paul, flying many of their aircraft. At one time he owned a Vultee BT-13A. Kosta died doing what he loved most, when flying his AV-4, the plane suddenly crashed shortly after take off in Dakota County.

KOSTA ASSELANIS 7-23-97

Costa came to the club in 1988. His main modeling interests was 1/144th and 1/72nd scale. A 1976 graduate of the Air Force Academy, he would go on to serve in the USAF for 10 years. Afterwards, he flew for Northwest Airlines. He was involved in the Confederate Air Force Wing South St. Paul, flying many of their aircraft. At one time he owned a Vultee BT-13A. Kosta died doing what he loved most, when flying his AV-4, the plane suddenly crashed shortly after take off in Dakota County.

MICHELLE CHOQUETTE 2-5-98
	Michelle joined TCAH in 1983. Being a woman in a male dominated hobby was a rarity, but to top it off, she could build world class models of museum quality. While she built in all scales, her main scale was 1/32nd, scratch built. A draftsman by trade, she had attention to detail. Later when her health forced her out of work, she would spend 16 hour days drawing up plans for current projects and building her impressive models. Perhaps her crowning achievement was a 1/32nd scale B-58 Hustler, all scratch built of course! Her work has been featured in Fine Scale Modeler magazine as well. Other areas of modeling interest was cars and armor.

MICHELLE CHOQUETTE 2-5-98

Michelle joined TCAH in 1983. Being a woman in a male dominated hobby was a rarity, but to top it off, she could build world class models of museum quality. While she built in all scales, her main scale was 1/32nd, scratch built. A draftsman by trade, she had attention to detail. Later when her health forced her out of work, she would spend 16 hour days drawing up plans for current projects and building her impressive models. Perhaps her crowning achievement was a 1/32nd scale B-58 Hustler, all scratch built of course! Her work has been featured in Fine Scale Modeler magazine as well. Other areas of modeling interest was cars and armor.

NICK WATERS III 2-8-98
	Nick would come to our club in 1975. Nick was in the Navy and the Twin Cities was his next duty station for him and his family for the next 4 years. His main modeling interests were 1/72nd scale WWII to Present and Latin American Air Force. Nick would be instrumental in finding our new meeting place on the NARDET base in 1975, when due to new security measures, we would have to leave our meeting place at North Central Airlines office building. From here, he would go to Jakarta, Indonesia and finally Hawaii, here he would retire from the Navy and move to Texas and work for Squadron Signal Publications.

NICK WATERS III 2-8-98

Nick would come to our club in 1975. Nick was in the Navy and the Twin Cities was his next duty station for him and his family for the next 4 years. His main modeling interests were 1/72nd scale WWII to Present and Latin American Air Force. Nick would be instrumental in finding our new meeting place on the NARDET base in 1975, when due to new security measures, we would have to leave our meeting place at North Central Airlines office building. From here, he would go to Jakarta, Indonesia and finally Hawaii, here he would retire from the Navy and move to Texas and work for Squadron Signal Publications.

MIKE LANGER 4-26-98
	Mike joined us in 1988. Mike learned to fly at 14 years of age and was briefly the youngest pilot in the United States. 45 years later, Mike founded the American Wings Aviation Museum at Anoka County Airport, where he soloed 45 years ago. As a member of the U.S. Army Aviation Test Board in the early 60's, part of his job involved periodic trips to Vietnam to test the armament on the OV-1 Mohawk, a turboprop surveillance aircraft. More than 20 years later, Mike bid on and eventually purchased the same aircraft he flew in Vietnam, at an Army surplus sale. This aircraft was restored to flying condition and serves as the centerpiece of the American Wings museum. On occasion, the club would meet at the American Wings Museum thanks to Mike Langer.

MIKE LANGER 4-26-98

Mike joined us in 1988. Mike learned to fly at 14 years of age and was briefly the youngest pilot in the United States. 45 years later, Mike founded the American Wings Aviation Museum at Anoka County Airport, where he soloed 45 years ago. As a member of the U.S. Army Aviation Test Board in the early 60's, part of his job involved periodic trips to Vietnam to test the armament on the OV-1 Mohawk, a turboprop surveillance aircraft. More than 20 years later, Mike bid on and eventually purchased the same aircraft he flew in Vietnam, at an Army surplus sale. This aircraft was restored to flying condition and serves as the centerpiece of the American Wings museum. On occasion, the club would meet at the American Wings Museum thanks to Mike Langer.

DUANE BUHOLZ 5-98
	Duane joined TCAH in the early 90's. His interests in aviation covered all forms and he just liked to come to the meetings to be with the guys. Duane was a P-47 pilot in the 9th Air Force, flying with the 405th Fighter Group. The plane he flew was named 'Chief Ski-U-Mah' and had a large profile of an Indian Chief with a war bonnet painted on the nose. His plane can be seen in the 1st issue of the P-47 Thunderbolt in Action book. Later Testors would release a model kit of a P-47 Thunderbolt that featured his aircraft, complete with markings for his plane.

DUANE BUHOLZ 5-98

Duane joined TCAH in the early 90's. His interests in aviation covered all forms and he just liked to come to the meetings to be with the guys. Duane was a P-47 pilot in the 9th Air Force, flying with the 405th Fighter Group. The plane he flew was named 'Chief Ski-U-Mah' and had a large profile of an Indian Chief with a war bonnet painted on the nose. His plane can be seen in the 1st issue of the P-47 Thunderbolt in Action book. Later Testors would release a model kit of a P-47 Thunderbolt that featured his aircraft, complete with markings for his plane.

TIM McGOVERN 11-2-98
	Tim joined the club in 1974. Tim's love was the F4 Phantom. Over a period of several years, he had a pet project of building 'The Ultimate' F4 Phantom in 1/32nd scale. Using a Revell kit and basically starting with just the aircraft shell itself, he scratch built and modified that kit into an beautiful award winning model. It would place high at the 1982 IPMS Nationals in St. Louis. After that, Tim could build the same plane/kit in half the time. One was even delivered to someone in the IAF in Israel. Tim was also an accomplished aviation artist and had some of his work available as prints.

TIM McGOVERN 11-2-98

Tim joined the club in 1974. Tim's love was the F4 Phantom. Over a period of several years, he had a pet project of building 'The Ultimate' F4 Phantom in 1/32nd scale. Using a Revell kit and basically starting with just the aircraft shell itself, he scratch built and modified that kit into an beautiful award winning model. It would place high at the 1982 IPMS Nationals in St. Louis. After that, Tim could build the same plane/kit in half the time. One was even delivered to someone in the IAF in Israel. Tim was also an accomplished aviation artist and had some of his work available as prints.

HAROLD JOHNSON 12-00
	Harold came to the club in 1971. His aviation interests early on involved a stint in the AAF cadet program, but a surplus of cadets would see him routed to B-24 gunner school, followed by B-29 waist gunner. Staying in the AF Reserve, he was recalled to active duty in 1951-53 as a B-50 gunner. His modeling interests was all stick and tissue, which he started at an early age, and later built free flight gas types. He also built beautiful 3/4" scale non-flying stick and tissue models, usually from the Golden Age of flight. Always willing to help the club when asked, he served as Treasurer briefly as well as V.P. He is the brother of member Ken Johnson who passed away in 1990.

HAROLD JOHNSON 12-00

Harold came to the club in 1971. His aviation interests early on involved a stint in the AAF cadet program, but a surplus of cadets would see him routed to B-24 gunner school, followed by B-29 waist gunner. Staying in the AF Reserve, he was recalled to active duty in 1951-53 as a B-50 gunner. His modeling interests was all stick and tissue, which he started at an early age, and later built free flight gas types. He also built beautiful 3/4" scale non-flying stick and tissue models, usually from the Golden Age of flight. Always willing to help the club when asked, he served as Treasurer briefly as well as V.P. He is the brother of member Ken Johnson who passed away in 1990.

JOHN MOORE 2001
	John Moore was the founder of this club. In the winter of 1966 an idea was formed and the Twin City Aero Historians was born. John was a modeler as well and served as club President and Editor for the first 3 years. John eventually moved on to other things, he was a big toy collector also, but would stay in touch with the club over the years. John would become the club's first Life Member.

ED JOHNSON 2001
	Ed came to the club in 1973. His interest in aviation came about at an early age when he got his first airplane ride at the County Fair in Redwood Falls in 1935 at the age of 8. His early kit building involved the Paul Jones kits as well as the Comet kits of the time. He had a fondness for the old Comet kits over the years, and enjoyed collecting them as well. His main era of interest is in aircraft from WWI to 1945. He also enjoys aviation art and collecting and drawing 3-view plans of aircraft. Not a regular model builder, Ed enjoyed the work of other members and was a longtime participant of the club meetings.

ED JOHNSON 2001

Ed came to the club in 1973. His interest in aviation came about at an early age when he got his first airplane ride at the County Fair in Redwood Falls in 1935 at the age of 8. His early kit building involved the Paul Jones kits as well as the Comet kits of the time. He had a fondness for the old Comet kits over the years, and enjoyed collecting them as well. His main era of interest is in aircraft from WWI to 1945. He also enjoys aviation art and collecting and drawing 3-view plans of aircraft. Not a regular model builder, Ed enjoyed the work of other members and was a longtime participant of the club meetings.

BOB LEMM 1-1-02
	Bob would join the club in 1977. Bob was not a model builder so much as he was an artist. He did wonderful ink drawings that graced many a cover of our newsletter. He also worked in other mediums and supplied artwork to at least one book on the 15th Fighter Group called 'The Long Campaign'. Bob did many member profiles for the newsletter, from which much of the information for these bios came from. He would serve as club President and V.P. As Editor, he was not afraid to try new ideas for the newsletter and put out a quality product.

BOB LEMM 1-1-02

Bob would join the club in 1977. Bob was not a model builder so much as he was an artist. He did wonderful ink drawings that graced many a cover of our newsletter. He also worked in other mediums and supplied artwork to at least one book on the 15th Fighter Group called 'The Long Campaign'. Bob did many member profiles for the newsletter, from which much of the information for these bios came from. He would serve as club President and V.P. As Editor, he was not afraid to try new ideas for the newsletter and put out a quality product.

ED KUEPPERS, JR. 4-16-04
	Ed joined TCAH in 1971. From almost the beginning, Ed supplied the club with free calendars that had an aviation theme every month. These were donated by his company Kueppers Insurance Agency, a company he owned for nearly 40 years. Although not a die hard model builder, he did build the 1/48th Monogram B-17G and I suspect this was one of his favorite aircraft as he would become very much involved in the national organization The Eighth Air Force Historical Society. Ed was an avid aero historian, and he collected many films and videos of WWII aviation subject matter. Early on in the 8th Air Force Historical Society, he would supply films and videos for the membership to watch at the annual National Convention. He would eventually become the Society's Information Manager, and was a Past President of the Minnesota Chapter of the 8th Air Force Historical Society. He was also a board member of the Memorial Museum Foundation. Ed served the Twin City Aero Historians as President, VP, Treasurer and Editor and was the club's Member of the Year in 1981.

ED KUEPPERS, JR. 4-16-04

Ed joined TCAH in 1971. From almost the beginning, Ed supplied the club with free calendars that had an aviation theme every month. These were donated by his company Kueppers Insurance Agency, a company he owned for nearly 40 years. Although not a die hard model builder, he did build the 1/48th Monogram B-17G and I suspect this was one of his favorite aircraft as he would become very much involved in the national organization The Eighth Air Force Historical Society. Ed was an avid aero historian, and he collected many films and videos of WWII aviation subject matter. Early on in the 8th Air Force Historical Society, he would supply films and videos for the membership to watch at the annual National Convention. He would eventually become the Society's Information Manager, and was a Past President of the Minnesota Chapter of the 8th Air Force Historical Society. He was also a board member of the Memorial Museum Foundation. Ed served the Twin City Aero Historians as President, VP, Treasurer and Editor and was the club's Member of the Year in 1981.

WALLY FOREMAN 6-9-05
	Wally joined TCAH in 1971. Although he never held any office in the club, Wally was always in the background lending a helping hand in any kind of general aviation research. His main interests were models (though he was not a builder himself), photos and general aviation of all eras. He was a B-17 pilot in WWII. He was a member in MANY organizations such as: AAHS, St. Paul RC club, Antique Airplane Association, Air Force Historical Society, Cross & Cockade and the Pacific Northwest Aero Historical Foundation to name a few. He was the club's 'unofficial' club historian for many years. Saving newsletters and photos over the years, Dave Galbraith then took over for a short while in the early 1990's. Dave then put everything together in chronological order and passed it on to our present historian Tom Norrbohm. Wally had quite a collection of photos and general aviation information which he was willing to share with anyone who needed it. He authored several books/articles including: B-24 Nose Art Name Directory B-17 Nose Art Name Directory Wally was active in TCAH up through 2000, when due to health concerns, he no longer could attend the meetings.

WALLY FOREMAN 6-9-05

Wally joined TCAH in 1971. Although he never held any office in the club, Wally was always in the background lending a helping hand in any kind of general aviation research. His main interests were models (though he was not a builder himself), photos and general aviation of all eras. He was a B-17 pilot in WWII. He was a member in MANY organizations such as: AAHS, St. Paul RC club, Antique Airplane Association, Air Force Historical Society, Cross & Cockade and the Pacific Northwest Aero Historical Foundation to name a few.

He was the club's 'unofficial' club historian for many years. Saving newsletters and photos over the years, Dave Galbraith then took over for a short while in the early 1990's. Dave then put everything together in chronological order and passed it on to our present historian Tom Norrbohm.

Wally had quite a collection of photos and general aviation information which he was willing to share with anyone who needed it. He authored several books/articles including:

B-24 Nose Art Name Directory
B-17 Nose Art Name Directory

Wally was active in TCAH up through 2000, when due to health concerns, he no longer could attend the meetings.

JOHN HENNESSEY 5-2006
	We received a call late last night regarding John Hennessey. He died as a result of a scuba diving accident while on extended R & R with his unit in Hawaii. John Hennessey joined TCAH at about the same time as I did in 1991 and up until a couple of years ago, he had been a regular member of the TCAH. Due to his increasing responsibilities and commitments with the US Army Reserve, he had been unable to attend TCAH. John was a graduate of the US Military Academy at West Point. Upon graduation, he served in Washington, DC, South Korea, Panama, Costa Rica and Bosnia. Last year he was called up to serve as part of an Intel Unit from Hawaii and was deployed to the "Green Zone" in Iraq. He had risen to the rank of Lt. Colonel. John enjoyed music,literature, he was a "wiz" with computers and was very proud of his Irish heritage. Every November he came "loaded for bear" looking for good deals at the annual TCAH auction. Gen. George Patton once said "We should not mourn the death of good soldiers, rather we should thank God that such men existed" John was a good husband and father. He was a good soldier and a good friend. It was an honor to have known him and he will be truly missed. -- Johannes Allert

JOHN HENNESSEY 5-2006

We received a call late last night regarding John Hennessey. He died as a result of a scuba diving accident while on extended R & R with his unit in Hawaii.

John Hennessey joined TCAH at about the same time as I did in 1991 and up until a couple of years ago, he had been a regular member of the TCAH. Due to his increasing responsibilities and commitments with the US Army Reserve, he had been unable to attend TCAH.

John was a graduate of the US Military Academy at West Point. Upon graduation, he served in Washington, DC, South Korea, Panama, Costa Rica and Bosnia. Last year he was called up to serve as part of an Intel Unit from Hawaii and was deployed to the "Green Zone" in Iraq. He had risen to the rank of Lt. Colonel.

John enjoyed music,literature, he was a "wiz" with computers and was very proud of his Irish heritage. Every November he came "loaded for bear" looking for good deals at the annual TCAH auction.

Gen. George Patton once said "We should not mourn the death of good soldiers, rather we should thank God that such men existed"

John was a good husband and father. He was a good soldier and a good friend. It was an honor to have known him and he will be truly missed.

-- Johannes Allert