VIETNAM VETERANS OF AMERICA Office of the National Chaplain Taps July/August 2015 STEPHEN PAUL ALLISON - Died unexpectedly Sunday, May 3, 2015 at his home in Princeton, Iowa at the age of 66. The cause of death was Agent Orange-related cancer. He was born July 25, 1948 in Moline, Illinois to the late Mike and Marian (née Ware) Allison. He was in the United States Army, serving in Company E of the 75th Infantry Airborne Ranger Regiment in Vietnam. He earned several honors, including the Army Commendation Medal with Valor and three oak leaf clusters, Combat Infantry Badge, and Vietnam Service Medal with four bronze service stars. He later worked in manufacturing maintenance at the Rock Island Arsenal. He loved antique racing motorcycles. He was a member of Vietnam Veterans of America – Quad Cities (Rock Island) Chapter #299. Steve is survived by four sons and their wives, Boone and Ruth Allison, Port Byron, Tobin and Michele Allison, Davenport, Carlin Allison, Davenport, and Whitney Allison, Colona; four grandchildren; and two brothers and a sister-in-law, Craig and Pat Allison, Green River, Ill., and Kevin Allison, Galva. Visitation was from 5:00 to 8:00 PM on Wednesday at the Trimble Funeral Home at Trimble Pointe, 701 12th Street, Moline, Illinois. Private graveside services and entombment were on Thursday at the Rock Island National Cemetery, Arsenal Island. Memorials may be made to Vietnam Veterans of America - Chapter #299. CHARLES WAYNE “Charlie” ASHWORTH - Died with his family by his side on Friday, April 11, 2014 in Baytown, Texas at the age of 60. The cause of death is unknown. He was born on October 10, 1954 in Beaumont, Texas to the late Charles and Winona Ashworth. At the age of 17, he enlisted in the United States Navy as a Commissary Man and served on the USS Oklahoma City. He proudly served his country with honor, courage, commitment to excellence, and the fair treatment of all. During his service he was awarded the National Defense Service Medal, Vietnam Service Medal with Bronze Star, Vietnam Campaign Medal, Combat Action Ribbon, and Navy Unit Commendation. In 2006, he was given the gift of life from an organ donor and was the blessed recipient of a double lung transplant after his 8 year battle with Alpha One Antitrypsin Deficiency. This generous gift enabled him to have a second chance at life which allowed him to make lifelong memories with his wife, two daughters, and his two beautiful grandchildren. Charlie always made the best of every situation, always had a smile on his face, and loved to joke around. From 2011-2014, Charlie served as the Commander of the American Legion, Baytown Post #323. Charlie’s mission was to continue serving his country and community by leading veterans from all branches of service. His role in the American Legion truly gave him purpose and a reason to keep going, and the camaraderie among the Post truly touched his heart up until he passed away. He was a member of Vietnam Veterans of America – Baytown Chapter #922. He leaves behind many great memories, so many good times and laughs, as well as family and friends who will miss him greatly Charlie is preceded in death by his parents, Charles and Winona Ashworth, and his brother, Clifton. He is survived by his devoted wife of 34 years, Louise, who was with him for every doctor visit, hospitalization, and procedure; daughter, Angela Spurlock and husband, Herschel; daughter, Cristina Harvell and husband, Jack; grandchildren, Gage and Grace Spurlock; and numerous nieces and nephews and other relatives. Special thanks to the Houston Methodist Transplant Team, and the countless medical staff he made friends with on the Dunn Floor. The family received friends at Crespo and Jirrels Funeral Home on Monday, April 14, 2014, from 6:00-8:00 PM. Funeral services were held on Tuesday, April 15, 2014 at 2:00 PM in the Chapel of Crespo and Jirrels. Interment was in the Sterling White Cemetery in Highlands, Texas, with military honors. Pallbearers were Herschel Spurlock, Jack Harvell, Don Messerschmidt, Michael Fullen, David Fullen, Joe Fullen, and honorary pallbearers were members of American Legion Post #323. In lieu of flowers, the family would greatly appreciate donations to the building fund for the American Legion Baytown Post #323, as this was Charlie’s very important mission to find a location for the Legion members to call “home.” Donations can be sent to The American Legion Post #323 PO Box 2452 Baytown, Texas 77522. Arrangements were entrusted to Crespo & Jirrels Funeral and Cremation Services, 6123 Garth Road, Baytown 77521. TERRY DUANE BABLER - Died Tuesday, April 28, 2015 at the William S. Middleton Memorial VA Hospital in Madison, Wisconsin at the age of 65. He was a resident of New Glarus, Wisconsin. He fought an eight-year struggle with Alzheimer’s disease. He was born on February 13, 1950 to the late Duane and Virginia (née Duerst) Babler in Monroe, Wisconsin. Terry graduated from New Glarus High School in 1968. He then served in the United States Army from 1969 to 1971 as a combat medic in Vietnam. After serving his country, Terry was united in marriage to his soulmate Judy Bartels at Saint Victor Church in Monroe on October 7, 1972. He then worked for Rayovac in Madison and later the Carnes Company in Verona for several years. Terry enjoyed softball he played and coached with the Swiss Lanes team for many years. He was proud of his military service and was very active as member of many veterans’ organizations including being a founding member of the Wisconsin Vietnam Vets Chapter III and the 1st Squadron 1st Calvary National Association. He was also a member of the Howard County, Indiana Vietnam Veterans, VietNow, VFW Post #10549, American Legion Post #245, and Kenosha Area Vietnam Vets. He was also a member of Vietnam Veterans of America – Quad Cities (Rock Island) Chapter #299. Terry was also instrumental in organizing the Annual New Glarus WinterFest Veteran’s Rally R&R. Terry and Judy enjoyed making their annual trip to enjoy the warm Florida sunshine at Daytona every year. He loved his wife, children, grandchildren, dogs, New Glarus, and Country. Terry is survived by his wife Judy of New Glarus, WI, children Cindy (Eric) Deml of Evansville, WI and Tony (Amanda) Babler of New Glarus, WI, grandchildren Noah and Camden Deml, Anthony, Christopher, and Sada Babler. He is further survived by his siblings Vicki (Ken) Bavery of Madison, WI, Debi (Ken) Schickert of Waukesha, WI, Jeff (Carolyn) Babler of New Glarus, WI, brothers-in-law John (Pam) Bartels, Irv (Connie) Bartels, Bill (Joann Borchart) Bartels, and Bob (Pam) Bartels, and many nieces and nephews. In addition to his parents he was also predeceased by his special grandmother Lydia Duerst, father-in-law and mother-in-law John and Ann Bartels, and a brother-in-law Gary Bartels. Funeral services were held at 2:00 PM on Saturday, May 2, 2015 at the Swiss United Church of Christ, 18 Fifth Avenue, New Glarus, WI with the Reverend Bill Wineke officiating with burial in the Swiss Church Cemetery. Relatives and friends called from 4:00 PM to 7:00 PM on Friday, May 1, 2015 at the Zentner-Beal Funeral Home, 29 Sixth Avenue, New Glarus, WI. The family would like to thank the staffs of the VA CLC Hospice Unit and the New Glarus Home for their kind and compassionate care. In lieu of flowers a memorial fund has been established. BRYON RICHARD BAER - Died Friday, January 16, 2015 in San Antonio, Texas at the age of 69. The cause of death is unknown. He was born January 27, 1945 to the late Lewis R. and Martha L. Baer. He is survived by his loving wife, Virginia T. Baer; children: Guadalupe, Ignacio, Louisa B. Ramos and Lewis R. II; brother, Lewis W. Baer; 15 grandchildren; 7 great-grandchildren. Richard was born in New Windsor, Maryland and attended school at Taneytown High School and joined the United States Air Force. He also served in the United States Naval Reserves, retired from Kelly AFB and worked for South San Antonio ISD. Richard spent time as a Bexar County Sheriff and served as a Daytona Beach Police Office in Florida. He was a pillar in the community and proud supporter of veterans. He was a past Post Commander for the American Legion Post #399, past member of Post #579, and Post #300. Richard was affiliated with Catholic War Veterans, Knights of Columbus at St. Claire's Church, was a member of Vietnam Veterans of America – Alamo (San Antonio) Chapter #366. Most recently, Richard was a member of the San Antonio Liederkranz at Saint Joseph Catholic Church Beethoven Maennerchor Choir and Band, Shark Hunters International U-boat History (Hernando, Fl.), National Wood Carvers Association and Fraternal Order or Eagle. Richard proudly served in the Honor Guard Squad for MSD Ft. Sam Houston. He also volunteered his time with the San Antonio Police Department Safety Patrol, C.O.P., San Antonio Stock Show and Rodeo, B-25J Mitchell WWII Bomber The Yellow Rose and The Airman Heritage Museum at Lackland AFB. He was a true patriot who loved his country. He was an awesome individual that touched many lives in a positive way and will be greatly missed by his family and friends. The family received friends at 5:00 PM on Monday, February 2, 2015 at Funeraria Del Angel Roy Akers with a Rosary being recited at 6:30 PM with a "Celebration of Life" to follow. A funeral procession departed the funeral home at 8:30 AM on Tuesday, February 3, 2015 to celebrate a 9:00 AM Mass at Saint Joseph (Downtown) Catholic Church.