Hempfield High School Alumni
Greensburg, Pennsylvania (PA)
Recent Members
| Amanda Kathryn | 2021 |
| Dennis Miller | 1969 |
| Deven Havner | 2004 |
| Edward Campbell Edward Campbell | 1974 |
| Eric Bucher | 1979 |
| James Bell | 1969 |
| Nicole Myers Nicole Myers | 1998 |
| Robin Leonard | 1982 |
Military Alumni
Honoring Our Heroes
This area is dedicated to our alumni that have served or are serving in our armed forces!
Lost Class Rings
Have you lost your Hempfield High School class ring? Have you found someone's class ring? Visit our Spartans lost class ring page to search for your class ring or post information about a found ring.
Honored Military Alumni
Clair Smith
Class of 1959
Army, 2 Years
Served with the 864th Combat Engineers in Nha Trang, Vietnam Nam.
Class of 1959
Army, 2 Years
Served with the 864th Combat Engineers in Nha Trang, Vietnam Nam.
daniel p smeltzer
Class of 1969
Navy, 4 Years
Vietnam. Stationed on aircraft carrier.
Class of 1969
Navy, 4 Years
Vietnam. Stationed on aircraft carrier.
Dick RheaJr.
Class of 1965
Army, 2 Years
I was drafted during the Johnson Presidency and
during those two years 1966-68, I spent the last
year in Viet Nam. I was an Infantry soldier and
served with the 198th Lt. Inf. Brgd. part of the
Americal Division. Our Unit received 4 Bronze
Stars and recognition for being battle hardened by
fighting in four significant battles. What a soldier
gives up at age twenty you never get back.
You life is perminately altered and your youth is
gone.
Class of 1965
Army, 2 Years
I was drafted during the Johnson Presidency and
during those two years 1966-68, I spent the last
year in Viet Nam. I was an Infantry soldier and
served with the 198th Lt. Inf. Brgd. part of the
Americal Division. Our Unit received 4 Bronze
Stars and recognition for being battle hardened by
fighting in four significant battles. What a soldier
gives up at age twenty you never get back.
You life is perminately altered and your youth is
gone.
Franz Filicky
Class of 1972
Air Force, 20+ Years
Enlisted and went to basic training Dec 72.
Class of 1972
Air Force, 20+ Years
Enlisted and went to basic training Dec 72.
George D Six
Class of 1966
Army, 2 Years
After graduating from Hempfield High School, Greensburg, PA in 1966, I earned a BS degree in Electrical Engineering from West Virginia University and I am Registered Professional Engineer (Retired) WV.
In 1971when the United States of America required my presence for two years after my 2S deferment ran out I was drafted. I declined to go to Canada, but researched all other options and decided to apply for a Science and Engineering (S&E) position before being drafted. The scariest moment was when the Marine Sergeant in Pittsburgh was counting off the new recruits… Army, Marines, Army, Marines, etc,etc. The Marines do not have an S&E program. Lucky as always, that big DI pointed at me and said - Army. After a lovely (?) winter in basic training at Ft Dix, New Jersey, Engineers do not have a strong union like Lawyers and Doctors so I went in as a Private. Basic training was like a forced health spa. You know the old adage “Don’t volunteer for anything”, well I volunteered for everything. I was the Platoon Guide. My DI was Sgt. Smith. One night he came in drunk and woke up all of my platoon and had them stand at attention while he asked them what ‘Smith’ stood for. When they couldn’t answer, he told them, Smartest Man In This House. I got him down to his room and the platoon back to bed so he wouldn’t lose his stripes. I received my MOS of 01B20, Electrical Engineering Assistant, and was assigned to Picatinny Arsenal in Dover New Jersey to design fuses for weapons. Some of the projects I worked on were the LAW, TOW and an anti-tank mine for the European front. There were 7000 civilians, 200 Officers and 60 enlisted personnel at Picatinny and I made sure every Officer saluted me. We S&E’s were known as the green ghetto crew. The Enlistees had more degrees combined than the Officers.
Class of 1966
Army, 2 Years
After graduating from Hempfield High School, Greensburg, PA in 1966, I earned a BS degree in Electrical Engineering from West Virginia University and I am Registered Professional Engineer (Retired) WV.
In 1971when the United States of America required my presence for two years after my 2S deferment ran out I was drafted. I declined to go to Canada, but researched all other options and decided to apply for a Science and Engineering (S&E) position before being drafted. The scariest moment was when the Marine Sergeant in Pittsburgh was counting off the new recruits… Army, Marines, Army, Marines, etc,etc. The Marines do not have an S&E program. Lucky as always, that big DI pointed at me and said - Army. After a lovely (?) winter in basic training at Ft Dix, New Jersey, Engineers do not have a strong union like Lawyers and Doctors so I went in as a Private. Basic training was like a forced health spa. You know the old adage “Don’t volunteer for anything”, well I volunteered for everything. I was the Platoon Guide. My DI was Sgt. Smith. One night he came in drunk and woke up all of my platoon and had them stand at attention while he asked them what ‘Smith’ stood for. When they couldn’t answer, he told them, Smartest Man In This House. I got him down to his room and the platoon back to bed so he wouldn’t lose his stripes. I received my MOS of 01B20, Electrical Engineering Assistant, and was assigned to Picatinny Arsenal in Dover New Jersey to design fuses for weapons. Some of the projects I worked on were the LAW, TOW and an anti-tank mine for the European front. There were 7000 civilians, 200 Officers and 60 enlisted personnel at Picatinny and I made sure every Officer saluted me. We S&E’s were known as the green ghetto crew. The Enlistees had more degrees combined than the Officers.
James H Spoerer
Class of 1968
Army, 3 Years
5th Special Forces Group Airborne
Vietnam 1969-1970
Sgt E-5
Class of 1968
Army, 3 Years
5th Special Forces Group Airborne
Vietnam 1969-1970
Sgt E-5
Judee Muir
Class of 1973
Air Force, 4 Years
Went in right after high school. Worked in electronics field.
Class of 1973
Air Force, 4 Years
Went in right after high school. Worked in electronics field.
Karl G. Sperlich
Class of 1989
Navy, 4 Years
I served on the U.S.S. Inchon (LPH-12) Norfolk, VA and on the U.S.S. Philippine Sea (CG-58) Mayport, FL. I took part of Med Cruises during my career in the military. It was an honor to serve our great country.
Class of 1989
Navy, 4 Years
I served on the U.S.S. Inchon (LPH-12) Norfolk, VA and on the U.S.S. Philippine Sea (CG-58) Mayport, FL. I took part of Med Cruises during my career in the military. It was an honor to serve our great country.
Katheryn Wright
Class of 1998
Marine Corps, 4 Years
Served in the Marine Corps in Twentynine Palms, CA
Class of 1998
Marine Corps, 4 Years
Served in the Marine Corps in Twentynine Palms, CA
Kathy Haile
Class of 1965
Army, 3 Years
I was assigned to the 31st Air Defense Artillery Brigade as a Social Science Specialist 1975-1978. After AD I was in the Army Reserves as an Administrative NCO for 10 years before hanging up the uniform for good in 1988.
Class of 1965
Army, 3 Years
I was assigned to the 31st Air Defense Artillery Brigade as a Social Science Specialist 1975-1978. After AD I was in the Army Reserves as an Administrative NCO for 10 years before hanging up the uniform for good in 1988.
Kimberly Capetillo
Class of 2001
Navy, 4 Years
Medically tetired as an Interior Communications Second Class Petty Officer. Specialized as a
S.I.T.E. tech, nationally certified fiberoptic installer by the E.T.A and nationally certified electrical connector installer. Served onboard the first of its class, the USS San Antonio LPD 17 from 2009-20011 and served a year of shore duty in Norfolk, Virginia.
Class of 2001
Navy, 4 Years
Medically tetired as an Interior Communications Second Class Petty Officer. Specialized as a
S.I.T.E. tech, nationally certified fiberoptic installer by the E.T.A and nationally certified electrical connector installer. Served onboard the first of its class, the USS San Antonio LPD 17 from 2009-20011 and served a year of shore duty in Norfolk, Virginia.
Kurtis A Taggart
Class of 1984
Navy, 4 Years
Attended Navy Boot Camp in San Diegio, CA. Trained as a Cryptological Analyst in Pensacola, FL. and Winter Harbor, ME. Served the majority of my military career as a Cryptological Intelligence Analyst on the Island of Adak, AK in the Bering Sea.
Class of 1984
Navy, 4 Years
Attended Navy Boot Camp in San Diegio, CA. Trained as a Cryptological Analyst in Pensacola, FL. and Winter Harbor, ME. Served the majority of my military career as a Cryptological Intelligence Analyst on the Island of Adak, AK in the Bering Sea.
Larry Keough
Class of 1969
Air Force, 3 Years
Served during Vietnam area. 1969-1972
Stationed in England in fire protection.
Class of 1969
Air Force, 3 Years
Served during Vietnam area. 1969-1972
Stationed in England in fire protection.
Leonard Dennison
Class of 1983
Army, 6 Years
Pershing missiles Fort Sill OK. Schwabisch Gmuend Germany field artillery.
Class of 1983
Army, 6 Years
Pershing missiles Fort Sill OK. Schwabisch Gmuend Germany field artillery.
Raymond Christ
Class of 1965
Army, 3 Years
Served from June, 1967 - June 1970. Primary MOS 91A10 Combat medic...Overseas duty- Korea: 8th Army 65th Medical Seoul Military Hospital (Yongsan) Dec 1967 thru Feb 1969 Medic in an OB-GYN ward; Feb 1969-June 1970 Ft Dix, NJ Walson Army Hospital finished w/ MOS 91D0020 Respiratory Therapist. Spec 5 @ discharge..
Class of 1965
Army, 3 Years
Served from June, 1967 - June 1970. Primary MOS 91A10 Combat medic...Overseas duty- Korea: 8th Army 65th Medical Seoul Military Hospital (Yongsan) Dec 1967 thru Feb 1969 Medic in an OB-GYN ward; Feb 1969-June 1970 Ft Dix, NJ Walson Army Hospital finished w/ MOS 91D0020 Respiratory Therapist. Spec 5 @ discharge..
Robert miller
Class of 1984
Coast Guard, 20+ Years
U.S. Army (3 Years)
U.S. Coast Guard (24+ Years)
Have been faithfully and honorably serving my country since September 1984. Still serving proudly!
Class of 1984
Coast Guard, 20+ Years
U.S. Army (3 Years)
U.S. Coast Guard (24+ Years)
Have been faithfully and honorably serving my country since September 1984. Still serving proudly!
Ronald Bell
Class of 1987
Army, 9 Years
US Army Master Gunner for Bradley Fighting Vehicle. Operation Desert Storm / Shield. SSG / E-6. Stationed in Schwienfurt Germany and Ft. Benning, Ga. Combat Infantry Badge, Expert Infantry Badge, Meritorious Service Medal, Army Commendation medal, Army Achievement Medal, Good Concuct Medal and other fun stuff!
Class of 1987
Army, 9 Years
US Army Master Gunner for Bradley Fighting Vehicle. Operation Desert Storm / Shield. SSG / E-6. Stationed in Schwienfurt Germany and Ft. Benning, Ga. Combat Infantry Badge, Expert Infantry Badge, Meritorious Service Medal, Army Commendation medal, Army Achievement Medal, Good Concuct Medal and other fun stuff!
Russell W Gillis
Class of 1972
Air Force, 4 Years
Security, stationed in Greenland,Maine and Virginia, attained the rank of sergeant.
Class of 1972
Air Force, 4 Years
Security, stationed in Greenland,Maine and Virginia, attained the rank of sergeant.
STAFF SERGEANT JEFFERY ERIKSSON
Class of 1998
Air Force, 8 Years
JOINED AIR FORCE IN JAN. OF 2001. I'VE SPENT 6YRS AT TYNDALL AFB AND 1 YR IN SOUTH KOREA. I'M NOW STATIONED AT LANGLEY AFB VA
Class of 1998
Air Force, 8 Years
JOINED AIR FORCE IN JAN. OF 2001. I'VE SPENT 6YRS AT TYNDALL AFB AND 1 YR IN SOUTH KOREA. I'M NOW STATIONED AT LANGLEY AFB VA
Sylvester (Joe) Celesnik
Class of 1967
Air Force, 4 Years
served in Vietnam from 8/69 till 8/70
Class of 1967
Air Force, 4 Years
served in Vietnam from 8/69 till 8/70
William Cain
Class of 1981
Army, 13 Years
Entered in 1989 and served both active and reserve until 2002. Was medic, infantry, ICU nurse, and several other positions during his tour.
Class of 1981
Army, 13 Years
Entered in 1989 and served both active and reserve until 2002. Was medic, infantry, ICU nurse, and several other positions during his tour.
Alumni Stories
Read and submit stories about our classmates from Hempfield High School, post achievements and news about our alumni, and post photos of our fellow Spartans.
School News
Hempfield Alumni brings Chinese Music Group To Seton Hill
Hempfield HS Graduate Scott Prairie returns to Westmoreland County with his Taiwan based musical group A Moving Sound. T...
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Our Hempfield High School military alumni are some of the most outstanding people we know and this page recognizes them and everything they have done! Not everyone gets to come home for the holidays and we want our Hempfield High School Military to know that they are loved and appreciated. All of us in Greensburg are proud of our military alumni and want to thank them for risking their lives to protect our country!