Washington High School Alumni
Sioux Falls, South Dakota (SD)
Recent Members
| Darlene Wittrock | 1965 |
| Heather Kock | 2001 |
| Judy Rush | 1964 |
| Kris Hess | 1972 |
| Peggy Zickrick Gruhlke | 1983 |
| Rhonda Rhonda Finch | 1989 |
| Sharon Tschetter | 1964 |
| Suzanne Eichacker | 1976 |
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 Washington High School class ring? Have you found someone's class ring? Visit our Warriors lost class ring page to search for your class ring or post information about a found ring.
Honored Military Alumni
Brad Wright
Class of 1986
Navy, 10 Years
Maintenance Control for the P-3 Orion aircraft. Served in Bahrain, Kuwait, Afghanistan, Dubai, Qatar, Japan, Guam, Thailand, Argentina, El Salvador, Ecuador, Spain, Italy, Portugal and Diego Garcia. Home ports have been in order: NAS Whidbey Island, WA; NAS Patuxent River, MD; NAS Brunswick. Commands in order: Fleet Air Reconnaissance Squadron One (VQ-1), Naval Research Laboratory Flight Support Detachment (NRL), Scientific Development Squadron One (VXS-1), Patrol Squadron Ten (VP-10). Deploying to Iraq in June 2009.
Class of 1986
Navy, 10 Years
Maintenance Control for the P-3 Orion aircraft. Served in Bahrain, Kuwait, Afghanistan, Dubai, Qatar, Japan, Guam, Thailand, Argentina, El Salvador, Ecuador, Spain, Italy, Portugal and Diego Garcia. Home ports have been in order: NAS Whidbey Island, WA; NAS Patuxent River, MD; NAS Brunswick. Commands in order: Fleet Air Reconnaissance Squadron One (VQ-1), Naval Research Laboratory Flight Support Detachment (NRL), Scientific Development Squadron One (VXS-1), Patrol Squadron Ten (VP-10). Deploying to Iraq in June 2009.
Cindy (Baney) Homann
Class of 1973
Navy, 7 Years
Mar 1975 to Jun 1982. Stationed San Diego Ca, London England, New London CT, Honorably discharged as an E-5 (YN2).
Class of 1973
Navy, 7 Years
Mar 1975 to Jun 1982. Stationed San Diego Ca, London England, New London CT, Honorably discharged as an E-5 (YN2).
Dave Klosterman
Class of 1967
Air Force, 20+ Years
Joined the Navy in July 1972, served seven years as a pilot. Left the Navy in 1979, moved to Oregon and joined the Air Force Reserve as a helicopter pilot and flew until reaching twenty years of service. Great times, still miss it.
Class of 1967
Air Force, 20+ Years
Joined the Navy in July 1972, served seven years as a pilot. Left the Navy in 1979, moved to Oregon and joined the Air Force Reserve as a helicopter pilot and flew until reaching twenty years of service. Great times, still miss it.
Dave Waggoner
Class of 1961
Army, 4 Years
1966-1970
1967 Army OCS, commissioned
1968 Ft Campbell, Ky. Physical Training Officer
1968-69 63rd Maint Co, Ord Supply Officer, Quang Tri, VietNam
1969-1970 Plans-Program Officer, U.S. Army Quartermaster School, Ft Lee, VA
Class of 1961
Army, 4 Years
1966-1970
1967 Army OCS, commissioned
1968 Ft Campbell, Ky. Physical Training Officer
1968-69 63rd Maint Co, Ord Supply Officer, Quang Tri, VietNam
1969-1970 Plans-Program Officer, U.S. Army Quartermaster School, Ft Lee, VA
David E McQuisten
Class of 1970
Army, 4 Years
Ft Leonard Wood
Ft Monmouth
Taegu (Daegu), Korea
Class of 1970
Army, 4 Years
Ft Leonard Wood
Ft Monmouth
Taegu (Daegu), Korea
David E McQuisten
Class of 1970
Army, 3 Years
Signal Corps, Ft Monmouth, NJ, Daugu, Korea. Strategic Microwave Systems Engineering and Armed Forces Radio, Korea.
Class of 1970
Army, 3 Years
Signal Corps, Ft Monmouth, NJ, Daugu, Korea. Strategic Microwave Systems Engineering and Armed Forces Radio, Korea.
DeLoss Klopp
Class of 1927
Marine Corps, 1 Years
Killed on Guam July 21, 1944
My father
Class of 1927
Marine Corps, 1 Years
Killed on Guam July 21, 1944
My father
Fredric Collins
Class of 1956
Air Force, 20+ Years
In 1957 he enlisted in the U.S. Air Force (USAF) and served as a signal intelligence operator, a military training instructor (MTI), and an AFRTS Forces television newscaster. In 1968 he was commissioned via the Airman Education and Commissioning Program, graduating from OTS as a Distinguished Graduate and OT Colonel, Wing Commander. As a commissioned officer he served as a personnel officer, an Air Force IG inspector, a headquarters squadron commander, labor negotiator, and Deputy Assistant Chief of Staff for Manpower, Personnel and Administration for U.S. Forces Japan. He retired from the Air Force with 34 years of service in 1991. During his military career he served in Alaska, Hawaii, Japan, Korea, Philippines, Viet Nam, Saudi Arabia, and Crete (Greece).
He began his Department of the Navy (DON) civil service career immediately upon retirement and served as U.S. Secretary to the U.S.-Japan Joint Committee and Senior International Relations Advisor for U.S. Forces, Japan 1991-1998. He is recognized as an expert on the U.S.-Japan Status of Forces Agreement (SOFA). He assumed his present position in January 1998 as Director, Force Civilian Personnel and Foreign Labor serving the Commander Naval Forces Japan and Commander Naval Forces Korea, and servicing the foreign labor forces in Japan, Korea, Singapore, Diego Garcia, Thailand and Hong Kong.
Class of 1956
Air Force, 20+ Years
In 1957 he enlisted in the U.S. Air Force (USAF) and served as a signal intelligence operator, a military training instructor (MTI), and an AFRTS Forces television newscaster. In 1968 he was commissioned via the Airman Education and Commissioning Program, graduating from OTS as a Distinguished Graduate and OT Colonel, Wing Commander. As a commissioned officer he served as a personnel officer, an Air Force IG inspector, a headquarters squadron commander, labor negotiator, and Deputy Assistant Chief of Staff for Manpower, Personnel and Administration for U.S. Forces Japan. He retired from the Air Force with 34 years of service in 1991. During his military career he served in Alaska, Hawaii, Japan, Korea, Philippines, Viet Nam, Saudi Arabia, and Crete (Greece).
He began his Department of the Navy (DON) civil service career immediately upon retirement and served as U.S. Secretary to the U.S.-Japan Joint Committee and Senior International Relations Advisor for U.S. Forces, Japan 1991-1998. He is recognized as an expert on the U.S.-Japan Status of Forces Agreement (SOFA). He assumed his present position in January 1998 as Director, Force Civilian Personnel and Foreign Labor serving the Commander Naval Forces Japan and Commander Naval Forces Korea, and servicing the foreign labor forces in Japan, Korea, Singapore, Diego Garcia, Thailand and Hong Kong.
Gerald E. Cressman
Class of 1974
Navy, 6 Years
USS Bigelow DD942 Engineman 3rd class "A gang". Two Mediterranean cruises and Caribbean. Many ports and countries.
Class of 1974
Navy, 6 Years
USS Bigelow DD942 Engineman 3rd class "A gang". Two Mediterranean cruises and Caribbean. Many ports and countries.
Glee F Gile
Class of 1963
Army Reserves, 8 Years
Army Nurse Corps, 1st LT
Operation Desert Shield/Storm 1990/91
Saudi Arabia
Co. Natl Guard 1995-96
Medical Missions
Korea, Panama
Left 1996 Cpt.
Class of 1963
Army Reserves, 8 Years
Army Nurse Corps, 1st LT
Operation Desert Shield/Storm 1990/91
Saudi Arabia
Co. Natl Guard 1995-96
Medical Missions
Korea, Panama
Left 1996 Cpt.
Greg Fickbohm
Class of 1966
Air Force, 9 Years
4 years - US Air Force Academy
5 years - R&D work at Wright-Patterson AFB, OH
Class of 1966
Air Force, 9 Years
4 years - US Air Force Academy
5 years - R&D work at Wright-Patterson AFB, OH
Jack Ellis
Class of 1945
Army, 4 Years
Served three years in the WWII Army of Occupation of Germany. Then served one year during the Korean War, stationed at 6th Army Headquarrters at the Presidio of San Francisco, CA, in the JAG (legal section.)
Class of 1945
Army, 4 Years
Served three years in the WWII Army of Occupation of Germany. Then served one year during the Korean War, stationed at 6th Army Headquarrters at the Presidio of San Francisco, CA, in the JAG (legal section.)
Jack Ellis
Class of 1944
Army, 4 Years
Served 3 years in Germany WWII American Army of Occupation. Then one year during the Korean War
Class of 1944
Army, 4 Years
Served 3 years in Germany WWII American Army of Occupation. Then one year during the Korean War
Jack Ellis
Class of 1945
Army, 4 Years
Three years in Germany with Occupation Forces; one year in JAG section 6th Army Headquarters during the Korean War
Class of 1945
Army, 4 Years
Three years in Germany with Occupation Forces; one year in JAG section 6th Army Headquarters during the Korean War
James Lewis
Class of 1964
Army, 26 Years
I joined the National Guard while still in High School and left for active duty immediately after graduation. I spent 4 years on active duty with a tour in Vietnam. I was discharged upon return from Vietnam and stayed out of the military for 7 years. In 1975 I joined the Michigan National Guard and served in various disciplines including Infantry, Special Forces, Transportation and Military Police. I was commissioned in 1977 and retired in 1996 as a Major. I had one deployment to Desert Storm in 1991.
Class of 1964
Army, 26 Years
I joined the National Guard while still in High School and left for active duty immediately after graduation. I spent 4 years on active duty with a tour in Vietnam. I was discharged upon return from Vietnam and stayed out of the military for 7 years. In 1975 I joined the Michigan National Guard and served in various disciplines including Infantry, Special Forces, Transportation and Military Police. I was commissioned in 1977 and retired in 1996 as a Major. I had one deployment to Desert Storm in 1991.
Jerry kroon
Class of 1960
Army, 23 Years
USMC 1960-1963
USArmy 1967-1979
USArmy Reserve 1980-1988
Retired LTC
Class of 1960
Army, 23 Years
USMC 1960-1963
USArmy 1967-1979
USArmy Reserve 1980-1988
Retired LTC
JERRY MLADY
Class of 1970
Army, 2 Years
I was drafted into the Army in August of 1972, but enlisted to go in October instead, did Basic Training in Fort Leonard Wood in Missouri, then Artillery Training at Fort Sill, Oklahoma. I lucked out being in the first class not being sent to Vietnam and was sent to Bavaria, West Germany to Alpha Battery, 6th Battalion, 10th Field Artillery, VII Corps
Class of 1970
Army, 2 Years
I was drafted into the Army in August of 1972, but enlisted to go in October instead, did Basic Training in Fort Leonard Wood in Missouri, then Artillery Training at Fort Sill, Oklahoma. I lucked out being in the first class not being sent to Vietnam and was sent to Bavaria, West Germany to Alpha Battery, 6th Battalion, 10th Field Artillery, VII Corps
John Matthies
Class of 1963
Army, 2 Years
Ft Leonard Wood, Missouri-Basic Training
Ft Rucker, Alabama- UH-1 Huey crew chief school. Worked at Army Aviation School Brigade Headquarters.
Edgewood Arsenal, Maryland-Medical research program.
Class of 1963
Army, 2 Years
Ft Leonard Wood, Missouri-Basic Training
Ft Rucker, Alabama- UH-1 Huey crew chief school. Worked at Army Aviation School Brigade Headquarters.
Edgewood Arsenal, Maryland-Medical research program.
Jonn Neuroth
Class of 1965
Air Force, 20+ Years
1966-4 years active duty U.S. Air Force-Air Police/Viet Nam era; 10 year break; 1 year Colorado Air National Guard-Security Police; short tour in U.S. Marine Corps Reserve-Crash Crew; 1 year Colorado Army National Guard-Aviation/Armament; 4 years + Colorado Army National Guard-Military Police; 6 years Colorado Air National Guard-Security Police/deployed Desert Shield & Storm; 5 year break; 6 years Colorado Air National Guard-Security Forces (yes, 3 Career Field name changes!); 2003-RETIRED! Total years spanned=37!
Class of 1965
Air Force, 20+ Years
1966-4 years active duty U.S. Air Force-Air Police/Viet Nam era; 10 year break; 1 year Colorado Air National Guard-Security Police; short tour in U.S. Marine Corps Reserve-Crash Crew; 1 year Colorado Army National Guard-Aviation/Armament; 4 years + Colorado Army National Guard-Military Police; 6 years Colorado Air National Guard-Security Police/deployed Desert Shield & Storm; 5 year break; 6 years Colorado Air National Guard-Security Forces (yes, 3 Career Field name changes!); 2003-RETIRED! Total years spanned=37!
Joseph (Rob) Robitaille
Class of 1961
Marine Corps, 16 Years
Entered Marines upon graduation. Presidential appointment to US Naval Academy 1962, graduated 1967; returned to Marines. Jet fighter pilot. Selected to go to England to train on and bring to US the Harrier Jet which takes off like a helicopter. Vietnam 1970, Japan 1971, numerous other duty stations. After service worked for Texas Instruments, then SMU.
Class of 1961
Marine Corps, 16 Years
Entered Marines upon graduation. Presidential appointment to US Naval Academy 1962, graduated 1967; returned to Marines. Jet fighter pilot. Selected to go to England to train on and bring to US the Harrier Jet which takes off like a helicopter. Vietnam 1970, Japan 1971, numerous other duty stations. After service worked for Texas Instruments, then SMU.
Kim Behrens
Class of 1974
Marine Corps, 20+ Years
Participated in one war and several military interventions. Loved every minute of it and wish I was still in
Class of 1974
Marine Corps, 20+ Years
Participated in one war and several military interventions. Loved every minute of it and wish I was still in
Lauretta A Hansen-Morton
Class of 1972
Army, 3 Years
I was trained as a 26N (Infrared Surveillance Equipment Repair) and then trained as an Office Clerk assigned to Military Intelligence Units. Stationed in South Korea for 13 months; Fort Huachuca & for Ft. Lewis. Got out and used my GI bill for a college degree. Fabulous experience - wouldn't trade it for anything. 1975-1978
Class of 1972
Army, 3 Years
I was trained as a 26N (Infrared Surveillance Equipment Repair) and then trained as an Office Clerk assigned to Military Intelligence Units. Stationed in South Korea for 13 months; Fort Huachuca & for Ft. Lewis. Got out and used my GI bill for a college degree. Fabulous experience - wouldn't trade it for anything. 1975-1978
Lonnie Anderson
Class of 1972
Marine Corps, 4 Years
Motor Transport Mechanic in Fleet Marine Force. Camp Hansen Okinawa 73-74, Camp Pendleton CA 74 - 75, and Camp Hansen Okinawa 75 - 76.
SD Army National Guard Tracked Vehicle Mechanic 1976 - 1980.
US Naval Reserve Electricians Mate First 1986 - 2000 Retired
Class of 1972
Marine Corps, 4 Years
Motor Transport Mechanic in Fleet Marine Force. Camp Hansen Okinawa 73-74, Camp Pendleton CA 74 - 75, and Camp Hansen Okinawa 75 - 76.
SD Army National Guard Tracked Vehicle Mechanic 1976 - 1980.
US Naval Reserve Electricians Mate First 1986 - 2000 Retired
Loren Murren
Class of 1963
Marine Corps, 20+ Years
Marines 6 yrs, vietnam 1966-1967crewman/gunner helicopter. 24 years SD Army National Guard, CSM 109th Engineer Group, 153rd Engineer Bn
Class of 1963
Marine Corps, 20+ Years
Marines 6 yrs, vietnam 1966-1967crewman/gunner helicopter. 24 years SD Army National Guard, CSM 109th Engineer Group, 153rd Engineer Bn
Lucille Harden Leonard Middleton
Class of 1963
Army, 3 Years
Army Nurse Corps; 1 year Ft. Sam Houston, TX; 1-1/2 years VietNam; Captain
Class of 1963
Army, 3 Years
Army Nurse Corps; 1 year Ft. Sam Houston, TX; 1-1/2 years VietNam; Captain
Marc Gjovaag
Class of 1960
Marine Corps, 4 Years
One of the first in Vietnam and got out alive. Third Marine Helicopter and Ninth Marines. Hope the rest of my fellow Marines from Washington High made it out OK as well. SEMPER FI
Class of 1960
Marine Corps, 4 Years
One of the first in Vietnam and got out alive. Third Marine Helicopter and Ninth Marines. Hope the rest of my fellow Marines from Washington High made it out OK as well. SEMPER FI
Marv Wachendorf
Class of 1962
Army, 3 Years
1 year USA, 1 Year Vietnam, 1 Year Germany
Class of 1962
Army, 3 Years
1 year USA, 1 Year Vietnam, 1 Year Germany
Marv Wachendorf
Class of 1962
Army, 3 Years
1 Year USA, 1 Year Vietnam, 1 Year Germany
Class of 1962
Army, 3 Years
1 Year USA, 1 Year Vietnam, 1 Year Germany
Michael Johnke
Class of 1974
Army, 15 Years
Served in Combat engineers,and Military Police, tours of Germany, 2 of Korea, several years in country, Ft hood, Benning, Dix, Leonardwood.
Infantry with a shovel, road duty MP, Nuclear Security
Class of 1974
Army, 15 Years
Served in Combat engineers,and Military Police, tours of Germany, 2 of Korea, several years in country, Ft hood, Benning, Dix, Leonardwood.
Infantry with a shovel, road duty MP, Nuclear Security
Michael O'Hara
Class of 1972
Air Force, 20+ Years
My Wife, Patty Nesje O'Hara (1972 also)proudly served in the USAF for 26 years
Class of 1972
Air Force, 20+ Years
My Wife, Patty Nesje O'Hara (1972 also)proudly served in the USAF for 26 years
Robert Egert
Class of 1963
Army, 2 Years
1963-1965 65th Medical Group, Seoul, South Korea
Class of 1963
Army, 2 Years
1963-1965 65th Medical Group, Seoul, South Korea
Russell Walker
Class of 1968
Navy, 6 Years
USN Radioman and Communications Specialist RM2(SS) with Submarine Force Squadron 14 and 16 from 1969 to 1975 on USS Cobbler SS-344, USS Sea Robin SS-407, USS Patrick Henry SSBN-599, USS Robert E. Peary FF-1073, and 13th Naval District HQTRS during the Vietnam Conflict
Class of 1968
Navy, 6 Years
USN Radioman and Communications Specialist RM2(SS) with Submarine Force Squadron 14 and 16 from 1969 to 1975 on USS Cobbler SS-344, USS Sea Robin SS-407, USS Patrick Henry SSBN-599, USS Robert E. Peary FF-1073, and 13th Naval District HQTRS during the Vietnam Conflict
Steve Potas
Class of 1963
Army, 2 Years
US Army, commissioned officer.
Served Ft Riley, Kansas, Ft Gordon, Ga, Germany, and Vietnam Nam (1969-1970).
Class of 1963
Army, 2 Years
US Army, commissioned officer.
Served Ft Riley, Kansas, Ft Gordon, Ga, Germany, and Vietnam Nam (1969-1970).
Thomas W. Engler
Class of 1980
Navy, 4 Years
Stationed in Pearl Harbor all 4 years completed 2 west pac tours seen 80% of the world loved it and still loving life April 2, 2015
Class of 1980
Navy, 4 Years
Stationed in Pearl Harbor all 4 years completed 2 west pac tours seen 80% of the world loved it and still loving life April 2, 2015
Tyrone W. Glanzer
Class of 1971
Army, 3 Years
I was one of the last draftees in the US military. I spent 2 years in West Germany and 1 year in the SD National Guard.
Class of 1971
Army, 3 Years
I was one of the last draftees in the US military. I spent 2 years in West Germany and 1 year in the SD National Guard.
Walter Jame Dean Jr.
Class of 1945
Navy, 20+ Years
Drafted 1945 Army of US, Army Air Force,SD & MN Air National Guard, US Navy:.Radio Repair Instructor Scott Field, IL 1945-1946. Aircraft Radio Mechanic Williams Field AZ 1947-1948:.SDANG Sioux Falls 1948-1949: Radar Mechanic Osceola, WI 1950-1952: AF Reserve 1952-1955: Navy Reserve 1955-1957:US Navy; Treasure Island 1958 NavalCommunications Station Philippines 1958: NavCommSta San Diego 1959-1962: USS McCaffery DD-860 1962-1966: NacCommSta Londonderry, Northern Ireland 1966-1968: Radar Bomb Scoring Unit Kume Shima Island Okinawa 1968-1969: Naval Inshore Training Mare Island, CA 1969-1972: Fleet Reserve 1972-1974
Class of 1945
Navy, 20+ Years
Drafted 1945 Army of US, Army Air Force,SD & MN Air National Guard, US Navy:.Radio Repair Instructor Scott Field, IL 1945-1946. Aircraft Radio Mechanic Williams Field AZ 1947-1948:.SDANG Sioux Falls 1948-1949: Radar Mechanic Osceola, WI 1950-1952: AF Reserve 1952-1955: Navy Reserve 1955-1957:US Navy; Treasure Island 1958 NavalCommunications Station Philippines 1958: NavCommSta San Diego 1959-1962: USS McCaffery DD-860 1962-1966: NacCommSta Londonderry, Northern Ireland 1966-1968: Radar Bomb Scoring Unit Kume Shima Island Okinawa 1968-1969: Naval Inshore Training Mare Island, CA 1969-1972: Fleet Reserve 1972-1974
Wayne M. Nelsen
Class of 1963
Army, 20+ Years
28 years commissioned officer in the Medical Service Corps, U.S. Army. Vietnam 1969-1970; Pentagon 1986-1995. Retired 1995 as a Lieutenant Colonel.
Class of 1963
Army, 20+ Years
28 years commissioned officer in the Medical Service Corps, U.S. Army. Vietnam 1969-1970; Pentagon 1986-1995. Retired 1995 as a Lieutenant Colonel.
Alumni Stories
Read and submit stories about our classmates from Washington High School, post achievements and news about our alumni, and post photos of our fellow Warriors.
Our Washington 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 Washington High School Military to know that they are loved and appreciated. All of us in Sioux Falls are proud of our military alumni and want to thank them for risking their lives to protect our country!