Altus High School Alumni
Altus, Oklahoma (OK)
Recent Members
| Allison Ishmael | 2006 |
| Carol Coursey | 1976 |
| Fon Elwick | 1964 |
| Ken Hudson | 1976 |
| Mark Morrison | 1976 |
| Michael Michael Felton | 1971 |
| Ron Carpenter | 1992 |
| Thomas Blackwell | 1970 |
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 Altus High School class ring? Have you found someone's class ring? Visit our Bulldogs lost class ring page to search for your class ring or post information about a found ring.
Honored Military Alumni
Brian Bechtel
Class of 1975
Army, 7 Years
Secure communication voice and typed on Missiles Site,Air Defence Artillery
Class of 1975
Army, 7 Years
Secure communication voice and typed on Missiles Site,Air Defence Artillery
Col. Jon O.Steiner USMC{ Ret}
Class of 1964
Marine Corps, 20+ Years
I did what the country wanted me to do.
Class of 1964
Marine Corps, 20+ Years
I did what the country wanted me to do.
David Locke
Class of 1976
Air Force, 13 Years
USAF Special Operatrions Instructor Navigator.
- USAF Captain
-- Information Systems Branch Chief, Scott AFB
-- Flight Instructor 3000 hours total flying time.
- Decorations include
-- Meritorious Service Medal (2)
-- Air Force Commendation Medal (2)
-- Air Force Achievement Medal
-- Air Force Outstanding Unit Medal
-- Combat Readiness Medal (2)
-- National Defense Service Medal
-- Armed Forces Expeditionary Medal
Class of 1976
Air Force, 13 Years
USAF Special Operatrions Instructor Navigator.
- USAF Captain
-- Information Systems Branch Chief, Scott AFB
-- Flight Instructor 3000 hours total flying time.
- Decorations include
-- Meritorious Service Medal (2)
-- Air Force Commendation Medal (2)
-- Air Force Achievement Medal
-- Air Force Outstanding Unit Medal
-- Combat Readiness Medal (2)
-- National Defense Service Medal
-- Armed Forces Expeditionary Medal
Debra Lynn McIntyre Flores
Class of 1976
Army, 8 Years
I was a Sergeant In the Army. My service areas where Fort Leonard Wood, Germany, and Fort Carson.
Class of 1976
Army, 8 Years
I was a Sergeant In the Army. My service areas where Fort Leonard Wood, Germany, and Fort Carson.
Jack Weddle
Class of 1963
Navy, 4 Years
Submarine Flotilla FIVE, Staff
Pearl Harbor
Class of 1963
Navy, 4 Years
Submarine Flotilla FIVE, Staff
Pearl Harbor
James E. Bailey, III
Class of 1961
Army, 20+ Years
7 years in the Air Force. Got out and got my law degree. Air Force said they didn't need any lawyers but Army said sure.
Class of 1961
Army, 20+ Years
7 years in the Air Force. Got out and got my law degree. Air Force said they didn't need any lawyers but Army said sure.
Jarrod J Madden
Class of 1986
Army, 16 Years
Explosive Ordnance Disposal (EOD) Technician
Class of 1986
Army, 16 Years
Explosive Ordnance Disposal (EOD) Technician
Jerry "JR" Baxter
Class of 1980
Navy, 4 Years
Fighter Squadron VF-41
F-14 Tomcat
USS Nimitz (CVN-68)
USS Theodor Roosevelt (CVN-71)
Class of 1980
Navy, 4 Years
Fighter Squadron VF-41
F-14 Tomcat
USS Nimitz (CVN-68)
USS Theodor Roosevelt (CVN-71)
Jerry Hooten
Class of 1975
Army, 11 Years
!975 to 1986
SSG
Stationed at Ft Sill (Twice), Neckarsulm Germany (Twice), and t Hood.
Class of 1975
Army, 11 Years
!975 to 1986
SSG
Stationed at Ft Sill (Twice), Neckarsulm Germany (Twice), and t Hood.
Jerry Ray Wilson
Class of 1971
Air Force, 20+ Years
Last year of the Draft, my number 18!! Ran to the Air Force recruiter. Trained to be USAF Pararescue, injured in jump. Retrained to be TACC, communications. Served Vietnam 1972 to 1974. 57 SOG as observer. Retrained into Military Intelligence. Separated in 1978. Joined Idaho air National Guard in 1979. Retired in 1996. Numerous deployments. Served in many "conflicts". Great life.
Class of 1971
Air Force, 20+ Years
Last year of the Draft, my number 18!! Ran to the Air Force recruiter. Trained to be USAF Pararescue, injured in jump. Retrained to be TACC, communications. Served Vietnam 1972 to 1974. 57 SOG as observer. Retrained into Military Intelligence. Separated in 1978. Joined Idaho air National Guard in 1979. Retired in 1996. Numerous deployments. Served in many "conflicts". Great life.
Joe Van Ness
Class of 1962
Air Force, 4 Years
Air Defense Command, Falcon Missile System, Duluth AFB, MN 1964-68
Class of 1962
Air Force, 4 Years
Air Defense Command, Falcon Missile System, Duluth AFB, MN 1964-68
John Farley
Class of 1963
Navy, 4 Years
Radarman 2nd Class (E-4) Navy Special Forces unit Vietnam '68-'69.
Class of 1963
Navy, 4 Years
Radarman 2nd Class (E-4) Navy Special Forces unit Vietnam '68-'69.
John H. Sigle
Class of 1973
Air Force, 20+ Years
I am Faye Sigle, John Sigle's wife. He served in the Air Force for 22 years with many different job assignments and traveled to San Antonio Texas , (for a total of 11 years on two assignments.) He received the BMTS Instructor of the Year award while stationed at Lackland Air Force Base. Alexandria, Louisiana. ( 2 years ) Colorado Springs, Colorado ( 2 Years) and Naples, Italy for 2 tours of duty. He was able to travel TDY to Australia, Greenland and Germany. He received his BS and M. Ed. in Education while serving in the military. He received a second Masters at Texas Tech University after he retired from the military. He retired as a Master Sergeant (E-7)
Class of 1973
Air Force, 20+ Years
I am Faye Sigle, John Sigle's wife. He served in the Air Force for 22 years with many different job assignments and traveled to San Antonio Texas , (for a total of 11 years on two assignments.) He received the BMTS Instructor of the Year award while stationed at Lackland Air Force Base. Alexandria, Louisiana. ( 2 years ) Colorado Springs, Colorado ( 2 Years) and Naples, Italy for 2 tours of duty. He was able to travel TDY to Australia, Greenland and Germany. He received his BS and M. Ed. in Education while serving in the military. He received a second Masters at Texas Tech University after he retired from the military. He retired as a Master Sergeant (E-7)
Kathryn D. (Drake) Van Der Linden
Class of 1979
Air Force, 20+ Years
Colonel Kathryn D. Van Der Linden was commissioned as a Second Lieutenant in the United States Air Force Medical Service Corps in 1986. An experienced military leader and healthcare executive, she has served in multiple administrative, C-suite, and staff officer roles in her 25-year career.
In her last assignment, Colonel Van Der Linden was the Director, Business Operations, TRICARE Regional Office-West. Colonel Van Der Linden was responsible for overseeing the execution of multiple optimization programs and performance plan initiatives with a focus on potential cost-saving opportunities in support of TRO-West, a 16-state region encompassing nearly all the states west of the Mississippi River, and the Military Health System (MHS) integrated healthcare delivery system.
Prior to her position with the TRICARE Regional Office-West, Colonel Van Der Linden served as the Deputy Surgeon for 17th Air Force (AFAFRICA) at USAFRICOM/USAFE, Ramstein AB, Germany.
In 2000, Colonel Van Der Linden earned the Mackay Trophy for her role in the USS Cole Aeromedical Evacuation Mission, the only Medical Service Corps officer to be awarded this coveted 102-year-old flying mission award, and was the US Air Forces Europe Nominee for the American College of Healthcare Executives’ Senior-Level Healthcare Executive Award. Additionally, in 2006 she commanded the medical support squadron at the Air Force Theatre Hospital at Balad AB, Iraq.
Colonel Van Der Linden earned a Bachelor of Arts in Journalism degree from Texas Tech University, and a Master of Science in Human Resource Management degree from Houston Baptist University. She has completed all levels of professional military education, and in 2005 completed the Beckwith Fellowship sponsored by the University of Pittsburgh Medical Center in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. Colonel Van Der Linden is a Fellow in the American College of Healthcare Executives, earning that credential in 2007.
Her decorations include the Defense Superior Service Medal, the Meritorious Service Medal (three oak leaf clusters), the Joint Service Commendation Medal, Air Force Commendation Medal (one oak leaf cluster), the Air Force Achievement Medal, the Meritorious Unit Award, the Air Force Outstanding Unit Award (three oak leaf clusters), the Air Force Recognition Ribbon, the National Defense Service Medal (one device), the Armed Forces Expeditionary Medal, Kosovo Campaign Medal, Iraq Campaign Ribbon, Global War on Terrorism Service Medal, Armed Forces Service Medal, and the Air Force Expeditionary Service Ribbon with Gold Border.
She is married to Russell W. Van Der Linden; they have six children.
Class of 1979
Air Force, 20+ Years
Colonel Kathryn D. Van Der Linden was commissioned as a Second Lieutenant in the United States Air Force Medical Service Corps in 1986. An experienced military leader and healthcare executive, she has served in multiple administrative, C-suite, and staff officer roles in her 25-year career.
In her last assignment, Colonel Van Der Linden was the Director, Business Operations, TRICARE Regional Office-West. Colonel Van Der Linden was responsible for overseeing the execution of multiple optimization programs and performance plan initiatives with a focus on potential cost-saving opportunities in support of TRO-West, a 16-state region encompassing nearly all the states west of the Mississippi River, and the Military Health System (MHS) integrated healthcare delivery system.
Prior to her position with the TRICARE Regional Office-West, Colonel Van Der Linden served as the Deputy Surgeon for 17th Air Force (AFAFRICA) at USAFRICOM/USAFE, Ramstein AB, Germany.
In 2000, Colonel Van Der Linden earned the Mackay Trophy for her role in the USS Cole Aeromedical Evacuation Mission, the only Medical Service Corps officer to be awarded this coveted 102-year-old flying mission award, and was the US Air Forces Europe Nominee for the American College of Healthcare Executives’ Senior-Level Healthcare Executive Award. Additionally, in 2006 she commanded the medical support squadron at the Air Force Theatre Hospital at Balad AB, Iraq.
Colonel Van Der Linden earned a Bachelor of Arts in Journalism degree from Texas Tech University, and a Master of Science in Human Resource Management degree from Houston Baptist University. She has completed all levels of professional military education, and in 2005 completed the Beckwith Fellowship sponsored by the University of Pittsburgh Medical Center in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. Colonel Van Der Linden is a Fellow in the American College of Healthcare Executives, earning that credential in 2007.
Her decorations include the Defense Superior Service Medal, the Meritorious Service Medal (three oak leaf clusters), the Joint Service Commendation Medal, Air Force Commendation Medal (one oak leaf cluster), the Air Force Achievement Medal, the Meritorious Unit Award, the Air Force Outstanding Unit Award (three oak leaf clusters), the Air Force Recognition Ribbon, the National Defense Service Medal (one device), the Armed Forces Expeditionary Medal, Kosovo Campaign Medal, Iraq Campaign Ribbon, Global War on Terrorism Service Medal, Armed Forces Service Medal, and the Air Force Expeditionary Service Ribbon with Gold Border.
She is married to Russell W. Van Der Linden; they have six children.
Kelly Porter
Class of 1989
Army, 11 Years
Currently serving as chaplain in the US Army.
Class of 1989
Army, 11 Years
Currently serving as chaplain in the US Army.
Kenneth Wayne Manley
Class of 1996
Air Force, 5 Years
served in Bahram, Afganistan and Lakenheath RAF, England
Class of 1996
Air Force, 5 Years
served in Bahram, Afganistan and Lakenheath RAF, England
Loyce Edward Deen
Class of 1940
Navy Reserves, 2 Years
WWII US Navy Reserve. Loyce was KIA on November 5th 1944.
www.loyceedeen.org
Class of 1940
Navy Reserves, 2 Years
WWII US Navy Reserve. Loyce was KIA on November 5th 1944.
www.loyceedeen.org
Mark Morrison
Class of 1976
Army, 29 Years
In 1980 he graduated from Southwestern Oklahoma State University where he was a member of the ROTC program. He was commissioned a Lieutenant as an Army Ordnance officer. His military assignments include two Company Commands, 1 Battalion Command and numerous staff assignments. He commanded the 702d MSB, 2d Infan Division, Korea. He served as the Ordnance Colonels Assignments Officer, Personnel Support Command (PERSCOM), VA. He held the following assignments while assigned to Headquarters European Command (EUCOM), Germany: Deputy Director of Logistics, J4, Director Commanders Action Group, and Africa Division Chief, J5. Following his assignment in EUCOM he was assigned as the Chief of Material Management, AMC G3/5, Headquarters Army Material Command (AMC), Ft Belvoir VA. From 2007-2008 he deployed to Iraq and was the Deputy Chief of Staff for Logistics, J4, Multi-National Security Transition Command – Iraq (MNSTC-I), Baghdad Iraq. Upon his return to AMC, he was assigned as the Special Assistant to the AMC G3/5 for Industrial Base Strategic Planning.
After 29 years of active-duty military service, COL Morrison retired in 2009 and began his 11-year career as a Department of Army civilian. He was hired as a Highly Qualified Expert (HQE) as the AMC lead on the Secretary of the Army directed Optimization of Materiel Development and Sustainment. After completion of that effort, he was assigned as the Director, Industrial Base and Infrastructure Planning, G3/4 AMC, and subsequently relocated to Redstone Arsenal, Alabama as part of the AMC BRAC relocation. In 2018 he was selected by GEN Perna (AMC Commanding General) to serve as the AMC Deputy Chief of Staff G4, a position he held until his retirement in November 2020 after 40 years of service to the Army and the Nation.
His military awards include the Defense Superior Service Medal, Legion of Merit, Bronze Star Medal, Meritorious Service Medal (with one Silver Oak Leaf Cluster), Army Commendation Medal with (with 2 Oak Leaf Clusters), Army Superior Unit Award, National Defense Service Medal (with two Bronze Stars), Iraq Campaign Medal, Global War on Terrorism Service Medal, Korea Defense Service Medal, Armed Forces Reserve Medal, Army Service Ribbon, Overseas Service Ribbon (5th award), Combat Action Badge, Army Staff Identification Badge, Ordnance Order of Samuel Sharp, and the Field Artillery Order of Sait Barbara.
COL Morrison attended the Command and General Staff College, Ft. Leavenworth, KS and earned the following degrees: M.S. – National Security and Strategic Studies, Industrial College of the Armed Forces (ICAF), National Defense University, DC, and a B.A. – Political Science, Southwestern Oklahoma State University.
COL (R) Morrison and his wife Mary Marshall have been married for 22 years and currently reside in Owens Cross Roads, Alabama.
Class of 1976
Army, 29 Years
In 1980 he graduated from Southwestern Oklahoma State University where he was a member of the ROTC program. He was commissioned a Lieutenant as an Army Ordnance officer. His military assignments include two Company Commands, 1 Battalion Command and numerous staff assignments. He commanded the 702d MSB, 2d Infan Division, Korea. He served as the Ordnance Colonels Assignments Officer, Personnel Support Command (PERSCOM), VA. He held the following assignments while assigned to Headquarters European Command (EUCOM), Germany: Deputy Director of Logistics, J4, Director Commanders Action Group, and Africa Division Chief, J5. Following his assignment in EUCOM he was assigned as the Chief of Material Management, AMC G3/5, Headquarters Army Material Command (AMC), Ft Belvoir VA. From 2007-2008 he deployed to Iraq and was the Deputy Chief of Staff for Logistics, J4, Multi-National Security Transition Command – Iraq (MNSTC-I), Baghdad Iraq. Upon his return to AMC, he was assigned as the Special Assistant to the AMC G3/5 for Industrial Base Strategic Planning.
After 29 years of active-duty military service, COL Morrison retired in 2009 and began his 11-year career as a Department of Army civilian. He was hired as a Highly Qualified Expert (HQE) as the AMC lead on the Secretary of the Army directed Optimization of Materiel Development and Sustainment. After completion of that effort, he was assigned as the Director, Industrial Base and Infrastructure Planning, G3/4 AMC, and subsequently relocated to Redstone Arsenal, Alabama as part of the AMC BRAC relocation. In 2018 he was selected by GEN Perna (AMC Commanding General) to serve as the AMC Deputy Chief of Staff G4, a position he held until his retirement in November 2020 after 40 years of service to the Army and the Nation.
His military awards include the Defense Superior Service Medal, Legion of Merit, Bronze Star Medal, Meritorious Service Medal (with one Silver Oak Leaf Cluster), Army Commendation Medal with (with 2 Oak Leaf Clusters), Army Superior Unit Award, National Defense Service Medal (with two Bronze Stars), Iraq Campaign Medal, Global War on Terrorism Service Medal, Korea Defense Service Medal, Armed Forces Reserve Medal, Army Service Ribbon, Overseas Service Ribbon (5th award), Combat Action Badge, Army Staff Identification Badge, Ordnance Order of Samuel Sharp, and the Field Artillery Order of Sait Barbara.
COL Morrison attended the Command and General Staff College, Ft. Leavenworth, KS and earned the following degrees: M.S. – National Security and Strategic Studies, Industrial College of the Armed Forces (ICAF), National Defense University, DC, and a B.A. – Political Science, Southwestern Oklahoma State University.
COL (R) Morrison and his wife Mary Marshall have been married for 22 years and currently reside in Owens Cross Roads, Alabama.
Michael
Class of 1993
Army, 10 Years
I just joined the Army this year, but was in the Coast Guard from 1998 to 2008
Class of 1993
Army, 10 Years
I just joined the Army this year, but was in the Coast Guard from 1998 to 2008
Michael James Salone
Class of 1979
Air Force, 8 Years
Member of the 31st Aircraft Generation Squadron, Homestead AFB, FL and AFOSI, District 7, Patrick AFB, FL
Class of 1979
Air Force, 8 Years
Member of the 31st Aircraft Generation Squadron, Homestead AFB, FL and AFOSI, District 7, Patrick AFB, FL
Robert (Bob) McKinley
Class of 1980
Army, 20+ Years
SFC (retired) 20+ years on Tanks. Retired 2000. DId 10+ in germany, some time at Ft Knox KY, served in desert storm, and retired out of Ft Riley KS. Currently live in the valley of the sun Arizona. My son Robert Jr is serving as an Infantryman in Iraq.
Class of 1980
Army, 20+ Years
SFC (retired) 20+ years on Tanks. Retired 2000. DId 10+ in germany, some time at Ft Knox KY, served in desert storm, and retired out of Ft Riley KS. Currently live in the valley of the sun Arizona. My son Robert Jr is serving as an Infantryman in Iraq.
Scott Swanson
Class of 1977
National Guard, 20+ Years
C-130 Pilot, Chief of Safety Illinois Air National Guard Peoria IL
Class of 1977
National Guard, 20+ Years
C-130 Pilot, Chief of Safety Illinois Air National Guard Peoria IL
Stephen John Massie
Class of 1973
Air Force, 10 Years
Signed up in October 73. Trained with 101st infantry before being assigned to Minot AFB, N.D. Several tdy's later ended up in the Pentagon, where I used my military assistance to get my BAS in electrical engineering. Left the military honorably in 1983.
Class of 1973
Air Force, 10 Years
Signed up in October 73. Trained with 101st infantry before being assigned to Minot AFB, N.D. Several tdy's later ended up in the Pentagon, where I used my military assistance to get my BAS in electrical engineering. Left the military honorably in 1983.
Tim Case
Class of 1990
Navy, 12 Years
Worked at White House from 91-92, Ship tour 93-98, SeaBees 98-2002
Class of 1990
Navy, 12 Years
Worked at White House from 91-92, Ship tour 93-98, SeaBees 98-2002
Alumni Stories
Read and submit stories about our classmates from Altus High School, post achievements and news about our alumni, and post photos of our fellow Bulldogs.
School News
News about Wayne Lethgo class of 1946
Wayne Lethgo is a friend from the class of 1946
Wayne is retired from a career in the military.
Our Altus 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 Altus High School Military to know that they are loved and appreciated. All of us in Altus are proud of our military alumni and want to thank them for risking their lives to protect our country!