Aviation High School Alumni
Long Island, New York (NY)
Recent Members
| Edgar Capifali | 1974 |
| Edward Marty | 1974 |
| Edward Wong | 1987 |
| Gary Carrasquillo | 1974 |
| Heriberto Hernandez | 1965 |
| Rafael Torres | 1974 |
| Serge Balsamo | 1974 |
| W.benito Ealy | 1975 |
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 Aviation High School class ring? Have you found someone's class ring? Visit our Flyers lost class ring page to search for your class ring or post information about a found ring.
Honored Military Alumni
Nicholas Mestanas
Class of 1972
Air Force, 12 Years
Nearly 12 years total. One year aircraft maintenance at McGuire. AFIT for 1 1/2 years. Then, various assignments as an aeronautical engineer. Me in front of first Production C-17 just prior to it's first flight.
Class of 1972
Air Force, 12 Years
Nearly 12 years total. One year aircraft maintenance at McGuire. AFIT for 1 1/2 years. Then, various assignments as an aeronautical engineer. Me in front of first Production C-17 just prior to it's first flight.
Patrick A Hidalgo
Class of 1960
Navy, 6 Years
Flew Aircrew with S2F Squadron VS 32 attached to aircraft carrier USS Lake Champlain ( CVS 39 ).
On board May 5,1961 and witnessed recovery of Cdr Alan Shepard( first US astronaut space mission)
AMS 2( Airframe and Hydraulics).
Lake Champlain was one of many ships poised to strike during the 1962 Cuban Missile crisis
Class of 1960
Navy, 6 Years
Flew Aircrew with S2F Squadron VS 32 attached to aircraft carrier USS Lake Champlain ( CVS 39 ).
On board May 5,1961 and witnessed recovery of Cdr Alan Shepard( first US astronaut space mission)
AMS 2( Airframe and Hydraulics).
Lake Champlain was one of many ships poised to strike during the 1962 Cuban Missile crisis
patrick hidalgo
Class of 1960
Navy, 6 Years
Flew as an aircrewman with an aircraft squadron attached to the USS Lake Champlain ( CVS 39).
Class of 1960
Navy, 6 Years
Flew as an aircrewman with an aircraft squadron attached to the USS Lake Champlain ( CVS 39).
Paul Murad
Class of 1960
Army, 2 Years
Served as a Maintenance Officer in the 82nd Airborne Division. Served in the Dominican Republic as well as Fort Bragg...
Class of 1960
Army, 2 Years
Served as a Maintenance Officer in the 82nd Airborne Division. Served in the Dominican Republic as well as Fort Bragg...
Pedro Vargas
Class of 1966
Air Force, 4 Years
AC&W Radar electronics tech., Stationed in Port Austin Mich. (754th Radar Squadron)
Class of 1966
Air Force, 4 Years
AC&W Radar electronics tech., Stationed in Port Austin Mich. (754th Radar Squadron)
Ralph Malcolm
Class of 1972
Coast Guard, 20+ Years
Aviation Maintenance, Search and Rescue (SAR) Aircrew, SAR Operations Manager, Aviation and Operations Training Program Manager, Sr. Human Performance Technologist, Lean Six Sigma Black Belt.
Class of 1972
Coast Guard, 20+ Years
Aviation Maintenance, Search and Rescue (SAR) Aircrew, SAR Operations Manager, Aviation and Operations Training Program Manager, Sr. Human Performance Technologist, Lean Six Sigma Black Belt.
Ramon Murga
Class of 1966
Air Force, 20+ Years
Army 22.5 yrs (Aviation and Medical Services) (Viet-Nam Feb 68 - Apr 70 !st Aviation Bde, 117 AHC)
Air Force 13 yrs (Medical Service)
Navy 4 yrs (Medical Service)
Class of 1966
Air Force, 20+ Years
Army 22.5 yrs (Aviation and Medical Services) (Viet-Nam Feb 68 - Apr 70 !st Aviation Bde, 117 AHC)
Air Force 13 yrs (Medical Service)
Navy 4 yrs (Medical Service)
Razz Niccolls
Class of 1985
Navy, 20+ Years
P-3 Aircrewman, Matsre training Specalist, Master-At-Arms Watch Cmmander. Served 21 years PROUDLY.
Cold War, Desert Shield/Storm, Iraqi Freedom VETERAN
I'd do it all again from Bootcamp to being Piped ashore.
Class of 1985
Navy, 20+ Years
P-3 Aircrewman, Matsre training Specalist, Master-At-Arms Watch Cmmander. Served 21 years PROUDLY.
Cold War, Desert Shield/Storm, Iraqi Freedom VETERAN
I'd do it all again from Bootcamp to being Piped ashore.
Reginald Alllen
Class of 1981
Army, 30 Years
Colonel (Retired) Reginald E. Allen is currently a member of the Federal Government Senior Executive Service. Prior to his SES selection in 2015, he served 30 years in the U.S. Department of Defense as an active duty combat arms officer in the U.S. Army. During his military service, he held numerous senior command, staff and leadership positions around the world. His last military assignments include Chief of Staff/XO to the Under Secretary/Chief Management Officer of the US Army. Other career highlights include: Service in 2d Armored Cavalry Regiment in Germany as Plans Officer, Training Officer, and later leader of the Tactical Command Post during Operation Desert Shield /Desert Storm. After company/troop command , COL (R) Allen served as Aide-de-Camp and later Special Assistant to the Commanding General, and later Director of the Advanced Warfighting Working Group at the Armor Center, Fort Knox, KY. In 2001, COL (R) Allen became an Asst Deputy Director for Operations in the National Military Command Center on the Joint Staff in the Pentagon. In June 2003, COL (R) Allen assumed command of 1st Squadron, 10th United States Cavalry “Buffalo Soldiers” on the Iran-Iraq Border. Task Force Saber consisted of three BN size units and over 2100 soldiers at the height of operations, the largest BN level combat formation in Iraq. COL (R) Allen led the armored combat force in the operation that captured Saddam Hussein. COL (R) Allen was then assigned to the Pentagon as Military Assistant to the Secretary of the Army. In 2008 COL (R) Allen was selected to be the “G3” Operations Officer for III Corps/Fort Hood. “America’s Armored Corps”. In 2009 he took command of the 3d Armored Cavalry Regiment “Brave Rifles”. He deployed the Regiment in 2010 on its 4th combat deployment for Operation Iraq Freedom/New Dawn in Iraq. The 8000-person strong Regiment plus conducted a year of combat operations helping to set the conditions for an honorable US forces exit from Iraq. COL (R) Allen holds an MS in National Security Strategy from the National War College, an MA in Education from the University of Louisville and a BS in Business from NC A&T SU. COL (R) Allen is a graduate of the United Kingdom Higher Command Course. COL (R) Allen’s highest military awards include: The Legion of Merit (x4), the Bronze Star (x3); Defense Meritorious Service Medal (x2); and the Army Meritorious Service Medal (x7).
Class of 1981
Army, 30 Years
Colonel (Retired) Reginald E. Allen is currently a member of the Federal Government Senior Executive Service. Prior to his SES selection in 2015, he served 30 years in the U.S. Department of Defense as an active duty combat arms officer in the U.S. Army. During his military service, he held numerous senior command, staff and leadership positions around the world. His last military assignments include Chief of Staff/XO to the Under Secretary/Chief Management Officer of the US Army. Other career highlights include: Service in 2d Armored Cavalry Regiment in Germany as Plans Officer, Training Officer, and later leader of the Tactical Command Post during Operation Desert Shield /Desert Storm. After company/troop command , COL (R) Allen served as Aide-de-Camp and later Special Assistant to the Commanding General, and later Director of the Advanced Warfighting Working Group at the Armor Center, Fort Knox, KY. In 2001, COL (R) Allen became an Asst Deputy Director for Operations in the National Military Command Center on the Joint Staff in the Pentagon. In June 2003, COL (R) Allen assumed command of 1st Squadron, 10th United States Cavalry “Buffalo Soldiers” on the Iran-Iraq Border. Task Force Saber consisted of three BN size units and over 2100 soldiers at the height of operations, the largest BN level combat formation in Iraq. COL (R) Allen led the armored combat force in the operation that captured Saddam Hussein. COL (R) Allen was then assigned to the Pentagon as Military Assistant to the Secretary of the Army. In 2008 COL (R) Allen was selected to be the “G3” Operations Officer for III Corps/Fort Hood. “America’s Armored Corps”. In 2009 he took command of the 3d Armored Cavalry Regiment “Brave Rifles”. He deployed the Regiment in 2010 on its 4th combat deployment for Operation Iraq Freedom/New Dawn in Iraq. The 8000-person strong Regiment plus conducted a year of combat operations helping to set the conditions for an honorable US forces exit from Iraq. COL (R) Allen holds an MS in National Security Strategy from the National War College, an MA in Education from the University of Louisville and a BS in Business from NC A&T SU. COL (R) Allen is a graduate of the United Kingdom Higher Command Course. COL (R) Allen’s highest military awards include: The Legion of Merit (x4), the Bronze Star (x3); Defense Meritorious Service Medal (x2); and the Army Meritorious Service Medal (x7).
Ricardo Aqui
Class of 1985
Army, 3 Years
3 years of service. Basic training at fort dix NJ,
AIT at fort Belvoir VA
and permanent party at fort Stewart GA
Class of 1985
Army, 3 Years
3 years of service. Basic training at fort dix NJ,
AIT at fort Belvoir VA
and permanent party at fort Stewart GA
Richard DeMarinis
Class of 1972
Army Reserves, 20+ Years
CH-54 Flying Crane & UH-1H Huey Mechanic / Crew Chief while on Active Duty my first 3 yrs. Huey Medivac Crew Chief for 9 Yrs in the Reserves the remainder as a Maintenance Sargent and Platoon Sargent in Huey Support Unit.
Class of 1972
Army Reserves, 20+ Years
CH-54 Flying Crane & UH-1H Huey Mechanic / Crew Chief while on Active Duty my first 3 yrs. Huey Medivac Crew Chief for 9 Yrs in the Reserves the remainder as a Maintenance Sargent and Platoon Sargent in Huey Support Unit.
Richard DeMarinis
Class of 1972
Army, 3 Years
School Trained CH54 Sky Crane Mechanic / Crew Chief at Ft. Eustis Va. then with the 661st Transportation Co. Ft. Mead Md. 1974-76 where I became a UH-1 Crew Chief & then the 478 Aviation Co. (Heavy Lift), Ft. Benning GA 1976-77.
Class of 1972
Army, 3 Years
School Trained CH54 Sky Crane Mechanic / Crew Chief at Ft. Eustis Va. then with the 661st Transportation Co. Ft. Mead Md. 1974-76 where I became a UH-1 Crew Chief & then the 478 Aviation Co. (Heavy Lift), Ft. Benning GA 1976-77.
Richard Quento
Class of 1955
Air Force, 20+ Years
Pneudraulic systems tech. C47, T33, B50, T29, C131, C123, C130, F4, A10, C119, C5 C141, B52
Stationed US, England, Turkey, Guam, Vietnam.
Retired as a SMSgt
Class of 1955
Air Force, 20+ Years
Pneudraulic systems tech. C47, T33, B50, T29, C131, C123, C130, F4, A10, C119, C5 C141, B52
Stationed US, England, Turkey, Guam, Vietnam.
Retired as a SMSgt
RONALD Laboard
Class of 1966
Air Force, 20+ Years
C-130 CREW CHIEF
C141 FLIGHT ENGINEER
KC10 FLIGHT ENGINEER
Class of 1966
Air Force, 20+ Years
C-130 CREW CHIEF
C141 FLIGHT ENGINEER
KC10 FLIGHT ENGINEER
Ronald Laboard
Class of 1966
Air Force, 20 Years
C-133 and C-130 Crew Chief, C-130 Scanner, C-141 and KC-10 Flight Engineer. Viet Nam Veteran. Bronze Star with V device
Class of 1966
Air Force, 20 Years
C-133 and C-130 Crew Chief, C-130 Scanner, C-141 and KC-10 Flight Engineer. Viet Nam Veteran. Bronze Star with V device
scott cordier
Class of 1981
Navy, 20+ Years
served the Navy for 24 years as a Aircraft electrician, Aviation High School Did its job, had a wonderful career and seen the world.
Class of 1981
Navy, 20+ Years
served the Navy for 24 years as a Aircraft electrician, Aviation High School Did its job, had a wonderful career and seen the world.
Scott Cordier
Class of 1981
Navy, 20+ Years
Retired AE1(AW), Made 6 cruises in the MED. Worked on F/A-18, S-3B and Boeing 737 aircraft and did 2 tours as an Instructor at Cecil Field Florida and Oceana Virginia. Retired in 2006, now working for the DOD as a Engineering Tech at PAX River NAS Maryland
Class of 1981
Navy, 20+ Years
Retired AE1(AW), Made 6 cruises in the MED. Worked on F/A-18, S-3B and Boeing 737 aircraft and did 2 tours as an Instructor at Cecil Field Florida and Oceana Virginia. Retired in 2006, now working for the DOD as a Engineering Tech at PAX River NAS Maryland
Steven V. Reyes
Class of 1971
Air Force, 20+ Years
Crew Chief / B-52 Bomber, KC-135 Tanker
C-141B Flight Engineer - Instructor, Chief of Training.
KC-10A Flight Engineer - Instructor, Flight Examiner, Chief of Training.
Quality Process Instructor, Malcolm Baldridge Assessment Instructor
Seven Habits of Highly Effective People - Instructor/Facilitator
349 Air Mobility Wing Career Advisor
Class of 1971
Air Force, 20+ Years
Crew Chief / B-52 Bomber, KC-135 Tanker
C-141B Flight Engineer - Instructor, Chief of Training.
KC-10A Flight Engineer - Instructor, Flight Examiner, Chief of Training.
Quality Process Instructor, Malcolm Baldridge Assessment Instructor
Seven Habits of Highly Effective People - Instructor/Facilitator
349 Air Mobility Wing Career Advisor
Steven V. Reyes
Class of 1971
Air Force, 20+ Years
B-52 Bomber Crew Chief, KC-135 Crew Chief, C-141B Instructor Flight Engineer Chief of Training, KC-10A Instructor / Flight Engineer Examiner, Chief of Training.
Class of 1971
Air Force, 20+ Years
B-52 Bomber Crew Chief, KC-135 Crew Chief, C-141B Instructor Flight Engineer Chief of Training, KC-10A Instructor / Flight Engineer Examiner, Chief of Training.
Thelma Cabantac-Ortiz
Class of 1994
Coast Guard, 20+ Years
The USCG was a great ride, It paid for both of my degrees, secured a retirement for me and allowed me to help those in need. One of my favorite deployments was to Timor Leste; see photo. I met the man of my dreams in service, raised a strong young man and am in the process of raising two more strong individuals whom love this country. I loved every minute of service and would do it again. I am a veteran, the wife of a veteran, sister to a veteran, daughter and daughter in law of veterans and I still have family in the service. It truly was an honor to have served.
Class of 1994
Coast Guard, 20+ Years
The USCG was a great ride, It paid for both of my degrees, secured a retirement for me and allowed me to help those in need. One of my favorite deployments was to Timor Leste; see photo. I met the man of my dreams in service, raised a strong young man and am in the process of raising two more strong individuals whom love this country. I loved every minute of service and would do it again. I am a veteran, the wife of a veteran, sister to a veteran, daughter and daughter in law of veterans and I still have family in the service. It truly was an honor to have served.
Theodore Rodriguez
Class of 1985
Air Force, 19 Years
Presently serving in USAR HH60 Helicopter Maintenance Supervisor in FL.
Class of 1985
Air Force, 19 Years
Presently serving in USAR HH60 Helicopter Maintenance Supervisor in FL.
TIMOTHY MCDONOUGH
Class of 1991
Air Force, 17 Years
STARTED IN NYUSAFANG 91-94 AS A CREW CHIEF. ACTIVE DUTY NAVY FROM 94-2002 - AD ( JET MACHANIC) tHEN TRANSITIONED BACK TO THE NYUSAFANG AS A CREW CHIEF, ENGINE MANAGER, AND FINALLY UNIT DEPLOYMENT MANAGER.
Class of 1991
Air Force, 17 Years
STARTED IN NYUSAFANG 91-94 AS A CREW CHIEF. ACTIVE DUTY NAVY FROM 94-2002 - AD ( JET MACHANIC) tHEN TRANSITIONED BACK TO THE NYUSAFANG AS A CREW CHIEF, ENGINE MANAGER, AND FINALLY UNIT DEPLOYMENT MANAGER.
Vincent DeMaggio
Class of 1964
National Guard, 20+ Years
Served in the Air Force 1964 to 1968 including a tour in Takhli, Thailand.
Joined Texas Army National Guard in 1976, received my commission in 1977 and served to 2006 when I retired as an O-6.
Class of 1964
National Guard, 20+ Years
Served in the Air Force 1964 to 1968 including a tour in Takhli, Thailand.
Joined Texas Army National Guard in 1976, received my commission in 1977 and served to 2006 when I retired as an O-6.
WALTER W. LARCART
Class of 1980
Air Force, 8 Years
MUNITION MAINTENANCE
JET ENGINE MECHANIC
Class of 1980
Air Force, 8 Years
MUNITION MAINTENANCE
JET ENGINE MECHANIC
Wayne J. Stanley
Class of 1967
Navy, 4 Years
Aviation machinists mate and flight engineer
Class of 1967
Navy, 4 Years
Aviation machinists mate and flight engineer
Wayne J. Stanley
Class of 1967
Navy, 4 Years
US Navy reciprocating acft engine mechanic and flight crew A-4, P-2.
Class of 1967
Navy, 4 Years
US Navy reciprocating acft engine mechanic and flight crew A-4, P-2.
William Almstead
Class of 1973
Air Force, 4 Years
Integrated Avionics Specialist (F-111)
Class of 1973
Air Force, 4 Years
Integrated Avionics Specialist (F-111)
William Nelson
Class of 1961
Army, 20+ Years
Started in the Air Force for 8 years, then transfered to the Army till 1995. Reteired Master Sergeant (E-8) First Sergeant
Class of 1961
Army, 20+ Years
Started in the Air Force for 8 years, then transfered to the Army till 1995. Reteired Master Sergeant (E-8) First Sergeant
Wojciech Dominik Bogdan
Class of 1997
Marine Corps, 21 Years
Retired, Decorated Ground Combat Veteran of Fallujah, Iraq & Sangin, Afghanistan.
Class of 1997
Marine Corps, 21 Years
Retired, Decorated Ground Combat Veteran of Fallujah, Iraq & Sangin, Afghanistan.
Alumni Stories
Read and submit stories about our classmates from Aviation High School, post achievements and news about our alumni, and post photos of our fellow Flyers.
School News
In Memory of Jorge Luis Montalvo February 18, 1961 - February 25, 2017
Jorge Luis Montalvo, Jr, age 56, beloved resident of Santa Barbara, California passed away suddenly of heart failure on ...
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Our Aviation 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 Aviation High School Military to know that they are loved and appreciated. All of us in Long Island are proud of our military alumni and want to thank them for risking their lives to protect our country!