Central Valley High School Alumni
Veradale, Washington (WA)
Recent Members
| Billie Billie Bustard | 2000 |
| Jill Vanhees | 1964 |
| Justin Rockford | 1997 |
| Larry Upchurch | 1961 |
| Maya Mcdonald | 2021 |
| Robert Ward | 1964 |
| Shane Yarnell | 2018 |
| Terry Miller | 1964 |
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 Central Valley High School class ring? Have you found someone's class ring? Visit our Bears lost class ring page to search for your class ring or post information about a found ring.
Honored Military Alumni
Barbara Jones Thoensen
Class of 1977
Navy, 20+ Years
Retired Cryptologic Technician Technical Chief Petttu Officer. Served in the western Pacific and Rocky Mountain Navy.
Class of 1977
Navy, 20+ Years
Retired Cryptologic Technician Technical Chief Petttu Officer. Served in the western Pacific and Rocky Mountain Navy.
Beth Livingston Cannon
Class of 1982
Air Force, 14 Years
ANG, Air Force, and AFReserves: Aircrew Life Support, Health Services Admin, and Personnelist. During and afterwards worked as a civilian employee for Dept of the Air Force, Dept of the Army, and Dept of the Navy while moving from base to base as an AF spouse.
Class of 1982
Air Force, 14 Years
ANG, Air Force, and AFReserves: Aircrew Life Support, Health Services Admin, and Personnelist. During and afterwards worked as a civilian employee for Dept of the Air Force, Dept of the Army, and Dept of the Navy while moving from base to base as an AF spouse.
Charlotte Loretta Achziger
Class of 1969
Air Force, 20 Years
January 1979-January 1999; Vandenberg AFB CA, Columbus AFB, MS, Grand Forks, ND and two tours in Germany
Class of 1969
Air Force, 20 Years
January 1979-January 1999; Vandenberg AFB CA, Columbus AFB, MS, Grand Forks, ND and two tours in Germany
Dale Rapp
Class of 1978
Air Force, 9 Years
MP (Iwas bored) Then Engineering North Dakota TFC Too Cold!! Now with federal government.
Class of 1978
Air Force, 9 Years
MP (Iwas bored) Then Engineering North Dakota TFC Too Cold!! Now with federal government.
DeAnna Manthey
Class of 1988
Army, 11 Years
Originally trained as a Chinese linguist and Interrogator, later flew in OV-1 conducting aerial recon. After budget cuts affected this mission in the early 90's she joined the Air Guard for a short time as a loader in the F-15/F-16 until her daugher was born. She re-enlisted in 2002 to become an officer in the Washington Army National Guard but discontinued training a few weeks before commission due to an injury which eventually ended her military career. She currently works as a federal contractor assisting with training that supports the military.
Class of 1988
Army, 11 Years
Originally trained as a Chinese linguist and Interrogator, later flew in OV-1 conducting aerial recon. After budget cuts affected this mission in the early 90's she joined the Air Guard for a short time as a loader in the F-15/F-16 until her daugher was born. She re-enlisted in 2002 to become an officer in the Washington Army National Guard but discontinued training a few weeks before commission due to an injury which eventually ended her military career. She currently works as a federal contractor assisting with training that supports the military.
Donald C Nelson
Class of 1961
Army, 20+ Years
EWSC Army ROTC 1966 2LT Artillery. Artillery school at Ft Sill, OK in '66, Helicopter school in '67. RVN tour as helicopter gunship pilot for 336th AHC Soc Trang Thunderbirds in '68. 40th Artillery Bde Avn Sec Commander at Presido San Francisco in 1969. Career in the Ohio Army Nat'l Guard beginning in 1973. Assignments as Aero Scout PLT leader, MED EVAC Officer, Aviation BN CDR and CDR of 371st Support Group (Corps). Retired Colonel 1995.
Class of 1961
Army, 20+ Years
EWSC Army ROTC 1966 2LT Artillery. Artillery school at Ft Sill, OK in '66, Helicopter school in '67. RVN tour as helicopter gunship pilot for 336th AHC Soc Trang Thunderbirds in '68. 40th Artillery Bde Avn Sec Commander at Presido San Francisco in 1969. Career in the Ohio Army Nat'l Guard beginning in 1973. Assignments as Aero Scout PLT leader, MED EVAC Officer, Aviation BN CDR and CDR of 371st Support Group (Corps). Retired Colonel 1995.
Ezekiel Gilham
Class of 2008
Marine Corps, 6 Years
Was a Landing Support Specialist and after 4 years switched to be a weather forecaster. Got medically retired in 2013
Class of 2008
Marine Corps, 6 Years
Was a Landing Support Specialist and after 4 years switched to be a weather forecaster. Got medically retired in 2013
Forest Glenn Maryott
Class of 1975
Marine Corps, 10 Years
1st Marine Division Camp Pendleton CA/ Captain.
Class of 1975
Marine Corps, 10 Years
1st Marine Division Camp Pendleton CA/ Captain.
Jacob Grunigen
Class of 2007
Army, 3 Years
I served in Ft Hood Texas. My MOS was 11B, or infantry.
Class of 2007
Army, 3 Years
I served in Ft Hood Texas. My MOS was 11B, or infantry.
JD Palaniuk
Class of 1979
Navy, 20+ Years
US Navey Seabee's as an EO1(SCW/DV) Underwater Construction Tech for 22 years, Serving throughout the world from Europe, Asia, Pacific Islands, Indian Ocean, North and South poles including war time operations. Picture is of ICEX99, Second from Left.
Class of 1979
Navy, 20+ Years
US Navey Seabee's as an EO1(SCW/DV) Underwater Construction Tech for 22 years, Serving throughout the world from Europe, Asia, Pacific Islands, Indian Ocean, North and South poles including war time operations. Picture is of ICEX99, Second from Left.
Jeff Rennaker
Class of 1980
Army, 20+ Years
Retired after 27 years service, over 20 in Special Forces. Conducted missions in many countries to include: Russia, Germany, Egypt, Thailand, Philippines, Japan, North and South Korea, and Bangladesh. Master parachutist, Anti-terrorism Instructor, and various other skills.
Class of 1980
Army, 20+ Years
Retired after 27 years service, over 20 in Special Forces. Conducted missions in many countries to include: Russia, Germany, Egypt, Thailand, Philippines, Japan, North and South Korea, and Bangladesh. Master parachutist, Anti-terrorism Instructor, and various other skills.
Jerald W Parkison
Class of 1959
National Guard, 6 Years
Aircraft Maintenance 2 years 116 F I S
Electrical Power Production 4 years 224th Comm Squadron (TT)
Class of 1959
National Guard, 6 Years
Aircraft Maintenance 2 years 116 F I S
Electrical Power Production 4 years 224th Comm Squadron (TT)
Jerry P. Mellick
Class of 1961
Army, 20+ Years
Commissioned in the Transportation Corps in 1967 from Eastern Washington ROTC. First assignment was as Field Artillery Officer in the 2nd Armored Division at Ft. Hood, TX. Attended Fixed Wing and Rotary Wing Flight School in the 68-70 timeframe and was in Viet Nam in 70-71. Most of Army assignments were in the Army Acquisition field with locations in St. Louis, Ft. Leavenworth, KS, Washington, DC, and Cleveland, OH. Spent two years living in Saudi Arabia. Was OIC of Army Aviation Operations Center during Desert Shield/Desert Storm. Retired in 1993 and worked another 6+ years for the Army in St. Louis, Mo and Huntsville, AL. Currently serving as a pilot for the Army Aviation Heritage Foundation.
Class of 1961
Army, 20+ Years
Commissioned in the Transportation Corps in 1967 from Eastern Washington ROTC. First assignment was as Field Artillery Officer in the 2nd Armored Division at Ft. Hood, TX. Attended Fixed Wing and Rotary Wing Flight School in the 68-70 timeframe and was in Viet Nam in 70-71. Most of Army assignments were in the Army Acquisition field with locations in St. Louis, Ft. Leavenworth, KS, Washington, DC, and Cleveland, OH. Spent two years living in Saudi Arabia. Was OIC of Army Aviation Operations Center during Desert Shield/Desert Storm. Retired in 1993 and worked another 6+ years for the Army in St. Louis, Mo and Huntsville, AL. Currently serving as a pilot for the Army Aviation Heritage Foundation.
Jim Dahl
Class of 1961
Army, 2 Years
Company Clerk (army secretary) in US Army Europe (Germany)
Class of 1961
Army, 2 Years
Company Clerk (army secretary) in US Army Europe (Germany)
Lane C Elliott
Class of 1966
Navy, 4 Years
E5; San Diego 1966 to 1968. DaNang & Saigon Viet Nam Oct 1969 to Oct 1970.
Class of 1966
Navy, 4 Years
E5; San Diego 1966 to 1968. DaNang & Saigon Viet Nam Oct 1969 to Oct 1970.
Randy S. McComb
Class of 1964
Air Force, 17 Years
Pararescue 1966-1983
Senior Master Sergeant E-8
Approx. 30 Medals including:
2 Silver Stars
3 Distinguished Flying Crosses with Valor
More info @ Veterans Tributes.org
Class of 1964
Air Force, 17 Years
Pararescue 1966-1983
Senior Master Sergeant E-8
Approx. 30 Medals including:
2 Silver Stars
3 Distinguished Flying Crosses with Valor
More info @ Veterans Tributes.org
Rick Beery
Class of 1974
Air Force, 20+ Years
Attended Air Force Academy, graduating in 1978. Went through helo pilot training. Assignments included Korea, South Carolina, Florida, Pentagon, Okinawa, Kansas, Oklahoma. Served as Air Rescue and Special Operations pilot and aircraft maintenance officer. Cmdr of 353 Ops Support Squadron, 353 Maintenance Sq, 16 Logistics Group and 16 Maintenance Group. Participated in Desert Storm, Enduring Freedom, Iraqi Freedom. Earned Legion of Merit, Bronze Star, DMSM, MSM, Aerial Achievement medal. Retired Col 2007.
Class of 1974
Air Force, 20+ Years
Attended Air Force Academy, graduating in 1978. Went through helo pilot training. Assignments included Korea, South Carolina, Florida, Pentagon, Okinawa, Kansas, Oklahoma. Served as Air Rescue and Special Operations pilot and aircraft maintenance officer. Cmdr of 353 Ops Support Squadron, 353 Maintenance Sq, 16 Logistics Group and 16 Maintenance Group. Participated in Desert Storm, Enduring Freedom, Iraqi Freedom. Earned Legion of Merit, Bronze Star, DMSM, MSM, Aerial Achievement medal. Retired Col 2007.
Stacey Svensrud
Class of 2013
Air Force, 6 Years
I did logistic work for united states air force at Ft. Bragg
Class of 2013
Air Force, 6 Years
I did logistic work for united states air force at Ft. Bragg
Steven Jones
Class of 1969
Air Force, 20+ Years
I retired after 20+ years as a Aircraft Maintenace Tech, working on Mostly fighter aircraft ( F4c,d,e,f ) Also the F4E Wild Weasels. I spent several years overseas including Japan, Vietnam, Thailand, S.Korea, Germany and many stateside bases including California, Texas, Kansas. And I retired from Fairchild AFB here in Spokane.. Lots of good friends and lots of good memories.
Class of 1969
Air Force, 20+ Years
I retired after 20+ years as a Aircraft Maintenace Tech, working on Mostly fighter aircraft ( F4c,d,e,f ) Also the F4E Wild Weasels. I spent several years overseas including Japan, Vietnam, Thailand, S.Korea, Germany and many stateside bases including California, Texas, Kansas. And I retired from Fairchild AFB here in Spokane.. Lots of good friends and lots of good memories.
Tony Kraut
Class of 1978
Air Force, 8 Years
SERE Instructor- Trained aircrew and DOD personnel in survival techniques in both peace time and combat environments including captivity.
Class of 1978
Air Force, 8 Years
SERE Instructor- Trained aircrew and DOD personnel in survival techniques in both peace time and combat environments including captivity.
Alumni Stories
Read and submit stories about our classmates from Central Valley High School, post achievements and news about our alumni, and post photos of our fellow Bears.
School News
1973 Bear Balls Tournament
The wild and crazy Bear Balls tourney this weekend Friday & Saturday. Looking forward to seeing all the guys again.
Read More »
Our Central Valley 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 Central Valley High School Military to know that they are loved and appreciated. All of us in Veradale are proud of our military alumni and want to thank them for risking their lives to protect our country!