Cranford High School Alumni
Cranford, New Jersey (NJ)
Recent Members
| Candy Candy Friedman | 1971 |
| David Lauren | 1969 |
| Deborah Rodenhiser Cooney | 1965 |
| Doni Remba | 1971 |
| Laney Gerechoff | 1972 |
| Lejoseph Ste | 1970 |
| Silas (van) Shaw | 1973 |
| Stephen A Lorenz Stephen A Lorenz | 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 Cranford High School class ring? Have you found someone's class ring? Visit our Cougars lost class ring page to search for your class ring or post information about a found ring.
Honored Military Alumni
Alan C. Speirs
Class of 1983
Army, 20+ Years
ALAN C. SPEIRS
SERGEANT FIRST CLASS
UNITED STATES ARMY RESERVE
______________________________________________________________________________
Drill Sergeant Speirs was born in Brookville Pennsylvania to Mr. Willis M. Speirs of Miller South Dakota and Mrs. Audrey J. Speirs of Marienville Pennsylvania. Drill Sergeant Speirs graduated from Cranford High School of Cranford New Jersey and Union County Technical Institute of Scotch Plains New Jersey in 1983. He distinguished himself by representing his high school on three consecutive Junior Achievement Awards and economic incentive trips to Bermuda, Bahamas and Orlando Florida respectfully. After graduation, he retuned to Junior Achievement as an instructor. He distinguished himself by graduating in the top ten percent of his class at Union County Technical Institute and was ask to represent his school during youth government projects. He entered military service by enlisting in the United States Army in June 1985. He completed his basic training at Fort Jackson South Carolina, where he earned a certificate of achievement for his efforts. He has challenged himself by attended three Advanced Individual Training schools; in 1986 at Fort Eustis Virginia, graduated 68/M AH1S Cobra Attack Helicopter Armament System Repairer; in 1989 graduating 11B Infantryman from Infantry School 78th Infantry Division, Fort Dix New Jersey; and in 1993 graduating as a 96B Intelligence Analyst from Fort Huachuca Arizona. Drill Sergeant Speirs military education includes Primary Leadership Development Course, Basic Non-Commissioned Officer Course ( Phase I &II ), Advanced Non-Commissioned Officers Course ( Phase I & II ), Combat Life Savers Course, Battle Focus Instructors Course, Maneuver Control Systems Course ( MCS ), Basic Airborne Course, Drill Sergeant Academy, Drill Sergeants Academy Instructors Course, and the Special Forces Assessment and Selection Course.
Drill Sergeant Speirs assignments include: 5th Attack Helicopter Battalion 5th ID ( M ) Fort Polk Louisiana, 78th Infantry Division Fort Dix New Jersey, Primary Leadership Development Course instructor Fort Indiantown Gap Pennsylvania, S-2 Intelligence Section HHC 4th Aviation Bde Fliegerhorst Concern Hanau Germany, HHC 3rd Bn 156 Infantry Division Lake Charles Louisiana, 3rd Bn 485th Regt (BCT) , 108th Infantry Division and currently assigned as a Basic Combat Training Drill Sergeant Instructor to D Co. 1st Bn 378th Regt ( BCT ) Lafayette, Louisiana. His deployments include the following: Operations in the former Republic of Yugoslavia and Macedonia and Mobilization for Enduring Freedom.
Drill Sergeants Speirs awards and decorations include the following: Joint Meritorious Unit Award, Meritorious Unit Commendation Award, Army Commendation Medal (3) Army Achievement Medal, Good Conduct Medal (2), Army Reserve Components Achievement Medal, Nation Defense Service Medal with one Bronze Star, Global War on Terrorism Service Medal, Armed Forces Reserve Medal with Hour Glass and Mobilization Device, NCO Professional Development Ribbon (3) Army Service Ribbon, Army Overseas Service Ribbon, United Nations Medal, Macedonia Campaign Ribbon, United Nations Protection Force Yugoslavia, Nato Medal, Drill Sergeant Badge, Aircraft Crewman Badge, Parachutist Badge, Drivers Badge, Expert Badge M16-A2, M249, M-9 Pistol and the German Shutzensner Marksmen Badge in Silver.
Drill Sergeant Alan C. Speirs and his wife Ruth Anne Speirs, of 20 years of marriage, currently reside in Deridder Louisiana with their five children Alan C. Speirs II, Willis P. Speirs, Daniel J. Speirs, Shannon M. Speirs and Joshua A. Speirs. They are currently being home schooled and participle in the family readiness program. The three oldest children have distinguished them selves by earning recognition for their efforts in assisting the unit in field training exercise recovery and they are currently active in the Louisiana Civil Air Patrol.
Class of 1983
Army, 20+ Years
ALAN C. SPEIRS
SERGEANT FIRST CLASS
UNITED STATES ARMY RESERVE
______________________________________________________________________________
Drill Sergeant Speirs was born in Brookville Pennsylvania to Mr. Willis M. Speirs of Miller South Dakota and Mrs. Audrey J. Speirs of Marienville Pennsylvania. Drill Sergeant Speirs graduated from Cranford High School of Cranford New Jersey and Union County Technical Institute of Scotch Plains New Jersey in 1983. He distinguished himself by representing his high school on three consecutive Junior Achievement Awards and economic incentive trips to Bermuda, Bahamas and Orlando Florida respectfully. After graduation, he retuned to Junior Achievement as an instructor. He distinguished himself by graduating in the top ten percent of his class at Union County Technical Institute and was ask to represent his school during youth government projects. He entered military service by enlisting in the United States Army in June 1985. He completed his basic training at Fort Jackson South Carolina, where he earned a certificate of achievement for his efforts. He has challenged himself by attended three Advanced Individual Training schools; in 1986 at Fort Eustis Virginia, graduated 68/M AH1S Cobra Attack Helicopter Armament System Repairer; in 1989 graduating 11B Infantryman from Infantry School 78th Infantry Division, Fort Dix New Jersey; and in 1993 graduating as a 96B Intelligence Analyst from Fort Huachuca Arizona. Drill Sergeant Speirs military education includes Primary Leadership Development Course, Basic Non-Commissioned Officer Course ( Phase I &II ), Advanced Non-Commissioned Officers Course ( Phase I & II ), Combat Life Savers Course, Battle Focus Instructors Course, Maneuver Control Systems Course ( MCS ), Basic Airborne Course, Drill Sergeant Academy, Drill Sergeants Academy Instructors Course, and the Special Forces Assessment and Selection Course.
Drill Sergeant Speirs assignments include: 5th Attack Helicopter Battalion 5th ID ( M ) Fort Polk Louisiana, 78th Infantry Division Fort Dix New Jersey, Primary Leadership Development Course instructor Fort Indiantown Gap Pennsylvania, S-2 Intelligence Section HHC 4th Aviation Bde Fliegerhorst Concern Hanau Germany, HHC 3rd Bn 156 Infantry Division Lake Charles Louisiana, 3rd Bn 485th Regt (BCT) , 108th Infantry Division and currently assigned as a Basic Combat Training Drill Sergeant Instructor to D Co. 1st Bn 378th Regt ( BCT ) Lafayette, Louisiana. His deployments include the following: Operations in the former Republic of Yugoslavia and Macedonia and Mobilization for Enduring Freedom.
Drill Sergeants Speirs awards and decorations include the following: Joint Meritorious Unit Award, Meritorious Unit Commendation Award, Army Commendation Medal (3) Army Achievement Medal, Good Conduct Medal (2), Army Reserve Components Achievement Medal, Nation Defense Service Medal with one Bronze Star, Global War on Terrorism Service Medal, Armed Forces Reserve Medal with Hour Glass and Mobilization Device, NCO Professional Development Ribbon (3) Army Service Ribbon, Army Overseas Service Ribbon, United Nations Medal, Macedonia Campaign Ribbon, United Nations Protection Force Yugoslavia, Nato Medal, Drill Sergeant Badge, Aircraft Crewman Badge, Parachutist Badge, Drivers Badge, Expert Badge M16-A2, M249, M-9 Pistol and the German Shutzensner Marksmen Badge in Silver.
Drill Sergeant Alan C. Speirs and his wife Ruth Anne Speirs, of 20 years of marriage, currently reside in Deridder Louisiana with their five children Alan C. Speirs II, Willis P. Speirs, Daniel J. Speirs, Shannon M. Speirs and Joshua A. Speirs. They are currently being home schooled and participle in the family readiness program. The three oldest children have distinguished them selves by earning recognition for their efforts in assisting the unit in field training exercise recovery and they are currently active in the Louisiana Civil Air Patrol.
Anne Jordan Rawley
Class of 1964
Navy, 28 Years
Nurse Corps with service around the world including Danang, Vietnam and in Saudi Arabia during the 1st Gulf War. Widow of USMC retiree who served 4 tours in Vietnam and was wounded in action
Class of 1964
Navy, 28 Years
Nurse Corps with service around the world including Danang, Vietnam and in Saudi Arabia during the 1st Gulf War. Widow of USMC retiree who served 4 tours in Vietnam and was wounded in action
Arthur Cyphers
Class of 1959
Navy, 23 Years
Navy Flight Officer - Carrier Airborne Command and Control, Anti Submarine Warfare, Air Transport Navigator.
Class of 1959
Navy, 23 Years
Navy Flight Officer - Carrier Airborne Command and Control, Anti Submarine Warfare, Air Transport Navigator.
Bob Uhle
Class of 1968
Navy, 20+ Years
Naval Pilot .... Flew P3's around the world chasing subs. Flight Instructor.
Class of 1968
Navy, 20+ Years
Naval Pilot .... Flew P3's around the world chasing subs. Flight Instructor.
Chuck Sizer
Class of 1963
Marine Corps, 5 Years
Naval Aviator, Vietnam Vet, Medivac Helicopter Pilot
Class of 1963
Marine Corps, 5 Years
Naval Aviator, Vietnam Vet, Medivac Helicopter Pilot
david skaggs
Class of 1960
Marine Corps Reserve, 12 Years
PLC summer 1963; commissioned 2d Lt, June 1964; active duty as 1st Lt and Capt, Jan 1968 - Jan 1971: Okinawa, 1st MarDiv I Corps RVN, HQMC; served in active reserves, 1971-74; promoted to Major, 1977.
Class of 1960
Marine Corps Reserve, 12 Years
PLC summer 1963; commissioned 2d Lt, June 1964; active duty as 1st Lt and Capt, Jan 1968 - Jan 1971: Okinawa, 1st MarDiv I Corps RVN, HQMC; served in active reserves, 1971-74; promoted to Major, 1977.
Frederick William (Bill) Saam
Class of 1960
Army, 3 Years
!964 - 1967
Rank = SP-5
Wheeled and tracked vehicle repairman
2 1/2 years in Germany (Aschaffenburg)
Class of 1960
Army, 3 Years
!964 - 1967
Rank = SP-5
Wheeled and tracked vehicle repairman
2 1/2 years in Germany (Aschaffenburg)
Gordon Amgott
Class of 1966
Navy Reserves, 2 Years
I served on board the USS John F. Kennedy Aircraft Carrier from 1971 through 1973.
I was a yeoman in the air wing.
Class of 1966
Navy Reserves, 2 Years
I served on board the USS John F. Kennedy Aircraft Carrier from 1971 through 1973.
I was a yeoman in the air wing.
James Porter
Class of 1968
Air Force, 20+ Years
27 years in the Air Force & Air National Guard. 1972 graduate of the Air Force Academy. Pilot in the F-4 C/D/E, AT-38, KC-135R. Flight Instructor/Flight Commander. Stationed in Germany, Wash. DC, Florida and California.
Class of 1968
Air Force, 20+ Years
27 years in the Air Force & Air National Guard. 1972 graduate of the Air Force Academy. Pilot in the F-4 C/D/E, AT-38, KC-135R. Flight Instructor/Flight Commander. Stationed in Germany, Wash. DC, Florida and California.
John H. Eckert
Class of 1962
Army, 28 Years
Retired 1994 as LTC. Two tours in Vietnam. Awarded Silver Star, 2 Purple Hearts, 4 Air Medals, etc.
Class of 1962
Army, 28 Years
Retired 1994 as LTC. Two tours in Vietnam. Awarded Silver Star, 2 Purple Hearts, 4 Air Medals, etc.
Michael E. Sapara
Class of 1966
Army, 2 Years
served as a combatinfantryman with 9th infantry division Mekong Delta Republic of South Vietnam
Richie Schlenger CLASS OF 65 served with me .
Class of 1966
Army, 2 Years
served as a combatinfantryman with 9th infantry division Mekong Delta Republic of South Vietnam
Richie Schlenger CLASS OF 65 served with me .
Michael E. Sapara
Class of 1966
Army, 2 Years
In MeMorium
Raymond J. Ashnault
1st Cav. Division Vietnam
KIA- Aug.19, 1969
Class of 1966
Army, 2 Years
In MeMorium
Raymond J. Ashnault
1st Cav. Division Vietnam
KIA- Aug.19, 1969
Rene' Berthiaume
Class of 1962
Marine Corps, 5 Years
USMC,1961-1966 Vietnam 65-66 Post Commander VFW Post 10583 Honolulu' Hawaii
Class of 1962
Marine Corps, 5 Years
USMC,1961-1966 Vietnam 65-66 Post Commander VFW Post 10583 Honolulu' Hawaii
Robert "Rob" Hill
Class of 1960
Marine Corps, 25 Years
Entered USMC via the Platoon Leaders Course (PLC) in 1964. Commissioned at graduation from college in 1966. Went to Marine Corps Officers Basic School in Quantico, VA for 5 months. After graduation attended 10 week Combat Officer's Engineer School at Camp Lejeune, NC. First assignment was 5 months as Range Officer at the Rifle Range. During assignment competed in various competitions achieving assignment to Rifle Range Team, Battalion Team and Division Team. Shot 1000 yards not using rifle scope. Next assignment to 6 month Mediterranean Cruise supporting 1st Battalion, 2nd Marine Division. Promoted to 1st Lieutenant, Upon completion of cruise received orders to Vietnam May 1968. Served with "C" company, 7th Engineers as XO, wounded and sent to Taiwan for 3 months. Upon return to Vietnam assigned as "CO" Alpha Company, 1st Shore Party Bn. Returned to Pittsburgh, PA in June 1969 as Assist. Inspector Instructor of 1st MP Battalion. Promoted to Captain. Additional duty as Casualty Reporting Officer notifying relatives of wounded/deceased Marines in combat. Spent the remaining 21 years in the USMCR in various roles in Amphibious Tractor BN as Platoon Commander, XO, CO and Battalion XO; promoted to Major. Joined ANGLICO Company (Air Naval Gunfire Liaison Company as CO. Two years later joined US Forces Caribbean as Intelligence Officer (S-2). Promoted to Lt. Colonel. Remained in unit for 5 year during which I was promoted to Colonel. Activated for Desert Storm. Assigned to Albany, GA as the Director of Facilities and Operations. Reported to a 2 star General. Retuned home in April 1992. retired in September 1992 after 25 years of military service.
Class of 1960
Marine Corps, 25 Years
Entered USMC via the Platoon Leaders Course (PLC) in 1964. Commissioned at graduation from college in 1966. Went to Marine Corps Officers Basic School in Quantico, VA for 5 months. After graduation attended 10 week Combat Officer's Engineer School at Camp Lejeune, NC. First assignment was 5 months as Range Officer at the Rifle Range. During assignment competed in various competitions achieving assignment to Rifle Range Team, Battalion Team and Division Team. Shot 1000 yards not using rifle scope. Next assignment to 6 month Mediterranean Cruise supporting 1st Battalion, 2nd Marine Division. Promoted to 1st Lieutenant, Upon completion of cruise received orders to Vietnam May 1968. Served with "C" company, 7th Engineers as XO, wounded and sent to Taiwan for 3 months. Upon return to Vietnam assigned as "CO" Alpha Company, 1st Shore Party Bn. Returned to Pittsburgh, PA in June 1969 as Assist. Inspector Instructor of 1st MP Battalion. Promoted to Captain. Additional duty as Casualty Reporting Officer notifying relatives of wounded/deceased Marines in combat. Spent the remaining 21 years in the USMCR in various roles in Amphibious Tractor BN as Platoon Commander, XO, CO and Battalion XO; promoted to Major. Joined ANGLICO Company (Air Naval Gunfire Liaison Company as CO. Two years later joined US Forces Caribbean as Intelligence Officer (S-2). Promoted to Lt. Colonel. Remained in unit for 5 year during which I was promoted to Colonel. Activated for Desert Storm. Assigned to Albany, GA as the Director of Facilities and Operations. Reported to a 2 star General. Retuned home in April 1992. retired in September 1992 after 25 years of military service.
Robert Hill
Class of 1960
Marine Corps, 20+ Years
Combat Engineer Officer, ANGLICO Officer, Amtrac Ex Officer, Joint Special Operations Officer for Caribbean countries (South Comm). Retired 0-6.
Class of 1960
Marine Corps, 20+ Years
Combat Engineer Officer, ANGLICO Officer, Amtrac Ex Officer, Joint Special Operations Officer for Caribbean countries (South Comm). Retired 0-6.
Robert McGuinness
Class of 1961
Air Force, 4 Years
USAF Meteorologist. Served in Tripoli, Libya and at Ft. Lee Virginia as part of the Washington Air Defense System.
Class of 1961
Air Force, 4 Years
USAF Meteorologist. Served in Tripoli, Libya and at Ft. Lee Virginia as part of the Washington Air Defense System.
Robert T. Hill
Class of 1960
Marine Corps, 25 Years
Combat Engineer officer in Vietnam. Attended Amphibious Warfare School and Command & Staff College. Served with 4th Amtrac Bn, 4th ANGLICO Bn. &
US Forces Caribbean. Activated for Desert Storm: Director of Facilites & Services for Logistics Base, Albany, Ga. Retire as
Class of 1960
Marine Corps, 25 Years
Combat Engineer officer in Vietnam. Attended Amphibious Warfare School and Command & Staff College. Served with 4th Amtrac Bn, 4th ANGLICO Bn. &
US Forces Caribbean. Activated for Desert Storm: Director of Facilites & Services for Logistics Base, Albany, Ga. Retire as
Selean Koury
Class of 1946
Navy, 4 Years
Radioman aboard the DDE USS Epperson 719. Two years at the Naval Air station, Coco Solo, Canal Zone. Korean Veteran 1948- 1952
Class of 1946
Navy, 4 Years
Radioman aboard the DDE USS Epperson 719. Two years at the Naval Air station, Coco Solo, Canal Zone. Korean Veteran 1948- 1952
Alumni Stories
Read and submit stories about our classmates from Cranford High School, post achievements and news about our alumni, and post photos of our fellow Cougars.
School News
Where are the plows in Cranford?
A record breaking snowfall this season and Cranford is left buried deep under several feet of snow. Just like I remember...
Read More »
Our Cranford 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 Cranford High School Military to know that they are loved and appreciated. All of us in Cranford are proud of our military alumni and want to thank them for risking their lives to protect our country!