Garfield High School Alumni
Seattle, Washington (WA)
Recent Members
| Jennifer Jackson | 1966 |
| Lillie Lanier | 1969 |
| Marlo Snyder | 1963 |
| Philip Rasch | 1970 |
| Shannon Acena | 1981 |
| Thomas Tobin. Sr. Thomas Tobin. Sr. | 1960 |
| Tom Pruiksma | 1994 |
| Vernice Haddix | 1965 |
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 Garfield 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
Allison Thompson Oboro
Class of 1977
Army, 20+ Years
Served in OEF/OIF for three tours. Assigned overseas to Vicenza, Italy to stand up first major command serving the Horn of Africa.
Class of 1977
Army, 20+ Years
Served in OEF/OIF for three tours. Assigned overseas to Vicenza, Italy to stand up first major command serving the Horn of Africa.
Andrew Horsfall
Class of 2002
Army, 6 Years
Captain Andrew Henry Horsfall commissioned from the United States Military Academy at West Point in 2006 and served 27 months of combat duty in Operation Iraqi Freedom 07-09 and Operation Enduring Freedom 10-11.
Class of 2002
Army, 6 Years
Captain Andrew Henry Horsfall commissioned from the United States Military Academy at West Point in 2006 and served 27 months of combat duty in Operation Iraqi Freedom 07-09 and Operation Enduring Freedom 10-11.
Charles Thomas Anderson, Jr.
Class of 1963
Army, 1 Years
PFC Charles T. Anderson, Jr, participated in Boys Club while at GHS and attended one year at Olympic College before being drafted in the Vietnam War in November 1965. On November 12, 1966, he was serving as an assistant machine gunner with the 4th Infantry Division when his company was viciously attacked by North Vietnamese troops. PFC Anderson repeatedly explosed himself to enemy fire to provide ammunition to a machine gun defending the position. During this selfless action, a mortar shell exploded nearby, mortally wounding him. For his heroic action, he was posthumously awarded the Bronze Star with "V" Device (for Valor). His sacrifice will not be forgotten.
Class of 1963
Army, 1 Years
PFC Charles T. Anderson, Jr, participated in Boys Club while at GHS and attended one year at Olympic College before being drafted in the Vietnam War in November 1965. On November 12, 1966, he was serving as an assistant machine gunner with the 4th Infantry Division when his company was viciously attacked by North Vietnamese troops. PFC Anderson repeatedly explosed himself to enemy fire to provide ammunition to a machine gun defending the position. During this selfless action, a mortar shell exploded nearby, mortally wounding him. For his heroic action, he was posthumously awarded the Bronze Star with "V" Device (for Valor). His sacrifice will not be forgotten.
Jack Albert Benaroya
Class of 1939
Navy, 4 Years
Jack Benaroya served with the Navy in the Philippines during World War II. He enlisted shortly after the bombing of Pearl Harbor. His first duty assignment was at the Sand Point Naval Air Station in Seattle and in Pasco, before shipping out for duty in the Pacific Theater. He returned to become one of Seattle's most recognizable and successful real estate moguls. Seattle's Benaroya Hall is named after him.
Class of 1939
Navy, 4 Years
Jack Benaroya served with the Navy in the Philippines during World War II. He enlisted shortly after the bombing of Pearl Harbor. His first duty assignment was at the Sand Point Naval Air Station in Seattle and in Pasco, before shipping out for duty in the Pacific Theater. He returned to become one of Seattle's most recognizable and successful real estate moguls. Seattle's Benaroya Hall is named after him.
Lieutenant Colonel William G. Hall
Class of 1987
Marine Corps, 15 Years
LtCol. William G. Hall, who was called "Billy" by those closest to him, was killed in action in Iraq's Anbar province by an improvised explosive device on March 29, 2008. He was 38. His last unit was the 3rd Low Altitude Air Defense Battalion, Marine Air Control Group 38, 3rd Marine Aircraft Wing, I Marine Expeditionary Force, based at Camp Pendleton. LtCol. Hall embodied a quiet strength and respect for tradition, both the traditions of the Marine Corps, where he moved up the ranks over the course of his 15-year career, and his family's traditions (like coming home at Christmas and calling his mother at Easter).
Class of 1987
Marine Corps, 15 Years
LtCol. William G. Hall, who was called "Billy" by those closest to him, was killed in action in Iraq's Anbar province by an improvised explosive device on March 29, 2008. He was 38. His last unit was the 3rd Low Altitude Air Defense Battalion, Marine Air Control Group 38, 3rd Marine Aircraft Wing, I Marine Expeditionary Force, based at Camp Pendleton. LtCol. Hall embodied a quiet strength and respect for tradition, both the traditions of the Marine Corps, where he moved up the ranks over the course of his 15-year career, and his family's traditions (like coming home at Christmas and calling his mother at Easter).
MG William M. Schoning
Class of 1940
Air Force, 20+ Years
Major General William Schoning's military career began in May 1943 when he entered active service under the aviation cadet program. He graduated in August 1944 with a commission as second lieutenant and his pilot wings. He then received glider pilot training and flew 80 missions in the European Theater of Operations with the 316th Troop Carrier Group. He was released from active military duty in October 1945 and returned to the University of Washington where he received his degree and was a member of Beta Alpha Psi, national accounting honorary society. While attending the university he worked as auditor for the National Public Service Insurance Company in Seattle and was a member of the Air Force Reserve.
During the Korean War, General Schoning was recalled to active military duty with the Air Force in September 1950 and assigned to Strategic Air Command. He served as a personnel staff officer at Headquarters Fifteenth Air Force, March Air Force Base, Calif. In January 1953 he was transferred to Headquarters Far East Air Forces Bomber Command at Yokota, Japan, where he served as deputy director of personnel and flew B-29 bombing missions over Korea.
In October 1953 General Schoning returned from overseas and again was assigned to Headquarters Fifteenth Air Force, this time as chief, personnel plans and analysis, Directorate of Personnel. He also served as an instructor pilot and president of the Standardization Board. In July 1958 he entered B-52 Combat Crew Training School at Castle Air Force Base, Calif.
He was transferred to Fairchild Air Force Base, Wash., in October 1958 where he was a B-52 aircraft commander and instructor pilot with the 92d Bombardment Wing; and from May 1959 to October 1962, he was commander of the 326th Bombardment Squadron. During this time, the 92d Wing received the Air Force Outstanding Unit Award for its pioneer work in night heavy-weight air refueling on 24-hour missions under Project HEADSTART. In February 1961 General Schoning moved his squadron to Glasgow Air Force Base, Mont., as the nucleus for the organization of the 4141st Strategic Wing. In its first year, this became the top wing in Fifteenth Air Force.
In October 1962 he was assigned to Strategic Air Command headquarters, Offutt Air Force Base, Neb., where he became deputy chief, Aircraft Training Branch, Directorate of Operations. In August 1964 he was assigned as deputy chief, Control Division. He was an active T-39 aircraft instructor pilot while assigned to Headquarters SAC.
In January 1966 General Schoning was assigned to Headquarters U.S. Air Force in the Directorate of Plans, Deputy Chief of Staff, Plans and Operations, where he was chief, Strategic Plans Branch. In August 1967 he entered the National War College, Washington, D.C. After graduation in May 1968, he was reassigned to the Directorate of Plans as deputy assistant for joint matters; in September 1969 became assistant director for joint and national security council matters; and in December 1971 was named deputy director for plans and policy with additional duty as the Air Force delegate to the United States delegation, Inter-American Defense Board; Air Force member, United States delegation, Joint Brazil-United States Defense Commission; and Air Force member, United States Section, Joint Mexican-United States Defense Commission.
From April 1973 to July 1974, General Scboning was appointed acting deputy assistant secretary of defense for policy plans and national security council affairs, Office of the Assistant Secretary of Defense (International Security Affairs), Washington, D.C. He then became commander of the 1st Strategic Aerospace Division at Vandenberg Air Force Base, Calif.
General Schoning assumed the directorship of the Inter-American Defense College at Fort L. J. McNair, Washington, D.C., in August 1975. He retired September 1, 1976.
His military decorations and awards include the Distinguished Service Medal; Legion of Merit; Air Medal with two oak leaf clusters; Air Force Commendation Medal with two oak leaf clusters; Army Commendation Medal; Air Force Outstanding Unit Award; and from the Republic of Brazil, the Ordem do Merito Aeronautico, Grau de Comendador. He is a command pilot and has also earned the Missileman Badge. In addition he holds a commercial pilot's license with instrument and sea plane ratings.
Class of 1940
Air Force, 20+ Years
Major General William Schoning's military career began in May 1943 when he entered active service under the aviation cadet program. He graduated in August 1944 with a commission as second lieutenant and his pilot wings. He then received glider pilot training and flew 80 missions in the European Theater of Operations with the 316th Troop Carrier Group. He was released from active military duty in October 1945 and returned to the University of Washington where he received his degree and was a member of Beta Alpha Psi, national accounting honorary society. While attending the university he worked as auditor for the National Public Service Insurance Company in Seattle and was a member of the Air Force Reserve.
During the Korean War, General Schoning was recalled to active military duty with the Air Force in September 1950 and assigned to Strategic Air Command. He served as a personnel staff officer at Headquarters Fifteenth Air Force, March Air Force Base, Calif. In January 1953 he was transferred to Headquarters Far East Air Forces Bomber Command at Yokota, Japan, where he served as deputy director of personnel and flew B-29 bombing missions over Korea.
In October 1953 General Schoning returned from overseas and again was assigned to Headquarters Fifteenth Air Force, this time as chief, personnel plans and analysis, Directorate of Personnel. He also served as an instructor pilot and president of the Standardization Board. In July 1958 he entered B-52 Combat Crew Training School at Castle Air Force Base, Calif.
He was transferred to Fairchild Air Force Base, Wash., in October 1958 where he was a B-52 aircraft commander and instructor pilot with the 92d Bombardment Wing; and from May 1959 to October 1962, he was commander of the 326th Bombardment Squadron. During this time, the 92d Wing received the Air Force Outstanding Unit Award for its pioneer work in night heavy-weight air refueling on 24-hour missions under Project HEADSTART. In February 1961 General Schoning moved his squadron to Glasgow Air Force Base, Mont., as the nucleus for the organization of the 4141st Strategic Wing. In its first year, this became the top wing in Fifteenth Air Force.
In October 1962 he was assigned to Strategic Air Command headquarters, Offutt Air Force Base, Neb., where he became deputy chief, Aircraft Training Branch, Directorate of Operations. In August 1964 he was assigned as deputy chief, Control Division. He was an active T-39 aircraft instructor pilot while assigned to Headquarters SAC.
In January 1966 General Schoning was assigned to Headquarters U.S. Air Force in the Directorate of Plans, Deputy Chief of Staff, Plans and Operations, where he was chief, Strategic Plans Branch. In August 1967 he entered the National War College, Washington, D.C. After graduation in May 1968, he was reassigned to the Directorate of Plans as deputy assistant for joint matters; in September 1969 became assistant director for joint and national security council matters; and in December 1971 was named deputy director for plans and policy with additional duty as the Air Force delegate to the United States delegation, Inter-American Defense Board; Air Force member, United States delegation, Joint Brazil-United States Defense Commission; and Air Force member, United States Section, Joint Mexican-United States Defense Commission.
From April 1973 to July 1974, General Scboning was appointed acting deputy assistant secretary of defense for policy plans and national security council affairs, Office of the Assistant Secretary of Defense (International Security Affairs), Washington, D.C. He then became commander of the 1st Strategic Aerospace Division at Vandenberg Air Force Base, Calif.
General Schoning assumed the directorship of the Inter-American Defense College at Fort L. J. McNair, Washington, D.C., in August 1975. He retired September 1, 1976.
His military decorations and awards include the Distinguished Service Medal; Legion of Merit; Air Medal with two oak leaf clusters; Air Force Commendation Medal with two oak leaf clusters; Army Commendation Medal; Air Force Outstanding Unit Award; and from the Republic of Brazil, the Ordem do Merito Aeronautico, Grau de Comendador. He is a command pilot and has also earned the Missileman Badge. In addition he holds a commercial pilot's license with instrument and sea plane ratings.
Mogens G. Bildsoe
Class of 1940
Navy, 3 Years
Mogens served three years of Navy service on the destroyer USS Hale during World War II, participating in many of the seminal battles of the war in the South Pacific.
Class of 1940
Navy, 3 Years
Mogens served three years of Navy service on the destroyer USS Hale during World War II, participating in many of the seminal battles of the war in the South Pacific.
Patrick Hunter
Class of 1964
Army, 4 Years
Europe, Military Police, Airborne, Ski Patrol
Class of 1964
Army, 4 Years
Europe, Military Police, Airborne, Ski Patrol
William Kenzo Nakamura
Class of 1939
Army, 2 Years
William Kenzo Nakamura is a recipient of the United States military's highest decoration, "the Medal of Honor," for his actions in World War II.
On July 4, 1944, Nakamura was serving as a private first class in the 442nd Regimental Combat Team. On that day, near Castellina, Italy, he single-handedly destroyed an enemy machine gun emplacement and later volunteered to cover his unit's withdrawal. He was then killed while attacking another machine gun nest which was firing on his platoon.
For his actions during the battle, he was posthumously awarded the Army's second-highest decoration, the Distinguished Service Cross. A 1990s review of service records for Asian Americans who received the Distinguished Service Cross during World War II led to Nakamura's award being upgraded to the Medal of Honor. In a ceremony at the White House on June 21, 2000, his surviving family was presented with his Medal of Honor by President Bill Clinton.
Class of 1939
Army, 2 Years
William Kenzo Nakamura is a recipient of the United States military's highest decoration, "the Medal of Honor," for his actions in World War II.
On July 4, 1944, Nakamura was serving as a private first class in the 442nd Regimental Combat Team. On that day, near Castellina, Italy, he single-handedly destroyed an enemy machine gun emplacement and later volunteered to cover his unit's withdrawal. He was then killed while attacking another machine gun nest which was firing on his platoon.
For his actions during the battle, he was posthumously awarded the Army's second-highest decoration, the Distinguished Service Cross. A 1990s review of service records for Asian Americans who received the Distinguished Service Cross during World War II led to Nakamura's award being upgraded to the Medal of Honor. In a ceremony at the White House on June 21, 2000, his surviving family was presented with his Medal of Honor by President Bill Clinton.
Alumni Stories
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School News
Garfield High School Centennial - 100 years!
Saturday, August 27, 2022 - All day event for alumni, current and former staff, community members: https://www.garfieldh...
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Our Garfield 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 Garfield High School Military to know that they are loved and appreciated. All of us in Seattle are proud of our military alumni and want to thank them for risking their lives to protect our country!