Grand Island High School Alumni
Grand Island, Nebraska (NE)
Recent Members
| Ann Sassen | 1971 |
| Beulah Johnson | 2013 |
| Bradley Manard | 1972 |
| Cindy Somer | 1971 |
| David Dave Dunn | 1974 |
| Francis Whelan | 1965 |
| Grecia Sanroman | 2017 |
| Yoana Solorio | 2020 |
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 Grand Island High School class ring? Have you found someone's class ring? Visit our Islanders lost class ring page to search for your class ring or post information about a found ring.
Honored Military Alumni
1SG Dave Dunn
Class of 1974
National Guard, 20+ Years
Retired as First Sergeant at HQ Company, 1-195 Armor< Kearney, Ne. after 23 years. (The extra 3 years were required so that Bush, not Clinton, would sign the retirement form)
Class of 1974
National Guard, 20+ Years
Retired as First Sergeant at HQ Company, 1-195 Armor< Kearney, Ne. after 23 years. (The extra 3 years were required so that Bush, not Clinton, would sign the retirement form)
Betty Powers Ray
Class of 1965
Navy, 2 Years
served NAS Norfolk Virginia- originally served in the Computer and data processing department NAS Norfolk, for all Military installations of the Northern half of the East Coast until it was made into an all civilian department in 1966, Then I was transfered to Atlantic Fleet communications department until my discharge.
Class of 1965
Navy, 2 Years
served NAS Norfolk Virginia- originally served in the Computer and data processing department NAS Norfolk, for all Military installations of the Northern half of the East Coast until it was made into an all civilian department in 1966, Then I was transfered to Atlantic Fleet communications department until my discharge.
Brad Holloway
Class of 1980
Air Force, 7 Years
Served from 1980 to 1987 in the U.S. Air Force.
Stationed at Eglin A.F.B., FL., and Misawa A.B., Japan. Was a 46270 Aircraft Armament Systems Specialist, specializing in 20mm and 30mm gun systems on the A-7,A-10 F-4,F-15,F-16 aircraft.
Class of 1980
Air Force, 7 Years
Served from 1980 to 1987 in the U.S. Air Force.
Stationed at Eglin A.F.B., FL., and Misawa A.B., Japan. Was a 46270 Aircraft Armament Systems Specialist, specializing in 20mm and 30mm gun systems on the A-7,A-10 F-4,F-15,F-16 aircraft.
Bria Gatto
Class of 2010
Air Force, 5 Years
Personnelist
Was stationed at Peterson, but now back home at Offutt. Haven't decided yet if I want to stay in or get out.
Class of 2010
Air Force, 5 Years
Personnelist
Was stationed at Peterson, but now back home at Offutt. Haven't decided yet if I want to stay in or get out.
Col Robert D. Shanks Jr.
Class of 1959
Air Force, 31 Years
Bob enlisted after high school, used the G.I. Bill to go to college stayed in the Air National Guard and Air Force Reserve after becoming a teacher. He was commissioned in 1980. He did a variety of active duty and reserve service nationally and internationally. His last two years he served as a full time professor at he United States Air Force Air War College, Maxwell AFB, AL.
Class of 1959
Air Force, 31 Years
Bob enlisted after high school, used the G.I. Bill to go to college stayed in the Air National Guard and Air Force Reserve after becoming a teacher. He was commissioned in 1980. He did a variety of active duty and reserve service nationally and internationally. His last two years he served as a full time professor at he United States Air Force Air War College, Maxwell AFB, AL.
Craig A. Anderson
Class of 1969
Army, 14 Years
Commissioned 1973 as 2LT. Active duty with 9th Infantry Division 73-76.
National Guard 1978-1987
Recalled to active reserve duty 2007
Class of 1969
Army, 14 Years
Commissioned 1973 as 2LT. Active duty with 9th Infantry Division 73-76.
National Guard 1978-1987
Recalled to active reserve duty 2007
Curtis G Smith
Class of 1965
Army, 4 Years
Helicopter pilot/instructor. Viet Nam 68-69.
Class of 1965
Army, 4 Years
Helicopter pilot/instructor. Viet Nam 68-69.
Daniel Ray Zuehlke
Class of 1975
Navy, 30 Years
Retired CWO4. I either operated submarine nuclear reactor plants or fixed them. I served on 5 submarines, 4 submarine and 1 destroyer tender (repair ships). Did one hitch as Planning Officer for submarine repair at Pearl Harbor Naval Shipyard, another as staff at an operating Naval Nuclear training reactor facility in upstate New York. Dragged my kids all over the world: Guam, Hawaii, Sardinia, and ports up and down both coasts. My last 7 years was as a single dad. Left for basic seven weeks after graduation lured by the "see the world" recruiting promise. Mother Navy didn't disappoint.
Class of 1975
Navy, 30 Years
Retired CWO4. I either operated submarine nuclear reactor plants or fixed them. I served on 5 submarines, 4 submarine and 1 destroyer tender (repair ships). Did one hitch as Planning Officer for submarine repair at Pearl Harbor Naval Shipyard, another as staff at an operating Naval Nuclear training reactor facility in upstate New York. Dragged my kids all over the world: Guam, Hawaii, Sardinia, and ports up and down both coasts. My last 7 years was as a single dad. Left for basic seven weeks after graduation lured by the "see the world" recruiting promise. Mother Navy didn't disappoint.
Dwight Overturf
Class of 1960
Army, 3 Years
MSC pharmacy officer,served with the 3rd Armored Div. and duties at 97th Gen hosp.in Frankfurt,WGermany (77-80)
Class of 1960
Army, 3 Years
MSC pharmacy officer,served with the 3rd Armored Div. and duties at 97th Gen hosp.in Frankfurt,WGermany (77-80)
Ed Satterly
Class of 1965
Navy, 12 Years
Two tours in Vietnam Nam--Sea Bees--Submarine repair ship--Destroyer repair ship--Tug Boat Chief Engineer
Class of 1965
Navy, 12 Years
Two tours in Vietnam Nam--Sea Bees--Submarine repair ship--Destroyer repair ship--Tug Boat Chief Engineer
Edward E. Meedel
Class of 1965
Navy, 4 Years
Sonar and Torpedo 3rd Class aboard the U.S.S. Walke DD723. Home port Long Beach, CA. Our ship was part of the 7th fleet and spent most of our time in blue waters off the Vietnam coast supporting ground troops. For a time we were in and near Vietnam insland waterways providing weapon support for ground and amphibious personnel.
Class of 1965
Navy, 4 Years
Sonar and Torpedo 3rd Class aboard the U.S.S. Walke DD723. Home port Long Beach, CA. Our ship was part of the 7th fleet and spent most of our time in blue waters off the Vietnam coast supporting ground troops. For a time we were in and near Vietnam insland waterways providing weapon support for ground and amphibious personnel.
james mettenbrink
Class of 1964
Air Force, 21 Years
As many of us at age 18-21, I didn't know what I wanted to do in life. I enlisted in 1965. Having high scores in all th etests, the AF gave me my choice of schools before I enelisted. I took the longest electronics school. Spending 11 years oversea in four countries was an education in itself -- the countries, culture, natives museum, ancient history, archaeology and of course the food. Plus I took university courses taught by those expats who lived in those countries. While overseas we also spent time in five other countries in Europe and Mideast.
Class of 1964
Air Force, 21 Years
As many of us at age 18-21, I didn't know what I wanted to do in life. I enlisted in 1965. Having high scores in all th etests, the AF gave me my choice of schools before I enelisted. I took the longest electronics school. Spending 11 years oversea in four countries was an education in itself -- the countries, culture, natives museum, ancient history, archaeology and of course the food. Plus I took university courses taught by those expats who lived in those countries. While overseas we also spent time in five other countries in Europe and Mideast.
John H Ragland
Class of 1965
Air Force, 4 Years
Served 1965 to 1969. served in Viet Nam from 1966 to 1967
Class of 1965
Air Force, 4 Years
Served 1965 to 1969. served in Viet Nam from 1966 to 1967
Leonard Wayne Compton
Class of 1963
Navy, 3 Years
Was in All Nebraska "Beef State '63" Company 117 at San Diego NTC. Served aboard USS Yorktown (CVS-10), served in VR-24 Det, NAF, NAples, Italy as communications & air intelligence yeoman. Total service 3 years & six months.
Class of 1963
Navy, 3 Years
Was in All Nebraska "Beef State '63" Company 117 at San Diego NTC. Served aboard USS Yorktown (CVS-10), served in VR-24 Det, NAF, NAples, Italy as communications & air intelligence yeoman. Total service 3 years & six months.
MAJ Richard L. Semm Ret USAR
Class of 1965
Army, 20+ Years
4 Years Active duty US navy, Vaw 116 Early Warning Squadron. 34 Years USAR/National Guard. Commander Public Affairs Office, Mob planning and Logistics Officer
Class of 1965
Army, 20+ Years
4 Years Active duty US navy, Vaw 116 Early Warning Squadron. 34 Years USAR/National Guard. Commander Public Affairs Office, Mob planning and Logistics Officer
MSgt Bill Obermeier
Class of 1980
Air Force, 20+ Years
I have been in the Air Force for 21 years and plan on staying a few more years. Currently stationed at McConnell Air Force base Kansas where I am a production superintendant on the KC-135 tankers.
I have just completed my 17th rotation in support of Iraqi Freedom/Enduring Freedom and I will be deploying again in October 2009. I was stationed in Panama for fours years (Jan 1990 – Feb 1994) and enjoyed central and South America.
Class of 1980
Air Force, 20+ Years
I have been in the Air Force for 21 years and plan on staying a few more years. Currently stationed at McConnell Air Force base Kansas where I am a production superintendant on the KC-135 tankers.
I have just completed my 17th rotation in support of Iraqi Freedom/Enduring Freedom and I will be deploying again in October 2009. I was stationed in Panama for fours years (Jan 1990 – Feb 1994) and enjoyed central and South America.
Orival Greenfield
Class of 1971
Air Force, 20+ Years
Served in the USAF for 26 years. Was on aircraft maintenance the entire time. Retired as a SMgt (E-8). Spent overseas time stationed in Thailand, Phillipines, and Iceland. Did temporary duty in Korea, Italy, Eygpt, Japan, Australia, Spain, Turkey, Saudi Arabia, Hungary, Germany, Bosnia, and Canada. Still traveling the world with my current job which involves managing aircraft maintenance and aircrew. Funny thing is I don't really like flying. But it's been a great career.
Class of 1971
Air Force, 20+ Years
Served in the USAF for 26 years. Was on aircraft maintenance the entire time. Retired as a SMgt (E-8). Spent overseas time stationed in Thailand, Phillipines, and Iceland. Did temporary duty in Korea, Italy, Eygpt, Japan, Australia, Spain, Turkey, Saudi Arabia, Hungary, Germany, Bosnia, and Canada. Still traveling the world with my current job which involves managing aircraft maintenance and aircrew. Funny thing is I don't really like flying. But it's been a great career.
Raymond Wilsey
Class of 1965
Air Force, 20+ Years
Served from 1965 to 1987. Vietnam service 1967-1968 and 1972.
Class of 1965
Air Force, 20+ Years
Served from 1965 to 1987. Vietnam service 1967-1968 and 1972.
Rolland D. Marsh
Class of 1956
Coast Guard, 6 Years
Aviation Branch: Crewman aboard Fixed Wing UF1G, UF2G, R5D, SC-130 Hercs. H04S Helicopters. San Francisco USCG Air Station.
Class of 1956
Coast Guard, 6 Years
Aviation Branch: Crewman aboard Fixed Wing UF1G, UF2G, R5D, SC-130 Hercs. H04S Helicopters. San Francisco USCG Air Station.
Ron Knapp
Class of 1965
Army, 4 Years
US Army Security Agency, 4 years. Vint Hill Farms, Warrenton VA. Photography SP5. / Sinop Turkey Photography SP5
Class of 1965
Army, 4 Years
US Army Security Agency, 4 years. Vint Hill Farms, Warrenton VA. Photography SP5. / Sinop Turkey Photography SP5
Ruth Foss-Rivera
Class of 1980
Marine Corps, 20+ Years
United States Marine Corps 22 years.
Class of 1980
Marine Corps, 20+ Years
United States Marine Corps 22 years.
Sharon Page
Class of 1973
Air Force, 20+ Years
Started out as an Airmen, planning to be a Russian linguist, cross trained into aircraft maintainance. After attending college, got my commission in the Air Force, worked as a computer programmer. Retired at the rank of Major
Class of 1973
Air Force, 20+ Years
Started out as an Airmen, planning to be a Russian linguist, cross trained into aircraft maintainance. After attending college, got my commission in the Air Force, worked as a computer programmer. Retired at the rank of Major
Terry Cahalane
Class of 1973
Air Force, 4 Years
23rd Tactical Air Command Flying Tigers.
Sgt. with the 23rd Munitions Maintenance Squadron.
Weapons Mechanic loading A-7 ground support aircraft.
Class of 1973
Air Force, 4 Years
23rd Tactical Air Command Flying Tigers.
Sgt. with the 23rd Munitions Maintenance Squadron.
Weapons Mechanic loading A-7 ground support aircraft.
Tom Schwieger
Class of 1965
Air Force, 20+ Years
Joined the Air Force in 1966 and retired in 1988. Was a medic. Stateside, stationed at Tinker AFB, OK; Andrews AFB, MD; Duluth AB, MN; and Wright-Patterson AFB, OH. Overseas, stationed at Tainan AB, Taiwan; Rimini AB, Italy; Anderson AFB, Guam and Chicksands RAF, England.
Class of 1965
Air Force, 20+ Years
Joined the Air Force in 1966 and retired in 1988. Was a medic. Stateside, stationed at Tinker AFB, OK; Andrews AFB, MD; Duluth AB, MN; and Wright-Patterson AFB, OH. Overseas, stationed at Tainan AB, Taiwan; Rimini AB, Italy; Anderson AFB, Guam and Chicksands RAF, England.
Victoria Shanks Sok
Class of 1966
Navy, 20+ Years
Navy Corpsman. Navy Chief. Served with 7 different units over 21 years. Fleet Hospitals, Naval Hospitals, Inshore Boat Unit 21, Providence RI Marine Corps 5th Motor T, 4th Medical Battalion. Activated to Kuwait in 2003, Global War on Terrorism, Operation Enduring Freedom/Iraqi Freedom
Class of 1966
Navy, 20+ Years
Navy Corpsman. Navy Chief. Served with 7 different units over 21 years. Fleet Hospitals, Naval Hospitals, Inshore Boat Unit 21, Providence RI Marine Corps 5th Motor T, 4th Medical Battalion. Activated to Kuwait in 2003, Global War on Terrorism, Operation Enduring Freedom/Iraqi Freedom
Wayne Anson
Class of 1968
Air Force, 8 Years
Enlisted July 1972 and remained on active duty until November 1979 then serve one year in active reserves. Trained at Lackland AFB, Texas, and Kessler AFB, Mississippi. Served active duty at Ellsworth AFB, South Dakota, RAF Lakenheath, Suffolk Co. England, Mountain Home AFB, Idaho, and Thule AFB, Greenland.
Class of 1968
Air Force, 8 Years
Enlisted July 1972 and remained on active duty until November 1979 then serve one year in active reserves. Trained at Lackland AFB, Texas, and Kessler AFB, Mississippi. Served active duty at Ellsworth AFB, South Dakota, RAF Lakenheath, Suffolk Co. England, Mountain Home AFB, Idaho, and Thule AFB, Greenland.
Alumni Stories
Read and submit stories about our classmates from Grand Island High School, post achievements and news about our alumni, and post photos of our fellow Islanders.
School News
CLASS OF THE 60'S ANNUAL PICNIC
Venue: Stolley Parkv (N of Childrens play area)
When: Sunday, September 8, 2019
What: Annual picnic.,...
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Our Grand Island 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 Grand Island High School Military to know that they are loved and appreciated. All of us in Grand Island are proud of our military alumni and want to thank them for risking their lives to protect our country!