Gresham High School Alumni
Gresham, Oregon (OR)
Recent Members
| Anthony (tony) Birch | 1957 |
| Audie Audie Brakeall | 2000 |
| Jeanie Hirsch | 1994 |
| Jen Tolley | 1995 |
| Jordan Hill | 2023 |
| Mark Poulson | 1977 |
| Rebecca Morales | 1996 |
| Shawn Thomas | 1985 |
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 Gresham High School class ring? Have you found someone's class ring? Visit our Gophers lost class ring page to search for your class ring or post information about a found ring.
Honored Military Alumni
Dale St. John
Class of 1977
Air Force, 20+ Years
Sept 1983 - Jun 2004
-- Fuels Specialist
-- Budget Analyst
Class of 1977
Air Force, 20+ Years
Sept 1983 - Jun 2004
-- Fuels Specialist
-- Budget Analyst
Adam Napier
Class of 1988
Army Reserves, 27 Years
Currently a 1SG for a Army Reserve Drill Sergeant BDE in Vancouver. 3 Deployments in Iraq, Kuwait, and Afghanistan. 2 Bronze stars and a Meritorious Service Medal for actions taken while deployed.
Class of 1988
Army Reserves, 27 Years
Currently a 1SG for a Army Reserve Drill Sergeant BDE in Vancouver. 3 Deployments in Iraq, Kuwait, and Afghanistan. 2 Bronze stars and a Meritorious Service Medal for actions taken while deployed.
Angela Bowder
Class of 1998
Marine Corps, 4 Years
Cryptologic linguist - Korean. Honorable discharge in 2002.
Class of 1998
Marine Corps, 4 Years
Cryptologic linguist - Korean. Honorable discharge in 2002.
Bradley Jacobson
Class of 1985
Army, 19 Years
US Army Logistics Corps Officer with specialty area of transportation. Multiple stateside and overseas tours of duty, to include Operation Iraqi Freedom. Currently serving in Virginia.
Class of 1985
Army, 19 Years
US Army Logistics Corps Officer with specialty area of transportation. Multiple stateside and overseas tours of duty, to include Operation Iraqi Freedom. Currently serving in Virginia.
Cheryl (Kitchens) Whitten
Class of 1964
U.s. Naval Air Reserve, 2 Years
Yeoman, US Navy Reserves 1965-1967
Class of 1964
U.s. Naval Air Reserve, 2 Years
Yeoman, US Navy Reserves 1965-1967
Christine Beall
Class of 1987
Air Force, 10 Years
Information Specialist, was stationed in Arizona, Korea and Montana before being Honorably Discharged from the Air Force
Class of 1987
Air Force, 10 Years
Information Specialist, was stationed in Arizona, Korea and Montana before being Honorably Discharged from the Air Force
Danielle Norton Roest
Class of 1995
Navy, 6 Years
Hospital Corpsman serving in Japan, NV, and CA
Class of 1995
Navy, 6 Years
Hospital Corpsman serving in Japan, NV, and CA
Dean L. Moline
Class of 1980
Navy, 12 Years
Served 12 years as a Cryptologic Technician, Served on ships in San Diego, Long Beach, Hawaii and the Mediteranean. Shore Duties at Whidbey Island, WA, Naples, Italy, Been to most countries in the Mediteranean and Pacific theatre.
Class of 1980
Navy, 12 Years
Served 12 years as a Cryptologic Technician, Served on ships in San Diego, Long Beach, Hawaii and the Mediteranean. Shore Duties at Whidbey Island, WA, Naples, Italy, Been to most countries in the Mediteranean and Pacific theatre.
Ernie Rubottom
Class of 1989
Navy, 4 Years
Gulf War veteran, served on board USS Wisconsin.
Class of 1989
Navy, 4 Years
Gulf War veteran, served on board USS Wisconsin.
Gary Jessen
Class of 1984
Army, 8 Years
MOS - (611-63T10) Bradley Fighting Vehicle Mechanic. Hardship tour Korea 1985-1986 patrolled DMZ. ETS from Fort Riley KS.
Class of 1984
Army, 8 Years
MOS - (611-63T10) Bradley Fighting Vehicle Mechanic. Hardship tour Korea 1985-1986 patrolled DMZ. ETS from Fort Riley KS.
Gary Olson
Class of 1958
Air Force, 15 Years
Flight Instructor and Flight Examiner on C-124 / C-141 aircraft. Followed by 36 years Air Traffic Control.
Class of 1958
Air Force, 15 Years
Flight Instructor and Flight Examiner on C-124 / C-141 aircraft. Followed by 36 years Air Traffic Control.
James L Smith
Class of 1984
Army, 20+ Years
Retired from the US Army. Served from Sept 1986 to Oct 2006
Class of 1984
Army, 20+ Years
Retired from the US Army. Served from Sept 1986 to Oct 2006
James Law
Class of 1992
Marine Corps, 18 Years
USMC GUNNER (INFANTRY OFFICER)
STILL ACTIVE, IN COUNTRY HUNTING
Class of 1992
Marine Corps, 18 Years
USMC GUNNER (INFANTRY OFFICER)
STILL ACTIVE, IN COUNTRY HUNTING
Jeromie Palaoro
Class of 1989
Marine Corps, 4 Years
Served in the Marine Corps for 4 years as an infantry rifleman. Also served 4 years in the Oregon Guard. He obtained the rank of Sgt.
Class of 1989
Marine Corps, 4 Years
Served in the Marine Corps for 4 years as an infantry rifleman. Also served 4 years in the Oregon Guard. He obtained the rank of Sgt.
Jimmie L. LaBrue
Class of 1979
Navy, 13 Years
Served aboard 2 combat vessels, USS Albert David FF-1050 (1980-1985) and USS Mauna Kea AE-22 (1987-1992).Honorable Discharge in June of 1992 with 13 awarded medals and service ribbons. Active in the Indian Ocean during Desert Shield and Desert Storm.
Class of 1979
Navy, 13 Years
Served aboard 2 combat vessels, USS Albert David FF-1050 (1980-1985) and USS Mauna Kea AE-22 (1987-1992).Honorable Discharge in June of 1992 with 13 awarded medals and service ribbons. Active in the Indian Ocean during Desert Shield and Desert Storm.
John Shifflett
Class of 1969
Air Force, 4 Years
Served 1970-74. Guam, Philippines, Republic of China.
Class of 1969
Air Force, 4 Years
Served 1970-74. Guam, Philippines, Republic of China.
Justin bentz
Class of 2008
Army, 2 Years
I served in the army from 2008 to 2010. Medically discharged. Honorable
Class of 2008
Army, 2 Years
I served in the army from 2008 to 2010. Medically discharged. Honorable
Laura Whitney - Franco
Class of 1979
Navy, 4 Years
Served as a Respiratory Therapist/Hospital Corpsman at Camp Pendleton, CA supporting our Marines, Sailors and their families during peacetime military training activities.
Class of 1979
Navy, 4 Years
Served as a Respiratory Therapist/Hospital Corpsman at Camp Pendleton, CA supporting our Marines, Sailors and their families during peacetime military training activities.
Matthew Nemec
Class of 1984
Army, 20+ Years
Enlisted in 1984 and still proudly serving.
Class of 1984
Army, 20+ Years
Enlisted in 1984 and still proudly serving.
Michael F. Yoder
Class of 1960
Army, 6 Years
Communications - Germany '60-64, NC '64-65, 'Nam '65-'66
Class of 1960
Army, 6 Years
Communications - Germany '60-64, NC '64-65, 'Nam '65-'66
Michael J. Arne;;
Class of 1968
Navy, 20+ Years
Enlisted in Navy in '68. Did 4 yrs active and 28 yrs reserve. Joined USAF reserve and did another 10 years at Portland Air Base.
Class of 1968
Navy, 20+ Years
Enlisted in Navy in '68. Did 4 yrs active and 28 yrs reserve. Joined USAF reserve and did another 10 years at Portland Air Base.
MICHAEL T GERDAU
Class of 1970
Marine Corps, 24 Years
I would have graduated in 1970, but I was in the Tonkin Gulf June of 1970. I did three tours of Vietnam, Stationed at Camp Hansen Okinawa, Marine Corps Reserve in Portland for 4 years, Back to Active Duty with 106 Platoon, 2nd Battalion, 7th Marines, Camp Pendleton, MCAS, Iwakuni, Japan, Camp Smith, Oahu, Hawaii, MCAS, Yuma, AZ, USS MT. WHITNEY, NS Norfolk, VA, MCAGCC, 29 Palms, CA
Class of 1970
Marine Corps, 24 Years
I would have graduated in 1970, but I was in the Tonkin Gulf June of 1970. I did three tours of Vietnam, Stationed at Camp Hansen Okinawa, Marine Corps Reserve in Portland for 4 years, Back to Active Duty with 106 Platoon, 2nd Battalion, 7th Marines, Camp Pendleton, MCAS, Iwakuni, Japan, Camp Smith, Oahu, Hawaii, MCAS, Yuma, AZ, USS MT. WHITNEY, NS Norfolk, VA, MCAGCC, 29 Palms, CA
MICHAEL T. GERDAU
Class of 1970
Marine Corps, 20+ Years
I enlisted in 1969. Went to Okinawa as a grunt and later on to Vietnam. Released from active duty in 1971. Stayed in reserves and attended MHCC receiving an AA degree in Import Automotive Mechanics. Worked at Del Pranke Datsun at the 12-mile Corner. Married Patty Smith from Centennial High in 1975 and returned to active duty. Changed occupation to Legal Services Specialist. Mainly stationed at Camp Pendleton in Southern California but also stationed in Yuma AZ, Hawaii, Virginia, Iwakuni Japan, and finally 29 Palms CA. Retired to La Pine Oregon. In 2003 my wife Pat passed away and in 2007 I married my current wife Robin Prante.
Class of 1970
Marine Corps, 20+ Years
I enlisted in 1969. Went to Okinawa as a grunt and later on to Vietnam. Released from active duty in 1971. Stayed in reserves and attended MHCC receiving an AA degree in Import Automotive Mechanics. Worked at Del Pranke Datsun at the 12-mile Corner. Married Patty Smith from Centennial High in 1975 and returned to active duty. Changed occupation to Legal Services Specialist. Mainly stationed at Camp Pendleton in Southern California but also stationed in Yuma AZ, Hawaii, Virginia, Iwakuni Japan, and finally 29 Palms CA. Retired to La Pine Oregon. In 2003 my wife Pat passed away and in 2007 I married my current wife Robin Prante.
MICHAEL T. GERDAU
Class of 1970
Marine Corps, 24 Years
I would have graduated in 1970, but I joined the Marine Corps in 1969. In June of 1970 I was in the Gulf of Tonkin headed for, what was to be my first of three, visits to the wonderful land of Vietnam. I was trained as an Antitank Assaultman; part of the occupation skill involved firing 3.2 rocket launchers, grenade launchers, setting satchel charges, firing 106 recoilless rifles, and flame throwers. My first visit to Vietnam I was assigned as the gunner in a flame thrower platoon. Lucky for me the Paris Peace Talks they determined that flame throwers were inhumane. My unit spent aggregate of 6 months in Vietnam, when we weren't there we were in Okinawa, Philippines, or Hong Kong.I did leave active duty and went to school at Mt. Hood Community College. I earned an Associate of Science Degree in Import Automotive Mechanics. I went to work at Del Pranke Datsun at the 12-mile corner. Later I went back to school and majored in Philosophy with a minor in Political Science. Never finished that major, but I did Marry, Patricia Kay Smith, and reenlisted in the Marine Corps. We were stationed at Camp Pendleton in California, I was assigned to the 106 Recoilless Rifle Platoon for a short time. My Company Executive Officer (XO, who was Alumni of Oregon State and who had been roommates with Mr. Stepens, who taught Health Education at Gresham High(probably slaughtered his name); well the XO took an interest in me. He saw I had some College so he took out of the 106 Platoon and put me in the Office. I ended up being the Postal Clerk, Files Clerk, and then the Legal Clerk. I must have been doing my job right because then I received a transfer to the Battalion Office as the Assistant Legal Clerk. Things happened in my favor and ultimately I became the Acting Battalion Legal Officer. My enlistment was almost up and my wife I no future plans so we were thinking I should reenlist. Out of the blue the Division Staff Judge Advocate's Office called me asked if I would like to reenlist as a Legal Services Specialist. I spent the next 18 years in different capacities as Legal Specialist, doing Investigations, Military Justice, Legal Services, Administrative Law, Defense, and even Court Reporting (which I sucked at). I was stationed all over, Iwakuni, Japan, Camp Pendleton, California, Yuma, Arizona, 29 Palms, California, Honolulu, Hawaii, Norfolk, Virginia, and Riyadh , Saudi Arabia. While in Virginia I did two years Sea Duty aboard the USS MT. WHITNEY; we traveled from Virginia to Norway - where we were left ashore - from there we went to Northern Norway, Southern Norway, Denmark, Germany, and then Portsmouth, England. While in 29 Palms I was reassigned from my Base position to the 7th Marine Expeditionary Brigade as the Brigade Legal Services Chief and we went to Saudi Arabia to participate in Desert Shield. While there I was then reassigned as the 1st Marine Division (Forward) Legal Services Chief. During my time in Japan and Hawaii I pursued my College Education and Graduated from the University of Hawaii with an Associate Degree in Liberal Arts. After, Desert Storm/Desert Shield my Wife and I purchased 5 acres in La Pine, Oregon, and built a house. My Wife and Daughter lived there while I continued my Military Career my pursuit of a degree in Criminal Justice. I was accepted to the Santa Rosa Training Academy and completed my training as a Law Enforcement Ranger for the National Park Service in February of 1993 I was promoted to Master Sergeant. But for many reasons I decided to end my career in May of 1993 and returned to Oregon. I worked for the USFS as Seasonal Worker and then in 1995 I went to work for the Deschutes County District Attorney's Office as a Trial Assistant and then the Office Manager; I left the DA's Office in 2005. My Wife, Pat, died of lung cancer in 2003. In 2005 I opened my own Security and Investigative Firm and retired from that in 2015 after being diagnosed with prostate cancer which I may have received from Agent Orange. I remarried in 2007, to my current wife and friend, Robin Prante. We now operate several AirBnb rentals in the La Pine Area along the Little Deschutes River. Robin has three boys and a daughter and I have a daughter and a son. Our blended family is spread out from Hawaii to West Texas. So, we travel when we can but we can only travel separately since we take care of my 97 year old Mom; someone has to be here at all times.
Class of 1970
Marine Corps, 24 Years
I would have graduated in 1970, but I joined the Marine Corps in 1969. In June of 1970 I was in the Gulf of Tonkin headed for, what was to be my first of three, visits to the wonderful land of Vietnam. I was trained as an Antitank Assaultman; part of the occupation skill involved firing 3.2 rocket launchers, grenade launchers, setting satchel charges, firing 106 recoilless rifles, and flame throwers. My first visit to Vietnam I was assigned as the gunner in a flame thrower platoon. Lucky for me the Paris Peace Talks they determined that flame throwers were inhumane. My unit spent aggregate of 6 months in Vietnam, when we weren't there we were in Okinawa, Philippines, or Hong Kong.I did leave active duty and went to school at Mt. Hood Community College. I earned an Associate of Science Degree in Import Automotive Mechanics. I went to work at Del Pranke Datsun at the 12-mile corner. Later I went back to school and majored in Philosophy with a minor in Political Science. Never finished that major, but I did Marry, Patricia Kay Smith, and reenlisted in the Marine Corps. We were stationed at Camp Pendleton in California, I was assigned to the 106 Recoilless Rifle Platoon for a short time. My Company Executive Officer (XO, who was Alumni of Oregon State and who had been roommates with Mr. Stepens, who taught Health Education at Gresham High(probably slaughtered his name); well the XO took an interest in me. He saw I had some College so he took out of the 106 Platoon and put me in the Office. I ended up being the Postal Clerk, Files Clerk, and then the Legal Clerk. I must have been doing my job right because then I received a transfer to the Battalion Office as the Assistant Legal Clerk. Things happened in my favor and ultimately I became the Acting Battalion Legal Officer. My enlistment was almost up and my wife I no future plans so we were thinking I should reenlist. Out of the blue the Division Staff Judge Advocate's Office called me asked if I would like to reenlist as a Legal Services Specialist. I spent the next 18 years in different capacities as Legal Specialist, doing Investigations, Military Justice, Legal Services, Administrative Law, Defense, and even Court Reporting (which I sucked at). I was stationed all over, Iwakuni, Japan, Camp Pendleton, California, Yuma, Arizona, 29 Palms, California, Honolulu, Hawaii, Norfolk, Virginia, and Riyadh , Saudi Arabia. While in Virginia I did two years Sea Duty aboard the USS MT. WHITNEY; we traveled from Virginia to Norway - where we were left ashore - from there we went to Northern Norway, Southern Norway, Denmark, Germany, and then Portsmouth, England. While in 29 Palms I was reassigned from my Base position to the 7th Marine Expeditionary Brigade as the Brigade Legal Services Chief and we went to Saudi Arabia to participate in Desert Shield. While there I was then reassigned as the 1st Marine Division (Forward) Legal Services Chief. During my time in Japan and Hawaii I pursued my College Education and Graduated from the University of Hawaii with an Associate Degree in Liberal Arts. After, Desert Storm/Desert Shield my Wife and I purchased 5 acres in La Pine, Oregon, and built a house. My Wife and Daughter lived there while I continued my Military Career my pursuit of a degree in Criminal Justice. I was accepted to the Santa Rosa Training Academy and completed my training as a Law Enforcement Ranger for the National Park Service in February of 1993 I was promoted to Master Sergeant. But for many reasons I decided to end my career in May of 1993 and returned to Oregon. I worked for the USFS as Seasonal Worker and then in 1995 I went to work for the Deschutes County District Attorney's Office as a Trial Assistant and then the Office Manager; I left the DA's Office in 2005. My Wife, Pat, died of lung cancer in 2003. In 2005 I opened my own Security and Investigative Firm and retired from that in 2015 after being diagnosed with prostate cancer which I may have received from Agent Orange. I remarried in 2007, to my current wife and friend, Robin Prante. We now operate several AirBnb rentals in the La Pine Area along the Little Deschutes River. Robin has three boys and a daughter and I have a daughter and a son. Our blended family is spread out from Hawaii to West Texas. So, we travel when we can but we can only travel separately since we take care of my 97 year old Mom; someone has to be here at all times.
Nicholas A Turner
Class of 2005
Army, 6 Years
Helicopter mechanic/power turbine repairer
Class of 2005
Army, 6 Years
Helicopter mechanic/power turbine repairer
Peggy Parker
Class of 1976
Army, 4 Years
Cryptologic Intelligence/ Electronic Warfare Analyst
Class of 1976
Army, 4 Years
Cryptologic Intelligence/ Electronic Warfare Analyst
Rick Johnson
Class of 1974
Navy, 3 Years
Boiler tech serving on USS Savannah AOR-4 out of Norfolk. Traveled on a Med cruise and two Carribean cruises. Spent time in Philadelphia and Brooklyn yards.
Class of 1974
Navy, 3 Years
Boiler tech serving on USS Savannah AOR-4 out of Norfolk. Traveled on a Med cruise and two Carribean cruises. Spent time in Philadelphia and Brooklyn yards.
Scott Chamberlain
Class of 1982
Army, 3 Years
Specialist - Military Policeman
536th Military Police Company
Serving Grafenwoehr, Vilseck, Amberg, Bayreuth, Bindlach, Hohenfels, and Regensberg, Germany communities.
Class of 1982
Army, 3 Years
Specialist - Military Policeman
536th Military Police Company
Serving Grafenwoehr, Vilseck, Amberg, Bayreuth, Bindlach, Hohenfels, and Regensberg, Germany communities.
ser xiong
Class of 2002
Marine Corps, 3 Years
Joined US Marines in 2006. Combat tour to Iraq in Oct 2007 - April 2008. West Pac Tour Dec 2008 - Aug 2009. 0311 Infantry Rifleman.
Class of 2002
Marine Corps, 3 Years
Joined US Marines in 2006. Combat tour to Iraq in Oct 2007 - April 2008. West Pac Tour Dec 2008 - Aug 2009. 0311 Infantry Rifleman.
Alumni Stories
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School News
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Our Gresham 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 Gresham High School Military to know that they are loved and appreciated. All of us in Gresham are proud of our military alumni and want to thank them for risking their lives to protect our country!