Pioneer High School Alumni
Ann Arbor, Michigan (MI)
Recent Members
Anne Branson | 1959 |
Bob Wark | 1948 |
Chip Trombley | 1975 |
James Warner | 1965 |
John Marr | 1973 |
Mrs. Amanda Vaalburg | 1996 |
Susan Magid | 1965 |
William Zimmerman William Zimmerman | 1977 |
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 Pioneer High School class ring? Have you found someone's class ring? Visit our Pioneers lost class ring page to search for your class ring or post information about a found ring.
Honored Military Alumni
Aaron Werbel
Class of 1984
Navy, 12 Years
Currently a Commander stationed at Headquarters, Marine Corps in Quantico, VA.
Class of 1984
Navy, 12 Years
Currently a Commander stationed at Headquarters, Marine Corps in Quantico, VA.
Alfred E. (Al) Merritt
Class of 1966
Army, 2 Years
After graduation in 1966, I began employment at Ford Motor Company (Ypsilanti Plant). In 1968, I was drafted into the US Army and served as a Vietnam Combat Veteran, 1969-1970. Upon an honorable discharge, I transferred to the Ford Rawsonville Plant and in 1983 I enrolled in a skilled trades apprenticeship as a plumber/pipefitter. I retired in 2007 with over 40 yrs of service to Ford with 24 yrs as a skilled tradesman. I am just enjoying retirement, but I am involved with several US Veteran Service Organizations. The Washtenaw County Vietnam Veterans Memorial at the Ypsilanti Township Civic Center is a lasting tribute to those who served with pride and committed the ultimate sacrifice for their country. Visit Vietnam Veterans of America Chapter 310 - on Facebook. God Bless America.
Class of 1966
Army, 2 Years
After graduation in 1966, I began employment at Ford Motor Company (Ypsilanti Plant). In 1968, I was drafted into the US Army and served as a Vietnam Combat Veteran, 1969-1970. Upon an honorable discharge, I transferred to the Ford Rawsonville Plant and in 1983 I enrolled in a skilled trades apprenticeship as a plumber/pipefitter. I retired in 2007 with over 40 yrs of service to Ford with 24 yrs as a skilled tradesman. I am just enjoying retirement, but I am involved with several US Veteran Service Organizations. The Washtenaw County Vietnam Veterans Memorial at the Ypsilanti Township Civic Center is a lasting tribute to those who served with pride and committed the ultimate sacrifice for their country. Visit Vietnam Veterans of America Chapter 310 - on Facebook. God Bless America.
Andrew B. Brown
Class of 1973
Navy, 15 Years
8 years active, 7 years reserves. Retired LCDR. Flew A-6's with VA-34 based at NAS Oceana in Virginia Beach, VA. Deployed onboard USS America and USS John F. Kennedy for 4 cruises to the Mediterranean, Indian Ocean and the North Atlantic.
Class of 1973
Navy, 15 Years
8 years active, 7 years reserves. Retired LCDR. Flew A-6's with VA-34 based at NAS Oceana in Virginia Beach, VA. Deployed onboard USS America and USS John F. Kennedy for 4 cruises to the Mediterranean, Indian Ocean and the North Atlantic.
Andrew Janssen
Class of 1975
Navy, 5 Years
USN 1983-'88, stationed in San Diego but sailing the Pacific most days in a Guilded Missile Destroyer, the USS LYNDE MCCORMICK (DDG-8), and then as an instructor & staffer at Naval Training Station, Pacific. Hon Discharge as E-5 in 1988.
Class of 1975
Navy, 5 Years
USN 1983-'88, stationed in San Diego but sailing the Pacific most days in a Guilded Missile Destroyer, the USS LYNDE MCCORMICK (DDG-8), and then as an instructor & staffer at Naval Training Station, Pacific. Hon Discharge as E-5 in 1988.
Charles Kincaid
Class of 1989
Army, 15 Years
Served 9 years in active duty (1991-2000) and joined the Army Reserves in 2001, attended Drill Sergeant School in 2004. Will be promoted to E-8 in Fall 2007.
Class of 1989
Army, 15 Years
Served 9 years in active duty (1991-2000) and joined the Army Reserves in 2001, attended Drill Sergeant School in 2004. Will be promoted to E-8 in Fall 2007.
Dale Richard Leslie
Class of 1966
Army, 2 Years
23 months, 27 days, three hours and five minutes (but who was counting?), Ft. Greely, AK
Class of 1966
Army, 2 Years
23 months, 27 days, three hours and five minutes (but who was counting?), Ft. Greely, AK
Dan Schmidt
Class of 1968
Navy, 3 Years
3years aboard the USS CACAPON AO52 a oiler in the US NAVY
Class of 1968
Navy, 3 Years
3years aboard the USS CACAPON AO52 a oiler in the US NAVY
Dennis Kelley
Class of 1966
Army, 2 Years
Spec. 5 stationed in Germany during the Vietnam war
Class of 1966
Army, 2 Years
Spec. 5 stationed in Germany during the Vietnam war
Donald G. Kleinschmidt
Class of 1966
Navy, 4 Years
A successful business man- owner of Jones Insurance- in Milan, Don served proudly in the U.S. Navy. In recent years, he re-organized, built and installed a pictorial memoriam of former Pioneers who died in the service of their country. The moving exhibit appears in the north-south hallway between the office and Nicholas Schreiber Auditorium.
Class of 1966
Navy, 4 Years
A successful business man- owner of Jones Insurance- in Milan, Don served proudly in the U.S. Navy. In recent years, he re-organized, built and installed a pictorial memoriam of former Pioneers who died in the service of their country. The moving exhibit appears in the north-south hallway between the office and Nicholas Schreiber Auditorium.
Dylan Goldman
Class of 1992
Marine Corps, 13 Years
Currently A Gunnery Sergeant In the Marine Corps at Kaneohe Bay Hawaii
Class of 1992
Marine Corps, 13 Years
Currently A Gunnery Sergeant In the Marine Corps at Kaneohe Bay Hawaii
Edward C. Oxley
Class of 1966
Army, 3 Years
Ed and Cheryl Love Oxley live in Tecumseh, MI where he taught and coached high school basketball. A graduate of Eastern Michigan University, Ed captained the men's track team his senior year, 1969-70. For the physical demands of the U.S. Army Basic Training, he was overly qualified. Ed's father was Charles Oxley who headed the AA Recreation Department.
Class of 1966
Army, 3 Years
Ed and Cheryl Love Oxley live in Tecumseh, MI where he taught and coached high school basketball. A graduate of Eastern Michigan University, Ed captained the men's track team his senior year, 1969-70. For the physical demands of the U.S. Army Basic Training, he was overly qualified. Ed's father was Charles Oxley who headed the AA Recreation Department.
Eric Downie
Class of 1966
Navy, 4 Years
I didn't graduate with the class. I quit and joined the Navy in late 1964. I went to bootcamp in San Diago Calf. in January 1965, and then to AO-A school in Jacksonville Fla. until Oct 65, Then to NAS Lemoore Calif to A4 Skyhawk Familiarization school I joined my Squadron VA-23 Just before Christmas. In March of 66 the Squadron moved abord the USS Coral Sea at NAS Alameda
Class of 1966
Navy, 4 Years
I didn't graduate with the class. I quit and joined the Navy in late 1964. I went to bootcamp in San Diago Calf. in January 1965, and then to AO-A school in Jacksonville Fla. until Oct 65, Then to NAS Lemoore Calif to A4 Skyhawk Familiarization school I joined my Squadron VA-23 Just before Christmas. In March of 66 the Squadron moved abord the USS Coral Sea at NAS Alameda
Flora Herrera
Class of 1995
Army, 6 Years
Currently a specialist in the Ypsilanti Armory
Class of 1995
Army, 6 Years
Currently a specialist in the Ypsilanti Armory
George Henry
Class of 1965
Air Force, 20+ Years
Seven years active, 25 total active and ready reserve. Navigator, Instructor Navigator, Operational Plans Officer for Air Rescue Service. Flew C-130s, T-29s, and T-43s (B737s). Retired as Lieutenant Colonel
Class of 1965
Air Force, 20+ Years
Seven years active, 25 total active and ready reserve. Navigator, Instructor Navigator, Operational Plans Officer for Air Rescue Service. Flew C-130s, T-29s, and T-43s (B737s). Retired as Lieutenant Colonel
Graham Tyson Leslie
Class of 2000
Navy, 5 Years
Graham was the third consecutive generation of Leslies to serve in the U.S. Armed Forces. He was assigned to the USS George H.W. Bush aircraft carrier and during his tour, he sailed the Suez Canal and (in a smaller ship) the Panama Canal. He was honorably discharged in June, 2013 after five years of service to his country.
Class of 2000
Navy, 5 Years
Graham was the third consecutive generation of Leslies to serve in the U.S. Armed Forces. He was assigned to the USS George H.W. Bush aircraft carrier and during his tour, he sailed the Suez Canal and (in a smaller ship) the Panama Canal. He was honorably discharged in June, 2013 after five years of service to his country.
James Lee Blaylock
Class of 1966
Army, 3 Years
Stationed in Thailand during the Vietnam era, as an Army journalist. His wife, Karen, joined him there during his tour.
Class of 1966
Army, 3 Years
Stationed in Thailand during the Vietnam era, as an Army journalist. His wife, Karen, joined him there during his tour.
John Callaway
Class of 1967
Army, 2 Years
Served 1970-71 at Ft. Knox, KY and Viet Nam. Returned from service to complete degree at EMU and later MBA from UM.
Class of 1967
Army, 2 Years
Served 1970-71 at Ft. Knox, KY and Viet Nam. Returned from service to complete degree at EMU and later MBA from UM.
john michael dowding
Class of 1973
Marine Corps, 9 Years
decorated marine corps veteran served on 2 med cruises and 3 west pacs, mustered out in 1988.
Class of 1973
Marine Corps, 9 Years
decorated marine corps veteran served on 2 med cruises and 3 west pacs, mustered out in 1988.
Kelley M. Snyder
Class of 1977
National Guard, 18 Years
Michigan Army National Guard
Enlisted in 1982
Commissioned in 1990
Retire in 2009
I am proud to serve my country!!
Class of 1977
National Guard, 18 Years
Michigan Army National Guard
Enlisted in 1982
Commissioned in 1990
Retire in 2009
I am proud to serve my country!!
Kent Patrick Leslie
Class of 1964
Navy, 4 Years
Kent recalls his baptismal when his US Navy Ship crossed the equator. Almost equal to his football practices at AAHS and the University of Michigan where he graduated.
Class of 1964
Navy, 4 Years
Kent recalls his baptismal when his US Navy Ship crossed the equator. Almost equal to his football practices at AAHS and the University of Michigan where he graduated.
Kevin Hackbarth
Class of 1989
Air Force, 6 Years
Served in The U.S. Air Force from 1989-1995. Tour included 4 years Active Duty and Two years of Active Reserve.
Class of 1989
Air Force, 6 Years
Served in The U.S. Air Force from 1989-1995. Tour included 4 years Active Duty and Two years of Active Reserve.
Mark Bedolla
Class of 1998
Air Force, 8 Years
Currently a Staff Sergeant stationed at Barksdale Air Force Base, Louisiana.
Class of 1998
Air Force, 8 Years
Currently a Staff Sergeant stationed at Barksdale Air Force Base, Louisiana.
Michael Sean Schindler
Class of 1969
Army, 20+ Years
I served in the Army 30 years from 1970 to 2000 as a Ranger, Combat Soldier( Vietnam, Panama, Gulf War, Colombia, Kosovo, plus many other combat missions), Sniper, Drill Instructor, Infantry Company First Sergeant, Sniper Instructor. I retired as a Sergeant Major in 2000.
Class of 1969
Army, 20+ Years
I served in the Army 30 years from 1970 to 2000 as a Ranger, Combat Soldier( Vietnam, Panama, Gulf War, Colombia, Kosovo, plus many other combat missions), Sniper, Drill Instructor, Infantry Company First Sergeant, Sniper Instructor. I retired as a Sergeant Major in 2000.
Natesh Rao
Class of 1991
Navy, 12 Years
I am a Lieutenant Commander in the Navy stationed in Washington State. I fly attack jets and have made multiple combat deployments on various aircraft carriers
Class of 1991
Navy, 12 Years
I am a Lieutenant Commander in the Navy stationed in Washington State. I fly attack jets and have made multiple combat deployments on various aircraft carriers
Paul Allen
Class of 1964
Army, 2 Years
Drafted, basic training Ft Carson, CO. 1st Cavalry Division, based at An Khe, Vietnam
Class of 1964
Army, 2 Years
Drafted, basic training Ft Carson, CO. 1st Cavalry Division, based at An Khe, Vietnam
Pete Kemfp
Class of 1967
Navy, 20+ Years
Currently stationed with VP-92, NAS Brunswick, Brunswick, ME.
Class of 1967
Navy, 20+ Years
Currently stationed with VP-92, NAS Brunswick, Brunswick, ME.
Robert L. Henson, Sr.
Class of 1953
Air Force, 6 Years
Served 3 of my 6 years in The Azores, Portugal, attached to the AACS Communications, and operated out of rhe Control Tower. Met and married Maria Azevedo, and our first child (Jr.) was born on Lajes AFB, Terceira, Azores.
Class of 1953
Air Force, 6 Years
Served 3 of my 6 years in The Azores, Portugal, attached to the AACS Communications, and operated out of rhe Control Tower. Met and married Maria Azevedo, and our first child (Jr.) was born on Lajes AFB, Terceira, Azores.
Robert L. Henson, Sr.
Class of 1953
Air Force, 6 Years
E-3 Technician, Communication Repair/Maintenance. Retired GS-11, DCMA.
Class of 1953
Air Force, 6 Years
E-3 Technician, Communication Repair/Maintenance. Retired GS-11, DCMA.
RON STAGNER
Class of 1966
Army, 2 Years
SGT. 519TH Military Police. Stationed at Ft, George Meade, Maryland. 1968-1970
Class of 1966
Army, 2 Years
SGT. 519TH Military Police. Stationed at Ft, George Meade, Maryland. 1968-1970
Sandra Reed
Class of 1966
Marine Corps, 9 Years
Served as an administrative officer, four years active and five years reserve from 1968 to 1977.
Class of 1966
Marine Corps, 9 Years
Served as an administrative officer, four years active and five years reserve from 1968 to 1977.
Sandra Reed
Class of 1966
Navy, 18 Years
After completing medical school, served as a Navy physician, spending most of the time in support of U.S. Marines.
Class of 1966
Navy, 18 Years
After completing medical school, served as a Navy physician, spending most of the time in support of U.S. Marines.
Stephen R Moore
Class of 1968
Air Force, 20+ Years
Served in the Civil Enginnering field. Also spent 5 years in RED HORSE (Civil Engineering Heavy Construction) Served three years on the HQ PACAF Readiness Directorate Staff at Hickam AFB in Honolulu HI. Retired in 1995. Now living in Las Vegas, NV
Class of 1968
Air Force, 20+ Years
Served in the Civil Enginnering field. Also spent 5 years in RED HORSE (Civil Engineering Heavy Construction) Served three years on the HQ PACAF Readiness Directorate Staff at Hickam AFB in Honolulu HI. Retired in 1995. Now living in Las Vegas, NV
Thomas Schoolcraft
Class of 1966
Navy, 4 Years
Tom's honorable discharge coordinated with the growth in the recycle industry. He founded, with his wife, a Metals Recycling company in Ann Arbor. He is now retired.
Class of 1966
Navy, 4 Years
Tom's honorable discharge coordinated with the growth in the recycle industry. He founded, with his wife, a Metals Recycling company in Ann Arbor. He is now retired.
Thomas Slade
Class of 1979
Army, 20+ Years
1986-2017, served over 30 years retiring as a Colonel. deployed to Desert Shield/Desert Storm, Bosnia and OIF/OEF.
Class of 1979
Army, 20+ Years
1986-2017, served over 30 years retiring as a Colonel. deployed to Desert Shield/Desert Storm, Bosnia and OIF/OEF.
Alumni Stories
Read and submit stories about our classmates from Pioneer High School, post achievements and news about our alumni, and post photos of our fellow Pioneers.
School News
Jay Stielstra - remembered (bschmid7401@gmail.com)
Jay's friends and family will hold a memorial celebration of his life on Saturday, June 15 at 1 pm in Pioneer High Schoo...
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Our Pioneer 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 Pioneer High School Military to know that they are loved and appreciated. All of us in Ann Arbor are proud of our military alumni and want to thank them for risking their lives to protect our country!