Rantoul Township High School Alumni
Rantoul, Illinois (IL)

Recent Members
Aaron Rennert | 1999 |
Chris Oliver Chris Oliver | 2005 |
Donald Ridgeway | 1967 |
Evelyn Schluter | 1961 |
Josie Meece | 2019 |
Max Anderson | 1963 |
Michele Staley | 1964 |
Triston Smith | 2022 |
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 Rantoul Township High School class ring? Have you found someone's class ring? Visit our Eagles lost class ring page to search for your class ring or post information about a found ring.
Honored Military Alumni

Aaron Jackson
Class of 1989
Air Force, 17 Years
Was an Air Force Security Forces Member Active Duty and Reserves from the time of graduation until 2008. That year I switched to the Army and leaving in 2012. Seen a lot of the the world including two tours to the middle east. The last deployment I was NCOIC of exterior combat patrols 2005-2006 Iraq.
Class of 1989
Air Force, 17 Years
Was an Air Force Security Forces Member Active Duty and Reserves from the time of graduation until 2008. That year I switched to the Army and leaving in 2012. Seen a lot of the the world including two tours to the middle east. The last deployment I was NCOIC of exterior combat patrols 2005-2006 Iraq.

Amy Merz Johnston
Class of 1960
Army, 20+ Years
Air Force Brat. Went to nursing school, joined the army as a nurse. Served with the 67th Evacuation Hospital in Vietnam. Got out of the service, got married, had a son, went back to school for BSN, rejoined the Army, went to Desert Shield/Desert Storm 1990-91. Retired from Army 1995.
Class of 1960
Army, 20+ Years
Air Force Brat. Went to nursing school, joined the army as a nurse. Served with the 67th Evacuation Hospital in Vietnam. Got out of the service, got married, had a son, went back to school for BSN, rejoined the Army, went to Desert Shield/Desert Storm 1990-91. Retired from Army 1995.

Barry L. Phillips
Class of 1964
Army, 20+ Years
Served as Chaplain from commissioning in March, 1980, until retired by age in October, 2006. Had total of 13 years active service and 13 years active reserve. One service ribbon for Operation Joint Endeavor/Joint Guard (Bosnia). In area of combat one time-fifteen seconds-Septembe, 1985, unit was bombed in Germany.
Class of 1964
Army, 20+ Years
Served as Chaplain from commissioning in March, 1980, until retired by age in October, 2006. Had total of 13 years active service and 13 years active reserve. One service ribbon for Operation Joint Endeavor/Joint Guard (Bosnia). In area of combat one time-fifteen seconds-Septembe, 1985, unit was bombed in Germany.

Ben Tarsitano
Class of 1970
Air Force, 13 Years
USAF Dental/Medical Corps, Lt. Col.
Class of 1970
Air Force, 13 Years
USAF Dental/Medical Corps, Lt. Col.

Brian Zeifang
Class of 1995
Marine Corps, 24 Years
Joined the Marine Corps in 1997 and just recently retired after 24 years as a 1stSgt and moved back to the area.
Class of 1995
Marine Corps, 24 Years
Joined the Marine Corps in 1997 and just recently retired after 24 years as a 1stSgt and moved back to the area.

Charles Marlin Hays
Class of 1962
Army, 2 Years
Drafted 1965. Served 14 months in Vietnam. 1966-1967
Class of 1962
Army, 2 Years
Drafted 1965. Served 14 months in Vietnam. 1966-1967

Charles Smith
Class of 1965
Navy, 4 Years
Server for four years in US Navy as a Boatswain Mate Served on three ships and a tour in Vietnam 1968-69
Class of 1965
Navy, 4 Years
Server for four years in US Navy as a Boatswain Mate Served on three ships and a tour in Vietnam 1968-69

Christopher D Meece
Class of 1988
Army, 12 Years
Joined the USMC as a Combat Engineer in 1987. Spent 4 years on active duty and drilled in the IRR for 2 years. Then I took a 10 year break and joined the Army in 2002 and I am a flying Crew Chief on UH-60 Blackhawks. I am currently in a MEDEVAC company stationed in Germany. Lets see, served in Desert Shield/Storm, Operation Eastern Exit, Operation Provide Comfort all in the USMC. In the Army, Immediate Response, Operation Iraqi Freedom (twice) started the third deployment then took the NESTEA plunge off the top of the aircraft and smashed up my face, arm, and pelvis real good but I am all back together and as sexy as ever. Now seeing that our President (elect) thinks he will get us out of Iraq, well then should be in Afghanistan within a year. "And that's all I have to say about that"
Class of 1988
Army, 12 Years
Joined the USMC as a Combat Engineer in 1987. Spent 4 years on active duty and drilled in the IRR for 2 years. Then I took a 10 year break and joined the Army in 2002 and I am a flying Crew Chief on UH-60 Blackhawks. I am currently in a MEDEVAC company stationed in Germany. Lets see, served in Desert Shield/Storm, Operation Eastern Exit, Operation Provide Comfort all in the USMC. In the Army, Immediate Response, Operation Iraqi Freedom (twice) started the third deployment then took the NESTEA plunge off the top of the aircraft and smashed up my face, arm, and pelvis real good but I am all back together and as sexy as ever. Now seeing that our President (elect) thinks he will get us out of Iraq, well then should be in Afghanistan within a year. "And that's all I have to say about that"

curtis j. heck
Class of 1968
Army, 2 Years
basic training- Fort Cambel, ky. ait - Fort Sill, okla. vietnam - 1970-1971
Class of 1968
Army, 2 Years
basic training- Fort Cambel, ky. ait - Fort Sill, okla. vietnam - 1970-1971

Dale Martin
Class of 1978
Marine Corps, 4 Years
I enlisted in the Marine Corps in the fall of '78' while attending Parkland Jr College. I spent my four year enlistment in Weapons Company of the 1st Battallion 9th Marines. I was stationed initially in Okinawa, Japan and shipped back and forth from there to Camp Pendleton in Southern California before existing the Corps in Jan 1983.
Class of 1978
Marine Corps, 4 Years
I enlisted in the Marine Corps in the fall of '78' while attending Parkland Jr College. I spent my four year enlistment in Weapons Company of the 1st Battallion 9th Marines. I was stationed initially in Okinawa, Japan and shipped back and forth from there to Camp Pendleton in Southern California before existing the Corps in Jan 1983.

Dave "Mick" Micheletti
Class of 1980
Air Force, 20+ Years
Hello Alumni! I entered active duty in early 1986 and spent 20 years as a Space Operations Officer assigned to Los Angeles AFB, Shemya AFB AK, Lowry AFB CO, Schriever AFB CO, Cheyenne Mountain AFS CO (NORAD), and Maxwell AFB AL. Retired in 2006 and now a military contractor living in Colorado Springs CO.
Class of 1980
Air Force, 20+ Years
Hello Alumni! I entered active duty in early 1986 and spent 20 years as a Space Operations Officer assigned to Los Angeles AFB, Shemya AFB AK, Lowry AFB CO, Schriever AFB CO, Cheyenne Mountain AFS CO (NORAD), and Maxwell AFB AL. Retired in 2006 and now a military contractor living in Colorado Springs CO.

David Adams
Class of 1980
Air Force, 4 Years
After Basic Training and Tech School at Lackland Air Force Base, San Antonio, TX. I served my entire time at the Pentagon. Thanks to the quality education that I received during my 7 years in Rantoul....
Class of 1980
Air Force, 4 Years
After Basic Training and Tech School at Lackland Air Force Base, San Antonio, TX. I served my entire time at the Pentagon. Thanks to the quality education that I received during my 7 years in Rantoul....

David Meece
Class of 1989
Air Force, 20+ Years
Joined the IL Army National Guard in Oct '88 and spent 9 yrs as an 11B. In 1997 I joined the IL Air National Guard with the 182 AW in Peoria, IL. I worked in CE as a power production specialist until Oct '00. I was selected for commissioning with the 182 ASOC and commissioned in Feb '01. After Intelligence school I was a traditional ANG member until Mar '03 when I went full time. From Mar '03 to Sep '06 I was an instructor at the ANG commissioning school in Knoxville, TN. In Sep '06 I went to DC to serve as an executive offcer. In Aug of '08 I went back to the intelligence field. I am the Branch Chief, ISR Training and a newly qualified SMIC with an MQ-1 Predator unit. I am currently waiting promotion to Major.
Class of 1989
Air Force, 20+ Years
Joined the IL Army National Guard in Oct '88 and spent 9 yrs as an 11B. In 1997 I joined the IL Air National Guard with the 182 AW in Peoria, IL. I worked in CE as a power production specialist until Oct '00. I was selected for commissioning with the 182 ASOC and commissioned in Feb '01. After Intelligence school I was a traditional ANG member until Mar '03 when I went full time. From Mar '03 to Sep '06 I was an instructor at the ANG commissioning school in Knoxville, TN. In Sep '06 I went to DC to serve as an executive offcer. In Aug of '08 I went back to the intelligence field. I am the Branch Chief, ISR Training and a newly qualified SMIC with an MQ-1 Predator unit. I am currently waiting promotion to Major.

Dayvon McCarrell
Class of 1992
Air Force, 10 Years
Surveillance RADAR Technician for AWACS. Deployed in Operation Southern Watch, Northern Watch, Oman, Eskan Village, Operation IRAQI Freedom, South America, Enduring Freedom, Noble Eagle, Eagle Assist, and now I get to rest and teach today's Airman at Sheppard AFB, TX. Currently, I am a Technical School Instructor.
Class of 1992
Air Force, 10 Years
Surveillance RADAR Technician for AWACS. Deployed in Operation Southern Watch, Northern Watch, Oman, Eskan Village, Operation IRAQI Freedom, South America, Enduring Freedom, Noble Eagle, Eagle Assist, and now I get to rest and teach today's Airman at Sheppard AFB, TX. Currently, I am a Technical School Instructor.

Dennis Beauvais
Class of 1964
Army, 4 Years
Japan, Vietnam and Philippine Islands. U. S. Army Intelligence.
Prior to that-18 years as a U. S. Air Force dependent from Honolulu, Dover, Chanute and numerous others.
Class of 1964
Army, 4 Years
Japan, Vietnam and Philippine Islands. U. S. Army Intelligence.
Prior to that-18 years as a U. S. Air Force dependent from Honolulu, Dover, Chanute and numerous others.

DON O. FLEMING
Class of 1969
Army, 15 Years
I WAS DRAFTED IN 69 SO I WENT AND INLISTED AND WENT TO VIETNAM IN THE 11TH/ACR, I FOUGHT IN CAMBODIA, AND THE NAM . I WAS WOUNDED TWICE AND DECORATED SEVERAL TIMES FOR NOT.
Class of 1969
Army, 15 Years
I WAS DRAFTED IN 69 SO I WENT AND INLISTED AND WENT TO VIETNAM IN THE 11TH/ACR, I FOUGHT IN CAMBODIA, AND THE NAM . I WAS WOUNDED TWICE AND DECORATED SEVERAL TIMES FOR NOT.

Ed Breen
Class of 1985
Air Force, 20+ Years
Joined AF in Jan 1987. Following Basic Training at Lackland I completed Dental Assistant training at Sheppard AFB. I was assigned to Andersen AFB, Guam from 1987-1989. From there I was sent to Clark AB, Philippines until 1991 when Mt. Pinatubo erupted and closed both Clark and Subic Bay. My family and I then went to Homestead AFB, Fl. South of Miami until 1992 following Hurricane Andrew which sent usto Nellis AFB, Nv in sunny Las Vegas for 8 years. In 2000 we went to our final assignment in Okinawa, Japan. Retiring as a SMSgt in 2008 after 21 yrs 8 months and 15 days of service. I enjoyed the travelling,and the many friends and extended family we made and met over the years. I am know in El Paso, Tx continuing to serve our nations Veterans in the VA clinic.
Class of 1985
Air Force, 20+ Years
Joined AF in Jan 1987. Following Basic Training at Lackland I completed Dental Assistant training at Sheppard AFB. I was assigned to Andersen AFB, Guam from 1987-1989. From there I was sent to Clark AB, Philippines until 1991 when Mt. Pinatubo erupted and closed both Clark and Subic Bay. My family and I then went to Homestead AFB, Fl. South of Miami until 1992 following Hurricane Andrew which sent usto Nellis AFB, Nv in sunny Las Vegas for 8 years. In 2000 we went to our final assignment in Okinawa, Japan. Retiring as a SMSgt in 2008 after 21 yrs 8 months and 15 days of service. I enjoyed the travelling,and the many friends and extended family we made and met over the years. I am know in El Paso, Tx continuing to serve our nations Veterans in the VA clinic.

Ernesto Bituin
Class of 1992
Air Force, 20+ Years
Joined the USAF in April 19, 1995 & retired on April 30, 2015. I served as Services Specialist for 20 years & 12 days. I was stationed at Ellsworth AFB, SDa, Yokota AB, Japan, Bolling AFB, DC, McConnell AFB, KS, Kunsan AB, Korea & MacDill AFB, FL. Deployed to Cairo, Egypt, Germany, Thailand, Saudi Arabia, Qatar, Oman, Kuwait and Iraq.
Class of 1992
Air Force, 20+ Years
Joined the USAF in April 19, 1995 & retired on April 30, 2015. I served as Services Specialist for 20 years & 12 days. I was stationed at Ellsworth AFB, SDa, Yokota AB, Japan, Bolling AFB, DC, McConnell AFB, KS, Kunsan AB, Korea & MacDill AFB, FL. Deployed to Cairo, Egypt, Germany, Thailand, Saudi Arabia, Qatar, Oman, Kuwait and Iraq.

James D. Matlock
Class of 1967
Army, 4 Years
Jim was a chopper pilot in Vietnam. I wrote about him on this site years ago. He visited me about ten years ago and died soon after. He said the Viet Cong would fire straight up, wounding him and other chopper pilots in the hips and legs. He was so good and kind, and brave the way real heroes are brave--quietly. I miss him still.
Class of 1967
Army, 4 Years
Jim was a chopper pilot in Vietnam. I wrote about him on this site years ago. He visited me about ten years ago and died soon after. He said the Viet Cong would fire straight up, wounding him and other chopper pilots in the hips and legs. He was so good and kind, and brave the way real heroes are brave--quietly. I miss him still.

JEFF STUBBLEFIELD
Class of 1988
Air Force, 20+ Years
JUST RETIRED AFTER 20+ YEARS AND TO MANY CAMPAIGNS.
Class of 1988
Air Force, 20+ Years
JUST RETIRED AFTER 20+ YEARS AND TO MANY CAMPAIGNS.

Jeff Thornton
Class of 1987
Air Force, 14 Years
Currently a Major in the Air Force Reserve (full-time) working at the HQ Air Force Command in Current Operations. Did first 10 years on Active Duty then transferred to the Reserves as an Individual Mobilization Augmentee (IMA). Specialty is Space & Missile Operations with assignments at Minot AFB ND, Vandenberg AFB CA, Schriever AFB CO, HQ European Command in Stuttgart Germany and now Peterson AFB CO.
Class of 1987
Air Force, 14 Years
Currently a Major in the Air Force Reserve (full-time) working at the HQ Air Force Command in Current Operations. Did first 10 years on Active Duty then transferred to the Reserves as an Individual Mobilization Augmentee (IMA). Specialty is Space & Missile Operations with assignments at Minot AFB ND, Vandenberg AFB CA, Schriever AFB CO, HQ European Command in Stuttgart Germany and now Peterson AFB CO.

Joel Hembach
Class of 1976
Air Force, 20+ Years
Joined right after HS.
Jet Engine Mechanic
Stationed at Nellis AFB, NV; Elmendorf AFB, AK; Wurtsmith AFB, MI; Keflavik NAS, Iceland; Hickam AFB, HI and finally Elmendorf again. Spent 3 years as contract Engine Mechanic for Lockheed and Lear-Siegler at RAF Lakenheath, UK and Kelly AFB, TX.
Class of 1976
Air Force, 20+ Years
Joined right after HS.
Jet Engine Mechanic
Stationed at Nellis AFB, NV; Elmendorf AFB, AK; Wurtsmith AFB, MI; Keflavik NAS, Iceland; Hickam AFB, HI and finally Elmendorf again. Spent 3 years as contract Engine Mechanic for Lockheed and Lear-Siegler at RAF Lakenheath, UK and Kelly AFB, TX.

Joseph Williams
Class of 1967
Air Force, 6 Years
Autopilot Specialist, 1968-74 Sgt.
Vietnam 70-71 F4D
Class of 1967
Air Force, 6 Years
Autopilot Specialist, 1968-74 Sgt.
Vietnam 70-71 F4D

Katie Bolser
Class of 1986
Marine Corps, 4 Years
29 Palms, Camp Pendleton and am a Desert Storm Combat Veteran.
Class of 1986
Marine Corps, 4 Years
29 Palms, Camp Pendleton and am a Desert Storm Combat Veteran.

Kyle Farmer
Class of 2008
Marine Corps, 5 Years
Graduated Class of 08
Served 2 years in MCSF( Marine Corps Security Forces) FAST and 3 years Infantry as an 0311.
With the Island Warriors
Class of 2008
Marine Corps, 5 Years
Graduated Class of 08
Served 2 years in MCSF( Marine Corps Security Forces) FAST and 3 years Infantry as an 0311.
With the Island Warriors

Kyle Lanto
Class of 1995
Air Force, 7 Years
I have been Active Duty in the USAF for the past 7 years, graduated pilot training in '04, & am flying the A-10C Warthog with the 74th Fighter Squadron Flying Tigers.
Class of 1995
Air Force, 7 Years
I have been Active Duty in the USAF for the past 7 years, graduated pilot training in '04, & am flying the A-10C Warthog with the 74th Fighter Squadron Flying Tigers.

Latricia Long
Class of 1988
Air Force, 17 Years
I served three years active duty Army. I switched over to the AirForce Reserve, then the Navy Reserve, last stop AirForce National Guard in which I am Active duty. I work as a Resource Advisor; my career field is Finance.
Class of 1988
Air Force, 17 Years
I served three years active duty Army. I switched over to the AirForce Reserve, then the Navy Reserve, last stop AirForce National Guard in which I am Active duty. I work as a Resource Advisor; my career field is Finance.

Mark ohrwall
Class of 1980
Air Force, 11 Years
Four years active-duty with strategic air command six years Air Guard
Class of 1980
Air Force, 11 Years
Four years active-duty with strategic air command six years Air Guard




Parker Wolf
Class of 1989
Navy, 4 Years
Enlisted into the Navy in 1992 as an Airman & worked as a Plane Captain in an antisubmarine helicopter squadron at NAS North Island (San Diego) until 1994 when I went to Hospital Corpsman school in San Diego & spent the next 2 years as a Corpsman in northern CA (Lemoore) & GTMO. I was honorably discharged in 1996.
Class of 1989
Navy, 4 Years
Enlisted into the Navy in 1992 as an Airman & worked as a Plane Captain in an antisubmarine helicopter squadron at NAS North Island (San Diego) until 1994 when I went to Hospital Corpsman school in San Diego & spent the next 2 years as a Corpsman in northern CA (Lemoore) & GTMO. I was honorably discharged in 1996.


Rodhey W/ Byrd
Class of 1980
Navy, 20+ Years
Joined the U S Navy in Nov 1980. Stationed aboard USS Donald B Beary ff-1085 1981-84. Accepted to the Navy's RM (Radioman) School and attended shooling from DEC 84-MAY 85. Stationed at then Navcams Eastpac Hononlulu Jun 85 - Nov 88. Attended Navy C7 advance communications schooling Dec 88- Apr 89 and off to a remote island in the middle of the Indian Ocean known as Diego Garcia. Fot those who do not know of this island, this is where we launched the Stealth bombers from in the First Iraq war. 1 year tour and back east for schooling and the USS Petterson 89-93, Instructor duty 93-96 at Dam Neck Va. Overseas duty again at Nas Sigonella Sicily 96-98. The best thing about going overseas was the individual i met while flying to either Diego Garcia or NAS Sigonella Sicily (NCTS Signella) was met a Rantoul Alumni, it was mostly quiet during the flight, we got to talking finding out what eachother did and where we were going, finally we got talking about where we were from...i can remember the conversation to this day...won't go into it, but you can imagine the look on our faces when we said Rantoul, Il and RTHS, Come to find out we were 2 years apart in graduation classes and basically every name we called out the other knew. that was exciting and showed how small the world really is. I can't remember his name, but if he remembers this conversation it would be good to get in contact with him...I am retired from the Navy, so i am pretty sure he is as well.
Two last Duty stations..Uss Arthur W Radford and NCTS Washington DC.
Class of 1980
Navy, 20+ Years
Joined the U S Navy in Nov 1980. Stationed aboard USS Donald B Beary ff-1085 1981-84. Accepted to the Navy's RM (Radioman) School and attended shooling from DEC 84-MAY 85. Stationed at then Navcams Eastpac Hononlulu Jun 85 - Nov 88. Attended Navy C7 advance communications schooling Dec 88- Apr 89 and off to a remote island in the middle of the Indian Ocean known as Diego Garcia. Fot those who do not know of this island, this is where we launched the Stealth bombers from in the First Iraq war. 1 year tour and back east for schooling and the USS Petterson 89-93, Instructor duty 93-96 at Dam Neck Va. Overseas duty again at Nas Sigonella Sicily 96-98. The best thing about going overseas was the individual i met while flying to either Diego Garcia or NAS Sigonella Sicily (NCTS Signella) was met a Rantoul Alumni, it was mostly quiet during the flight, we got to talking finding out what eachother did and where we were going, finally we got talking about where we were from...i can remember the conversation to this day...won't go into it, but you can imagine the look on our faces when we said Rantoul, Il and RTHS, Come to find out we were 2 years apart in graduation classes and basically every name we called out the other knew. that was exciting and showed how small the world really is. I can't remember his name, but if he remembers this conversation it would be good to get in contact with him...I am retired from the Navy, so i am pretty sure he is as well.
Two last Duty stations..Uss Arthur W Radford and NCTS Washington DC.

Sue Ann Ford
Class of 1978
Air Force, 9 Years
Air Force Brat; Active duty 1980 - 1989.
Reprographics Specialist.
Air Force Tops In Blue.
1983 Best Female Vocalist in Air Force.
Class of 1978
Air Force, 9 Years
Air Force Brat; Active duty 1980 - 1989.
Reprographics Specialist.
Air Force Tops In Blue.
1983 Best Female Vocalist in Air Force.

Sue Ann Ford
Class of 1978
Air Force, 9 Years
Reprographics Specialist.
Air Force "Tops In Blue".
Class of 1978
Air Force, 9 Years
Reprographics Specialist.
Air Force "Tops In Blue".

Terrell King
Class of 1987
Army, 20+ Years
Served as a Combat Engineer; deployed to Iraq and Afghanistan and still currently serving.
Class of 1987
Army, 20+ Years
Served as a Combat Engineer; deployed to Iraq and Afghanistan and still currently serving.

Terry Ludwig
Class of 1980
Air Force, 20+ Years
Worked in Metrology (TMDE - PMEL) for 24 years.
Class of 1980
Air Force, 20+ Years
Worked in Metrology (TMDE - PMEL) for 24 years.
Alumni Stories

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School News
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Our Rantoul Township 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 Rantoul Township High School Military to know that they are loved and appreciated. All of us in Rantoul are proud of our military alumni and want to thank them for risking their lives to protect our country!