Thornton Township High School Alumni
Harvey, Illinois (IL)
Recent Members
| Cassandra Zambrano | 2015 |
| Edward Foster | 1962 |
| George George S Lane | 1962 |
| Gwendolyn Gaston | 1983 |
| Joe Bowen | 2000 |
| Marquetia Hatchett | 2003 |
| Robin Price | 1991 |
| Susan Spooner | 1973 |
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 Thornton Township High School class ring? Have you found someone's class ring? Visit our Wildcats lost class ring page to search for your class ring or post information about a found ring.
Honored Military Alumni
Amina Dees
Class of 1992
Army, 5 Years
Worked as an supply clerk in a foward support battalion at Ft. Campbell, Ky. In Illeshiem Germany I worked in Quality control ordering, shipping, and recieving blackhawk helicopter parts.
Class of 1992
Army, 5 Years
Worked as an supply clerk in a foward support battalion at Ft. Campbell, Ky. In Illeshiem Germany I worked in Quality control ordering, shipping, and recieving blackhawk helicopter parts.
Andre Jessup
Class of 1988
Army, 20+ Years
I served 4 years in the United States Marines and participated in Desert Shield and Desert Storm in 1991-1992. I served 16 years in the Army and participated in Operation Iraqi Freedom in 2005. I joined the military 2 weeks after graduation from high school and retired 20 years later in 2008.
Class of 1988
Army, 20+ Years
I served 4 years in the United States Marines and participated in Desert Shield and Desert Storm in 1991-1992. I served 16 years in the Army and participated in Operation Iraqi Freedom in 2005. I joined the military 2 weeks after graduation from high school and retired 20 years later in 2008.
Army Sgt. Simone Robinson
Class of 2005
Army, 4 Years
soldier dies after Afghanistan attack
The Associated Press
ROBBINS, Ill. — An Illinois Army National Guard soldier from the Chicago suburb of Robbins has died of wounds she sustained in an attack in Afghanistan in January.
Military officials say 21-year-old Spc. Simone Robinson died Sunday at Brooke Army Medical Center in San Antonio, Texas.
She and four other Illinois Army National Guard soldiers were wounded on Jan. 17 in an attack by an improvised explosive device.
Robinson joined the Illinois Army National Guard in December 2004. Her unit was deployed in August 2008. It was her first deployment.
She graduated from Thornton High School in south suburban Harvey. She’s survived by a 2-year-old daughter.
Robinson was assigned to Company G, 634th Brigade Support Battalion in Crestwood.
‘A go-getter’ who kept others laughing
The Associated Press
On the night Sgt. Simone A. Robinson departed for war, she held her 2-year-old baby Nyzia on her lap. She played with her until the last moment, then handed her to her mother, who would care for the girl while Robinson was away.
“She said, ‘Hurry and put her in the car,â€â€™ said her mother, Regina Byther. “She tried to be tough, but she was hurt to leave her baby.â€
Robinson, 21, of Dixmoor, Ill., died March 1 at Brooke Army Medical Center of wounds from an improvised explosive device that detonated near her security post on Jan. 17 in Kabul. She was a 2005 high school graduate and was assigned to Crestwood, Ill.
“She kept me laughing and others around her,†said Amanda Manson, a friend since eighth grade. “She would help you when you came to her if you had problems with your work. I don’t think she ever got bad grades.â€
Her father, Charles Robinson, remembered the way she made him laugh and how she sang in the choir at St. Luke Baptist Church, and the time she corrected the way he pronounced “aromatherapy.â€
“A go-getter. Always wanted to accomplish this and accomplish that,†he said. “My baby girl.â€
Class of 2005
Army, 4 Years
soldier dies after Afghanistan attack
The Associated Press
ROBBINS, Ill. — An Illinois Army National Guard soldier from the Chicago suburb of Robbins has died of wounds she sustained in an attack in Afghanistan in January.
Military officials say 21-year-old Spc. Simone Robinson died Sunday at Brooke Army Medical Center in San Antonio, Texas.
She and four other Illinois Army National Guard soldiers were wounded on Jan. 17 in an attack by an improvised explosive device.
Robinson joined the Illinois Army National Guard in December 2004. Her unit was deployed in August 2008. It was her first deployment.
She graduated from Thornton High School in south suburban Harvey. She’s survived by a 2-year-old daughter.
Robinson was assigned to Company G, 634th Brigade Support Battalion in Crestwood.
‘A go-getter’ who kept others laughing
The Associated Press
On the night Sgt. Simone A. Robinson departed for war, she held her 2-year-old baby Nyzia on her lap. She played with her until the last moment, then handed her to her mother, who would care for the girl while Robinson was away.
“She said, ‘Hurry and put her in the car,â€â€™ said her mother, Regina Byther. “She tried to be tough, but she was hurt to leave her baby.â€
Robinson, 21, of Dixmoor, Ill., died March 1 at Brooke Army Medical Center of wounds from an improvised explosive device that detonated near her security post on Jan. 17 in Kabul. She was a 2005 high school graduate and was assigned to Crestwood, Ill.
“She kept me laughing and others around her,†said Amanda Manson, a friend since eighth grade. “She would help you when you came to her if you had problems with your work. I don’t think she ever got bad grades.â€
Her father, Charles Robinson, remembered the way she made him laugh and how she sang in the choir at St. Luke Baptist Church, and the time she corrected the way he pronounced “aromatherapy.â€
“A go-getter. Always wanted to accomplish this and accomplish that,†he said. “My baby girl.â€
Cedric Lebron Smith
Class of 1984
Air Force Reserves, 33 Years
Chief Master Sergeant Cedric L. Smith served as the Operations Superintendent for the 70th Aerial Port Squadron, 482nd Fighter Wing, Homestead Air Reserve Base, Florida. He served as an advisor to the Squadron Commander, Air Transportation Superintendent, and Squadron Officers on issues and concerns within the Squadron. He also advised the senior leadership on all matters influencing the health, welfare, morale, and effective utilization of the enlisted force. He assumed his position as the Operations Superintendent in 2016.
Chief Smith hails from Harvey, Illinois. He first enlisted in 1983, utilizing the Delayed Entry Program, and then entered Active-Duty military in July 1984 through the Marine Corps Recruit Depot in San Diego, California. After graduating from basic training, he received his first duty assignment to Fort Leonard Wood, Missouri, where he attended the Marine Corps Heavy Equipment Operator’s Course. Upon completion, his career assignments included 2nd Landing Support Battalion, 2nd Force Service Support Group, Camp Lejeune, North Carolina; 9th Engineer Battalion, Camp Hansen, Okinawa, Japan; Marine Wing Support Squadron-273, Marine Corps Air Station Beaufort, South Carolina; and Marine Wing Support Squadron-171, Marine Corps Air Station Iwakuni, Japan. After a hiatus, he joined the United States Air Force, 482nd Fighter Wing, Homestead, Florida as a munition’s helper in 1995. He transferred to the 70th Aerial Port Squadron, Homestead Air Force Reserve Base, Florida a year later.
His Air Force career progression includes NCOIC Air Terminal Operations Center, NCOIC Ramp Services, Air Freight Superintendent, and Operations Superintendent. While deployed to Bagram, Afghanistan, he was assigned as the Passenger Services, Day Shift Supervisor where he was awarded a Meritorious Service Medal.
Chief Smith is happily married to the former Suanja M. Wright of Fort Lauderdale, Florida. They have two daughters, Shaquela and Imani, and one son, Kaleb.
Class of 1984
Air Force Reserves, 33 Years
Chief Master Sergeant Cedric L. Smith served as the Operations Superintendent for the 70th Aerial Port Squadron, 482nd Fighter Wing, Homestead Air Reserve Base, Florida. He served as an advisor to the Squadron Commander, Air Transportation Superintendent, and Squadron Officers on issues and concerns within the Squadron. He also advised the senior leadership on all matters influencing the health, welfare, morale, and effective utilization of the enlisted force. He assumed his position as the Operations Superintendent in 2016.
Chief Smith hails from Harvey, Illinois. He first enlisted in 1983, utilizing the Delayed Entry Program, and then entered Active-Duty military in July 1984 through the Marine Corps Recruit Depot in San Diego, California. After graduating from basic training, he received his first duty assignment to Fort Leonard Wood, Missouri, where he attended the Marine Corps Heavy Equipment Operator’s Course. Upon completion, his career assignments included 2nd Landing Support Battalion, 2nd Force Service Support Group, Camp Lejeune, North Carolina; 9th Engineer Battalion, Camp Hansen, Okinawa, Japan; Marine Wing Support Squadron-273, Marine Corps Air Station Beaufort, South Carolina; and Marine Wing Support Squadron-171, Marine Corps Air Station Iwakuni, Japan. After a hiatus, he joined the United States Air Force, 482nd Fighter Wing, Homestead, Florida as a munition’s helper in 1995. He transferred to the 70th Aerial Port Squadron, Homestead Air Force Reserve Base, Florida a year later.
His Air Force career progression includes NCOIC Air Terminal Operations Center, NCOIC Ramp Services, Air Freight Superintendent, and Operations Superintendent. While deployed to Bagram, Afghanistan, he was assigned as the Passenger Services, Day Shift Supervisor where he was awarded a Meritorious Service Medal.
Chief Smith is happily married to the former Suanja M. Wright of Fort Lauderdale, Florida. They have two daughters, Shaquela and Imani, and one son, Kaleb.
Charles L. Abron
Class of 1984
Army, 8 Years
Last Tour Of Service Afghanistan. Served as a biometrics tech. Performed over 50 missions throughout the region. Received an Honorable Discharge also awarded a MSM
Class of 1984
Army, 8 Years
Last Tour Of Service Afghanistan. Served as a biometrics tech. Performed over 50 missions throughout the region. Received an Honorable Discharge also awarded a MSM
Clarence Anderson
Class of 1995
Army, 19 Years
Currently serving as an Instructor / Writer for the Warrant Officer Basic and Advance Course at the Metalworking Services Division at Fort Lee, VA.
Class of 1995
Army, 19 Years
Currently serving as an Instructor / Writer for the Warrant Officer Basic and Advance Course at the Metalworking Services Division at Fort Lee, VA.
Cpl Michael E. Cook
Class of 2004
Marine Corps, 4 Years
"Marines: No better friend, no worse enemy." Served from 2009-2013, ended tour of duty honorably, went on to college directly afterwards graduating in 2017...I need a vacation.
Class of 2004
Marine Corps, 4 Years
"Marines: No better friend, no worse enemy." Served from 2009-2013, ended tour of duty honorably, went on to college directly afterwards graduating in 2017...I need a vacation.
Cpl. Jerrell X. Lofton
Class of 2009
Marine Corps, 4 Years
Currently serving at Quantico in Virginia
Class of 2009
Marine Corps, 4 Years
Currently serving at Quantico in Virginia
Cynthia L. Alexander (Kitts)
Class of 1986
Navy, 8 Years
Went in the Military in 1997-2006 was a Hospital Corpsmen (Medic) during that time frame. I was over in Iraq and Afghanistan for 2 years. I was also stationed in Yokosuka Japan on the U.S. Kitty Hawk. I was also stationed at Quantico Virgina on a Marine corp base.I am now a retired Navy veteran.
Class of 1986
Navy, 8 Years
Went in the Military in 1997-2006 was a Hospital Corpsmen (Medic) during that time frame. I was over in Iraq and Afghanistan for 2 years. I was also stationed in Yokosuka Japan on the U.S. Kitty Hawk. I was also stationed at Quantico Virgina on a Marine corp base.I am now a retired Navy veteran.
Darryl Spears
Class of 1982
Army, 9 Years
'82-'86 12 B Combat Engineer ( 5th Engineer Bn/ 1st Armored Div. Furth, Ger. '86-'91 77W Petroleum Specialist ( 6/101 Aviation Ft.Campbell, Ky. 3rd Armored Div Schweinfurt, Ger. Airborne/ Air Assault
Class of 1982
Army, 9 Years
'82-'86 12 B Combat Engineer ( 5th Engineer Bn/ 1st Armored Div. Furth, Ger. '86-'91 77W Petroleum Specialist ( 6/101 Aviation Ft.Campbell, Ky. 3rd Armored Div Schweinfurt, Ger. Airborne/ Air Assault
Debbie Hall-Cole
Class of 1993
Army Reserves, 8 Years
Sgt. served in Iraq for 16 months 2004-2005
Class of 1993
Army Reserves, 8 Years
Sgt. served in Iraq for 16 months 2004-2005
Deneshia Johnson-Steward
Class of 1996
Air Force, 9 Years
Served in active duty Air Force from 1996-2005. Deployed to Suadi Arabia in 2002-2003 during Operation Iraqi Freedom. Seperated with Honorable Discharge.
Class of 1996
Air Force, 9 Years
Served in active duty Air Force from 1996-2005. Deployed to Suadi Arabia in 2002-2003 during Operation Iraqi Freedom. Seperated with Honorable Discharge.
Dennis O'Grady
Class of 1991
Air Force, 18 Years
Has served 18 years in the Air Force all at overseas and deployed location.
Class of 1991
Air Force, 18 Years
Has served 18 years in the Air Force all at overseas and deployed location.
Dennis O’Grady
Class of 1991
Air Force, 28 Years
After graduating Dennis joined the Air Force as a Strategic Aircraft Maintenance Technician. He has been stationed in Okinawa and Tokyo Japan, Turkey, Arkansas, New Mexico, and currently lives in Shiloh Illinois. He has participated in Operations Enduring Freedom, Iraqi Freedom, Noble Eagle, Inherent Resolve and others. He has been assigned to Pacific Air Command, Special Operations.Command, and Air Mobility Command. Over his 28 years he has visited all 50 states, and over 40 countries. Currently he manages sustainment of the Air Forces 600 C-130.
Class of 1991
Air Force, 28 Years
After graduating Dennis joined the Air Force as a Strategic Aircraft Maintenance Technician. He has been stationed in Okinawa and Tokyo Japan, Turkey, Arkansas, New Mexico, and currently lives in Shiloh Illinois. He has participated in Operations Enduring Freedom, Iraqi Freedom, Noble Eagle, Inherent Resolve and others. He has been assigned to Pacific Air Command, Special Operations.Command, and Air Mobility Command. Over his 28 years he has visited all 50 states, and over 40 countries. Currently he manages sustainment of the Air Forces 600 C-130.
Desmond Pope
Class of 2004
Marine Corps, 5 Years
Served in OIF 5-7, Recently meritorously promoted to the rank of Corporal. Stationed in Kansas City MO as of right now. Holds billet as Personnel Clerk, original MOS: Field Artillery additional MOS: Combat Marksmanship Trainer
Class of 2004
Marine Corps, 5 Years
Served in OIF 5-7, Recently meritorously promoted to the rank of Corporal. Stationed in Kansas City MO as of right now. Holds billet as Personnel Clerk, original MOS: Field Artillery additional MOS: Combat Marksmanship Trainer
Donald Sachnoff
Class of 1964
Air Force, 32 Years
Five years active duty in US Air Force. Weather Forecaster: One year at San Jose State studying Meteorology. Two years as weather forecaster at Columbus AFB, MS. Two years as a computer systems engineer stationed at Offutt AFB, NE. Separated from Active duty as a Captain in 1975 and went into the US Army Reserves. Was trained in Civil Affairs and Psyops and performed a number of missions in Germany and Lativa. Retired in 2003 with the rank of Lt Colonel.
Class of 1964
Air Force, 32 Years
Five years active duty in US Air Force. Weather Forecaster: One year at San Jose State studying Meteorology. Two years as weather forecaster at Columbus AFB, MS. Two years as a computer systems engineer stationed at Offutt AFB, NE. Separated from Active duty as a Captain in 1975 and went into the US Army Reserves. Was trained in Civil Affairs and Psyops and performed a number of missions in Germany and Lativa. Retired in 2003 with the rank of Lt Colonel.
DORIAN RHOTEN Sr
Class of 1995
Army, 20+ Years
SSG Rhoten has near 20 years of service which includes 7 Combat Deployments. C/O '95.
Class of 1995
Army, 20+ Years
SSG Rhoten has near 20 years of service which includes 7 Combat Deployments. C/O '95.
Eric J Clark
Class of 2004
Marine Corps, 6 Years
served in oif and oef in faliuja and al asada and other places in the al anbar providence.
Class of 2004
Marine Corps, 6 Years
served in oif and oef in faliuja and al asada and other places in the al anbar providence.
Fred Michalski
Class of 1965
Army, 2 Years
Drafted and sent to Vietnam all of 1967. Had time in Cam Run Bay and Bien Woh.
Class of 1965
Army, 2 Years
Drafted and sent to Vietnam all of 1967. Had time in Cam Run Bay and Bien Woh.
Garnasia L Trotter Bogus
Class of 1980
Marine Corps, 20 Years
Service 20 years of active duty in US Marines. Class of 1980 Retired in 2000.
Class of 1980
Marine Corps, 20 Years
Service 20 years of active duty in US Marines. Class of 1980 Retired in 2000.
Gary Rucks
Class of 1981
Marine Corps, 20+ Years
Helicopter Support Team and Logistics Chief
Class of 1981
Marine Corps, 20+ Years
Helicopter Support Team and Logistics Chief
Jack Watkins
Class of 1963
Marine Corps, 3 Years
served 3 years in California for 2 and Viet-Nam for1 year as translator and interrogator for 3rd Marine Division with 2nd ARVN Div.( south vietnamanse force)
Class of 1963
Marine Corps, 3 Years
served 3 years in California for 2 and Viet-Nam for1 year as translator and interrogator for 3rd Marine Division with 2nd ARVN Div.( south vietnamanse force)
Karen Cauthrone
Class of 1993
Army, 4 Years
Served in South Korea with 2nd Infantry Division as a communications specialist. Then completed my service at the Pentagon in Washington DC.
Class of 1993
Army, 4 Years
Served in South Korea with 2nd Infantry Division as a communications specialist. Then completed my service at the Pentagon in Washington DC.
Karen Fussell Cauthorne
Class of 1993
Army, 4 Years
I served from 1995 to 1999. I was a 74C stationed at Camp Essayons in S. Korea and the Pentagon in Washington DC.
Class of 1993
Army, 4 Years
I served from 1995 to 1999. I was a 74C stationed at Camp Essayons in S. Korea and the Pentagon in Washington DC.
Karene Hill
Class of 2002
Army, 5 Years
Served in iraq with 101st airborne division 2007-2008
Class of 2002
Army, 5 Years
Served in iraq with 101st airborne division 2007-2008
kenneth brown
Class of 1981
Army, 20+ Years
Served Twenty Four years serving our country.
Class of 1981
Army, 20+ Years
Served Twenty Four years serving our country.
Kevin L. Randolph, Sr.
Class of 1968
Navy, 4 Years
My best friend George Thompson's brother Gregory Thompson and I joined the Navy together in 1968. After "boot camp we went to different duty stations. I was stationed on the East Coast all four years.Served on two different destroyers in those four years,DD 710 (U.S.S.Gearing) and DD709(U.S.S. Hugh Purvis). Made two "MED CRUISES" ,five Carribean Cruises, one trip to Guantanamo (GITMO) for testing, two trips to Boston Naval Shipyard, one trip to Philadelphia Shipyard,one visit to New York,N.Y. It just sounds like a lot of travel if you were "shore based".I recieved my Honorable Discharge (usn form DD214) in1972 . Proud of my service,proud of my country. Not proud of the way Vets are taken care of after service with injuries.
HAZE GRAY and UNDERWAY, If it works paint it ,if it's brass shine it, if it wears gold bars salute it .
Class of 1968
Navy, 4 Years
My best friend George Thompson's brother Gregory Thompson and I joined the Navy together in 1968. After "boot camp we went to different duty stations. I was stationed on the East Coast all four years.Served on two different destroyers in those four years,DD 710 (U.S.S.Gearing) and DD709(U.S.S. Hugh Purvis). Made two "MED CRUISES" ,five Carribean Cruises, one trip to Guantanamo (GITMO) for testing, two trips to Boston Naval Shipyard, one trip to Philadelphia Shipyard,one visit to New York,N.Y. It just sounds like a lot of travel if you were "shore based".I recieved my Honorable Discharge (usn form DD214) in1972 . Proud of my service,proud of my country. Not proud of the way Vets are taken care of after service with injuries.
HAZE GRAY and UNDERWAY, If it works paint it ,if it's brass shine it, if it wears gold bars salute it .
Kevin Travier
Class of 1989
Air Force, 18 Years
Aircraft Avionics Technician
F-16 Avionics Technical School Instructor
Served in Iraq in 2006-2007
Class of 1989
Air Force, 18 Years
Aircraft Avionics Technician
F-16 Avionics Technical School Instructor
Served in Iraq in 2006-2007
Leroy (Lea) Stahr
Class of 1963
Marine Corps, 6 Years
Sergeant, Vietnam veteran 2 tours, wounded, cryptographic/telephone/switchboard/teletype repair. Graduate MSMIS degree in Computer Science.
Class of 1963
Marine Corps, 6 Years
Sergeant, Vietnam veteran 2 tours, wounded, cryptographic/telephone/switchboard/teletype repair. Graduate MSMIS degree in Computer Science.
Alumni Stories
Read and submit stories about our classmates from Thornton Township High School, post achievements and news about our alumni, and post photos of our fellow Wildcats.
School News
"TTHS Alumni Spotlight Award"
On October 22, 2010 at Black Carpet Runway / Prodigy Scholar, Class '86 Alumni will be highlighting TTHS Alumni who has ...
Read More »
Our Thornton 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 Thornton Township High School Military to know that they are loved and appreciated. All of us in Harvey are proud of our military alumni and want to thank them for risking their lives to protect our country!