Walla Walla High School Alumni
Walla Walla, Washington (WA)
Recent Members
| Douglas Treganowan | 1976 |
| Janet Conway | 1963 |
| Lizbet Flores | 2020 |
| Robert Fagalde | 1973 |
| Rosa Roblero | 2014 |
| Shannon Myrick | 1978 |
| Steven Watt | 1973 |
| Victor Rivera | 2012 |
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 Walla Walla High School class ring? Have you found someone's class ring? Visit our Blue Devils lost class ring page to search for your class ring or post information about a found ring.
Honored Military Alumni
Arthur A. Elder
Class of 1978
Army, 20+ Years
SFC Elder entered the service 1988, has worked as a Field Artillery Surveyor (primary MOS), NBC NCO, Operations Non-Commissioned Officer (NCO), US Army Recruiter, Informations Operations in Joint Operations Center Baghdad Iraq. Participated in Operation Desert Shield and Dessert Storm, as well as Operation Iraqi Freedom. SFC Elder is still currently serving preparing soldiers for deployment.
Class of 1978
Army, 20+ Years
SFC Elder entered the service 1988, has worked as a Field Artillery Surveyor (primary MOS), NBC NCO, Operations Non-Commissioned Officer (NCO), US Army Recruiter, Informations Operations in Joint Operations Center Baghdad Iraq. Participated in Operation Desert Shield and Dessert Storm, as well as Operation Iraqi Freedom. SFC Elder is still currently serving preparing soldiers for deployment.
Bruce J LaGasa
Class of 1970
Navy, 20 Years
Lt Cdr. Served tours in Philippines (3 times), Iceland, Whidbey Island WA, Corpus Christi TX, and Guam.
Class of 1970
Navy, 20 Years
Lt Cdr. Served tours in Philippines (3 times), Iceland, Whidbey Island WA, Corpus Christi TX, and Guam.
Charles Lackey
Class of 1956
Air Force, 8 Years
Spent eight years repairing electronic counter measures (ECM) equipment. Left the airforce in 1964 to attend college.
Class of 1956
Air Force, 8 Years
Spent eight years repairing electronic counter measures (ECM) equipment. Left the airforce in 1964 to attend college.
Chris Parker
Class of 1971
Army, 13 Years
Cavalry Scout-Sheridan Gunner/Sheridan Commander/Scout Section Sergeant/Senior Instructor/Special Operations/Delta Force/Enlisted Aide to the Division Commander
Class of 1971
Army, 13 Years
Cavalry Scout-Sheridan Gunner/Sheridan Commander/Scout Section Sergeant/Senior Instructor/Special Operations/Delta Force/Enlisted Aide to the Division Commander
Christian C. Rasmussen
Class of 1971
Navy, 6 Years
Serviced on the USS Ticondrogs(CVS-14)
and on the USS Kitty Hawk (CV-63) With the VA-52 Air Attack Quadron Was Awarded the Naval Air Force Pacifc Fleet Battle Efficiency Pennant for sustaining superior performance.
Class of 1971
Navy, 6 Years
Serviced on the USS Ticondrogs(CVS-14)
and on the USS Kitty Hawk (CV-63) With the VA-52 Air Attack Quadron Was Awarded the Naval Air Force Pacifc Fleet Battle Efficiency Pennant for sustaining superior performance.
Colonel Eric S Johnson
Class of 1968
Air Force, 13 Years
Served as Critical Care Air Transport Physician, with deployments to Iraq and Afghanistan.
Class of 1968
Air Force, 13 Years
Served as Critical Care Air Transport Physician, with deployments to Iraq and Afghanistan.
Colonel Steve Crawford (USA, Ret.)
Class of 1965
Army, 20+ Years
Commissioned a Field Artillery 2nd Lieutenant 1969 thru EWU ROTC. Three years in Germany as Pershing Missile Platoon Commander & Nuclear Launch Control Officer. Three years at Fort Sill, OK as National Missile Range Ops Officer. Next, a one year tour of Korea as Missile Command Ops Officer. Next three years as Artillery Battery Commander and Battalion Ops Officer, 2d Armored Division, Fort Hood, Tx. (1978-1981). Spent 1981-1983 in Graduate School, Univ of Missouri. On to Fort Ord as Artillery Battalion XO and Inspector General in 7th Inf Division. Next 18 months as Commander, Artillery Battalion on DMZ, Korea. Next assignment at Fort Leavenworth, teaching military planning. In 1990-1991, off to Army Senior Service College for Masters of Strategic Studies. Finished career at Fort Sheridan, IL as Director of Midwest Reserve Components Training. Retired as a full Colonel in 1998.
Class of 1965
Army, 20+ Years
Commissioned a Field Artillery 2nd Lieutenant 1969 thru EWU ROTC. Three years in Germany as Pershing Missile Platoon Commander & Nuclear Launch Control Officer. Three years at Fort Sill, OK as National Missile Range Ops Officer. Next, a one year tour of Korea as Missile Command Ops Officer. Next three years as Artillery Battery Commander and Battalion Ops Officer, 2d Armored Division, Fort Hood, Tx. (1978-1981). Spent 1981-1983 in Graduate School, Univ of Missouri. On to Fort Ord as Artillery Battalion XO and Inspector General in 7th Inf Division. Next 18 months as Commander, Artillery Battalion on DMZ, Korea. Next assignment at Fort Leavenworth, teaching military planning. In 1990-1991, off to Army Senior Service College for Masters of Strategic Studies. Finished career at Fort Sheridan, IL as Director of Midwest Reserve Components Training. Retired as a full Colonel in 1998.
connie howard
Class of 1965
Air Force, 20+ Years
After spending 26 years in the Air Force I retired with the rank of Tech Sergent (E6).. would have been a Master Sergeant (E7), but the First Sergeant and I had a small disagreement. Since retiring I have been living in Colorado Springs, Co. My military duties were in the areas of Administration and then TeleCommunication. During these years I was stationed at: Lackland AFB Tx, Lowry AFB Co, Hicham AFB Hi, Peterson AFB Co, Scott AFB Il, Keeser AFB Ms, Cheynne Mtn Co and finished up at Peterson AFB Co. Joining the Air Force opened up a whole new world for me.
Class of 1965
Air Force, 20+ Years
After spending 26 years in the Air Force I retired with the rank of Tech Sergent (E6).. would have been a Master Sergeant (E7), but the First Sergeant and I had a small disagreement. Since retiring I have been living in Colorado Springs, Co. My military duties were in the areas of Administration and then TeleCommunication. During these years I was stationed at: Lackland AFB Tx, Lowry AFB Co, Hicham AFB Hi, Peterson AFB Co, Scott AFB Il, Keeser AFB Ms, Cheynne Mtn Co and finished up at Peterson AFB Co. Joining the Air Force opened up a whole new world for me.
Dan Aycock
Class of 1965
Air Force, 4 Years
Joined the AF in spring of 66. Specialized in AC weapons systems maintenance. Spent three years in the east of England with several TDY's to Aviano AB Italy, Wheelus AB Lybya and Gigli AB Turkey. I took the option for a 6 mo early out and came back home the fall of 69. A month later I was employed at the WWPD. I hung around there until 2009, retiring as a Captain - Admin Svc division and 911 Communications Center.
Class of 1965
Air Force, 4 Years
Joined the AF in spring of 66. Specialized in AC weapons systems maintenance. Spent three years in the east of England with several TDY's to Aviano AB Italy, Wheelus AB Lybya and Gigli AB Turkey. I took the option for a 6 mo early out and came back home the fall of 69. A month later I was employed at the WWPD. I hung around there until 2009, retiring as a Captain - Admin Svc division and 911 Communications Center.
Dan Lackey
Class of 1991
National Guard, 19 Years
Traveled the world and have done things I would have never dreamed of. Will be retiring in June 2011!!
Class of 1991
National Guard, 19 Years
Traveled the world and have done things I would have never dreamed of. Will be retiring in June 2011!!
Daniel B Butler
Class of 1978
Marine Corps, 4 Years
Crew chief for EA-6B Prowlers with 2 deployment, first a West Pac cruise on the USS Midway then a Med cruise on The USS Nimitz.
Class of 1978
Marine Corps, 4 Years
Crew chief for EA-6B Prowlers with 2 deployment, first a West Pac cruise on the USS Midway then a Med cruise on The USS Nimitz.
David Copeland
Class of 1981
Air Force, 10 Years
Served for 10 years as a crew chief for Kc-135 A,R, Kc 10. And wheel &tire technician for Kc 135 aircraft, and phase technician for Kc 135 R aircraft.
Class of 1981
Air Force, 10 Years
Served for 10 years as a crew chief for Kc-135 A,R, Kc 10. And wheel &tire technician for Kc 135 aircraft, and phase technician for Kc 135 R aircraft.
David G. Woodward
Class of 1962
Air Force, 20+ Years
Air Traffic Control Officer. Vietnam Veteran.
Class of 1962
Air Force, 20+ Years
Air Traffic Control Officer. Vietnam Veteran.
David Valaer
Class of 1981
Air Force, 7 Years
Was blessed to serve our country and go through Air Force flight school and fly the T-37, T-38, A-7 and F-16 fighter jet!
Class of 1981
Air Force, 7 Years
Was blessed to serve our country and go through Air Force flight school and fly the T-37, T-38, A-7 and F-16 fighter jet!
Don Mindemann
Class of 1965
Navy, 4 Years
Enlisted, stationed on Adm. staff, Norfolk Va. Carrier duty, Carribean, , Vietnam, Photograhers Mate 3rd class.
Class of 1965
Navy, 4 Years
Enlisted, stationed on Adm. staff, Norfolk Va. Carrier duty, Carribean, , Vietnam, Photograhers Mate 3rd class.
Douglas Humphrey
Class of 1968
Army, 2 Years
Was drafted and spent 1970-1971 in Vietnam. A Company 4/21 Americal. LZ Debbie, Hill 411, San Juan Hill, and hill 56.
Class of 1968
Army, 2 Years
Was drafted and spent 1970-1971 in Vietnam. A Company 4/21 Americal. LZ Debbie, Hill 411, San Juan Hill, and hill 56.
Ed Powers
Class of 1966
Army, 4 Years
1967 - 1971: US Army Air Defense, Nike Hercules Nato Air Defense School Cadre.
1974-1981: entered the Army Reserves and served in the 104th Training Div. as a Drill Sgt.
Class of 1966
Army, 4 Years
1967 - 1971: US Army Air Defense, Nike Hercules Nato Air Defense School Cadre.
1974-1981: entered the Army Reserves and served in the 104th Training Div. as a Drill Sgt.
Eric T. Hansen
Class of 2007
Army, 9 Years
Combat Engineer (Sapper) graduate. Squad Leader (SGT) 2 time combat deployment Afghanistan (21 months)
Class of 2007
Army, 9 Years
Combat Engineer (Sapper) graduate. Squad Leader (SGT) 2 time combat deployment Afghanistan (21 months)
Fred Wagner
Class of 1975
Marine Corps, 4 Years
4 years active duty, 2 years inactive reserves
Class of 1975
Marine Corps, 4 Years
4 years active duty, 2 years inactive reserves
Fred Wagner
Class of 1975
Army, 14 Years
Prior Service USMC, 14.5 years active duty US Army, medically retired, 100% disabled
Class of 1975
Army, 14 Years
Prior Service USMC, 14.5 years active duty US Army, medically retired, 100% disabled
Frederick P. Love
Class of 1982
Air Force, 23 Years
Avionics Instrument Systems Specialist
AFIN…Avionics, Flight Controls, Inertial Navigation Systems Specialist
APG ( CUT)…Crew Chief
C/N…Communications & Navigation
FCC…Flying Crew Chief
Expeditor/Production…Flightline Management
GAC/IFCS…Guidance and Control/Integrated Flight Control Systems Craftsman
GAC/IFCS Element Chief
Class of 1982
Air Force, 23 Years
Avionics Instrument Systems Specialist
AFIN…Avionics, Flight Controls, Inertial Navigation Systems Specialist
APG ( CUT)…Crew Chief
C/N…Communications & Navigation
FCC…Flying Crew Chief
Expeditor/Production…Flightline Management
GAC/IFCS…Guidance and Control/Integrated Flight Control Systems Craftsman
GAC/IFCS Element Chief
Gary W. Roberts
Class of 1984
Navy, 4 Years
Navy Corpsman, served on the USS Fletcher DD992 and Naval Hsopital Oakland. West Pac in 85, Mexico, Alaska, Canada. Trained to serve as a Marine Corpsman in 87
Class of 1984
Navy, 4 Years
Navy Corpsman, served on the USS Fletcher DD992 and Naval Hsopital Oakland. West Pac in 85, Mexico, Alaska, Canada. Trained to serve as a Marine Corpsman in 87
GREGORY J. WEICHER
Class of 1986
Air Force, 20+ Years
1986 to 1992 - Active Duty Air Force, David Grant Medcial Center, Travis AFB, CA. Allergy-Immunology Technician.
1995 to Present - Air Force Reseves, 349th Aeromedical Staging Squadron, Travis AFB, CA. Superintendent of Nursing Services.
Awaiting commission to Flight Nurse-Summer of 2010.
Class of 1986
Air Force, 20+ Years
1986 to 1992 - Active Duty Air Force, David Grant Medcial Center, Travis AFB, CA. Allergy-Immunology Technician.
1995 to Present - Air Force Reseves, 349th Aeromedical Staging Squadron, Travis AFB, CA. Superintendent of Nursing Services.
Awaiting commission to Flight Nurse-Summer of 2010.
Howard Davis
Class of 1978
Navy, 14 Years
Served on 3 ships, USS David R. Ray DD-971, USS Fletcher DD-992 and USS Cowpens CG-63.
Made 3 deployments to the Indian Oceon/Pursian Gulf. Left the service as a Gunner's Mate Chief Petty Officer (GMC E-7).
Class of 1978
Navy, 14 Years
Served on 3 ships, USS David R. Ray DD-971, USS Fletcher DD-992 and USS Cowpens CG-63.
Made 3 deployments to the Indian Oceon/Pursian Gulf. Left the service as a Gunner's Mate Chief Petty Officer (GMC E-7).
Howard L. Davis
Class of 1978
Navy, 14 Years
Did three tours into the Pursian Gulf on two seperate ships, the USS David R. Ray DD-971 and the USS Fletcher DD-992. A instructor tour at the Nucleur Weapons Training Group Pacific, North Island CA. Am a member of the Plank Owner Commissioning crew of the USS Cowpens CG-63. Honorably discharded in December 1991 as a Chief Gunner's Mate (E-7)
Class of 1978
Navy, 14 Years
Did three tours into the Pursian Gulf on two seperate ships, the USS David R. Ray DD-971 and the USS Fletcher DD-992. A instructor tour at the Nucleur Weapons Training Group Pacific, North Island CA. Am a member of the Plank Owner Commissioning crew of the USS Cowpens CG-63. Honorably discharded in December 1991 as a Chief Gunner's Mate (E-7)
Jack Parris
Class of 1974
Army, 4 Years
Infantry Mortars, 74-78, served at Ft. Lewis, WA and Camp Liberty Bell, DMZ Korea.
Class of 1974
Army, 4 Years
Infantry Mortars, 74-78, served at Ft. Lewis, WA and Camp Liberty Bell, DMZ Korea.
Jennifer Floyd
Class of 2007
Navy, 1 Years
Currently stationed in Bremerton, WA onboard the USS John C Stennis. She works in the Automated Data Processing Shop as an Information Systems Technician.
Class of 2007
Navy, 1 Years
Currently stationed in Bremerton, WA onboard the USS John C Stennis. She works in the Automated Data Processing Shop as an Information Systems Technician.
Jeremiah Ellis
Class of 1998
Army, 4 Years
Currently Serving as an Infantry Captain in Mosul, Iraq with the 172nd SBCT home stationed in Fairbanks, Alaska.
Class of 1998
Army, 4 Years
Currently Serving as an Infantry Captain in Mosul, Iraq with the 172nd SBCT home stationed in Fairbanks, Alaska.
Joshua DeLay
Class of 1997
Marine Corps, 8 Years
Combat Photgraphic Specialist.
Reconnaissance / Intellegence.
Class of 1997
Marine Corps, 8 Years
Combat Photgraphic Specialist.
Reconnaissance / Intellegence.
Kenneth D. Huff
Class of 1964
National Guard, 20+ Years
New Command Chief
Chief Master Sergeant Kenneth Huff has been a member of the Washington Air National Guard for the last 15 years. More recently he has served the 116th Air Support Operations Center as their top NCO. The 116th is home to the Air Force's renowned "black berets", the Tactical Air Control Parties, or TAC-Ps. He now assumes the office of Command Chief Master Sergeant, and becomes the senior NCO for the Washington Air National Guard.
Born during 1945 in Wenatchee, Washington, his devoted mother Mildred Huff, and dedicated father Ralph Huff raised him along with 2 of his older brothers and 2 sisters on a cattle ranch they called the Spanish Castle. Kenneth spent his early childhood years here with his family, homesteaded on the Columbia River where his father leased acreage to rear nearly 500 heads of cattle during WWII.
His father then accepted an outstanding offer to build wharfs on a naval base in the middle of San Francisco Bay on Treasure Island. Kenneth lived there for 10 years and then moved back to Walla Walla, Washington when his father retired.
As a young man, he attended high school in Walla Walla. Unsurprisingly, he was interested in the military from an early age and promptly joined the local Reserve Officer Training Course (ROTC) program. Upon graduation from high school he demonstrated his leadership abilities early in life when he achieved the grade of Cadet Captain (ROTC).
Both of his brothers are veterans of WWII, Korea, and Vietnam. When Kenneth describes his family and the influence they all had in shaping his life, he says, My brothers are all heroes and deserve to be put on pedestals as far as Im concerned. Our family is very patriotic, but of course everyone was back then.
Then, in 1967 Kenneth was drafted into the Army. He graduated from Helicopter Maintenance Technical School and then from 1968 to 1969 he toured in Vietnam with the 140th Assault Helicopter Company, 1st Aviation Brigade as Crew Chief / Door Gunner. During 1970 he began a tour in the Panama Canal Zone with Special Operations, where he worked until he left the Army.
After leaving the Army Kenneth explains how he felt. He recalls, There was an empty place in my life that I couldnt fill with a civilian existence. Realizing my future held the promise of greater fulfillment with the military, I decided in 1980 to enlist into the Washington Air Guard under a "Try 1" program. This option allowed me to test the air for a yearand I loved it! Being part of the Washington Air Guard felt great. It filled the gap I had after the Vietnam War with camaraderie, patriotism, and pride in the US.
He joined the 256th Combat Communication Squadron on Camp Murray, WA. In 1988 he was one of the first 3 enlisted personal in the new unit, called the 111th Air Support Operations Center (ASOC). There, he served as the First Sergeant. Then, in 1992 he joined the 116th Air Support Operations Squadron and served as a member of a Tactical Air Control Party (TACP). These unique Airmen provide a critical link with Army and other ground forces (click here for more information about the WA Air National Guard's TACP unit, and their training at the Joint Readiness Training Center).
He was the oldest individual to graduate from this school. During 1994 he graduated from Air Force Academys Parachute Free Fall School. Serving almost 9 years at this squadron he says, I knew I had to move on from the 116th ASOS (Air Support Ops Squadron) to open up the promotional opportunities there. When I found the position open at Headquarters I threw my hat in the ring, and here I am today.
Huffs hobbies include flying fixed-wing, multi engine, instrument rated airplanes, hunting, fishing, and riding a big V-twin motorcycle. He is the father of 4 children, grandfather of 10, and great grandfather of 3 so far.
Class of 1964
National Guard, 20+ Years
New Command Chief
Chief Master Sergeant Kenneth Huff has been a member of the Washington Air National Guard for the last 15 years. More recently he has served the 116th Air Support Operations Center as their top NCO. The 116th is home to the Air Force's renowned "black berets", the Tactical Air Control Parties, or TAC-Ps. He now assumes the office of Command Chief Master Sergeant, and becomes the senior NCO for the Washington Air National Guard.
Born during 1945 in Wenatchee, Washington, his devoted mother Mildred Huff, and dedicated father Ralph Huff raised him along with 2 of his older brothers and 2 sisters on a cattle ranch they called the Spanish Castle. Kenneth spent his early childhood years here with his family, homesteaded on the Columbia River where his father leased acreage to rear nearly 500 heads of cattle during WWII.
His father then accepted an outstanding offer to build wharfs on a naval base in the middle of San Francisco Bay on Treasure Island. Kenneth lived there for 10 years and then moved back to Walla Walla, Washington when his father retired.
As a young man, he attended high school in Walla Walla. Unsurprisingly, he was interested in the military from an early age and promptly joined the local Reserve Officer Training Course (ROTC) program. Upon graduation from high school he demonstrated his leadership abilities early in life when he achieved the grade of Cadet Captain (ROTC).
Both of his brothers are veterans of WWII, Korea, and Vietnam. When Kenneth describes his family and the influence they all had in shaping his life, he says, My brothers are all heroes and deserve to be put on pedestals as far as Im concerned. Our family is very patriotic, but of course everyone was back then.
Then, in 1967 Kenneth was drafted into the Army. He graduated from Helicopter Maintenance Technical School and then from 1968 to 1969 he toured in Vietnam with the 140th Assault Helicopter Company, 1st Aviation Brigade as Crew Chief / Door Gunner. During 1970 he began a tour in the Panama Canal Zone with Special Operations, where he worked until he left the Army.
After leaving the Army Kenneth explains how he felt. He recalls, There was an empty place in my life that I couldnt fill with a civilian existence. Realizing my future held the promise of greater fulfillment with the military, I decided in 1980 to enlist into the Washington Air Guard under a "Try 1" program. This option allowed me to test the air for a yearand I loved it! Being part of the Washington Air Guard felt great. It filled the gap I had after the Vietnam War with camaraderie, patriotism, and pride in the US.
He joined the 256th Combat Communication Squadron on Camp Murray, WA. In 1988 he was one of the first 3 enlisted personal in the new unit, called the 111th Air Support Operations Center (ASOC). There, he served as the First Sergeant. Then, in 1992 he joined the 116th Air Support Operations Squadron and served as a member of a Tactical Air Control Party (TACP). These unique Airmen provide a critical link with Army and other ground forces (click here for more information about the WA Air National Guard's TACP unit, and their training at the Joint Readiness Training Center).
He was the oldest individual to graduate from this school. During 1994 he graduated from Air Force Academys Parachute Free Fall School. Serving almost 9 years at this squadron he says, I knew I had to move on from the 116th ASOS (Air Support Ops Squadron) to open up the promotional opportunities there. When I found the position open at Headquarters I threw my hat in the ring, and here I am today.
Huffs hobbies include flying fixed-wing, multi engine, instrument rated airplanes, hunting, fishing, and riding a big V-twin motorcycle. He is the father of 4 children, grandfather of 10, and great grandfather of 3 so far.
Kenneth Huff
Class of 1964
Air Force, 24 Years
New Command Chief
Courtesy WA ANG - Posted Aug, 2003
Chief Master Sergeant Kenneth Huff has been a member of the Washington Air National Guard for the last 15 years. More recently he has served the 116th Air Support Operations Center as their top NCO. The 116th is home to the Air Force's renowned "black berets", the Tactical Air Control Parties, or TAC-Ps. He now assumes the office of Command Chief Master Sergeant, and becomes the senior NCO for the Washington Air National Guard.
Command Chief Master Sergeant Kenneth Huff
Born during 1945 in Wenatchee, Washington, his devoted mother Mildred Huff, and dedicated father Ralph Huff raised him along with 2 of his older brothers and 2 sisters on a cattle ranch they called the Spanish Castle. Kenneth spent his early childhood years here with his family, homesteaded on the Columbia River where his father leased acreage to rear nearly 500 heads of cattle during WWII.
His father then accepted an outstanding offer to build wharfs on a naval base in the middle of San Francisco Bay on Treasure Island. Kenneth lived there for 10 years and then moved back to Walla Walla, Washington when his father retired.
As a young man, he attended high school in Walla Walla. Unsurprisingly, he was interested in the military from an early age and promptly joined the local Reserve Officer Training Course (ROTC) program. Upon graduation from high school he demonstrated his leadership abilities early in life when he achieved the grade of Cadet Captain (ROTC).
Both of his brothers are veterans of WWII, Korea, and Vietnam. When Kenneth describes his family and the influence they all had in shaping his life, he says, My brothers are all heroes and deserve to be put on pedestals as far as I'm concerned. Our family is very patriotic, but of course everyone was back then.
Then, in 1967 Kenneth was drafted into the Army. He graduated from Helicopter Maintenance Technical School and then from 1968 to 1969 he toured in Vietnam with the 140th Assault Helicopter Company, 1st Aviation Brigade as Crew Chief / Door Gunner. During 1970 he began a tour in the Panama Canal Zone with Special Operations, where he worked until he left the Army.
Chief Master Sergeant Kenneth Huff
After leaving the Army Kenneth explains how he felt. He recalls, There was an empty place in my life that I couldnt fill with a civilian existence. Realizing my future held the promise of greater fulfillment with the military, I decided in 1980 to enlist into the Washington Air Guard under a "Try 1" program. This option allowed me to test the air for a yearand I loved it! Being part of the Washington Air Guard felt great. It filled the gap I had after the Vietnam War with camaraderie, patriotism, and pride in the US.
He joined the 256th Combat Communication Squadron on Camp Murray, WA. In 1988 he was one of the first 3 enlisted personal in the new unit, called the 111th Air Support Operations Center (ASOC). There, he served as the First Sergeant. Then, in 1992 he joined the 116th Air Support Operations Squadron and served as a member of a Tactical Air Control Party (TACP). These unique Airmen provide a critical link with Army and other ground forces (click here for more information about the WA Air National Guard's TACP unit, and their training at the Joint Readiness Training Center).
He was the oldest individual to graduate from this school. During 1994 he graduated from Air Force Academys Parachute Free Fall School. Serving almost 9 years at this squadron he says, I knew I had to move on from the 116th ASOS (Air Support Ops Squadron) to open up the promotional opportunities there. When I found the position open at Headquarters I threw my hat in the ring, and here I am today.
Huffs hobbies include flying fixed-wing, multi engine, instrument rated airplanes, hunting, fishing, and riding a big V-twin motorcycle. He is the father of 4 children, grandfather of 10, and great grandfather of 3 so far.
[an error occurred while processing this directive]
Class of 1964
Air Force, 24 Years
New Command Chief
Courtesy WA ANG - Posted Aug, 2003
Chief Master Sergeant Kenneth Huff has been a member of the Washington Air National Guard for the last 15 years. More recently he has served the 116th Air Support Operations Center as their top NCO. The 116th is home to the Air Force's renowned "black berets", the Tactical Air Control Parties, or TAC-Ps. He now assumes the office of Command Chief Master Sergeant, and becomes the senior NCO for the Washington Air National Guard.
Command Chief Master Sergeant Kenneth Huff
Born during 1945 in Wenatchee, Washington, his devoted mother Mildred Huff, and dedicated father Ralph Huff raised him along with 2 of his older brothers and 2 sisters on a cattle ranch they called the Spanish Castle. Kenneth spent his early childhood years here with his family, homesteaded on the Columbia River where his father leased acreage to rear nearly 500 heads of cattle during WWII.
His father then accepted an outstanding offer to build wharfs on a naval base in the middle of San Francisco Bay on Treasure Island. Kenneth lived there for 10 years and then moved back to Walla Walla, Washington when his father retired.
As a young man, he attended high school in Walla Walla. Unsurprisingly, he was interested in the military from an early age and promptly joined the local Reserve Officer Training Course (ROTC) program. Upon graduation from high school he demonstrated his leadership abilities early in life when he achieved the grade of Cadet Captain (ROTC).
Both of his brothers are veterans of WWII, Korea, and Vietnam. When Kenneth describes his family and the influence they all had in shaping his life, he says, My brothers are all heroes and deserve to be put on pedestals as far as I'm concerned. Our family is very patriotic, but of course everyone was back then.
Then, in 1967 Kenneth was drafted into the Army. He graduated from Helicopter Maintenance Technical School and then from 1968 to 1969 he toured in Vietnam with the 140th Assault Helicopter Company, 1st Aviation Brigade as Crew Chief / Door Gunner. During 1970 he began a tour in the Panama Canal Zone with Special Operations, where he worked until he left the Army.
Chief Master Sergeant Kenneth Huff
After leaving the Army Kenneth explains how he felt. He recalls, There was an empty place in my life that I couldnt fill with a civilian existence. Realizing my future held the promise of greater fulfillment with the military, I decided in 1980 to enlist into the Washington Air Guard under a "Try 1" program. This option allowed me to test the air for a yearand I loved it! Being part of the Washington Air Guard felt great. It filled the gap I had after the Vietnam War with camaraderie, patriotism, and pride in the US.
He joined the 256th Combat Communication Squadron on Camp Murray, WA. In 1988 he was one of the first 3 enlisted personal in the new unit, called the 111th Air Support Operations Center (ASOC). There, he served as the First Sergeant. Then, in 1992 he joined the 116th Air Support Operations Squadron and served as a member of a Tactical Air Control Party (TACP). These unique Airmen provide a critical link with Army and other ground forces (click here for more information about the WA Air National Guard's TACP unit, and their training at the Joint Readiness Training Center).
He was the oldest individual to graduate from this school. During 1994 he graduated from Air Force Academys Parachute Free Fall School. Serving almost 9 years at this squadron he says, I knew I had to move on from the 116th ASOS (Air Support Ops Squadron) to open up the promotional opportunities there. When I found the position open at Headquarters I threw my hat in the ring, and here I am today.
Huffs hobbies include flying fixed-wing, multi engine, instrument rated airplanes, hunting, fishing, and riding a big V-twin motorcycle. He is the father of 4 children, grandfather of 10, and great grandfather of 3 so far.
[an error occurred while processing this directive]
Kristin (Collins) Gigstad
Class of 2004
Navy, 7 Years
HM2(FMF/SW) Gigstad. Deployed 2013 with the 26th Marine Expeditionary Unit with Combat Logistic Battalion 26 as a Fleet Marine Force (Filed Medical Tech) Corpsman.
Class of 2004
Navy, 7 Years
HM2(FMF/SW) Gigstad. Deployed 2013 with the 26th Marine Expeditionary Unit with Combat Logistic Battalion 26 as a Fleet Marine Force (Filed Medical Tech) Corpsman.
Marty Burres
Class of 1979
Navy, 11 Years
Served on the USS Ranger CV-61, USS Enterprise CVN-65 and the USS Carl Vinson CVN-70. Worked on the flight deck for four years on the Ranger and also worked on the flight deck of the Carl Vinson for 2 1/2 years. Also stationed in the Phillippines for 4 years.
Class of 1979
Navy, 11 Years
Served on the USS Ranger CV-61, USS Enterprise CVN-65 and the USS Carl Vinson CVN-70. Worked on the flight deck for four years on the Ranger and also worked on the flight deck of the Carl Vinson for 2 1/2 years. Also stationed in the Phillippines for 4 years.
Maynard D. Hill
Class of 1980
Navy, 21 Years
I served in Naval Aviation as an Aviation Ordnanceman for over 21 years, working on A6-E Intruder and EA-6B Prowler Aircraft. I was always in squadrons based out of Naval Air Station Whidbey Island Washington for what they called Sea Duty. When I was up for what they called Shore Duty, I was an Instructor at one of the training facilities at Naval Air Station Whidbey Island Washington. While in the Squadrons, we were assigned to different Aircraft Carriers and would go to sea on either the Pacific Ocean or the Atlantic Ocean depending on which coast the carrier was based out of, all together over my career I served on 10 different Aircraft Carriers and always on the Flight Deck. Being in a Squadron didn't always mean being deployed on the deck of an Aircraft Carrier, because they would send us to little airstrips in what they called forward deployed regions of the world in what was known as hot spots. We would conduct close air support for the ground troops somewhere in the theater of operations. While I was in Naval Aviation, I was in three different Wars. The first one was the Persian Gulf War where my squadrons were deployed on three different tours of duty over to the combat zones for operations. the Second was Somalia for "Operation Restore Hope" but ended up being the tail end of what is now a movie called "Blackhawk Down." The last War that I was in was the Kosovo/Bosnia War, where my squadron that I was in was deployed twice to the combat zone. The first deployment there was on a forward deployed Airstrip where we worked out of tents on one side of the runway and lived out of tents on the other side of the runway! The second tour we were flying missions from the flattop in the Northern Adriatic Sea. When I retired from the navy I had attained the rank of Aviation Ordnanceman First Class Air Warfare Specialist or AO1(AW) for short. I have since settled down back here in Eastern Washington, gone to college at EWU, and I am now a teacher in the greater Spokane Area!
Class of 1980
Navy, 21 Years
I served in Naval Aviation as an Aviation Ordnanceman for over 21 years, working on A6-E Intruder and EA-6B Prowler Aircraft. I was always in squadrons based out of Naval Air Station Whidbey Island Washington for what they called Sea Duty. When I was up for what they called Shore Duty, I was an Instructor at one of the training facilities at Naval Air Station Whidbey Island Washington. While in the Squadrons, we were assigned to different Aircraft Carriers and would go to sea on either the Pacific Ocean or the Atlantic Ocean depending on which coast the carrier was based out of, all together over my career I served on 10 different Aircraft Carriers and always on the Flight Deck. Being in a Squadron didn't always mean being deployed on the deck of an Aircraft Carrier, because they would send us to little airstrips in what they called forward deployed regions of the world in what was known as hot spots. We would conduct close air support for the ground troops somewhere in the theater of operations. While I was in Naval Aviation, I was in three different Wars. The first one was the Persian Gulf War where my squadrons were deployed on three different tours of duty over to the combat zones for operations. the Second was Somalia for "Operation Restore Hope" but ended up being the tail end of what is now a movie called "Blackhawk Down." The last War that I was in was the Kosovo/Bosnia War, where my squadron that I was in was deployed twice to the combat zone. The first deployment there was on a forward deployed Airstrip where we worked out of tents on one side of the runway and lived out of tents on the other side of the runway! The second tour we were flying missions from the flattop in the Northern Adriatic Sea. When I retired from the navy I had attained the rank of Aviation Ordnanceman First Class Air Warfare Specialist or AO1(AW) for short. I have since settled down back here in Eastern Washington, gone to college at EWU, and I am now a teacher in the greater Spokane Area!
Michael Roeder
Class of 1998
Army, 7 Years
US Army Veteran served as a Black Hawk helicopter mechanic with numerous deployments.
Class of 1998
Army, 7 Years
US Army Veteran served as a Black Hawk helicopter mechanic with numerous deployments.
Alumni Stories
Read and submit stories about our classmates from Walla Walla High School, post achievements and news about our alumni, and post photos of our fellow Blue Devils.
School News
Lillian Wright Class of 1951
Lillian Graham (Wright)
Peacefully passed away at nearly 85 years old on December 27, 2017 at her home in...
Read More »
Our Walla Walla 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 Walla Walla High School Military to know that they are loved and appreciated. All of us in Walla Walla are proud of our military alumni and want to thank them for risking their lives to protect our country!