Wasson High School Alumni
Colorado Springs, Colorado (CO)
Recent Members
| Carol Tipton | 1966 |
| Geoff King | 1970 |
| Joe Joe Olszewski | 1975 |
| Kitty J Boaz | 1962 |
| Larry Jones | 1969 |
| Morgan Volleberg | 2012 |
| Randy Buswell | 1975 |
| Stacey Kline | 1997 |
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 Wasson High School class ring? Have you found someone's class ring? Visit our Thunderbirds lost class ring page to search for your class ring or post information about a found ring.
Honored Military Alumni
ANDREW LARSEN ANDERSEN, III
Class of 1965
Army, 3 Years
Major Andrew Larsen Andersen, Jr. (ret) and 1st Lt. Andrew Larsen Andersen, III
Class of 1965
Army, 3 Years
Major Andrew Larsen Andersen, Jr. (ret) and 1st Lt. Andrew Larsen Andersen, III
Anthony Gonzales
Class of 1985
Army, 20+ Years
Tactical Officer, United States Military Academy,
West Point, NY
Brigade Deputy Commanding Officer, 3rd Infanty Division - Iraq
Battalion Commander, 1st Battalion, 14th Field Artillery
Class of 1985
Army, 20+ Years
Tactical Officer, United States Military Academy,
West Point, NY
Brigade Deputy Commanding Officer, 3rd Infanty Division - Iraq
Battalion Commander, 1st Battalion, 14th Field Artillery
Brian Curtis
Class of 1986
Air Force, 6 Years
Served 4 years active duty and 2 years reserve
Class of 1986
Air Force, 6 Years
Served 4 years active duty and 2 years reserve
Cal Waldhart
Class of 1969
Navy, 4 Years
I went to boot camp in San Diego, CA. Then on to Memphis, TN for electronics school and Quonset Pt, RI for further electronics, flight and rescue training.
I was a rescue swimmer with Helicopter Squadron 5 (remember the guys who jumped in after the astronauts?) and served aboard the USS Wasp, USS Intrepid and USS Independence.
Kinda makes me feel old to know all those ships have been either scrapped, made into museums or just plain mothballed.
Class of 1969
Navy, 4 Years
I went to boot camp in San Diego, CA. Then on to Memphis, TN for electronics school and Quonset Pt, RI for further electronics, flight and rescue training.
I was a rescue swimmer with Helicopter Squadron 5 (remember the guys who jumped in after the astronauts?) and served aboard the USS Wasp, USS Intrepid and USS Independence.
Kinda makes me feel old to know all those ships have been either scrapped, made into museums or just plain mothballed.
Cal Waldhart
Class of 1969
Navy, 4 Years
I was assigned to a helicopter squadron in Quonset Point, RI. My duties as a helicopter crewman included operating airborne sonar, rescue swimmer and door gunner. While onboard the aircraft carrier our primary job was search and rescue. Served aboard the USS Wasp, USS Intrepid and USS Saratoga.
Class of 1969
Navy, 4 Years
I was assigned to a helicopter squadron in Quonset Point, RI. My duties as a helicopter crewman included operating airborne sonar, rescue swimmer and door gunner. While onboard the aircraft carrier our primary job was search and rescue. Served aboard the USS Wasp, USS Intrepid and USS Saratoga.
Cal Waldhart
Class of 1969
Navy, 4 Years
After basic training in San Diego, CA, my tour took me to Memphis, TN to undergo additional training as an Anti-Submarine Warfare Operator (airborne sonar) and a Search and Rescue (SAR) crewman/swimmer. From Memphis I went to Quonset Pt, RI for additional training and flight training.
The squadron I was ultimately assigned to was Helantisubron Five (HS-5) in Quonset Point. We deployed aboard several aircraft carriers, including the USS Wasp, USS Intrepid, USS Saratoga and USS Independence.
I was discharged upon arrival back to the states at the end of a Mediterranean cruise in January 1974.
Class of 1969
Navy, 4 Years
After basic training in San Diego, CA, my tour took me to Memphis, TN to undergo additional training as an Anti-Submarine Warfare Operator (airborne sonar) and a Search and Rescue (SAR) crewman/swimmer. From Memphis I went to Quonset Pt, RI for additional training and flight training.
The squadron I was ultimately assigned to was Helantisubron Five (HS-5) in Quonset Point. We deployed aboard several aircraft carriers, including the USS Wasp, USS Intrepid, USS Saratoga and USS Independence.
I was discharged upon arrival back to the states at the end of a Mediterranean cruise in January 1974.
Carl Langston
Class of 1962
Navy, 20+ Years
Served 30 years. 10 as a Hospital Corpsman and 20 as a Medical Service Corps officer retiring as a Commander in 1993.
Class of 1962
Navy, 20+ Years
Served 30 years. 10 as a Hospital Corpsman and 20 as a Medical Service Corps officer retiring as a Commander in 1993.
Chris Elicker
Class of 1975
Army, 24 Years
I received this during desert Storm because I was in the wrong place at the wrong time. The only reason I am posting this because I want to see if any of these mechanics of the military intelligence unit that I went to desert Storm with are around. I was very fortunate to have General Frederick Franks sign my purple heart award. "During desert Storm he was the commander of the 7th corps. Under Franks' leadership, VII Corps units gained decisive victories at the Battle of Al Busayyah, the Battle of 73 Easting, the Battle of Norfolk and the Battle of Medina Ridge." He was an amazing leader and during Vietnam he had been severely wounded in Cambodia and ended up getting his leg amputated and stayed in the army after that. As we had crossed the border from Saudi Arabia into Iraq our unit started being shelled at by Iraqi tanks from a long distance away. Our convoy stopped in place a half mile away as Apache helicopters Bradley's and M-1's who were our security escorts for the RSS, rolled up and blasted the hell out of all off them. after the short battle we drove past the Carnage. By seeing the combat equipment of the U.S Military in action, a soldier understands why we are the greatest military in the world. During desert Storm I have witness one of the tank battles during the hundred hour war. I was attached to the military intelligence company of the RSS, 2nd Armored Cavalry regiment. One night we were sent out on a contact mission to repair a track vehicle that was only supposed to be 1 hour away. As we drove around trying to locate the track vehicle the movements continue to happen. As we were searching for the track vehicle we came across a tank battle in the night. Ended up driving around the tank battle and after that we came up on top of a ridge and witness the multiple launch rocket system in action. It was so bright stuck in my mind till today. We eventually found the track vehicle and the track vehicle mechanics made the repair. It was early morning and we got our cots out to get some rest and as soon as we laid down we had to get the hell out of there due to an enemy in the area. As we started heading back to the encampment we came across the commander of the military intelligence company and they were interrogating Iraqi soldiers. There was a dead Iraqi soldier which I took a picture of. I was told that that was not part of the culture and if that happens it would take the soul of the Dead. Maybe that's why I got wounded. As we were heading back to the encampment I was driving a pickup truck with two other mechanics when a track vehicle riding next to us hit a land mine and that was when I was wounded. A piece of shrapnel from the blast hit me in the forehead between my eyes. The percussion from the blast knocked me clear over to the passenger side. Being a head wound I was bleeding heavily. A medic came over and got the bleeding stopped. A grader from the engineer company cleared a path for us to get out of the mine-field. After we got back to the encampment I was medevaced by a Huey helicopter to a combat support hospital where they x-rayed me, and removed the shrapnel. On our way back to our encampment we flew over the highway of death.
Class of 1975
Army, 24 Years
I received this during desert Storm because I was in the wrong place at the wrong time. The only reason I am posting this because I want to see if any of these mechanics of the military intelligence unit that I went to desert Storm with are around. I was very fortunate to have General Frederick Franks sign my purple heart award. "During desert Storm he was the commander of the 7th corps. Under Franks' leadership, VII Corps units gained decisive victories at the Battle of Al Busayyah, the Battle of 73 Easting, the Battle of Norfolk and the Battle of Medina Ridge." He was an amazing leader and during Vietnam he had been severely wounded in Cambodia and ended up getting his leg amputated and stayed in the army after that. As we had crossed the border from Saudi Arabia into Iraq our unit started being shelled at by Iraqi tanks from a long distance away. Our convoy stopped in place a half mile away as Apache helicopters Bradley's and M-1's who were our security escorts for the RSS, rolled up and blasted the hell out of all off them. after the short battle we drove past the Carnage. By seeing the combat equipment of the U.S Military in action, a soldier understands why we are the greatest military in the world. During desert Storm I have witness one of the tank battles during the hundred hour war. I was attached to the military intelligence company of the RSS, 2nd Armored Cavalry regiment. One night we were sent out on a contact mission to repair a track vehicle that was only supposed to be 1 hour away. As we drove around trying to locate the track vehicle the movements continue to happen. As we were searching for the track vehicle we came across a tank battle in the night. Ended up driving around the tank battle and after that we came up on top of a ridge and witness the multiple launch rocket system in action. It was so bright stuck in my mind till today. We eventually found the track vehicle and the track vehicle mechanics made the repair. It was early morning and we got our cots out to get some rest and as soon as we laid down we had to get the hell out of there due to an enemy in the area. As we started heading back to the encampment we came across the commander of the military intelligence company and they were interrogating Iraqi soldiers. There was a dead Iraqi soldier which I took a picture of. I was told that that was not part of the culture and if that happens it would take the soul of the Dead. Maybe that's why I got wounded. As we were heading back to the encampment I was driving a pickup truck with two other mechanics when a track vehicle riding next to us hit a land mine and that was when I was wounded. A piece of shrapnel from the blast hit me in the forehead between my eyes. The percussion from the blast knocked me clear over to the passenger side. Being a head wound I was bleeding heavily. A medic came over and got the bleeding stopped. A grader from the engineer company cleared a path for us to get out of the mine-field. After we got back to the encampment I was medevaced by a Huey helicopter to a combat support hospital where they x-rayed me, and removed the shrapnel. On our way back to our encampment we flew over the highway of death.
Clay Pederson
Class of 1961
Army, 7 Years
Infantry Officer, 2 tours VN, Forts Bragg, Benning, Polk, Carson. Panama, Germany
Airborne Ranger Special Forces SOG
Class of 1961
Army, 7 Years
Infantry Officer, 2 tours VN, Forts Bragg, Benning, Polk, Carson. Panama, Germany
Airborne Ranger Special Forces SOG
Dale Pope
Class of 1966
Navy, 20+ Years
Enlisted/Limited Duty Officer (Electronics)
Class of 1966
Navy, 20+ Years
Enlisted/Limited Duty Officer (Electronics)
David Henning
Class of 1982
Air Force, 17 Years
10 years active duty and 7 years Air National Guard. Still serving.....
Class of 1982
Air Force, 17 Years
10 years active duty and 7 years Air National Guard. Still serving.....
Doug Spears
Class of 1969
Air Force, 18 Years
SAC crew dog - KC-135 Tanker and FB-111 Bomber. Also had 2 tours as a T-38 Instructor Pilot.
Class of 1969
Air Force, 18 Years
SAC crew dog - KC-135 Tanker and FB-111 Bomber. Also had 2 tours as a T-38 Instructor Pilot.
Douglas B.Spears
Class of 1969
Air Force, 18 Years
USAF pilot. Flew FB-111 Bomber, KC-135 Tanker and was T-38 instructor pilot.
Class of 1969
Air Force, 18 Years
USAF pilot. Flew FB-111 Bomber, KC-135 Tanker and was T-38 instructor pilot.
Edmund Smith
Class of 1974
Army, 2 Years
Signal Corps 36C20 Telephone Lineman, 72C20 Switchboard Operator
Class of 1974
Army, 2 Years
Signal Corps 36C20 Telephone Lineman, 72C20 Switchboard Operator
Erin (Lehan) Dennis
Class of 1999
Army, 6 Years
This picture was taken at Ft. Leonardwood in August 1999.
Class of 1999
Army, 6 Years
This picture was taken at Ft. Leonardwood in August 1999.
james heasly
Class of 1966
Army, 2 Years
I was drafted in 1968, I spent 18 months in Germany.
Class of 1966
Army, 2 Years
I was drafted in 1968, I spent 18 months in Germany.
James Heasly
Class of 1966
Army, 2 Years
I was drafted in 1968 and spent 18 months in Germany
Class of 1966
Army, 2 Years
I was drafted in 1968 and spent 18 months in Germany
Jim Bennett
Class of 1983
Navy, 20+ Years
Active Duty Navy 1983 - 1994, Reserve Navy 1994 - 2009. Retired as a Commander, USNR, in 2009.
Class of 1983
Navy, 20+ Years
Active Duty Navy 1983 - 1994, Reserve Navy 1994 - 2009. Retired as a Commander, USNR, in 2009.
Joshua Ford
Class of 2001
Army, 8 Years
Did three tour back to back tours in Iraq Was Fort Carson Co and Fort Sill Ok
Class of 2001
Army, 8 Years
Did three tour back to back tours in Iraq Was Fort Carson Co and Fort Sill Ok
Keith Griffith
Class of 1963
Air Force, 4 Years
Four yrs active duty 1963-1967.Fighter Crew Chief. Served in Florida, Japan, Viet Nam, Okinawa, Thailand, and Kansas.
Class of 1963
Air Force, 4 Years
Four yrs active duty 1963-1967.Fighter Crew Chief. Served in Florida, Japan, Viet Nam, Okinawa, Thailand, and Kansas.
Kyer Bustamante-Quon
Class of 1988
Army, 5 Years
I served in the US Army from 1990-'96, during Operation Desert Shield/Storm. I was stationed at Ford Ord, California, then Hanau, Germany. I was Honorably Discharged under Don't Ask, Don't Tell.
Class of 1988
Army, 5 Years
I served in the US Army from 1990-'96, during Operation Desert Shield/Storm. I was stationed at Ford Ord, California, then Hanau, Germany. I was Honorably Discharged under Don't Ask, Don't Tell.
Laura (Carmichael) Bozeman
Class of 1988
Army, 16 Years
I've been in the Army since May 1992, after receiving my commission through Army ROTC at Texas Christian University. I am a Human Resources Officer, and I've been stationed in Germany, Missouri, Minnesota, New York, Korea, and now Alaska.
Class of 1988
Army, 16 Years
I've been in the Army since May 1992, after receiving my commission through Army ROTC at Texas Christian University. I am a Human Resources Officer, and I've been stationed in Germany, Missouri, Minnesota, New York, Korea, and now Alaska.
Lou Kouts
Class of 1965
Air Force, 20+ Years
SAC; Systems Command; Air Staff; Space Command; OSD
Class of 1965
Air Force, 20+ Years
SAC; Systems Command; Air Staff; Space Command; OSD
Louis A. Kouts
Class of 1965
Air Force, 20+ Years
24 year USAF career -- retired Colonel Oct '93.
(6/70 - 4/74) Missile Combat Crew Commander; 341 Strategic Missile Wing.
(4/74 - 7/76) Chief, Technical Engineering Division; 381 Strategic Missile Wing.
(7/76 - 6/78) Systems Development Manager; HQ Space and Missile Systems Organization.
(6/79 - 12/82) Chief, Launch & Orbital Division; HQ Systems Command.
(1/83 - 3/85) Program Manager, Air Staff; HQ USAF.
(3/85 - 6/87) Military Assistant to the Deputy Assistant Secretary of the Air Force, Space Plans & Policy; HQ USAF.
(5/88 - 8/90) Director, Space Control, Defense & Warning; HQ Air Force Space Command.
(8/90 - 12/91) Vice Wing Commander -- 45th Space Wing (Eastern Space & Missile Center).
(12/91 - 9/93) Director, National Test Bed -- Ballistic Missile Defense Organization.
Class of 1965
Air Force, 20+ Years
24 year USAF career -- retired Colonel Oct '93.
(6/70 - 4/74) Missile Combat Crew Commander; 341 Strategic Missile Wing.
(4/74 - 7/76) Chief, Technical Engineering Division; 381 Strategic Missile Wing.
(7/76 - 6/78) Systems Development Manager; HQ Space and Missile Systems Organization.
(6/79 - 12/82) Chief, Launch & Orbital Division; HQ Systems Command.
(1/83 - 3/85) Program Manager, Air Staff; HQ USAF.
(3/85 - 6/87) Military Assistant to the Deputy Assistant Secretary of the Air Force, Space Plans & Policy; HQ USAF.
(5/88 - 8/90) Director, Space Control, Defense & Warning; HQ Air Force Space Command.
(8/90 - 12/91) Vice Wing Commander -- 45th Space Wing (Eastern Space & Missile Center).
(12/91 - 9/93) Director, National Test Bed -- Ballistic Missile Defense Organization.
Lynn A. Spears
Class of 1972
Air Force, 20+ Years
Served as aircraft armament system specialist, Technical Training Instructor, served two tours to Germany, served one tour to Dharan air Base Saudi Arabia during Desert Storm, retired as First Sergeant Bare Base Mobility Support Squadron Holloman AFB New Mexico 1997.
Class of 1972
Air Force, 20+ Years
Served as aircraft armament system specialist, Technical Training Instructor, served two tours to Germany, served one tour to Dharan air Base Saudi Arabia during Desert Storm, retired as First Sergeant Bare Base Mobility Support Squadron Holloman AFB New Mexico 1997.
Matthew Williams
Class of 1985
Air Force, 20+ Years
Aircraft Mechanic (C-5A/B/C, C-17A, C-141A/B, C-130 E/H/J, KC-10, KC-135)
Class of 1985
Air Force, 20+ Years
Aircraft Mechanic (C-5A/B/C, C-17A, C-141A/B, C-130 E/H/J, KC-10, KC-135)
Michael Gallogly
Class of 1969
Army, 20 Years
Military Intelligence. 10 yrs enlisted achieving E-7. 10 yrs officer CW-3. Retired 1994. Served in Germany(2), Turkey, Texas, Arizona, Washington(2), Massachusetts, Korea.
Class of 1969
Army, 20 Years
Military Intelligence. 10 yrs enlisted achieving E-7. 10 yrs officer CW-3. Retired 1994. Served in Germany(2), Turkey, Texas, Arizona, Washington(2), Massachusetts, Korea.
Mike Florek
Class of 1961
Army, 5 Years
Captain, 1st SFG, SAF Asia, Okinawa
S-3, Operations and Planning
Class of 1961
Army, 5 Years
Captain, 1st SFG, SAF Asia, Okinawa
S-3, Operations and Planning
Mike Goodwin
Class of 1977
Air Force, 20+ Years
Lowery AFB, Co 1981 - 1982
Mountain Home AFB, Id 1982 - 1983
RAF Upper Heyford, UK 1983 - 1985
Cannon AFB, NM 1985 - 1990
RAF Upper Heyford, UK 1990 - 1993
Cannon AFB, NM 1993 - 2001
Retired 2001
Melrose Bombing Range, NM 2001 - Present
Class of 1977
Air Force, 20+ Years
Lowery AFB, Co 1981 - 1982
Mountain Home AFB, Id 1982 - 1983
RAF Upper Heyford, UK 1983 - 1985
Cannon AFB, NM 1985 - 1990
RAF Upper Heyford, UK 1990 - 1993
Cannon AFB, NM 1993 - 2001
Retired 2001
Melrose Bombing Range, NM 2001 - Present
orlando padilla
Class of 1986
Army, 15 Years
went to frankfurt germany. desert shield/storm/bosnia/finished carreer in Friedburg,Ge and now living in Ft. Hood
Class of 1986
Army, 15 Years
went to frankfurt germany. desert shield/storm/bosnia/finished carreer in Friedburg,Ge and now living in Ft. Hood
Pallace Copeland
Class of 1991
Army, 12 Years
I had a 4 year break in service from '94-99 in which time i lived in Germany immersing myself in their culture. Came back in and am loving it nothing beats being a soldier!
Class of 1991
Army, 12 Years
I had a 4 year break in service from '94-99 in which time i lived in Germany immersing myself in their culture. Came back in and am loving it nothing beats being a soldier!
Patrick J Gallogly
Class of 1978
Air Force, 20+ Years
USAF Major Ret, 24 years, F-4G Wild Weasel Instructor Electronic Warfare Officer, Weapons Systems Officer, Master Navigator and 90 IOS Operations Officer. Stationed at Lackland AFB, TX; Kelly AFB TX; Mather AFB CA, George AFB, CA; Holloman AFB, NM and Homestead AFB FL.
Class of 1978
Air Force, 20+ Years
USAF Major Ret, 24 years, F-4G Wild Weasel Instructor Electronic Warfare Officer, Weapons Systems Officer, Master Navigator and 90 IOS Operations Officer. Stationed at Lackland AFB, TX; Kelly AFB TX; Mather AFB CA, George AFB, CA; Holloman AFB, NM and Homestead AFB FL.
Paul Gwinnup
Class of 1975
Air Force, 20+ Years
Air Force 33 years Active and Reserve combined. Enlisted 1976, Crew Chief on T-37, T-38s, F-5s, OV-10s, C-130s, C-5s, C-141s and C-17s. In between I was an MTI, Production Control in Job Control, Plans and Scheduling, Flight Engineer on C-130Bs/Es, Expeditor, Pro Super, Section Chief and last a Maintenance Superintendent.
Class of 1975
Air Force, 20+ Years
Air Force 33 years Active and Reserve combined. Enlisted 1976, Crew Chief on T-37, T-38s, F-5s, OV-10s, C-130s, C-5s, C-141s and C-17s. In between I was an MTI, Production Control in Job Control, Plans and Scheduling, Flight Engineer on C-130Bs/Es, Expeditor, Pro Super, Section Chief and last a Maintenance Superintendent.
PAUL KOESTER
Class of 1973
Air Force, 20+ Years
Still on active duty as a Pararescueman (PJ) stationed in Hawaii
Class of 1973
Air Force, 20+ Years
Still on active duty as a Pararescueman (PJ) stationed in Hawaii
Paul Scheidecker
Class of 1960
Air Force, 5 Years
Basic training and Personnel School at Lackland AFN in San Antonio. Permanent duty back home at Ent AFB in Colorado Springs
Class of 1960
Air Force, 5 Years
Basic training and Personnel School at Lackland AFN in San Antonio. Permanent duty back home at Ent AFB in Colorado Springs
Alumni Stories
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Our Wasson 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 Wasson High School Military to know that they are loved and appreciated. All of us in Colorado Springs are proud of our military alumni and want to thank them for risking their lives to protect our country!