Our Fallen

VVA #989 Honors the passing of Northern Nevada Veterans who were a part of our Chapter.

A Final Salute to our Fallen Brothers and Sisters

POW/MIA Remembrance Poem

Though they are not with us now

    Their memory survives.

May God watch over each of them

    And protect their honored lives.

We are humbled by their service

    That they made without regret.

So let no one doubt our firm resolve

    That we will never, ever, forget.

By the Late Reverend David K. Crabtree, Chaplain

VVA Sierra Nevada Chapter 989, Reno, Nevada

Vietnam Veterans of America, Sierra Nevada Chapter 989 Recognizes and Honors our Fallen Members and Northern Nevada Veterans when they are no longer with us. “You are not Forgotten “ Rest in Peace, your service over,We now have the Watch.

A Tribute is on display at the Bunker, VVA 989 has a Remembrance Plaque with the names of our Fallen Members.

  • 17OCT13 Robert Sperry Marine
  • 19MAY14 Lowello Dennis Espinoza Army – Marine
  • 25OCT14 Charles W. “Chuck” Fulkerson Army
  • 14JUN15 Lori Montalvo AVVA
  • 17APR16 Francis William “Bill” Jowett Air Force
  • 02NOV16 Richard Caudill Army
  • 17NOV16 Brett Butler  Army
  • 03MAR17 Tyler Lubsen Army
  • 12JUL17 Kenny Williams Marine
  • 01FEB18 James Kitrell  Air Force
  • 03JUL18 Mike Edwardson Army
  • 27AUG18 Robert “Bob” Martin Army
  • 02NOV18 Gary Nicholes Army
  • 01JAN19 Dennis Romeo Navy
  • 13MAR19 Terry Wiederhoft Army
  • 24JUL19 Gary Meckler  Army
  • * 2019 Kate Roman *
  • 26JAN20 William “Clay” Coleman Army
  • 02FEB20 Anne Beler  Navy – AVVA
  • 20APR20 James Strickland Navy
  • 30APR20 Joe Ward Army
  • 17JUL20 John Boyne Army
  • 08NOV20 Tom Bracamonte Navy
  • 24DEC20 James Stinson Marine
  • * 2020 John Lustig  Air Force
  • 21APR21 Rudy Calderon Army
  • 04JUL21 Lawrence Roberts Marine
  • 08AUG21 Robert Ferrari Army
  • 16 OCT 21 John Leavitt
  • 20NOV21 Michael LePeilbet Army
  • 05DEC21 Harry Culbert Army
  • 03JAN22 Larry Runyon Army
  • 28JAN22 Rev. David K. Crabtree Air Force
  • 11AUG22   Lewis E. “Red” Kittell Air Force
  • 13 AUG 22 Everell G. ‘Butch’ Hayes Army
  • 19 NOV 22 Phillip Chik Air Force
  • 25 NOV 22 Allan G. Clemons Marine
  • 21 JAN 23 Jack R. Logan Army
  • 7 JUN 23 Jesse Hoch Navy
  • 4 JUN 23 Dave Levine Navy
  • 2 JUL 23 Michael Haines Navy
  • OCT 23 Eric Hobson
    • * Norman Whisenant Navy
    • * Dillard Cowart *

27 JUN 24 Kathy Manhan  AVVA Member

Note: The 989 Web team has names that will be added soon. Please advise us of any errors or omissions @ vvareno989@gmail.com.

* Note : Missing Information, help if you can- Thanks

29 JUL 24 Roger Sanchez

With sadness it’s my duty to inform you of the passing of one of our long term members, Roger Sanchez, and a founder of the VVA 989 Color Guard.  R.I.P.

27 JUN 24 Kathy Manhan   AVVA Member

Our Board Chairman, John Ostrander’s Lady of many years, Kathy Manhan, VVA 989 patron and AVVA member passed peacefully. Please keep John & Kathy’s family in your prayers, Rest in Peace Kathy. Please consider a donation to: Circle of Life Hospice, Inc.,1575 Delucchi Lane; Reno, NV 89502

25JAN24 William Drummond

Brother VVA 989er William (Bill) Drummond passed away on 25JAN24. Bill enlisted in the USMC in 1968. Bill served in Vietnam until 1970 when he was wounded during a conflict in the A Shau Valley and received a Purple Heart. Bill began volunteering with many Veterans Groups, most notable as the State Captain with the Patriot Guard Riders. Bill represented “Vietnam Veterans” when placing the wreath during last year’s Vietnam Veterans Remembrance Ceremony at the Nevada Veterans Memorial Plaza in Sparks.

02JUL23 Michael A. Haines 11 NOV 42 – 2 JUL 23

Michael Anthony Haines, 80 years of age, passed away peacefully at his home in Reno, Nevada on the date of his 46th Wedding Anniversary to Genie Haines. He was surrounded by his wife, family, and friends. The cause of death was due to complications from several underlying conditions.

Michael grew up in Canada and Southern California and he attended the University of California at Los Angeles, graduating in 1964 with a Bachelor’s Degree in psychology. Uncertain of his future and inspired to service, Mike joined the Navy, attended Officer’s Training School, was commissioned Lieutenant, (j.g.), and rose to the position of Executive Officer on both a destroyer and a supply vessel off of the coast of Vietnam during the height of the hostilities.

Following an Honorable Discharge from the Navy, Mike took the Law School Aptitude Test on a bet from a friend as to who could get a better score. Mike won the bet, and decided that law might be his calling. He entered Berkeley Law and studied with a vengeance for the next three years. He graduated 5th in his class of about 375 students and was awarded the Order of the Coif, a scholastic honor granted to the top ten percent of the class. He went on to successfully practice law and worked in real estate brokerage in the Bay prior to moving to Reno in 2017.

Loving husband and father, excellent provider, great humanitarian….an extraordinary man and an extraordinary life, well lived. A Graveside Service and Celebration of Life was held at Mt. Tamalpais Cemetery on July 29, 2023

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the RENOWN Hospice Unit in Reno.

RIP Brother Michael Haines, VVA 989er.

7 JUN 23 Jesse (Jay) Hoch

Jesse (Jay) Hoch passed away June 7 with his family by his side. He is survived by his beloved wife of 55 years Judy, sister Hazel (Schneider), daughters Julie Ann (Raum), Jeanine (Reddicks), Jessell (Miller), son Justin, and 7 adoring grandchildren.

He was born in Independence, MO in 1945. An adventurous soul, he joined the Navy at a young age and served 20 years stationed at various ports on the west coast. He met Judy at a roller rink in 1965, and they were married 2 years later. After retiring from the Navy, they moved from San Diego to Reno in 1982 to be closer to family. He started at the power company (now NV Energy) as a utilityman. He worked hard to advance his career, earning his Associates degree in Electrical science in 1987. After 20 years, he again retired to pursue his many interests.

Jay’s passion was helping fellow veterans. He was Chairman of the Veterans Committee for Reno Elks Lodge #597, where he was recently honored with one of their most prestigious awards, the “Veteran Volunteer of the Year Award for Nevada”, demonstrating outstanding service to veterans and military members in need. He could always be found in the kitchen cooking for tens to hundreds of people, usually with a smile on his face, and leading the fun during pasta and trivia nights.

He was recently elected as Second Vice Commander of American Legion Post 1 as well as a proud member of the Vietnam Veterans of America 989.

Posted online on June 16, 2023 Published in Reno Gazette-Journal

25 FEB 25 Irvin “Jay” Richard Jamison

A beloved figure with a heart full of passion and service, passed away peacefully on February 25, 2025, in his home, at the age of 80. Born on April 14, 1944, in Stockholm, Wisconsin, Jay dedicated his life to the ideals of service and leadership.  An esteemed member of the United States Marine Corps, he distinguished himself over a remarkable 25-year career, rising to the esteemed rank of Sergeant Major E-9. In addition to his military accomplishments, Jay devoted 20 years to federal service, embodying a spirit of dedication that transcended his professional life.

4 JUN 23 David Mitchell Levine

Dave passed away suddenly Sunday night with family and friends by his side. He was preceded in death by his wife of 55 years, Peggy and his parents Albert and Ellen Levine. He is survived by his daughter Shulamit, daughter in-law Alinda, son Daniel and granddaughter Emily (who could do no wrong in his eyes).

Dave was very active over the years and held countless board positions in many business, civic & fraternal organizations, like NAEA, Toastmasters, Jewish War Veterans, Honor Flight, Vietnam Veterans, Reno Elks Lodge #597, and Prospectors Club. He was also a lifelong member of Temple Sinai, Reno’s Reformed Jewish Congregations, having joined in 1966, where he served on the board for over 35 years. Dave was often recognized for his service to these organizations having received the Red Cross Clair Barton award and Toastmaster’s Yarboworr Meritorious Service Award.

Dave started his adult life as a Navy Corpsman in VietNam and when he got home as a Licenses Nevada Contractor. He spent many years in Government Service and later opened a Business and Tax Consulting Firm in Reno, Nevada. As an Enrolled Agent, he represented individuals and businesses before the Internal Revenue Service, as well as many State Taxation Boards. He was the only Master Graduate Fellow in Nevada and one of only eight in the United States. In 2017, Dave “semi” retired whereupon he assumed the role of CFO with AirBoss Aviation Group and joined the Board of Directors for Fugit Gaming.

In lieu of flowers, please make donations to Honor Flight in Dave’s name:

Honor Flight Nevada, Post Box 21123,Reno Nevada 89704

(100% of every dollar goes to our veterans we have no expenses or paid employees)

Published in Reno Gazette-Journal- Posted online on June 06, 2023

21 Jan 23 Jack R. Logan

Colonel Jack R. Logan was born in Kansas City, Missouri on May 15,1930 and passed away on January 21, 2023, at the age of 92. Jack attended middle and high school at the Missouri Military Academy in Mexico, Missouri. He graduated in 1948 as a three-sport letterman, the cadet battalion commander, and the class valedictorian. Before entering West Point in 1950, he attended the Stanton Preparatory School and the Kansas City Junior College. Following graduation from West Point in 1954, Jack began a 23-year career as an Army infantry officer. Highlights of his service include instructor duty in the Army’s Ranger Course, Commander of the United Nations Honor Guard in Korea, teaching West Point cadets and command of an infantry battalion in the Vietnam War. His decorations include the Combat Infantry Badge, the Silver Star Medal, two Legion of Merit Awards, two Bronze Star Medals for Valor and the Vietnamese Cross of Gallantry with Gold Star. Additionally, he was awarded the silver wings of a parachutist and the coveted Ranger Tab.

7Jan 23 Nikki Casey

19 NOV 22 RIP Colonel Phillip Chik US Air Force ( Retired )

Colonel Chik died on November 19, 2022 in a Reno hospital. Colonel Chik was a Member of both Sierra Nevada Chapter of MOAA and Sierra Nevada Chapter 989 – Vietnam Veterans of America. A memorial ceremony is planned for Colonel Chik at the Northern Nevada Veterans Cemetery in Fernley on May 30th at 12:00 p.m. Rest In Peace Colonel.

11 AUG 22  Lewis E. “Red” Kittell Passed Away

Lewis “Red” Kittell (23DEC35 – 11AUG22) US Army/US Air Force

Sadly, Red Kittell passed earlier today our Brother, our Brunchmeister, Board Member and Chapter Humorist has now passed on to the Staff of the Supreme Commander.  He passed earlier at his home. Being early, there are no details at this time, but I understand that Red did not want a service. 

Condolences can be sent to Connie and the Family at: 

The Kittell Family

3605 Cashill Blvd.,

Reno, NV 89509-7401

Please keep the Kittells and the memory of our Brother Red in your thoughts and prayers as we go about our days and weeks to come.

Respectfully,

J. R. Stafford, President – Vietnam Veterans of America, Chapter 989

18 MAR 22 RIP VVA 989 Chaplain Rev. Crabtree NNSVC Fernley

VVA 989 Chaplain, Reverend David K. Crabtree will always be remembered by Chapter Members as the voice of compassion and warmth during troubling times. We are very blessed to have had him as part of the 989 family.  Many of our events started with a blessing from Rev. Crabtree.  We are fortunate to have a Poem written by him recognizing the sacrifices of our POW/MIA.  He will live on thru his Words.  Rev. Crabtree serviced in the U.S. Air Force with a tour in Vietnam, Ph’u C’at Air Base in 1968-69. Please join us with a prayer for the Crabtree family, and our departed Chaplain and BrotherAN22 Passing of Chaplain, Reverend David Crabtree

NNSVC Service for Reverend David K. Crabtree Photo Link ( TAP here)

7DEC21 Rest In Peace Steven Lepeilbet

It is with deep sorrow that we announce the death of Steven Rene Lepeilbet (Post Falls, Idaho), who passed away on December 7, 2021. Steven was the Bother of VVA 989ers Andy and Michael Lepeilbet. Michael passed on 20 Nov 21. Please take a moment to remember the entire LePeilbet family in your prayers.

20 NOV 21 U.S. Army Brigadier General Michael LePeilbet (Retired) Succumbed to Illness

Our Brother Michael LePeilbet, (Andy’s younger brother) passed away on Saturday.  He was a member of VVA Chapter 989 and often attended our VVA 989 functions in Reno.  He was a strong supporter of our Chapter and retired Brigadier General with the California Army National Guard. Please take a moment to remember the entire LePeilbet family in your prayers. RIP Brother Michael.

16 OCT 21 Memorial Ceremony WW II POW, SSgt. John Leavitt
John Leavitt at Military Appreciation Night with Family

Saturday afternoon, 16OCT21, members of VVA 989, friends and family of former WW II POW, SSgt. John Leavitt conducted a unique Memorial ceremony for him at the Northern Nevada Veterans Memorial Cemetery (NNVMC) in Fernley. This wasn’t a “traditional” service for the former Combat Engineer, like those conducted by the Northern Nevada “Veterans Coalition” or others, and he wasn’t buried or placed in the “wall” on Saturday.

John’s family chose to remember their “Dad” in a unique way. Son Jay, Daughter-in-law Mary Lou, and his sister Joneanne (Venable) visiting from Florida bought a “Freedom Tree” for $300 and John’s name and service will proudly be displayed on a plaque there under the tree at the NNVMC.

The service was conducted next to John’s newly dedicated tree. Our VVA 989 Chaplain Rev. David Crabtree supplied prayers, our 989 singer, Kimberly Ahrens sang “Amazing Grace”, and President J. R. Stafford supplied the basics of the service. Napa, CA resident, John Young, (John’s friend from the Northern Nevada State Veterans Home in Sparks), and son Jay supplied the narrative of John’s life.) Brigitte Stafford, VVA 989 Event Coordinator, said this service gave his children some “closure” and a place to visit just as if he was inurned in the wall. SSgt. John Leavitt’s tree is found under the POW/MIA flag which proudly flies over the cemetery and next to the long wall of inurned comrades found just south of “his” tree.

Members of VVA 989: Mark Bohanon, Ray Scow (and Buddy), John & Linda Dickinson, Reverend Dave Crabtree, J. R. Stafford, and AVVA Area Representative and VVA 989 Event Planner, Brigitte Stafford all aided in this very well received event.

10 OCT 21 Rest in Peace Brett G. Palmer

Services for Brett G. Palmer were held at the Lyon County Fire Protection District and at the Northern Nevada Veterans Memorial Cemetery in Fernley today.  Hundreds of uniformed Police, Fire, Sheriffs,  Sea Cadets, Coalition, Bag Pipers, Bret’s son John in his US Army Blues, and various veterans and the Patriot Guard and many other mourners paid their respects to Brett in Fernley. After official ceremonies were concluded at the Fire House, a large procession proceeded to the cemetery where Brett’s “cover” atop a horse and his “urn” were taken for one last “stroll” around the cemetery followed by mourners.  We then gathered for the unveiling of a painting of Brett which will reside somewhere at the cemetery. The present “pavilion” (where services are held today) will be torn down in the future and a new one erected in it’s place.  It’s hoped that the new pavilion will be named the Brett G. Palmer Memorial Pavilion. Pictured are Sharon Serenko, Veterans Coalition Chaplain holding Brett’s portrait.  Also, VVA 989er and Marine Corps. League Officer Susan Malone and VVA 989 President, J. R. Stafford with the wreath Chapter 989 provided for the service today. The family has asked that donations be made to “Wreaths Across America” which Brett was a big support of.  …Guessing we’ll see many of you on 18DEC21 when it’s time to put wreaths on the graves of 8,000 plus who rest in Fernley’s Veterans Memorial Cemetery.