Chapter Members: Profiles

A primary purpose of a Naval Academy Alumni Association chapter is to facilitate communication among members.  Your chapter officers have considered the advantages of providing member information for the Chapter on our web site and have decided that it would be beneficial to have a roster of New Mexico alumni.  If you are a member and none of your information is provided in the table below, you have either specifically requested that it not be listed, or you have not provided your information to the Chapter Webmaster at Mike@Blackledge.com.   

 
You can generate an e-mail message to a member by clicking on the e-mail address provided.  If a member's name is hyperlinked, click for additional information, interests, or photograph.  

Active Members:  Name Tags

One of the benefits of paying Chapter dues is a permanent name tag for yourself, and one for your spouse or guest.  We have quite a number of new name tags.  Here is a list of those that we have as of Nov 2007.  Come to the next event and collect yours.

Reed C. Mulkey, '49 [from ABQJournal.com]:  On February 1, 2008, after a short illness, we lost our beloved Reed Claiborne Mulkey. He was a gentle, funny, intelligent man and a wonderful husband, father, citizen, soldier and a good friend to many. Reed was born in Roswell, New Mexico October 8, 1926. His mother, Frances Seay, was the daughter of a pioneering ranching family in the Territory of New Mexico. His father Reed McCuistion Mulkey, born in Sherman, Texas, moved to Roswell after serving in the Army during World War II. Reed attended school in Roswell, El Paso, Amarillo, and Albuquerque as his father chased jobs during the great depression. He graduated high school from New Mexico Military Institute in 1944 and joined the Navy V-12 program. While at Texas Christian University, he was introduced to Anna HolcombYork, a Connecticut Yankee. Reed went to the U.S. Naval Academy just as World War II ended. After four years and not very many dates, Anna and Reed married on June 7, 1949.  Reed took his commission in the newly formed United States Air Force and was posted to Randolph Field, Texas for pilot training, then on to Enid, Oklahoma to fly B-25s.  While at Randolph, Reed and Anna had their first child.  A year later, at Walker AFB, NM, Reed trained on B-29s and B-50s.  In Roswell, the second and third of five children were born.  In 1952, he was transferred to Limestone, Maine to fly the gigantic B-36, and later the B-52. The last two children were born in Limestone - five kids in five and a half years.  Anna took up writing for newspapers and other organizations, which she continued to do throughout their marriage. In 1959, the family was sent to Turner AFB, Albany, Georgia, and after a three-year stay, Reed went to the University of Chicago for his MBA. After a tour with the Boeing Company in Seattle, Reed was transferred to Kindley Air Base, Bermuda where the family enjoyed four years of swimming, boating, and life in the sun. Reed went on to Ching Chuan Kang, Taiwan for a Vietnam tour flying the C-130 while the family stayed in Bermuda. After another C-130 tour at Langley AFB, Virginia, he returned to CCK Taiwan, this time with the family. His final Air Force tour was at Dyess AFB in Abilene, Texas, a city founded by his great-grandfather, C.W. Merchant, at the end of the Civil War.  Reed received the Distinguished Flying Cross in 1969, the Bronze Star with V device for heroism in 1972, five Air Medals, the Meritorious Service medal, and the Air Force Commendation medal along with numerous campaign and other decorations. As a pilot, he flew over 12,000 hours. Settling in Albuquerque after retirement, Reed flew with the Civil Air Patrol for over twenty years. Anna and Reed were docents at the Rio Grande Zoo. They also enjoyed traveling and toured all seven continents; the last great trip was to Antarctica where they enjoyed meeting the chin-strap and gentoo penguins. In Reed's memory, a fund is being created to support the planned penguin exhibit at the Rio Grande Zoo. Donations in his name may be sent to the New Mexico Biopark Society, c/o the Rio Grande Zoo, 903 10th Street SW, Albuquerque, New Mexico 87102. Reed is survived by his wife Anna; daughter, Karen Ortiz, and her children Leo and Zachary; son Michael Mulkey, wife Barbara, and children Sharon and Steven; daughter Kim and husband Bryan Young; son Leslie, wife Sharon O'Connor, and daughter Olivia Max; and daughter Kitty. He was preceded in death by his parents and brother, Dick E. Mulkey.  Memorial Services will be held at French Mortuary Wyoming Blvd Chapel, Wednesday, February 6, 2008 at 1:30 p.m. French Mortuary, Inc. James R. Gober, USNA '49   Colonel James R. Gober, USA (Ret.), 80, died in Albuquerque, NM, on January 14, 2008 from Leukemia. Born June 10, 1927 in Denver, CO to Richard and Fanny Gober, he was adopted by his aunt, Jimmye Gober Bowersock and husband, John. Appointed to USNA from Texas, he graduated in the Marines with the 14th Company. Dick led the Brigade Drum and Bugle Corps in President Truman's 1949 Inauguration Parade.    After school at Quantico, Virginia, he commanded a rocket battery at Camp Lejeune, NC, and in 1951, attended a course in guided missiles at Ft. Bliss, TX. He joined a Marine missile battalion at China Lake, CA, and tested the land-based Terrier missile system. In 1953, Dick joined the 3d Marine Division, commanding a company of the 9th Marines during the defense of Korea. At Camp Pendleton, CA, he served in training before joining Test Unit One, a Marine developing tactics for nuclear warfare. Dick went to White Sands Proving Ground, NM as Lacrosse missile project officer. There he earned a MSME from New Mexico State University. Then he returned to Quantico to develop the XM-70 automatic artillery weapon.    He was approved by SECDEF for interservice transfer to the Army. At 36, Dick commanded a logistics battalion in Germany. At 41, he was Army project manager supplying artillery ammunition worldwide. After commanding a logistics group in Vietnam, he became Senior Ordnance Advisor to the Vietnamese. Dick was the last commander of Frankford Arsenal in Philadelphia. He attended resident courses at the Command and General Staff College, Ft. Leavenworth, KS, and ICAF.    Assignments included Army Staff and Office of the Joint Chiefs of Staff. His group in Vietnam received the Meritorious Unit Commendation during his command. While he was Chief, MACV Ordnance Advisory Division, it was awarded the Vietnam Cross of Gallantry Unit Citation during the 1972 Easter offensive. Personal decorations include foreign awards, Legion of Merit (three awards), Defense Meritorious Service, and Army Commendation Medals.    He retired June '79 and headed Raytheon's Albuquerque office supporting wind energy. Dick then worked for GTE in manufacturing engineering. He was awarded GTE's "President's Award" for technical achievement. In 1988, the division became Siemens. He retired in 1993.    Survivors include Tuyet, wife of 35 years; daughters, Carlisle Reheard, Cindi Robinson, Cathy Smith, Julie Gober-Wilcox, M.D.; and sons, Jim Jr., Scott Gober; and 11 grandchildren. Scripture Service will be Friday, January 18, 2008, 7:00 p.m. at French Mortuary Chapel, 10500 Lomas Blvd., NE. Mass of the Resurrection will be Saturday, January 19, 2008, 9:00 a.m. at Shrine of St. Bernadette, 11401 Indian School Road, NE. Interment with full military honors will follow at Gate of Heaven Catholic Cemetery. French Mortuary, Inc. 10500 Lomas Blvd. NE 505.275.3500   [from ABQJournal.com on 16 Jan 2008]      The Chapter notes that Jim's interests included:   Writer (author/editor).  Published non-fiction Western:  "Cowboy Justice - Tale of a Texas Lawman," Texas Tech University Press, 1997 [cloth] and 2001 [paper]. William E. Schuler, USNA '50 There will be a memorial service for William E. Schuler at the Four Hills Country Club, 911 Four Hills Road, SE on Thursday, 14 June 2007 at 2:00 PM.       RSVP's are requested to be sent to either Bill's wife Carolyn at ccwes@aol.com or Mark Byrd at jbyrdabq@aol.com.  In appreciation of everything Bill has done in behalf of our Chapter, a $50.00 remembrance for  William E. Schuler was contributed to the charity as listed in the Albuquerque Journal DEATH/FUNERALS  Section of 5 June 2007:                                    New Heart Wellness Center                                  601 Lomas Blvd, NE                                     Albuquerque, NM 87102 <>ood turn out would seem more than appropriate considering all that Bill has done in the past for the Community and for our Chapter.

Charles F. Kyger, USNA '50 Obituary for Charles F. Kyger, USNA '50, who died 15 May 2007, is available through the web site:  ABQJournal.com, 20 May 2007.

Maj. Douglas A. Zembiec, USMC, USNA '95, KIA MAJ  Douglas A. Zembiec, USMC, was killed in action on 11 May 2007.  It passes without saying that the loss is one also sustained by our precious Republic and all those who cherish it.  In addition to his wonderful wife, Pam, and daughter, Fallon, Doug  is survived by a magnificent circle of family, Marines, shipmates,  friends, and classmates. The New Mexico Chapter has made a donation as of 22 May 2007 to the MCLEF Zembiec Scholarship in honor of Maj. Zembiec and in accordance with the family's wishes. Semper Fidelis, Fair Winds and Following Seas.

Arthur O'Leary, USNA '43 Obituary for Arthur O'Leary, USNA '43, who died Feb 2007, is available through the web site:  ABQJournal.com, 18 Feb  2007.

VADM Frederick "Dick" Ashworth, USNA '33   VADM Dick Ashworth, a weaponeer in the WWII Manhattan Project and the technical weapns rep on board "BocksCar," the B-29 that dropped the atomic bomb on Nagasaki, died Saturday, December 3, 2005. He was 94.    VADM Ashworth was a long time resident of Santa Fe and is survived be his wife, Ercie Bell Ashworth, sons Frederick, Jr., David and Stephen.  They have three grandchildren and one great-grandson.   A 1933 graduate of the Naval Academy, Admiral Ashworth was born in Beverly, MA.  He served as  a military liaison to the Atomic Energy Commission, commanding officer of an aircraft carrier and commanded the U.S. Sixth Fleet.  Then-Captain Ashworth was assigned by General Leslie Groves to be a crew member aboard the B-29 that dropped the second atomic bomb on Japan, so that there would be an expert on board who had technical knowledge of the bomb, what it was supposed to do and  what it was like when monitoring the various components of the bomb in flight.   When returning to base after dropping the atomic bomb on Nagasaki, the crew of BocksCar heard a radio news report that the Japanese had approached the Swiss embassy about surrender.  In Admiral Ashworth's words, "That gave us a pretty good inkling that maybe, by golly, the war might be over."   A visitation is scheduled for 11:30 am, Thursday, December 8, 2005 at the Bernardinelle Family Chapel at 1399 Luisa St. in Santa Fe.  A funeral service is scheduled for 1:00 pm Thursday at Santa Fe National Cemetary.

LCDR George F. Nolan, USN (ret.), USNA '63 George Fred Nolan died on Tuesday, 29 Nov  2005, while attending a family reunion in Placerville, CA.   George graduated from USNA in 1963, and lived for 30 years in the Four Hills area here in Albuquerque.  Notification as received from one of his '63 classmates, Dave (D.B.A.) Moore:   George slipped quietly beneath the waves in Placerville, CA about 10:00 this morning, his ensign and commissioning pennant flying proudly from the masthead.  He was one of the truly good guys.   George is survived by his wife Bonnie and his three daughters:  Beth Paiz (spokesperson for the Albuquerque Police Department), and Katy Cardenas, residents of Albuquerque, and Marcey Nolan of PA.  George contracted colon cancer; his last message to Shipmates was to follow your doctor's advice on obtaining colonoscopies. For Navy and career summary and complete obituary,  visit the Class of 1963's tribute to George Nolan. The family will hold a reception for family and friends from 2 to 5 pm on Saturday, 10 December 2005 at the home in Four Hills.  George's ashes will be scattered at the family's Placerville ranch in late Spring 2006.

Capt. Richard S. McElroy, USN (ret.), USNA '39 Shipmates, It is with deep regret that I must notify you of the passing of our shipmate, Dick McElroy, Captain, U.S. Navy (Retired) on Saturday, 15 Oct 2005.   Dick graduated from USNA in 1939 and MIT in 1947.   He  served during WWII aboard the carrier U.S.S. Intrepid.  Additionally, Dick served three tours at the Naval Air Test Center, initially as a test pilot and later as the Director of Weapons Test.   Dick is survived by his wife of 64 years, Helen Wilson McElroy, two sons, a granddaughter and great granddaughter.  His ashes will be interred at the National Cemetary in Santa Fe.  In accordance with his wishes, there will be no memorial service.   We wish Dick fair winds and following seas.  Thanks for your service to our country.

Lt. Col. George Pringle, USAF (ret.), USNA '53 Shipmates,   With regret I report to you the passing of Lt. Col. George Pringle, USAF (Ret), a member of the USNA Class of 1953.    There will be a Rosary Service on Thursday, June 16, 2005 at 7:00 pm at St. Bernadette's Catholic Church at the corner of Martha and Indian School NE in Albuquerque.  The funeral service also will be held at St. Bernadette's on Friday, June 17 at 9:00 am.  George's wife. Jullianne and their children will be at home at:         3813 Shenandoah Pl. NE      Albuquerque, NM 87111        Phone: (505) 296-1468   We extend the deepest sympathy of the Alumni Association.

Capt. Delbert D. Grantham, USN (ret.), USNA '47 It is with regret that we announce the passing of our shipmate Captain Delbert D. Grantham, U.S. Navy (Retired), USNA '47.  He passed away on December 11, 2004.   Delbert was married to Mary Grantham, and they lived in Roswell.  He was a life member of the Naval Academy Alumni Association.   We extend our condolences to his wife and wish our shipmate "Fair winds and following seas."

Col. Richard E. Smith, USAF (ret.), USNA '56 Richard E. Smith, Col .USAF RET passed away 7 October 2004 at the age of 72, following a most courageous battle with cancer, yet maintaining his spirit and humor. Dick, a member of the sixth company at USNA, was commissioned in the Air Force on 1 June, 1956.  His country was good to him and he in turn 'served it well.'   He received his Masters Degree in Astronautical Engineering from the Air Force Institute of Technology (AFIT) at Wright Patterson AFB.   Highlights of  his career included two tours at Edwards AFB as flight test engineer on the X-15 and DInosaur space programs plus Deputy Director of Engineering on the B-1 Flight Test Program from the "ground up to roll out."  As a member of the 12th Fighter Squadron at Kadena AFB Japan, he served two combat tours over Viet Nam flying the F-105 D and the F-105 G Wild Weasel, which earned him over 100 combat missions.  He was a proud member of the Red River Valley Fighter Pilots (River Rats).  Among his medals were two Distinguished Flying Crosses.   This quiet, gentle man was loved by his wife of 44 years:  Caroline Smith of Green Valley, AZ; daughters Pamela Smith Bloom of Alexandria, VA, and Monica Smith of Scottsdale, AZ; and his sister Shirley Hicks of NM.  He was interred with full military honors at the Santa Fe National Cemetery.  To honor this man who as a young boy took to the sky at the age of 16, his family requested contributions be made in his name to the Smithsonian National Air and Space Museum, Wall of Honor.

Captain (select) James Hogan USNR   Funeral services for Captain (select) James Hogan were held at the French Mortuary, 7121 Wyoming on Monday, August 30, 2004 at 11:00 am.  Viewing was from 4:00-6:00 pm at French Mortuary on Sunday, August 29, 2004.  Burial occurred at the Santa Fe National Cemetery on the following Monday at 2:30 pm.   Although Captain Hogan was not a Naval Academy graduate, he was serving actively as a Reserve Officer in the Engineering Duty community and was well known locally by members of the sea service.  He was a 25 year employee of Sandia National Laboratories and a 20 year Navy Reserve Engineering Duty Officer.  Jim held command of three different units in the Navy Engineering Duty community:  NR Concord Naval Weapons Station, NR Port Hueneme Division of the Naval Sea Systems Command and NR Naval Shipyard Puget Sound.   Captain Hogan fell victim to a senseless homicide in his home on Tuesday this week.  He will be missed by his friends and the Navy community.   Military uniform for those attending the funeral:  Service Dress Blue or equivilent service uniform.

Son of Robert Francis, USNA '56 Funeral Services for James Francis, the son of our shipmate Bob Francis, were held on Saturday, August 14 2004 at 1:00 pm at the First United Methodist Church located at 4th and Lead.  James died in a tragic incident on Interstate 40 on Monday, August 9, 2004.   We extend the deepest sympathy of the Alumni Association.

Jon Gahan, USNA '79   The August 5, 2004 edition of the Albuquerque Journal had the obituary of Jon Gahan, a 13 year resident of Albuquerque and a graduate of the U.S Naval Academy, Class of 1979.   He is survived by his wife Emma.  Interment occurred in the Republic of the Philippines.   We are reminded of the last lines of the final verse of Navy Blue and Gold:   So let us live the life we love, and with our voyage through May we all muster up above, a wearin' gold and blue.