November 9, 2023
Veterans Day Mass: November 9, 2023
Today, and every day, the Bishop Chatard community honors the military veterans who have served our nation, and prays for the safety of the men and women serving in today’s Armed Forces.
As a small thank you for their service , we will honor all veterans, their family and friends who have served or are serving at our Veterans Day Mass. Details will be posted when available.
Submit Veteran Information

Veterans and friends at the 2022 Veterans Day Mass
Veterans and Those Currently Serving from our Community
We thank the following Bishop Chatard alumni and community members for their service to our country. Veterans, active duty military and their family members are encouraged to submit information for Bishop Chatard’s Veterans Day salute.
KEVIN ALERDING
Kevin is the son of Diane Miller Schmidt, BCHS Class of 1965. Kevin provided Army personnel with information about law, in and out of court. He also wrote wills for soldiers being deployed.
Kevin retired from the Army obtaining the rank of major after 20 years of service.
2nd LIEUTENANT MICHAEL ALERDING
- Active Duty: U.S. Marines
2nd Lieutenant Michael Alerding is serving his first year with the US Marines in Jacksonville, NC. A recent PU graduate and new husband, he is in charge of provisions for his men. Michael is the grandson of Diane Miller Schmidt, BCHS Class of 1965. He has obtained the rank of 2nd Lieutenant.
JAMES ACKLIN SR.
Major Acklin Sr. served the country for 15 years. On Sept. 28, 1987, while practicing a low-level bombing run at 600 feet, a B-1B bomber struck a bird. Three crew members parachuted to safety, but three others died. The crash was the first of a B-1, other than a prototype. At the time of the accident, Major Acklin was one of the most experienced B-1B pilots. James was the grandfather of Lucy Acklin, BCHS Class of 2025.
COL. DENNIS BALTIMORE
Col. Baltimore is the cousin of Paula Corley, BCHS Class of 1981, and has served the country for 29 years. He served as the Disbursing Officer of the 138th Finance Battalion in Camp Bondsteel, Kosovo in 2005. As Deputy S1 of the 219th Battlefield Surveillance Brigade in Talil Air Base, Iraq 2011, his unit was awarded the Army Superior Unit Award. He was awarded the Defense Meritorious Service Medal and the Kosovo Campaign Medal with Bronze Star.
JESSE ROBERTO BALTIMORE
Jesse is a relative of BCHS Graduate Paula Corley, ’81. Jesse was recently promoted as NCO, on active duty in the United States Army, stationed at Fort Hood, Texas. Previously, he has served in Kuwait.
CHRISTINE BROSIUS
- Veteran, U.S. Army
- BCHS Class of 1988
Christine retired from the Army in 2011, after serving 22 years. She served all over the world to include 4 deployments oversees at varied locations. She held the rank of First Sergeant at retirement. She loved the Army, saying it wasn’t easy but the reward of seeing soldiers growth and mission success made it worthwhile.
RICHARD BUCHANNA
Richard served in the Army for 25 years. He was a Veteran of the Vietnam War, serving 2 tours. He obtained the rank of Chief Warrant Officer 4. Richard is the grandfather of current BCHS student Parker Hellyer, Class of 2025.
ED BUER
Ed served in the U.S. Army, from 1969-1971. He obtained the rank of Lieutenant. He was stationed at Ft. Benjamin Harrison, and served as registrar for the U.S. Army Finance School. He is the grandfather of current BCHS student Drew VanVleet.
BRENT DOUGLAS CALVERT
Brent served our country from 1966-1968 as a communications director stationed in Korea. He guarded the DMZ (Demilitarized Zone). He earned the rank of E5 Sergeant. Brent is the grandfather of BCHS alumnus, Cooper Berry, Class of 2022.
ANGELO CARNAGHI
Angelo was a 2nd Lieutenant/Co. CDR in the 45th Infantry, Philippines Scout, during WW II. He is the grandfather of Jackie Carnaghi, Class of 2015.
JOE CLARK
- Veteran, U.S. Army
- Class of 1968
Joe served our country in the U.S. Army for 2 years. He also coached at BCHS.
WILBUR CLIPPINGER
Wilbur Michael Clippinger served in the U.S. Air Force from 1962-1966 as Airman First Class. He completed an intensive Russian language school at Syracuse University and, after orientation, served in a role in the USAF Security Service, gaining Top Secret Crypto clearance. He also served in communications intelligence reporting to NSA. Due to over training of Russian language personnel, he was reassigned to air postal unit in Paris, France for his final year of service. Wilbur is the grandfather of Noah and Charlotte Dudik.
MATTHEW COLLIER
- Active Duty, U.S. Navy
- BCHS Class of 2018
Matthew is currently serving as a Petty Officer, 2nd Class in the U.S. Navy, stationed aboard the USS San Juan. He has been serving our country for 3 years.
JOSEPH M. CONLON
- Veteran, U.S. Marine Corp
- BCHS Class of 1965
Jesse served in the U.S. Marine Corps from 1970-1975. He obtained the rank of 1st Lieutenant and is a Vietnam veteran. He was a helicopter pilot with the 3rd Marine Air Wing and served aboard the USS New Orleans, the USS Iwo Jima, and the USS Blue Ridge.
SHANE CULLINA
- Veteran, U.S. Army
- BCHS Class of 2005
CPT Shane Cullina, Class of 2005, graduated from Army ROTC at Purdue University in 2009 and served on active duty in the Medical Service Corps in the U.S. Army for 9 years, ending service in 2016. During his tenure, Shane was stationed at Fort Bliss, TX with the 1st Armored Division as well as at Fort Campbell, KY with the 101st Airborne Division. He completed one tour of duty to Afghanistan from 2012-13 with the 101st and ended his career as a company commander within MEDCOM at Fort Campbell. Since leaving the service, Shane has moved back home to Indianapolis with his family and currently works as a healthcare operations executive.
STEVE CZUHAJEWSKI
Steve served in World War II in the 830th Battalion, Company B, Aviation Engineers, obtaining the rank of Technician Five, Morse Code radio operator. He was stationed in England, France, Germany, Jefferson Barracks, Missouri; Boise, Idaho and Fort Dix, New Jersey during his service between 1939-1945. Steve is the great grandfather of current BCHS student Benjamin Lam, Class of 2025.
TIMOTHY DAVIS
Tim served for 23 years, advancing to Chief Petty Officer, E7, in the U.S. Navy. He also worked with the Marines too. Tim is the father of BCHS student Isabel Davis.
ERIC DUDA
- Active Duty
- BCHS Class of 2017
JOSEPH D. EBLE
Joseph served our country as a Helicopter Pilot in the Army, CW5. He retired after 24 years in the service, but still helps others in his current work as a Medvac pilot. Joseph is the father of current BCHS student Michael Eble, Class of 2025.
FREDERICK EISELE
Fredrick A. Eisele was a radarman on the USS Hyman in the U.S. Navy. He was a Chief Petty Officer, serving 3 years in active service and 7 in reserves. He is the grandfather of current BCHS student, Emma Townsend, Class of 2025.
KURT EISGRUBER
- Veteran, U.S. Marine Corp
Kurt was a U. S. Marine Corps Infantry Officer from 1988-1992. He served in Operation Desert Shield (August 2, 1990-January 17, 1991) and Operation Desert Storm (January 17, 1991-February 28, 1991). He is the father of BCHS alumni: Lucy, Josef and Oskar.
ALFRED MICHAEL ‘MIKE’ FALCON
Mike was a Major in the Army with the Green Beret Special Forces, serving in Vietnam from 1966-1972. He is the grandfather of current student Davis Falcon, Class of 2023.
MARK R. FELTS
- Veteran, U.S. Marine Corps
Mark served in the U.S. Marine Corps from 1962-1966. He is a Purple Heart Veteran. Mark is the grandfather of the following BCHS alumni: Patrick, Maddi and Jane Felts, Class of 2020 and Frank Felts, Class of 2021; and current BCHS students Jacqui and Grace Felts, Class of 2023; Anni Felts, Class of 2025 and Owen Felts and Mary Kate Felts, Class of 2026, Class of 2026.
ALAN FIELD
Alan served our country in the U.S. Army, S2 Intelligence Branch, from 1961-1963. He is the grandfather of current BCHS student Alex Fowler, Class of 2024.
MATTHEW R. FIX
Matt served in the U.S. Army from 1996-2001. He obtained the rank of Captain. Matt is the father of current BCHS student Abby Fix, Class of 2025.
CYNTHIA CRAIG FORBEY
- Veteran, U.S. Army
- BCHS Class of 1982
Cynthia Craig Forbey, U.S. Army, obtained the rank of SPC4, serving from 1986-91. She served as Combat Medic, Environmental Health Specialist and Licensed Practical Nurse and earned the Distinguished Honor Graduate 91C20 class. Cynthia is a Desert Storm Veteran, one of first 1000 women brought into line troops of 3rd Armored Calvary Regiment at Fort Bliss, Texas.
BRIAN O. FOY
- Veteran, U.S. Naval Reserve
- BCHS Class of 1979
Brian served in the U.S. Naval Reserve from 1983-2005, achieving the rank of Commander (0-5). The photo show CDR Foy swearing in his son, Connor Foy, 2nd Lt., into the U.S. Army National Guard on May 2019 at the U. of Oklahoma.
DAVID GAGERMEIER
- Veteran, U.S. Army JAG Corp.
Captain David Gagermeier, veteran, is the grandfather of current student Ben Leising, Class of 2024.
JOSEPH M. GUY
- Veteran: United States Marine Corp
Joseph Guy served 13 years in the USMC, obtaining the rank of Staff Sergeant. Joe served two tours in Iraq- Operation Iraqi Freedom 2003/Operation Enduring Freedom 2004-2005 & Operation Phantom Fury and Task Force Tripoli.
Besides years of service for his country, Joe also serves his community, as a coach for youth sports. Joe currently is an Assistant Freshman Football coach at BCHS. Joe is married to Amy Guy, BCHS Class of 1993, and father of Colin Guy, BCHS Class of 2024.
EDWIN HANKEE
Edwin was a Operations Specialist 2nd Class (OS2), aboard the USS Albany. He served the country for 4 years. He is the grandfather of current student Mariana Hankee, Class of 2025.
MICHAEL HANKEE
- Veteran, U.S. Navy & Army National Guard
Mike served our country for 22.5 years, obtaining the rank of First Sergeant. Mike is the father of current student Mariana Hankee, Class of 2025.
DAN HESSEL
- Veteran, U.S. Navy
- BCHS Class of 1975
Dan was with the VA-94 A7-E Squadron from 1975-1981 in the U.S. Navy.
RON HILL
Ron was a Sergeant in the Army, serving from 1965-1971. He is the grandfather of BCHS alumni Michael Mates ‘18, Katherin Board ‘19, Nicholate Mates ‘20 and Christopher Board ‘21.
TIMOTHY HILL
Timothy served our country as a Petty Officer First Class in the U.S. Navy from 1995-2015. Timothy currently is part of the kitchen staff at BCHS.
MARK HUTSON
- Active Duty, U.S. Army
- BCHS Class of 2016
Mark is a Specialist currently on active duty in the Army.
ROBERT HOYT
Robert Lewis Hoyt was a radioman on the USS Birmingham Destroyer Escort from 1945-1947 in the Atlantic Ocean. He was the grandfather of BCHS alumnus and teacher Charlie Wessel, Class of 2015, and passed away on Sept. 10, 2021, at the age of 96.
DANIEL JACKSON
Daniel served our country in the U.S. Navy for 8 years of active duty. He is the father of BCHS alumna Kate (Jackson) McGowan, ’90 and grandfather of alumnus Jack McGowan, ’21 and current students Maggie McGowan, ’25 and Ceci Jackson ’26.
JEROME JAHN
Jerry served in the U.S. Army as a Specialist 5 3 and was awarded the Bronze Star. He is the grandfather of current BCHS student, Nolan Jahn, Class of 2025.
DOUGLAS JOHNSON
CDR Johnson was Commander in the U.S. Navy from 1977-2002. He is a former BCHS Math teacher (2012-2019), now retired.
DAVID KAPLAN
Captain Kaplan served in the U. S. Army, Infantry during the Vietnam War as an Infantry Company Commander and was awarded the Purple Heart. He served for 5 1/2 years. David is the parent of BCHS alumni David M. ’89, Michael ’91 and Kathleen ’92. He is the grandparent of current BCHS students Sophia Kaplan, Class of 2024 and Jack Kaplan, Class of 2025.
JANET KELLEY
Ms. Janet Kelley served 20 years in the U.S. Army. She currently is retired and still works for the government in Washington D.C. She is the grandmother of alumna Corlind Mallory, Class of 2018, and current student, Lauren Mallory, Class of 2024.
LUKE LEISING
Luke was an Army Ranger from 1998-2002. He is the father of current student Ben Leising, Class of 2024.
RONALD LEISING
Ronald was a Staff Sergeant in the Air Force. He is the grandfather of current student Ben Leising, Class of 2024.
JOHN T. LEPPERT
John was in the Medical Corp, obtaining the rank of E5. John is the father-in-law of BCHS Trojan Tot teacher and BCHS alumna, Maura (Bailey ’98) Leppert, and grandfather of current student Kennedy Leppert (Class of 2023).
CHRISTOPHER LUCAS
- Veteran, U.S. Army
- BCHS Class of 2010
Staff Sergeant Christopher Lucas served as a Signal Intelligence Analyst in the U.S. Army, assigned in South Korea . He also served four years as part of the 3rd Special Forces Group (Airborne), and during that time was deployed to Northern Africa.
CAPTAIN THOMPSON MANUSZAK
- Active Duty, U.S. Army
- BCHS Class of 2012
Thompson was in ROTC at Purdue, graduated and has been in active service for 4 years. Currently he is stationed at Langley, Fort Eustis.
AIRMAN 1ST CLASS TIMOTHY K. MARSH
- Active Duty, U. S. Air Force
- BCHS Class of 2019
Tim is an Airman 1st Class in the U.S. Air Force. He is stationed at Kadena Air Base, Okinawa, Japan. He has been in the Air Force for 2 years.
JASON MEYER
Jason was a Airmen 1st Class in the U. S. Air Force from 1991 -1992 and in Desert Storm from Jan 1991 to May 1991. Jason is the uncle of current BCHS student Frank Meyer, Class of 2024.
BENJAMIN MAZZEI
Benjamin served in the U.S. Air Force for 10 years, obtaining the rank of Staff Sergeant. He is the father of BCHS alumni Noah Mazzei, Class of 2019, and Elena Mazzei, Class of 2022.
MELISSA MAZZEI
Melissa served in the U.S. Air Force for 2 years, obtaining the rank of Airman First Class. She is the mother of BCHS alumnus Noah Mazzei, Class of 2019, and Elena Mazzei, Class of 2022.
MICHAEL MOLONEY
Michael served in the Army for 3 years. He is the grandfather of current student Zachary Smith, Class of 2025.
BENNIE MOORE
Bennie served in the 101st Airborne. He is the grandfather of current BCHS alumnus: Ben, Class of 2021 and current student & Charlie Gilliam (Class of 2024).
DAN NELSON
- Veteran, U.S. Navy
- BCHS Class of 1984
Dan trained at Great Lakes NTC as a Navy Hospital Corpsman and served at Naval Hospital San Diego. He then served with the Marine Corps and was deployed to Saudi Arabia for Desert Storm.
DONALD NESTER
Donald served in the Army as a Specialist E5, assigned to U.S. Army Strategic Communications Command (USA STRATCOM) from 1965-67. He is the parent of 4 BCHS alumni: Deborah Hillenburg Nester, Jeff Nester ’88, Kimberly Meyer Nester, Kelly Johnson Nester.
COLONEL BRENDAN M. NOONE, D.O.
- Active Duty, U.S. Air Force
- BCHS Class of 1989
Brendan received his undergraduate degree from St. Francis University and a Doctorate of Osteopathic Medicine (D.O.) from Oklahoma State University College of Osteopathic Medicine. After completing his residency in family medicine, he joined the U.S. Air Force and has served as a flight medicine physician for nearly twenty-one years. Currently, he is stationed at Hickam Air Force Base in Honolulu. He is Chief in the TRANSOM Patient Movement Requirements Center, West. His team coordinates and clinically validates all aeromedical evacuation in the Indo-Pacific theater of operations.
1st LIEUTENANT JOHN OGOREK
John is a 1st Lieutenant in the Army (infantry) with 6 years of service. He graduated from the U.S. Military Academy (West Point). He is with the 82nd Airborne Division at Fort Bragg, North Carolina as a platoon leader. John is the brother of Elizabeth Ogorek, Class of 2022, and son of BCHS cafeteria worker, Melissa.
STAFF SERGEANT CHRISTOPHER PROFFITT
- Active Duty, U.S. Marine Corps
- BCHS Class of 2009
Staff Sergeant Chris Proffitt has served in the Marine Corps for 12 years. During this time, he completed two deployments to Afghanistan with the 3rd Battalion, 3rd Marines and one deployment to Iraq with the Third Battalion, 7th Marines. Chris is currently based at The Marine Corps Mountain Warfare Train Center in the Sierra Mountains where he serves as Mountain Warfare Instructor.
JAMES JOESEPH QUALTERS
Joe served our country from 1950-1952, in the Korean War. He obtained the rank of Corporal. Joe is the grandfather of current BCHS students, Ryan and Ellie Burchard, Class of 2025.
LIEUTENANT COMMANDER BETH REED
- Active Duty, U.S. Navy
- Class of 2006
Beth is a Lieutenant Commander in the U.S. Navy, serving as a Foreign Area Officer. She has 11 years of service.
TIM RUSHENBERG
Timothy John Rushenberg served in the U.S. Air Force from 2003-2007. He obtained the rank of Captain (O-3) in the Judge Advocate General’s Corps. Tim is the father of current BCHS students John, Class of 2023 and Charlie, Class of 2025.
MICHIKO JACKSON SANCHEZ
- Veteran, U.S. Navy
- Class of 2013
LIEUTENANT COLONEL TRENT SANDIFUR
Trent is a Lieutenant Colonel in the U.S. Army, serving our country for 24 years. He is the father of current BCHS students Addison Sandifur, Class of 2025 and Josie Sandfur, Class of 2026.
TIMOTHY SHINE
- Veteran, U.S. Navy
- Class of 2003
Lieutenant Timothy Joseph Shine served 4 1/2 years of active duty with overseas tours of duty in Iraq and Bahrain.
STEPHEN SMITH
Stephen was a Specialist 4th Class in the U.S. Army, serving from 1969-1970. He is the parent of a BCHS alumni and grandparent of 3 BCHS alumni and one current student.
THOMAS SMITH
Thomas served the country for 4 1/2 years, reaching the rank of 3rd Class Petty Officer ADR. He received the Vietnam Service Medal, Foreign Conflicts/Wartime Service Medal. Thomas is the grandfather of current BCHS student, Zachary Smith, Class of 2025.
JOHN SZOTT
John served in the U.S. Air Force for 11 years, obtaining the rank of Captain. He is the grandfather of 2 current BCHS students, Elsie Rohan and Ashlie Rohan.
JAMES SAMUEL TAYLOR
- Veteran, U.S. Marine Corp
James served as a U.S. Marine Corp. Sergeant in the South Pacific, Bougainville Campaign. He is the father of BCHS alumni: J. Timothy Taylor, ’68 and M. Tamara Taylor ’70.
TOMMIE TERRELL
Tommie is the father of Evan Terrell, BCHS Class of 2021. He reached the rank of SP 5E5 during his active duty from 1963-1966.
DAN TRAUB
- Veteran, U.S. Air Force
- BCHS Class of 1989
Dan was a cadet at the US Air Force Academy from 1989-1990.
JEROME E. TRAUB
- Veteran: U.S. Air Force Security Service
Jerome was in the service from 1967-1971 and advanced to the rank of Sergeant E-4. Jerome is the father of the following BCHS alumni: Jennifer (Traub) Priser ’88, Susan (Traub) Baker ’89, Michael “Benjamin” Traub ’95, & Andy Traub ’96 and the grandfather of Natalie Priser ’22 and Landry Priser ’25.
VINCE TODD
Vince retired as a Captain in the Navy. Vince is the father of BCHS alumni Joe and Vince Jr, ’91, grandfather of BCHS alumna Mia Todd ’22 and current BCHS student Megan Todd, Class of 2026.
BILL TUOHY
Bill served the country for six years in the Navy. He is the father of current BCHS students, Phil and Sam Tuohy, both in the Class of 2024.
CHRIS VALENTINE
Petty Officer 3rd class Christopher Valentine served 4 years in the US Navy as an Aviation Electronics Technician. He helped land airplanes on ships in Japan. He is the son-in-law of Diane Miller Schmidt, BCHS Class of 1965.
CHARLES YOUNG
Charles was the great uncle of BCHS graduate Abigail Apley, BCHS Class of 2023. Charles was awarded the Korean War purple heart and several other awards. He loved America and freedom.
DENNIS MICHAEL YOUNG
Mike was a 3rd Petty Officer in the Navy, serving our country for 4 years. He is the grandfather of current BCHS student, Zachary Smith, Class of 2025.
JOHN P. WAGNER
- Veteran, U.S. Navy
- Class of 1973
John was an electronics technician in the U.S. Navy, serving our country from 1974-1978.
CPT KEVIN ZANDER
- Active Duty, U.S. Army
- BCHS Class of 2010
Captain Zander graduated from the US Military Academy at West Point in 2014. Upon completion of Army flight school at Fort Rucker, Alabama, he served two years as a Black Hawk pilot and MEDEVAC Platoon Leader in the Republic of Korea, providing MEDEVAC support throughout the peninsula. Subsequently, CPT Zander deployed to Afghanistan where he continued to provide MEDEVAC support to Operation Freedom Sentinel.
He has served as both Brigade Adjutant to the Command Group and Commander of Headquarters and Headquarters Company of the 101st Combat Aviation Brigade, 101st Airborne Division. CPT Zander is rated as a Pilot in Command and Air Mission Commander. He will complete his masters degree in Aerospace Engineering at Georgia Tech in May 2023 and then is scheduled to return to West Point to join the faculty of the Dept of Civil and Mechanical Engineering. In 2023, Kevin has been accepted to the Mechanical Engineering faculty at the United States Military Academy.
We’d like to hear from you
We are always interested in hearing from our alumni who are in active military duty or are veterans. We will pray for you and can include you in our veterans/military display above and at our Veterans Day mass.
SEND US INFORMATION OR A PHOTO
Questions? Contact Anne (Hurrle) Homan, ’06, Alumni Director, at ahoman@bishopchatard.org