BLUE WATER NAVY ASSOCIATION™
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Add Veteran
ROBERT P. TAYLOR
DOB   1/10/1945
DOD.  1/05/2011
SERVED FROM 04/01/1966 TO 04/01/1970
TIME IN AREA OF VIETNAM:  JUNE 1968 TO OCTOBER 1968
TOTAL DAYS IN GULF OF TONKIN:  62 DAYS
SERVED ON USS RAMSEY DEG2. 
Diabetes for over 30 years, total renal failure, heart attack.

Tom Yates (My Bother) served on the USS Comstock, LSD-19  between 1960 and 1964. He was a MM2. Died of Malignant Mesothelioma
Born December 29, 1940
Died August 20, 2016
​Roy C Douglas GSMC  20 year Navy Veteran

​Dale L. Drenning died from the effects if Agent Orange. He had a heart attack at the age of 40.  Within 6 months he was a type 2 diabetic which progressed to a type 1 diabetic within five years. He developed nuerapathy and was in severe pain.  He could only walk less than ten minutes at a time.  His diabetes ate the fat and muscle off if his body, he went from 165 lbs to 119 lbs.  He could not do anything, he slept 16-18 hours a day because of pain meds.
10-10-1947 - 9-27-2015

Richard Smith served in the Navy as a PHC
Born 1943
Died 2002
Danie Weiss 11/22/1951 to 08/08/2016

David Gilmore, on July 28, 2019 from cancer. He served on the USS Southerland DD-743 1971 to 1974.

Earl Maggard
I’m so sad to report that my hubby passed away last Sunday morning from complications of Parkinson’s. Every day he would ask me for an update on his appeal. My heart is breaking that he never got to see his claim resolved after waiting 13 years. Don’t give up... keeping fighting!

​James Cloutier served in the US Navy
Born:1946
Died:2005
Comment
Died from lung cancer

Picture
This is  a picture of my husband Jack aboard the US Constellation.  He was assigned to the Reconnaissance Attachk (Heavy) Squadron ( RVAH-5.)  He was on active duty from January 25, 1971 through January 24, 1975.  He served aboard the USS Entertprise from July 11, 1971 through February 12, 1972; the USS Ranger from November 16, 1972 to June 23, 1973 and the US Constellation from June 21, 1974 to December 23, 1974.  He was also in the Naval Reserve for 10 years.  Deck Logs from the USS Ranger show it was less the 12^ on Decembwe 10, 11,12 and 13.  Deck Logs show there was also a major fire on the ship on December 12th.  Jack talked about this fire.  There may have been other time he was less than 12^ but this is what I had so far found.  (Thanks to the hard work of Ed Ball.) While Jack was in the Reserves he did his two week yearly training at Moffett Field, CA.   Jack was a true gentlemen.  A kind and wonderful husband, father & grandfather.  He was hardworking and worked for over 40 years before his retirement.  Unfortunately, he did not live to see his grandchildren grow up.  He died on September 15, 2018 from Cholangiocarcinoma (bile duct cancer).  This was 75 days from diagnoisis.   The Cholangiocarcinoma Cancer Foundation states the risk factors for Vietnam Veterans  are exposure to liver flukes and dioxin. It also states this cancer is asymptomatic and in most cases takes 30 to 40 years to develop.  While this is a rare cancer in the United States (less than 8000 cases per year), it is not a rare cancer in Southeast Asia, with over 250,000 cases.   The EPA has acknowedged Moffett Field is a toxic waste dump.  Research shows that many of the chemical at this waste site are known carcinogens to humans.

My name is Gary Woody from Chattanooga, Tennessee. Two of my friends from the Shangri-La CVA38 passed away in the last 10 years. 
J.O Carter-ADR3, Emil Bryant ADR2,and I ADR3, served together aboard the Shangri-La from 1963-1965 in VA-176 squadron. In 1965 we were transferred to the Intrepid & sent to the South China Sea Dixie Station. I was discharged in August 1966 but J.O. & Emil served till the Intrepid was sent back to Mayport, Fla. at the end of 1966 & then they were discharged. J.O. joined the Tulsa Police Dept. & retired in 2000. Emil became a pilot flying for Ross Perot until he took a position flying the lady who owns SAS Shoes in a Citation X. J.O. died in 2010 of cancer & Emil died in 2013 of heart attack & prostate cancer. 
They never got a dime in compensation. They were also aboard the Intrepid CVS 11 in 1966 in Vietnam the same time Procopio was there.

Timothy Bruce Mims served in the Navy
Born: 1956
Dies: 2009
Comment
My husband, Bruce passed away from lung cancer at the tender age of 52 due to, I believe, exposure to Agent Orange during his time in service from 1973-1976. 

​Todd R. Ball served in the Navy as a Weatherman
Born: 8/3/49
Died: 8/6/19
USS Kitty Hawk. 1968-1971  CVS-63

Transito (Sam) Mascarenas served in the US Navy as a IC2
Born: 1948
Died: 2006
Comment:
Sept. 14, 1948-June 5, 2006
Transito Tomas Mascarenas (Better Know as SAM)
​
Served in the Navy from 1968-73 during the Vietnam War. He received many medals including National Defense, Vietnam Service, Vietnam Campaign, Armed Forces Expeditionary (Korea), Meritorious Unit Commendation, and RUN Meritorious Unit Citation (Gallantry Cross). He served three tours
Served in USS Bon Homme Richard CVA 31. 1968-71.
Colon Cancer took his life.


BARTON FREY served in the Navy as a AGTR3 
Born: 11-15-1945
Died: 9-18-2015
Comment
Bart joined the Navy right out of high school in 1963 on a program called "Kiddy Cruise" He was stationed on the USS Jamestown.  AGTR3 and was in Viet Nam in 1966. He got out of the Navy Nov 1966. In the early 80's he was diagnosed with diabetes, which contributed to his heart problems requiring Open heart surgery, then he had toes amputated one by one till he had his leg amputated. He really suffered his last two years with breathing problems and had to be on dialysis 3 days a week.

Harry Melick served in the US Navy during WWII
Born: 1921
Died: 2010
Comment
Pearl Harbor survivor
Master machinist mate
Taking a shower when they started
Bombing, Always said it was the fastest he had ever gotten dressed.
Other than that he never talked much about it

Larry Jones served in the US NAVY
Born: 1951
Died: 2019
Comment
Larry had Parkinson's Disease for at least 10 years. Larry died June 14, 2019, of Multiple Myeloma cancer, which is documented on his death certificate. He served on the USS Hepburn during the Viet Nam War.

​James Gabrell served in the US Navy
Born: 1948
Died: 2016

Comment
James aka Robin, Gabe; served on the USS Enterprise from 1966-1969. He was in the mechanical room during the fire he was either the 2nd or 4th man on the hose. He did the catapults while on the ship. In 2014 he was diagnosed with Non-Hodgkins Lymphoma which after 6 rounds of chemo he was cancer free. October 10, 2016 he was diagnosed with Pancreatic Cancer which he passed away from October 30, 2016. He is survived by his wife Camille and 4 daughters, Erin, Kerry, Jamie and Katie. He was preceded in death by infant daughter Danielle.

Name
Richard Paquin Served in the US Navy
Birth Year 1950
Year of Death 2020
Comment
Richard "Dick" Paquin Served on the USS Boston from 1968-1969. He succumbed to his long battle with his service connected cancer surrounded by his family. We are thankful for the recently enacted blue-water benefits that helped my father in his last years of life. We are grateful to his service to his county.

Name
Henry Clark Alston served in the US Navy
Branch US Navy
Year of Birth: 1951
Year of Death: 2019
Comment
Henry died as a result of acute kidney, liver and heart failure, Brittle Diabetes, Peripheral Neuropathy, and a stroke, along with exposure to Beryllium and other military contaminants. He served aboard the USS Franklin Delano Roosevelt (FDR) in the waters of Vietnam, and knew there was Agent Orange on board the ship. We are still seeking justice and compensation for his untimely loss.

Name
Wallace Rowland
Branch: Navy
Birth Year
1948
Year of Death
2021
Comment
Flight director during the Vietnam War. Ships USS Ranger, the USS Midway and the USS Oriskany.

James Riedel Served in the US Navy in 1969-1973 as a RM3
Birth Year: 1949
Died: 11/20/2021
Comments: My Husband served from 1969-1973 and was a RM-3 Radioman. He will be surely missed.

​Rickie Lee Jones served in the US Navy
Born: 1952
Died: 2022
My husband, the bravest man I know.

​Wayne Mills served in the US Navy
Born: 1943
Died: 2000
Served on the USS Pickaway. Survived Heart attack in 1970’s and died of lung cancer in 2000.
Died as a result of exposure to agent orange and other chemicals.

​​James Dorman Served in the US Navy
Born: 1944
Died: 2025

Passed on May 2nd from kidney cancer metastasized in the lung.

James Dempsey​ was in the Navy, borne in 1943 and died in 2017 
Comment
Jim Dempsey was in the radar room and the postal clerk aboard the USS Johnston DD 821. He served from 1967 to 1971 Blue Water Navy. He was gun support in the war against Vietnam. He lost his battle with lung cancer in 2017 after struggling with COPD for 10 prior years.
​

​Harry Melick was in the Navy
Born: 1921
Year of Death
2010

Comment
Pearl Harbor survivor 
Master machinist mate 
Taking a shower when they started 
Bombing, Always said it was the fastest he had ever gotten dressed.
Other than that he never talked much about it 

​Joseph Schroeder served in the USN and was on the USS Forrestal with it had the Fire while in Vietnam. Died of Prostate Cancer
Borned: 1946
Died 1986

Sam White Sevrved in the Navy
Born: 1939
Died: 2016
Comment
Sam died of laryngeal cancer due to agent orange exposure.

Todd W. Hill served in the US Navy from Sept ‘69 - ‘73 as an AE3 in RVAH 11 onboard the USS Constellation
Born: 2/14/50
Died: 12/4/14
Comment: 
​
Todd served from Sept ‘69 - ‘73 as an AE3 with RVAH 11. Vietnam service aboard the USS Constellation ‘71-‘72 WestPac Cruise.


Picture

​Julian Taylor
served in the US Navy
Born: 1946
Died: 2017
Comment
Served aboard Ernest G. Small DDR838 . 1964-1967.
Loving husband and father of three children. Died May 7, 2017 of Lung Cancer. His oncologist attributed his cancer to exposure to Agent Orange. His death has left sorrow to all that were fortunate enough to know him.


Wayne Theriault served in the US Navy
Born: 1946
Died: 2015
Comment
Served in Vietnam on USS Ramsey 1966-1970. Died of prostate cancer at age 68. Wayne also had skin Cancer and type 2 diabetes.

Larry Brown served in the US Navy
Born: 1943
Died: 2019
Comment
You mattered, love your daughter

Richard Linington severed in the US Navy working on the Boilers
Born: 1943
Died:2014
Comment:
He served from 1962 thru 1966. He developed Mesothelioma due to working on the boilers and died of it. I am his wife and try to put as much information as I recall. Thank you for continue to keep their memories alive.
Donald Roy Ekstrom Sr. was a Navy Veterans.
Born: 1946
Died: 2018

Comment
My husband Donald Roy Ekstrom was in the Navy / Flight Deck. Aboard the U.S.S. Bennington during the Vietnam War/ off the Tokin Gulf. Since my husband's discharge, Donald had three types of cancer. In 2003 the first was in his thyroid / origin unknown .The second cancer was in in left lung. The third cancer was caught late by the VA. The third cancer was Bone Cancer Stage 4. My husband did an Agent Orange Application and was denied twice. My husband passed away on October 23, 2018. I wish his voice can be heard on November 8th 2019 at the VA and Washington D.C. Yet it appears NO ONE will listen.

Name: Harry M. Yockey (USN Ret. 31 years of service)

Branch
Submarine Force

Birth YearBorn: 1933

Died: 2004

Comment
Capt. Harry M. Yockey died from brain cancer; no cancer in our immediate family. In 1971-1972, my brother commanded USS Salmon (SS 573), during the Vietnam War. The diesel-electric/ smoke boat 's mission was to lay mines in North Vietnam waters, and gather intelligence.
Capt. Yockey, in the 1960s, was a CO of USS Runner, and twice an officer, USS Sirago, both diesel-electric submarines.
Beginning in 1976, Yockey was the prog. mgr. of the Tomahawk Cruise Missile's testing, development, and successful launches from submerged submarines, and off of surface ships. He retired from the Navy in 1984.

Name
Michael Touchet
Branch
Navy
Birth Year
1945
Year of Death
2021
Comment
Survivors include his children, Danielle Ann (David) Romero of Abbeville and Sean Michael Touchet of Carencro; one brother, Timothy Charles (Barbara) Touchet of Mire; and two grandchildren, Dillan M. Touchet of Leesville and Delaney Romero of Abbeville.
He was preceded in death by his wife, Jeanette B. Touchet; parents, Alberta and Joseph Touchet; and one brother, Patrick James Touchet.
Michael was a native of Gueydan and resident of Carencro for most of his life. He served honorably in the United States Navy during the Vietnam Conflict. He worked in production in the oil field.
Serving as pallbearers are James Gaspard, Dillan Touchet, Don Kerr, II, Timothy Touchet, Nicholas Touchet, Kevin Touchet, and Jason Touchet.

Faust Wardy Served in the US Navy in 1967-1968
Birth Year: 1943
Died: May 2022
Comments: Faust “Frosty” served aboard the U.S.S. Caliente AO 53 from 1967 -1968. Died of cancer in El Paso Texas in May 2022.

​JOHN OWEN WILLARD, SR. served in the US Navy
Born: 1941
Died: 2023
Mr. John Owen Willard, Sr. has passed away on this date of March 19th, 2023 in Independence, Iowa. He served in the United States Navy aboard the USS Constellation, and was also stationed at Midway Island in the Philippines. Mr. Willard received full military honors from the Navy and the American Legion. He was proven to be exposed to the dreadful agent orange, causing lifelong health issues such as Diabetes Mellitus, Peripheral Neuropathy, Kidney Failure, Heart Failure, and many other significant conditions. Mr. Willard is honored and remembered affectionately as “Big John” a Vietnam Veteran and his cause was just. He was faithful Charter Church Member and is now in Heaven with Christ and the holy angels. He is survived by his loving wife, Teresa, and two sons, John Jr., and Dominick. If you could ask John today how he’s doing, he’d say, “I’m Just Fine.”
James C. Bussey Served in the Navy. Was born in 1943 and died in 2017.
Comments: 
My husband Jim PROUDLY served in the Navy from January 1963 to May 1967. He was a witty, adventurous and loving husband, dad and papa. Jim passed in November, 2017 from colon cancer, but also had prostate cancer, severe CAD, COPD and asbestos. He was very physically fit...its only reason he lasted as long as he did! "Greatly loved...greatly missed."

BARTON FREY served in the Navy. Was born 11-15-1945 and died 9-18-2015
Comment: Bart joined the Navy right out of high school in 1963 on a program called "Kiddy Cruise". He was stationed on the USS Jamestown AGTR3 and was in Viet Nam in 1966. He got out of the Navy Nov 1966. In the early 80's he was diagnosed with diabetes, which contributed to his heart problems requiring Open heart surgery, then he had toes amputated one by one till he had his leg amputated. He really suffered his last two years with breathing problems and had to be on dialysis 3 days a week.

​DAVID AUSTERMAN served on the Navuy on board the USS Coral Sea in the V-$ Div
Born: 1948
Year of Death
2018
MY BELOVED HUSBAND DIED FROM AGENT ORANGE RELATED SICKNESS. HIS ILLNESS STARTED IN 1990 AND CONTINUED TILL HIS DEATH. 
HE WAS V-4 DIVISION ON THE USS CORAL SEA.

David L Ferebee Served in the US Navy as a MM3
Born: 1952
Died: 2018
Comment:
USS Mispillion 1971-1975 MM3
prostate cancer 2012-2018

spreading to bones



James C. Bussey served in the US Navy
Born: 1943
Died: 2017
Comment
My husband Jim PROUDLY served in the Navy from January 1963 to May 1967. He was a witty, adventurous and loving husband, dad and papa. Jim passed in November, 2017 from colon cancer, but also had prostate cancer, severe CAD, COPD and asbestos. He was very physically fit...its only reason he lasted as long as he did! "Greatly loved...greatly missed."

David L Ferebee served in the US Navy as a MM 3
Born: 1952
​Died: 2018
Comment
USS Mispillion 1971 - 1975
MM-3
lost to prostate-bone cancer in May of 2018


Archie Mitchell served in the US Navy as a Machinist Mate
Born: 1943
Died:2018
Comment
Archie "Butch" Mitchell joined the Navy in Jan 15,1963 and was stationed on USS Oak Hill (LSD-7) until Honorable Discharged on Jan 13, 1967. He was a Machinest Maintenance Mate. His ship took some of the first PT boats into Vietnam and Marines. The ship was an Ashland-class dock landing ship. She supported Naval operations in strife-torn South Viet Nam. She earned six battle stars for her service during the Vietnam War.
Archie later in life developed Asbestosis, several abscess's, bladder cancer which traveled to his prostate and urethra all related to his service in the Navy and exposure to Asbestos, Lead paint and Agent Orange. He passed away a horrible death at home in Alaska on October 22, 2018 from his illnesses from the Navy, supporting our Great Nation. He was very proud to serve in the Navy and be an American!

Stephen Lane served in the US Navy
Born: 1950
Died: 2015
Comment
Served on the USS Ogden 69-73
Served on the uss meyercord
Served at SBU 13
Served at ACU1
Served on the Thomaston
Served on the USS Samuel Gompers
Served on the USS Kitty Hawk
Retired out of PSNS Bremerton 1993
A Vietnam vet Agent orange exposure
Did 8 months in the nuclear clean up on the enewetok atoll.
A career of giving his best to the Us Navy..

Richard E Albright served in the US Navy
Born: 1945
Dies: 2017
Comment
Richard served on the USS Canberra CAG2 and completed 3 tours of Vietnam from 1965 to 1968. I joined the ship in late 1966 and did two tours. Richard died in 2017 from heart disease and diabetes. I currently have diabetes and coronary artery disease with a pending claim based on Agent Orange exposure. Richard passed before the Blue Water Navy Act became law. He deserved better.

Name
James Eager
Branch
Navy
Birth Year
1943
Year of Death
2021
Comment
He served in the U.S. Navy during the Vietnam War for 4 years as a Yeoman in The USS BACHE. He passed November 15 due to the complications associated with Blue Waters.

Name
Walter E. Machin, Jr
Branch
Navy
Birth Year
1941
Year of Death
2011
Comment
Walter of Coloradoo was one of five brothers who
served his country: three were half-brothers in the
WW2 Marines (KIA), two in Army Air Corps and of the same mother, William in AF and Walter in Navy
(all deceased). When I began caregiving for my husband with Parkinson's and other ailments, the
connection to Agent Orange was not made until
after his passing. I am trying to carry on for the family.
Thank you for your good work.

Ronald Elola served in the US Navy
Born: 1945
Died: 2022
Ronald Alfonso Elola Sr. was born on February 6, 1945 in Superior, Arizona.  At 5 years old, he moved to Hayward, California with his parents (Alfonso and Elisa) and siblings (Diana, Norma, and later Mark).  He attended Hayward High where he was an All-Star athlete excelling at football (JV Captain), wrestling, and track (a record-breaking pole vaulter).

After graduation, he joined the Navy where he served 1 year on USS Haven (Long Beach), 3 years on USS Henderson , with two tours of duty in Vietnam, and achieved the rank of Machinist Mate 2.

After his Honorable Discharge, he returned to Hayward where he met Linda Basurto.  Within a year they were married (1970) and made their 1st home in Hayward, where Ron started the Millwright apprenticeship program.  They later moved to Fremont and started their family (daughters Janine and Michelle).  When Michelle was 8 months old, Linda was diagnosed with non-Hodgkins Lymphoma and passed away 9 months later.

Now a widower, Ron continued working as a Millwright while raising his 2 young daughters.  Three years later, in 1982, he met Maria Hamblett (aka Tina) and after several years of dating they married and joined their families as one: Antoinette, Harry, Janine, Michelle, and Joseph.  They completed their family with one additional child, Ronald Alfonso Elola Jr.

In 1992, Ron had his 1st heart attack which led him to early retirement. We found out he had coronary artery disease.  He filled his time with multiple hobbies such as building computers, home improvements, working on his kids’ cars, and became a cigar and Budweiser aficionado.  He also became a great stay at home Dad.

Over the next 28 years, he enjoyed being with friends, family, and went on multiple vacations.  He enjoyed watching boxing and football (Go Raiders!), going to car shows and listening to music like Jazz and Salsa.  He looked forward to his Friday nights going to Jim’s Bar with his best friend Leroy.

In 2020 Ron’s health began to decline.  We found out he had Parkinson's disease, Prostate Cancer, Neuropathy, Diabetes, tinnitus,   He made the best of his situation and he never gave up hope.   On July 14, 2022 Ron tragically passed away from a sudden heart attack. We waited for 2 years to hear from VA and he passed away a few months after he became service connected.

Ron is survived by his wife Tina whom he was happily married to for 34 years as well as his 6 children and their spouses: Antoinette (Patrick), late-son Harry (Olga), Janine (Gilbert), Michelle (Sam), Joseph (Sonia), Ronald Jr. , 12 grandchildren, and 1 great grandson.

Ron was loved and respected by many.  He will be tremendously missed by all who were blessed to know him.

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Address

Blue Water Navy Vietnam Veterans™ Association
P.O. Box 5235
​Slidell, LA 70469

Telephone

702-769-4973

Please make a donation to MVA ™ so we can continue our fight for Veterans. We are a Non-Profit

Email

[email protected]
​
 
  • About
    • Chain Of Command
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