In Remembrance
Ron worked in SPOA. Ron was the man behind the remodeling plans of Bldg. P-66 in 1983-84. When Ron retired from the Air Force he moved to Los Angeles and took a civilian USAF Security Police Training job at Los Angeles Air Force Station. Ron worked at L.A. Air Station until 1986. Ron then took employment with a large corporation called Computer Sciences Corporation (CSC). Ron was the Director of Security for the entire worldwide corporation. Ron left L.A. in 1988 and took a Chief of Police job at Barking Stands Naval Air Station in Kauai, Hawaii. In 1990, Ron relocated to Coco Beach Florida where he again worked for CSC in their Disaster Preparedness Division as it related to Hurricanes. It was in Florida that Ron passed away from cancer. Ron Martin was responsible for the mass exodus of L.E. troops from Chanute to California in 1984-85.
(Provided by Jim O'Toole)
Lonnie Dean Sivia Jr.
Armond "Beaner " Fiorito
Armond passed away from a heart attack. He worked the desk and was from Arkansas.
He was the best man at Butch Zamudio's wedding. (Provided by Butch Zamudio)
Jodi Johnson passed away in November of 2001. She worked for the squadron probably 30 or more years. She was cremated and her ashes spread in Ft Dodge IA. (Provided by Shirley Wyatt)
Jodi Johnson
SRA Hush was killed in a Motorcycle Accident in Thomasboro in 1981 while a member of 3345 SPS. He was assigned to "A" Flight.
(Provided by Rick Henshey)
Melvin Hush
Ronald Martin
Bob Swofford
Robert (Bob) Swofford was a part of the 3345th from January 1985 until Chanute was officially closed in 1993. He worked on flight and was NCOIC of Investigations for several years. From there, Bob and his family went to Little Rock AFB where he retired with 20 years in the service. From there they moved to Wisconsin where Bob got a job as a civilian at Fort McCoy. In January of 2003 he was diagnosed with melanoma skin cancer. He lost his battle on 20 July 2003. He was 48 years old. If you would like, you can email his wife, Michele, at mswofford@hotmail.com. (Provided by Michele Swofford)
John 'JT' Grogan
John (JT) Grogan passed away on October 22, 2007. JT was apart of the 3345th SPS for a long period of time and made MANY friends with everybody that he worked with. The following memories are from just a few of his friends:
To all fellow SP's:
J.T. was one of my old "room-dogs" (along with Gary Lush & Crazy Ralph ??). There we were, the four of us crammed in this mobile home getting into all sorts of mischief. Ahhh, the memories of 1984......I will always remember the times with him and his dedication to his unit, our country and the USAF. He never talked bad about anyone and would be there regardless of the circumstances.......he was a TRUE FRIEND.
J.T. will be sorely missed by me as well as all the others that knew and worked with him.
With Kindest Regards,
Michael Zarczynski
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I was not a roommate but was there the night Gary was busted by the Rantoul PD when "Crazy Ralph" Feo was there (as a roommate also?) playing the song "The Bird Is The Word" too loud on the stereo. Gary's name was on the lease with John's or something and was taken away when John wasn't there.
I have a number of memories of John but I think one of my most vivid was when we played softball together in those God-awful yellow and green uniforms at Chanute in about 1984. John's number was 1/2. The name on his uni? "MUTANT".
He was a wonderful man. He will be missed. We are all a little better to have known him.
Loren J. Rudd
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J.T. will be truly missed. At a time like this, you remember all the old times together. Who can ever forget the trips to Indiana to do the M-60 qualifications.
J.T. got me in trouble with the first shirt once (Fitzgerald). We were living in Chapman Court (who could ever forget that place) and we had a party and he started head butting the fridge. The front of it looked like it went through a hail storm.
The next morning Fitz had an inspection, and I caught hell for the fridge door.
The one thing everyone who ever knew J.T. would say, that he was a friend for life. He would help you any way he could and would always back you up. Even if you were wrong, he was always there for support.
J.T. , we will all miss you.
Danny Moran
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Memories of JT.... I believe I lived in that old trailer too. Was that the one Rick bought from him and then I bought from Rick? Has anyone noticed a theme here about head butts, refrigerators and samurai swords.I seem to recall a night when JT and, I believe Doug Hurt chased down a possum played samurai warrior with it during a poker game. Then there was the time in Germany when 3rd Squad, lead by none other than JT, got us all put on alcohol restriction because we were making new doorways in that dorm by shoulder driving people though the walls and chanting (screaming), "Who are We? Squad Three, molded in the spirit and tradition of our ancestor, we know not the word surrender, weknow not the words defeat," which later turn into "Who are We? Squad Three, molded in the spirit and tradition of our ancestor, we know not the word surrender, we know not the words defeat, BUT WE DO KNOW THE WORDS ALCOHOL RESTRICTION..." Yes I still remember it and yes I was on squad three. Aaaahhhhh good times... As everyone has already stated, he was a good friend, mentor, leader,and he, along with so many from that crew back then, definitely influenced my life in a positive manner.
Dale Zeisset, MSgt 436 CS/SCBI
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What I will remember most are the poker games at JT's when he lived with Gary Lush. Doug Hurt, JT, Gary, Oscar Porter can all tell some stories that happened there, I'm sure. Like when JT lost...he would get a BB gun....
JT, I will miss you.
Tom Gaskins
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I’m sure my memory is fogged from getting older and having too many drinks over the years, but there’s no way I could ever forget J.T. He was a character, an ABGD guru and a friend.Some of the antics that come to mind are the Friday night card parties at J.T.’s trailer. I remember one night when a full blooded American Indian came as someone’s guest from another squadron and as the night wore on and we were playing dealer’s choice. When it came to J.T.’s turn to deal, he dealt one card out to each person, reached out and picked up his card and slapped it to his forehead and stated his game out loud, “Indian Poker!” I’m not sure if that was the same night he shot Tom in the leg.Another thing was his Harley. I was glad Tom picked that picture of J.T. because that one did it for me. I can remember living a couple trailers down from J.T. and we’d be out there in the middle of the street trying to push-start that damn motorcycle. It was a pain to push but I’m sure it was a funny sight watching a couple guys trying to push-start a Hog. It was funnier when I wasn’t the one pushing.I also remember if there was a charity of some sort, J.T. would donate. If there were work details needing participation, J.T. would volunteer. And if someone needed help moving, J.T. would help out.
There were two John T. Grogans before him and one after him but J.T. Grogan III was one of a kind.
Doug Hurt
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I like the rest of you old Chanuters was shocked when I heard about JT’s passing. I was stationed at Chanute for a total of 11 years. 7 or 8 ( can’t remember what year JT left) of those years knowing and having JT as a great friend. I too have many fond memories of him. JT got me started in the Emergency Services Team back in 1982 and most of what I learned about it and used through out my career came from him. We did a lot of EST training classes together with our cops and civilian police departments. Most of what I knew about ABGD came from JT (Brothers of the Bad Bush right JT (Ripe Warrior exercises Camp Bullis)). I never met anyone in the Air Force that could do land navigation as good as JT. I had the pleasure of working for JT in Training, he was a great mentor and again I learned a lot from him during that time. I don’t think anybody had a sharper uniform then JT, his appearance was always immaculate.
I’ll never forget his burnt orange Chevy El Camino, it was fast. How about the deployment at Scott AFB 1983, at the NCO club, JT eating a beer can, Scott AFB cops were called but they refused to approach us, MSGT Skala had to come and get us all and put us to bed. Dale Z, I too will never forget the Germany trip, we were kicked out of the club I believe on our first night, however we made a commando raid back to the club and who else but JT leading us. I was on JT’s fire team during that Creek Warrior exercise as part of the Snake Team, we were chased by cows and “Woodhook” Adams was chased up a tree by wild boars in the dark forests of Germany, man that was some funny shit. Though I didn’t play too much poker I was at a lot of those card games and they were some of the most hilarious parties I have ever attended thanks to JT. Hey Doug H., how about the Brothers of Chicago, painting BOC on a certain water tower, I believe that idea came from JT. Going to Buds Bar and Bowl and JT always looking for mischief to stir up
I could go on and on but I think Doug you said it best, JT was a great friend, he was always there to lend a helping hand to anyone in need. He was a damn good cop, an outstanding NCO and excelled in everything he did. Chanute gave me the fondest memories of my military career and part of those fond memories are with my good friend JT. Though time and distance separates us all, it doesn’t change what you once knew and had as friends. Rest in peace my Brother, you will never be forgotten.
Jeff Beck
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As we all know, JT was one of the first people you met when arriving at the squadron. It didn't take very long to become a friend with JT, talking ABGD helped the process even quicker. My first impression of the man was, this is "Mr. SP" himself and from that day on my BDU's would always be "starched and pressed". This man was was right off the recruiting poster.....I was in awe, that night he invited me to a softball practice and we got shit faced.....then gentlemen, I met the real JT, sloping forehead, devilish grin and a new dialect that JT only knew what he was saying. What a guy! The "Creek Warrior" trip to Germany with him was awesome along with the yearly trips to "Volant Scorpion" and who could forget the haunted houses with him. JT always had a way of making things interesting and fun! Many memories of great times with JT and all the rest of you.
Brian Davis
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He was one of those guys you thought would be here forever. I can't remeber anyone that had nothing but good about J.T. He will be sorely missed. He left you with a good feeling about what you did, no matter how small.
Rick Largen
Jay DeLashmit
Jay, 48 of Evansville, Indiana, formerly of Dayton, passed away Tuesday, February 3, 2009 unexpectedly at his home. Jay was on SPOL-B, 1987 to 1990. Condolences may be made to the family online at courierpress.com.
TSgt Robert Canady was Ass't Flight Chief under TSgt Laliberte in the late 70's, he retired and moved around the country before returning to Chanute and working at the mess halls as a supervisor. He passed away at the age of 71 on July 16, 2010.
Robert Canady
Lonnie Dean Sivia, Jr. of Bethalto, Illinois passed away at 2:35 p.m. Friday, November 7, 2003 at Barnes-Jewish Hospital in St. Louis, Missouri at the age of 34 after his 9 month courageous battle with Leukemia.
Full biography for Lonnie: http://www.mem.com/Biography/381201/15813667/15844165?title=Biography
On Sunday, May 17th 2020, our family lost a loved one to a tragic accident. Bill Ealey was a father, a grandfather, and a friend to so many others. He was also a Master Sergeant in the United States Air Force with over twenty years of service. Beyond all, Bill was a kind and selfless person who loved his family and the outdoors. He was always ready for an expedition!
In lieu of flowers, we ask that you please consider making a donation for Bill Ealey's funeral and burial costs. There is also a benefit account set up under William Ealey at Centennial Bank, 665 Hwy 62 E, Mtn. Home, Ar 72653. Or you can make donations directly to Barker’s Funeral Home, 857 US 62, Salem, Ar 72576.
Losing Bill was tremendously hard, and we know that the road to healing will be a long and trying one. We hope that you can help our family on that path.
Thank you for your consideration and kindness.
William Ealey
