Quantico National Cemetery

11/03/2023

Today's hometown hero being recognized is SP5 David Lee Brown of the U.S. Army. SP5 Brown served during the Vietnam War. SP5 Brown will be laid to rest in sect 33 site 347.

10/27/2023

Today with the Missing In America Project, we honored our unclaimed veterans who served in all different branch. We had men and women from the U.S. Army, U.S. Marine Corps, U.S. Navy, and U.S. Air Force there to help with honoring our hometown heroes today.

10/20/2023

Our hometown hero being honored today is SP5 Joseph C. Wydner of the U.S. Army.

Joseph Carl Wynder, (Jos-Boy/Sarg) was the fifth of six children born to Henry and Sallie Wynder in Cheriton, Virginia. A graduate of North Hampton High School of Machipongo, Virginia, Joe entered the military and served with the First Calvary in United Stated Army during the Vietnam War, which was the longest war in US history. For his meritorious service during this war, Joe was awarded the Bronze Star.

After his service, Joe enrolled at Norfolk State University and earned a degree in Social Work. After graduation, Joe worked in many capacities. He worked as a social worker, was employed at the Pentagon, and served as a correctional officer in Maryland. This soldier's tour of duty didn't end in his retirement, he continued to volunteer at an elementary school and owned a lawn service in Macon, Georgia.

He met his devoted wife, Doris Jackson Pinellas Wynder, of Macon, Georgia. During their marriage, he served with Doris as a caretaker for his father-in-law, Mr. Dosh Jackson. They had such a loving relationship that his father-in-law regareded him as his son. Joe loved traveling with his wife and often traveled on several extended trips which included Maryland, Virginia, Connecticut, Philadelphia, North Carolina, South Carolina and Florida; visiting with friends and family. His other favorite past time was watching football and basketball games.

After such a busy life, Joe has reached his final destination. He is preceded in death by his parents, brother, Billy Wynder; sister, Gloria Wynder McDaniel, and stepdaughter, Kini Xaundria Pinellas. He is survived by his wife, Doris Jackson Pinellas Wynder; daughter, Wynkee Carrington (Larry); grandchildren: Marquez McRay and Brooke Carrington; sisters: Alice McDaniel of Newark, New Jersey and Shirley Turner of Norfolk, Virginia and a devoted nephew, Ali McDaniel (Margaret). The Wynder family would like to extend a special thanks to his caregivers for their kindness and service.

Mr. Joseph C. Wydner will be laid to rest in Section 33 Site 398.

10/19/2023

10/13/2023

Our hometown hero being honored today is SP5 Charles W. Henryhand III of the US Army.

A Time of Peace
After an extended illness, Charles went to meet his Lord on September 16, 2023, at the Dulles Rehab/Nursing Home in Herndon, Va. Despite the health challenges he faced, Charles drew his strength and help from the Lord. We can rest assured that he is nowrest­ ing peacefully in the arms of our Lord and Savior.

A Time to Love...
While attending North Carolina A & T State University, Charles met and married his devoted wife, Geraldine. They added two sons, Wesley and Michael, who were the joy of his life! As an avid sports enthusiast, Charles spent his evenings and weekends coaching his sons' games. He especially loved basketball!

A Time to Learn..
Charles graduated with honors from Blakely High School in 1967, where he excelled in all areas of the curriculum. Immediately afterward, he served two years in the U.S. Army during the Vietnam War and was honorably discharged. He continued his education at North Carolina A&T State University where he earned a Bachelor's Degree in Biology. Next, he attended John Hopkins University, studying medicine. He spent his professional career working at John Hopkins Hospital and Portamedics of Vienna, VA.

A Time to Worship ...
Charles dedicated his life to Christ at Saint Phillip AME Church in Salters, SC. He joined First Baptist Church of Vienna upon moving to Northern Virginia where he was baptized by the late Rev. Dr. Kenny Smith. Until his declining health, Charles enjoyed attending church services, participating in Sunday School & Children's ministry.

A Time to be Born...
Charles was born in Salters, S.C. on July 17, 1947, the second child born to the Rev. Charlie and Lillie May Henryhand. He faithfully attended church with his family and developed his strong Christian ethics.

A Time to Mourn...
Charles is survived by his wife of 41 years, Geraldine (Belton), two sons, Wesley (Jennifer) and Michael. Four wonderful grandchildren: Kylie (14) Cadence (11) Gideon (7) and Nehemiah (2). He is survived by sisters Willie Anderson (Bill) of Rochester, NY and Patricia Darby (Amos) of Compton Lake, NJ and brothers Jackie Henryhand (Karen) of Fort Lauderdale, FL and Wendell (Champ) Henryhand (Carla) of Irmo, SC, and a host of adoring aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends. Charles was preceded in death by his parents Rev. Charlie and Mrs. Lillie Mae Henryhand, and a sister Loretta Henryhand McCray.

Mr. Henryhand will be laid to rest today in Section 33 site 455.
Www.vlm.cem.gov/CHARLESWESLEYHENERYHANDIII/a49c55

10/06/2023

Our hometown hero being honored today is SGT Donald Engiles Sr. of the U.S. Marine Corps.

Donald John Engiles, Sr., 89, passed away on Friday, September 15, 2023.

Don embraced his many years in Philadelphia and celebrated their sports teams. Being a very proud member of the United State Marine Corps, he would have been seen around town wearing a favorite Marine Corp hat. The last several months, he resided in Manassas, VA with Mary Ann after living in Fredericksburg for over 47 years. He was an active member of St. Jude Catholic Church (Fredericksburg) where he served as Lector for many years. He attended St. Mary Catholic Church from 1975 until St. Jude opened. At St. Mary, he was Eucharistic minister, Lector, volunteered for the CYO for over 10 years, and Sunday School teacher. He was passionate about being involved in his children and grandchildren's lives. He loved to attend events supporting his family. You could always hear him on the sideline cheering the family on. Our father's greatest love was taking care of his wife for 66 years.

He is survived by his wife of 66 years, Mary Ann Engiles. He is also survived by his children, Theresa (John), Don, Jr. (Georgi), Patty (Dennis), and Danny. He adored his grandchildren, Jason (Lindsay), Amy (Tom), Elizabeth (Nick), Matthew (Samantha), Connor, Sean, and Alec. He was very excited to be a great-grandfather to Raegan, Caelan, Hannah, Jacob, Aubrey, Isaiah, Ava, and Ben. He is also survived by his brother, Bob (Mary); sister-in-law Miriam; and numerous nieces, nephews, and extended family and friends.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Meriel and John; step-mother Arlene; brother Jae; and sister Joan.

John 6:37-40: "Everyone who sees the Son and believes in him may have eternal life and I shall raise him on the last day." We know that by faith Don is currently celebrating eternal life in heaven with the family he has missed for so many years.

Mr. Engiles will be laid to rest today in sect 33 site 450.

Https://www.vlm.cem.va.gov/DONALDJOHNENGILESSR/a49ca6

10/03/2023

Employee spotlight of the month!!!
We are proud to introduce to you this month's employee spotlight, Kaitlyn Shillingford. Kaitlyn is a cemetery caretaker and has worked for the National Memorial Cemetery at Quantico for about a year and a half. Her favorite part of working here is working together with the team here at Quantico. She says "her coworkers are a big reason why I enjoy coming to work. I have been given the opportunity to learn and refine many skills here and am quite proud of how far I have come!" Kaitlyn in her spare time loves to go to the arcade or work on one of her many painting projects. We are so thankful for everything Kaitlyn has done for us here at Quantico!

09/29/2023

VA Solid Start representatives will call every newly separated service member three times during their first year of separation. Let VA help you understand the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs benefits you've earned as a Veteran. These benefits might include career or education support, health care, help getting a home loan, mental health support, and more. VA is here for service members transitioning from service. Learn more: https://benefits.va.gov/transition/solid-start.asp

09/29/2023

Our hometown hero being honored today is ETR2 Ricardo Fernandez of the U.S. Navy.

An incredibly good man, Ricardo (Ric) Fernandez, passed away on August 30, 2021. He was born on August 18, 1941, in New Eagle, PA, and passed away in Columbus, OH where he had gone to celebrate his 80th birthday with family. Ric was preceded in death by his parents, Amador and Anita Fernandez and his sister, Maria Horton, all of Donora, PA.

Ric is survived by his wife, Kathleen (Kathy) Matty Fernandez and their children: # 1 Daughter, Lisa (Rick) Knudson, and their loving children Erik, Ian, and Ellie of Lake Ridge, VA; his son Carlos (Colleen) Fernandez and their children Panthea and Aiden of Martinez, GA; his devoted son Joseph (Dr. Lydia Emmeline) and their three adorable canine children Stevie, Cara, and Virgil; and his Hawai’ian family Tracy, Glen, and Jaron Yoshikane.

Ric joined the Navy at age 19, and “after four years of being seasick,” went to California University of Pennsylvania, where he majored in math. Upon graduation, he took a position as a computer programmer with the DoD in Washington, DC, and his first child, Lisa, was born. In 1969 he took his young family to Pearl City, Hawaii, where Carlos was born, and they stayed until 1983. From there, they moved with DoD to London, England, and Joseph was born.

They loved to travel, but Ric’s focus was on family and career. They moved to Burke, VA in 1986. Over the course of the next 25 years, Ric worked for the DoD, White House Communication Agency (WHCA), DNI and numerous other alphabet organizations in the Washington area as an Oracle DBA. He retired in 2011 to garden and explore the world with his beloved wife of 54 years.

“I’ve been blessed,” he said daily. He spent years taking his children to soccer, track, baseball, basketball, and Tae Kwon Do practices and games. He visited children and grandchildren, grew fantastic tomatoes, and traveled “From Iceland to Molokai,” Alaska to Antarctica, and Spain to Turkey. Ric often snuck treats to neighbors’ dogs, talked politics with family and friends, learned about astronomy, astrophysics, or ancient civilizations, rooted for Liverpool Soccer Club, called his children’s best friends to discuss new ideas, and, in general, loved life.

Ric was the head of a house built on love, and he thanked God for every minute. He had a kind and generous heart. Ric will be more than missed; he will be loved forever.

Mr.Ricardo Fernandez will be laid to rest in Section 82 Site 83.

09/27/2023

U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs is very interested in the thoughts of Veterans, their family, friends, caregivers and survivors about burial concerns or desires. By answering a few short questions, you will help us understand your awareness of burial options and benefits, end-of-life, and survivor benefits. Please take a few minutes to complete this survey so that we can better serve you and yours. Visit: https://survey.voice.va.gov/?6rqqpY-NCA-Benefits

09/26/2023

09/22/2023

Our hometown hero being honored today is Sgt Jaen D. Davis of the U.S. Marine Corps.

Sergeant Jaen DeShun Davis, 24, passed away on Saturday, September 2, 2023. He was born on August 27, 1999 to Keith Davis and Monique Lewis in Fort Stewart, Georgia.

Jaen was raised in Newville, Alabama by his grandparents, Russell and Cynthia Davis, where he was a beacon of strength and courage to all who knew him. Jaen enlisted in the Marine Corps and ascended to the rank of Sergeant. Jaen was assigned to 1st Battalion, 24th Marine Regiment in Selfridge, Michigan. Jaen previously served with the 11th Marine Expeditionary Unit and 1st Marines Logistics Group at Camp Pendleton, California.

Jaen is survived by his father, Keith Davis (LaKisha); mother Monique Lewis; and siblings Keithan Davis (Tianna), Nyah Davis, Ebony Davis, Joshua Davis, Yvel Lassiter, and Tajanique Walker. His cherished memories will be kept alive by his grandparents, Russell Davis (Cynthia) and Donald Smith (Gail); aunts Crystal Lee Madison (Willie) and LaKechia Davis (Kaleb Whitlow); and the Medina-Rivera family.

In the words of Ralph Waldo Emerson, "The purpose of life is not to be happy. It is to be useful, to be honorable, to be compassionate, to have it make some difference that you have lived and lived well.” Sergeant Jaen DeShun Davis made a difference in the lives of those around him. Although his life was short, it was nonetheless filled with honor and meaning. He will always be an inspiration to everyone who knew him.

Mr. Jaen D. Davis will be laid to rest today in Section 33 Site 494.

09/21/2023

09/21/2023

50th Anniversary of the National Cemetery Administration with VA.

09/21/2023

*traffic advisory*
Attention to all potential visitors, due to our 50th anniversary celebration starting at 11am today Sep 21, 2023, traffic may be heavy. If you are coming to visit a loved one, please use caution.

09/15/2023

Our home town hero being honored today is SGT Razul Ware of the US Marine Corps.

SGT/E-5 Razul Ware age 30 passed away on June 20, 2023 in Santee, CA. Razul was a decorated veteran who served in the Marines.

Razul was born on March 4, 1993 in Willingboro, NJ to his parents Michelle and Tajuddin. When he was just 16, Razul decided he wanted to join the Marines. He did basic training at Paris Island, SC and was stationed at Miramar in San Diego. He excelled in his field of Avionics while serving.

Razul chose to stay in San Diego to move on to working for the federal government with the FAA. He was a dedicated and detailed worker. He recently received his bachelor’s degree from San Diego State University in Accounting.

When Razul wasn’t working, he had a passion for skydiving, motorcycles, MMA and hiking. He won his first MMA fight in 30 seconds with a knockout. He also had a passion for helping his fellow Marines and was looked upon as a dedicated leader and role model. He would assist in any way he could to help and even went as far as giving a fellow Marine or friend a place to stay in a time of need.

Razul is survived by his father Tajuddin Shabazz, mother and step-father Michelle and Joseph Wells, sister Michaela Ware, sister and brother in-law Jasmine and Jordon Berggren, nephews Mathias, Moses and Malachi Berggren, maternal grandmother Mary Davis, paternal grandmother and step grandfather Gloria and Joseph Reynolds, several aunts and uncles, step siblings and a whole host of cousins and friends.
SGT Razul Ware will be laid to rest in sect 82 site 46.

https://www.vlm.cem.va.gov/RAZULBINYAMEENWARE/a4468c

09/15/2023

The National Cemetery Administration (NCA) has an exciting opportunity for an energetic leader to serve as NCA’s Executive Director, Pacific District.

The Executive Director of the Pacific District is a SES position located in Oakland, California and serves as chief executive over an integrated network of National Cemeteries spanning a broad geographic area of 9 states (AK, AZ, CA, HI, ID, NM, NV, OR, WA) and 359 employees who provide burial and memorial services to a population of more than 3,430,000 Veterans and their eligible dependents.

The Executive Director reports to the Executive Director, Cemetery Operations, and leads a district-based management team organized for the purpose of providing memorial benefits in the national cemetery facilities in a way that achieves maximum effectiveness and is in accordance with NCA administrative and operational policies and practices.

The Executive Director serves as a systems manager, utilizing specialized technical skills, creativity, and innovation to ensure VA/NCA employees and all physical assets provide Veterans and their families with high-quality, compassionate, and efficient memorial benefits and services.

The duty station is located at the Pacific District Office in picturesque Oakland, California. Oakland is a unique bayfront city that has it all – great weather, happy people, adventure, culture, art, fashion, sports, recreation, music and education! It is ranked as one of the most happiest places to live in the U.S and boasts 261 sunny days each year.

Check out the link to the job announcement below if you are looking to join an organization known for its unparalleled customer service and dedication to the mission.

Link to Position in USAJobs: https://www.usajobs.gov/job/748773700

The announcement opened 09/13/2023 and closes on 09/27/2023. Please share this opportunity with any interested parties.

To learn more about NCA, visit: www.cem.va.gov

09/14/2023

Ladies and gentlemen! We are proud to announce that Quantico National Cemetery will be hosting the National Cemetery Administration’s 50th Anniversary celebration! Our celebration will commence on September 21, 2023 at 11:00am sharp. Please arrive early to ensure good parking and a seat. Staff will be in the area to assist in guiding for the parking and to answer any questions that you may have. We look forward to seeing you here!

09/11/2023

Continuing our partnership with Carry The Load (CTL), Quantico National Cemetery was host to two events in support of 9/11 Patriot Day. Saturday, our local CTL Ambassador (Mr. Ty Yount) was able to arrange support with having members of the Mountain View High School baseball team, Stafford Indians baseball team and many other volunteers in support of the National Day of Service. On behalf of all of Team Quantico, the veterans and families for whom we serve, we thank you for the impact that you have made and for making this event such a success

09/08/2023

Our hometown hero being honored today is SP4 Clarence A. Purcell Jr of the U.S Army.

Clarence Arthur Purcell, Jr. passed away peacefully on August 24, 2023 at age 81. Clarence was born in Castlewood, in Russell County of southwestern Virgina to Clarence Purcell, Sr. and Minnie Mae Price on September 15, 1941. Clarence was proceeded in death by his parents, his young sister Anna Lorene (1933) and brother Arthur. He is survived by his sisters Jean Campbell and Nancy Carty. He is also survived by his wife of 56 years, Bonnie Purcell of Woodbridge, VA, son Bryan (Dina Purcell) of Washington, DC, and daughter Susan (Steve Gingerich) of Fairfax, VA.
Clarence loved being outside, perhaps having been instilled in him from an early age by growing up on a farm. Throughout his life you could usually find him in the yard maintaining his always immaculate lawn, or high up on the house roof performing repairs, or working on any other endless fix-it jobs that needed attending. During non-winter mornings and evenings, he loved to spend time with his wife and family outside on the porch.
Clarence was also a proud Vietnam Veteran, serving in the army from 1964 to 1966. After basic training in Ft. Jackson, SC, followed by Signal School at Fort Gordon, GA, and several other brief postings, he was shipped out of Tacoma, Washington on the USS Blackford to Vietnam. After a trip lasting over a week, sleeping in bunks 4 high and with rough seas forcing soldiers to eat “terrible” food while standing up they arrived at D’nang in March 1965. During the arrival, Clarence had a near tragic incident when he jumped from the ship into the bobbing landing craft in full gear, nearly missing the boat. His army group was the first battalion to land on the beach and had to dig foxholes and assemble tents. He proudly mentioned that his unit, already in place on the beach, watched from the shore as the first group of Marines landed a week later. During his service in Vietnam he was stationed in D’nang, Pleiku, and Saigon (now Ho Chi Minh City). Clarence returned to the US, this time by air, with stops in Okinawa and San Francisco.
Clarence received an associates degree from Bluefield College in southwest Virginia. He later worked for many years at AT&T’s Arlington facility. In a time before disposable mobile phones, durable home telephones from around the mid-Atlantic were sent to Arlington to be repaired and then returned back to the customers. Even the White House had their phone bank serviced at the facility. Clarence continued working for AT&T when the Arlington facility closed. Choosing not to move but to stay in the home that he and Bonnie loved, he finished out his career by enduring a grueling, before-sunrise commute to AT&T’s Martinsburg, WV warehouse for seven years. Clarence, always active, worked another 15 years for Safeway. Clarence will be dearly missed by his family and friends.

Mr. Clarence A. Purcell Jr is being laid to rest today in Section 82 Site 30.

09/07/2023

09/07/2023

09/05/2023

Employee spotlight of the month!!!
We are proud to introduce you to this month's employee spotlight, Tracey Ashley! Tracey has been with us since 2007 and started as a cemetery caretaker and now is a Cemetery Administration specialist. Her favorite part of working here is being able to spread love to veterans and their families. She said she has grown to not sweat the small stuff like being stuck in traffic or having a bad day because you really see what's important here. In her spare time she loves to play with her grandbabies and go to the beach.
Tracey will be retiring at the end of this month and her advice to everyone out there was to be kind to one another. Thank you Tracey for everything you have done and continue to do!

09/01/2023

It’s a golden jubilee for NCA.

September 1 marks the 50th anniversary of VA’s stewardship of national cemeteries, the shrines honoring the final resting places of almost five million men and women who protected and served our country. The forerunner to today’s Administration was the National Cemetery System. 50 years ago it took on the sacred obligation of incorporating 82 Department of Defense cemeteries and 21 burial grounds to form 103 national cemeteries.

Since then, NCA opened more than 50 national cemeteries. They’ve also expanded access by with the Veterans Cemetery Grant Program, supporting state, territory and tribal cemeteries. Today, 94% of Veterans are within 75 miles of a national, state or tribal Veterans Cemetery.

We’re honoring five decades of service with a commemorative edition of our VA employee magazine, VAnguard. In it you’ll find photographs depicting the last 50 years and articles highlighting NCA employees’ innovation and service to Veterans.

Read it here:

Apply for and manage the VA benefits and services you’ve earned as a Veteran, Servicemember, or family member—like health care, disability, education, and more.

09/01/2023

Our hometown hero being honored today is A1C William O. Lewis of the U.S. Air Force.

William Owen Lewis, also known as Lew, passed away on August 17, 2023, at the age of 69 in Inova Fairfax Hospital in Fairfax, Virginia. He was born on September 28, 1953, at MacDill Air Force Base, Tampa, Florida. William was a highly intelligent and outgoing individual who loved engaging in conversations on various topics. He had a passion for music, dancing, singing, writing poetry and all sports and history. His generous and caring nature touched the lives of many, and he will be greatly missed.
William is survived by his sisters, Ailene Anderson, Audrey Lewis, Valerie Carter (Steve Carter),Vicki Gibbs, and special cousins raised as sisters and a brother: Phyllies Stewart-Loftin, Jeda Troddy, and Thaddeus Stewart. He is the beloved uncle to nieces Tascha Anderson-Perkins, Patricia Walker (David), Alesha Stewart, Tyleah Lewis-Norris (Brandon), Tristan Stewart, Stephanie Mack, Latisha Trottie ( Andre), Marrissa Gibbs, Carressa Watts, Karli Quinte, nephews Rickey Stewart (Acacia) David Anderson (Aleethia) Kinnith Gibbs (Brittanie) Kion Gibbs, Jayquan Troddy, Thomas Marshall Stewart, Stephen Mack Carter, Josh Hughes, Brian Harling, Sayquan Carter, Johnny Meinen, Stefan Carter, Wayne Marshall Stewart, and many more great nieces, nephews, and cousins.
He is preceded in death by his Father William R. Lewis, Mother Ailene D. Gaston Lewis, Aunts Ola Mae Stewart, Annie Jane Troddy, Sophie Lewis Robinson (Hilliard), Uncles James Gaston (Sarah), Melvin Gaston (Theresa) Herman Gaston; Steve Gaston (Pauline); Cousins raised as brothers Johnny Troddy, Larry Stewart, Rickey Stewart, Nephews LeVar T. Stewart-DeCruise, Deion Stewart, Nieces Shantay Gallimore, Annie Troddy, and Brothers-in-law David Anderson, Darwanye Gibbs
William began his education at Wentworth Elementary in Portsmouth, New Hampshire, and later graduated from Portsmouth Senior High. He further pursued his studies in Political Science at Keene State College in Keene, New Hampshire, and Virginia Union University in Richmond, Virginia.
March 8, 1974, marked a significant milestone in William's life when he joined the Air Force, serving his country with dedication until his honorable discharge on April 15, 1976, due to a mental disability.
In his leisure time, William found solace in reading the Bible, cheering for his favorite sports teams. Which was the Boston Red Sox, Boston Celtics, Boston Bruins, and Boston Patriots (now known as New England Patriots). He also engaged in basketball, boxing and baseball during his younger years.
William Owen Lewis, or Lew as he was affectionately known, has left an indelible mark on the lives of those who had the privilege of knowing him. His vibrant personality, love for his family, and dedication to his country will forever be cherished. May he rest in peace.

Mr. William O. Lewis will be laid to rest today in Section 33 Site 604.

Https://www.vlm.cem.va.gov/WILLIAMOWENLEWIS/a45b77

08/25/2023

Our home town hero being honored today is CPL James Edward Bowe Sr of the US Marine Corps.

Jim entered into God’s arms surrounded by his adoring family on July 14, 2023.

Jim was born in Buffalo, New York on June 17, 1944, the only child of parents, Bernadine Ferrell and Martin Bowe.

After high school, Jim enlisted in the United States Marine Corps and served from 1961-1966, as a Marksmanship Instructor and Armorer. In November 1964, Jim met the love of his life, Connie, and they married in May of 1965. After leaving the Marine Corps, Jim worked for Hugh Reilly Paint Company for a short time, moved on and retired from his career at Fischer’s Hardware, 1966-2010.
In December of 1965, Jim and Connie started a family, complete with a son and daughter. As a family they loved being together, laughing, joking, vacationing, and spending quality time together. Being a kind, dependable husband, father, and grandpa was of utmost importance to Jim and he did not disappoint when it came to wholeheartedly loving his family.

Jim’s favorite sport was golf. He spent many hours on the golf course perfecting his game and having fun with his buddies. Jim was also an avid pinochle and canasta player. In addition, he loved to attend Washington Capital Games, when he could, and was their number one fan in Woodbridge, VA. Many nights, from his home, “aw, come on man” could be heard all the way to Washington D.C. on a bad call.

Jim will be remembered as a great friend, loving husband, awesome dad, and a super cool grandpa by many. Jim is preceded in passing by his mother, Bernadine Ferrell Butler and stepfather, Ted Butler. Jim is survived by his wife of 58 years, Connie, and children, James Bowe, Jr. (Alison) of Hudson, Maine and Sheri Robinson (Jimmy Caputo), of St. Cloud, Florida, and four grandsons; James Wesley Bowe (Morgan), of San Antonio, TX., Brandon Robinson (Jessica), of Midland, VA., Nicholas Robinson, Woodbridge, VA., and Reid Robinson, USAF Tech School, San Angelo, TX.

Mr. James Bowe will be laid to rest in the Collumbarium Wall A-W3 niche B-34.

https://www.vlm.cem.va.gov/JAMESEDWARDBOWE/a41320

08/23/2023

All of us here at Quantico just want to wish Mr. Will Ennis the happiest of retirements! Will has been with us since 2007 and we are so sad to see him go! Enjoy your well earned retirement!

08/18/2023

Our hometown hero being honored today is SGT Gerard L. Otten of the U.S. Air Force.

Gerard “Jerry” Otten passed away peacefully at home next to his wife of 34 years, Marilyn and his beloved dog, Bert on Tuesday, August 8, 2023 after a two year battle with cancer.

Jerry was born on July 30, 1946 in Passaic, NJ to Anton and Sophie Otten. He is survived by sons Christopher and Timothy and Chris’s daughter, his beloved granddaughter Alexandra, bonus children from his marriage to Marilyn; Josh (Hayley), Justin (Alison), and Katy (Todd) as well as 7 additional grandchildren for a grand total of 8. Also left to cherish his memory are his sisters Johanna (Ray) Verwer and Janice (Fran) Miceli, as well as 3 nieces and 1 nephew.

A proud 1968 graduate of Rutgers University, Jerry remained an enthusiastic fan of everything Rutgers and could be seen sporting Rutgers gear and drinking from a Rutgers coffee mug. Some of his most loyal lifelong friends came from his time as treasurer of Beta Delta Chapter of Theta Chi, where many shenanigans took place.

Shortly after graduation, Jerry joined the Air Force and served in Vietnam as an English Language Instructor. After his return from Vietnam, he furthered his education and earned two Master’s degrees from The University of South Carolina.

Most of Jerry’s professional career was spent in medical practice executive leadership beginning with EVMS in Norfolk, Virginia. His successful career took him to several universities throughout the country including Wright State University, The University of Missouri-Kansas City, and The University of Toledo, serving as CEO of the respective academic medical groups.

Stemming from his interest in becoming a pilot, which was unfortunately squelched because of his color blindness, Jerry loved all things aviation and spent much of his retirement volunteering as a docent at Yankee Air Museum at Willow Run Bomber Plant and at Shannon Air Museum. He also spent time mentoring other veterans volunteering with the Buddy to Buddy organization.


A love of aviation is clearly in the genes and Jerry was thrilled when his son Tim decided to join the Marine Corps and become a pilot. The pride in his eyes when he discussed Tim’s career and what an amazing father Chris is to his daughter was clearly evident. They were amongst his greatest joys.

A proud veteran of the Air Force, Jerry will be fondly remembered as a strong leader, a good friend, a witty conversationalist, a devoted father and grandfather, a wonderful brother and uncle, an incredibly loving husband, and most importantly, an excellent man.

Mr. Gerard Otten will be laid to rest today in the Columbarium A-W3 1 A-63.