BelvoirDMS
Defense Mapping School
NEWS
Copyright © 2021    BelvoirDMS.org  •   All Rights reserved   •   E-Mail: ray.chapman@gmail.com
In Remembrance




Bald Eagle Lands On Grave At U.S. Military Cemetery. "Frank Glick, an amateur photographer, captured this amazing image at Fort Snelling National Cemetery in Minnesota. The veteran buried at that gravestone was Sgt. Maurice Ruch. Ruch, a veteran of World War II, was a US Army marksman who served in the Aleutian Islands and earned a Bronze Star.
Click here for a 4 minute movie that is worth watching
In Remembrance of our Topo Family
Arlington National Cemetary
Quantico National Cemetery
Chris Nohe
Ralph Edward Conley
Frederickburg VA
Frederick MD
Honolulu HI
Fairfax Memorial
Unknown Burial Sites
I have tried to list the burial sites of our fallen but in the case of those listed below, I just don't know where they now rest. For now, let us just say they are "...known but to GOD"ťand maybe a few relatives
John Aranza
Brice "Mac" McDonald
Ricardo Cruz
William Paul Ferguson
Edward F. Franke
Albert Levi Josey, Sr.
Charles William Vincent Lundmark
David Joseph Lynch
Wilber Edward McCullough
Vaughn E.Nelson
Tom O'Brien
Paul H. Lake
William Alfred "Bill" Polk
John Loe Quick
Bobby Rawlings
William H. Revell
Errol Dean Seaman
Dr. William H. Sprinsky
Chris Nohe
Ralph Edward Conley
Dave Lee Miller
Dave Earl Miller
James MacKenzie
Paul Barker
Dan Risher
"Gene" Rudy
Wayne Gleason
Tom Harris
John Misurda
John Maxwell
Vic Gonzalez
Lewis Alvin Stapp Sr.
Edwin Emory Burton
John Nearden
Susumu Takaki
John Albert "JJ" Jones
Richard "Dick" Anthony Beck
Norman Andersen
John Austin
George Brabetz
Jack Barts
Patrick Bishop
Dale Boldig
"Andy" Bradley
Frank Bruley
Mark Bryant
Tom Butler
Grant Carpenter
Tyra D. Coleman
John Conner
Reuben Cook
Shannon D. Cramer
Chesley F. Cummins
Daisy Hutson
Sandral Daniell
Robert Davis
Bill Dean
Philip G.Dunn
Wayne G. Ethridge
Glen & Lou Ellen Eveland
Russell Ewing
Donald Findley
Artur Fleshman
Bob Ford
Robert Frost
Richard Gardner
Julius Gilliard
Ralph Gordon
Freedie Greear
Penny Greer
Michael Hacunda
Thomas Allen Hennig
Jim Hey
John R. Houchins
Hugh Johnson
Daisy Hutson
"Jake" Jacobs
Aubrey Johnson
Larry Johnson
Bob Jones
Paul King
Clayton Kruck
Maurice Kurtz
Billy Lake
Louis Lash
Johny Lindsey
Howard Lucas
Vern McCartney
John Mann
Carl Markwell
Al Marvel
Harold McGinnis
Leroy McHale
Stephen Setari
Elizabert Schavender
Howard Shaw
Joseph Sherman
Ella Peine
Philip Piel
Ralph Ruetze
George Searfoss
Cal Nazworth
Thomas C. Nolta
Robert Nonnemacher
Lonnie Parker
Shelby R. Miller
David P. Moore
Nelson J. Mora
Myles Mulholland
Linda Stacy
Dave Stitt
Clifford M. Temple
Michael Toteff
William M. Troutt
Louise Voelker
Robert J. Walentynowicz "Wally"
Shirley Whetzel
Ed Williams
Ed Wintz
Tom Vanosky
Dick Zieres
Joyce Zieres
If you know of others that are not listed here, drop me a line with any information you have and they will be added
Durham, NC
Dr. Jack N. Rinker
5 Sep 1923 - 12 Jan 2017

Obituary

Army Geospatial Center
Notable Topographic Engineers
During World War II Jack was a commander in the US Navy.  He was a member of a combat team known as the Scouts and Raiders.  The Scouts and Raiders were the forerunner of the Navy SEALS of today.  As a member of this team he saw action in the Pacific Theater, although he didn’t talk about it very much.

After the war he pursued a carrier in the field of pathology.  While engaged in this study, at Purdue University, he met Bob Frost and became fascinated with Bob’s Remote Sensing work, so much so, that he changed his discipline to Remote Sensing.  Eventually both he and Bob left Purdue and went to work for an organization known as the Snow Ice and Permafrost Research Establishment (SIPRE) within the US Army Corps of Engineers.  SIPRE eventually became the US Army Cold Regions Research and Engineering Laboratory (CREEL).  During this period Jack did much of his research in the Arctic.

While working in the Arctic Jack made use of an Eskimo type of “folding” kayak known as a Klepper.  Its parts are transported in three bags and can be air dropped and assembled on the ground.  Today the Navy SEALS use this type of kayak.  When Jack came to ETL he got several of us interested in kayaking.  Eventually I purchased a Klepper kayak, which is great for apartment dwellers, since you generally have no place to store an entire boat.  When I’m out kayaking I often think of Jack and his encouragement to keep exploring.

At ETL, Jack and Bob taught a course known as Remote Sensing for Environment Analysis.  It was a very intensive course demanding much time and effort.  To get away from the ETL work environment, they held the course at the Mathers Training Center in Harpers Ferry, WVA.  During the two weeks that I was there I came to appreciate what fine teachers both Jack and Bob were.  They had the ability to motivate their students, to give their all, without directly pressuring them.  The results were that we spent most of the night working on the assigned problems and getting little sleep.  Occasionally during the class, some of the students would fall asleep directly on their stereoscopes and wake up with the words US ARMY embossed backwards across their foreheads.

Jack’s main field of research was the desert environment.  Over the years he visited many types of deserts while collecting soil and rock samples.  His pride and joy was a Remote Sensing Field Guide - Desert.  When he initially tried to get this guide published, within the Army, he ran into a lot of red tape.  One day, during Operation Desert Storm, Jack was visited by several Marine Corps officers who came to see his field guide.  After they examined it they asked for a copy, which was still in draft form, and then they arranged to have some 25,000 copies printed.  They also invited him to come to Kuwait and teach the Marine Corps Terrain Analysis Teams.  On hearing this, I went to Jack’s office to congratulate him on finally getting his field guide published and he was grinning from ear to ear.

Jack was not only a fine scientist but also a mentor and friend.  May he rest in peace.  My prayers and thoughts are with his family.


Courtesy of Sam Barr

Dr. John W Eastes
31 Jul 1935 - 23 Jul 2016

Obituary
Dr. John Eastes worked as an Army Chemist, retiring in 2006 from the Army Engineer Topographic Laboratories at Fort Belvoir VA. 

John served in the U.S. Army from 1957-1960. The family moved to Northern Virginia in 1964 when John began his Department of Defense career. He was a conscientious intellectual who loved knowing and travelling the world. His educational achievements in chemistry came from the University of Texas where he received his undergraduate degree and American University in Washington, D.C. where he received his Masters and Ph.D. He continuously excelled in his work with U.S. Army Engineer Topographic Laboratories at Ft. Belvoir, Virginia. He was iconic in the field of organic chemistry with hundreds of students citing his works within their educational works.

His part-time evening and retirement was with H&R Block tax preparation where he was a senior tax adviser at a Woodbridge H&R Block office. He was once interviewed by the Washington Post regarding tax issues and the office. He learned the Spanish language and applied it to his work at the Block.


March 2017

I just learned from his son Robert, that Henry (Woody) Wooldridge had passed away in Ohau, Hawaii. Woody was at DMS between 1975 and 1980. He was an instructor there at Wheeler Hall in the cartographic/multiplex section. Woody was a good friend and I remember watching the pro football games at his house there on Belvoir. I know after he left Belvoir he became a drill SGT out at Ft. Leonardwood. He did serve in Vietnam on riverboats down in the Delta. In his early days, he was with the 29th at Oji Camp in Tokyo, probably the 34th?

Courtesy of Troy D. Carpenter
Huachuca City, AZ”

Photo from DMS Contour December 1977
“Donald Ray Walters Sr. passed away in Newburgh, IN on March 13,2017 with family at his side. He retired from the US Army with the rank of Sergeant First Class. Donald served two tours in Vietnam and received the Bronze Star. He was preceded in death by his parents, Lester and Daisy Walters, brothers Mac Walters and Mike Walters, and wife Vicky Walters. Donald is survived by daughters Belinda Hall of Arcadia, FL and Heather Walters of Spokane, WA, sons Shawn Walters(Melissa) of Greenfield , OH and Donald Walters Jr.(Kelli) of Newburgh, IN, sister Peggy Rickard of Henderson, KY and brother Marvin Walters(Jean) of Ferdinand, IN ,10 grandchildren , 7 great grandchildren as well as nieces, nephews extended family and friends.No services were held. Osborne Funeral Home entrusted with final care. - See more here

Don came to us at DMS in the late 70s was a printer.  I originally met Don around 1973 or so at Fort Bragg when we were in PSYOPS.   Don was an SP5 at the time and was being cross trained from a combat arms MOS.  Don picked up his new career field so good that I recommended him for SSG.  I guess my recommendation was strong because not only did he make SSG he kept going right passed me and made SFC.  I always liked him.  He was a good man and I am sure his family misses him.  --Jack Batt--

Colonel (Ret) Hector Wood

Colonel, US Army (Ret.), 87, of New Port Richey, passed away surrounded by his loving family Dec. 9, 2017. He served in Vietnam, was the Director of the Defense Mapping School and Retired Deputy Director of the DMA Hydro/Topo Center. Among his many medals, he was awarded the Defense Superior Service medal and the Legion of Merit. He is survived by his beloved wife, Phyllis; children, Phyllis (John) Walichnowski, Patricia (Kurt) Fenochietti, Paul (Ana) Fenochietti, Allegra (Sam) Yassine, Peter (Jeannine) Fenochietti and Peggy (Greg) Joseph; his sister, Ofilia Owen; many grand and great-grandchildren. Viewing will be on Wednesday, Dec. 13 from 2-4 pm; funeral service Thursday, 11:30 am at Dobies Funeral Home, Hudson followed by burial at Florida National Cemetery with full military honors. In lieu of flowers, donations to Gulfside Hospice are greatly appreciated.”


Colonel Wood was the fourth Director of the Defense Mapping School having served from 10 April 1979 until 10 July 1981.  His predecessor was Colonel Edward Wintz who passed away some years back.  His successor was Colonel William Stockhausen who I believe is still alive in the Pinehurst, North Carolina area.

Visit Legacy

Robert Wilson Millians, 79, husband of Beverley Cato Millians, died November 23, 2018. Born in Heard County, GA, he was the son of the late William Davis Millians and Emily Wilson Millians. He was also predeceased by his sister, Cecile Lipford Millians. Mr. Millians received his B.S and M. A. in Geography from UGA. He retired after 20 years in the US Air Force as a Geodetic Survey officer and was Director of Transportation for CCSD for 22 year.

In addition to his wife, survivors include two sons: David Wilson (Deb) Millians of Athens and Andrew McSwain (Mabel) Millians of St. Louis, MO; brother: William Davis Millians, Jr. of Milledgeville, GA; brother in law: Charles Cato, Durham, NC; sister in law: Martha Cato, Athens; three grandchildren: Jon, Charles and Isaac Millians; nephews: Mike and Rick Millians and niece: Ginger Lipford Hartlein.

A memorial service will be held December 8, 2018 at 10:30 at Athens First Baptist Church. The family will receive friends following the memorial service. In lieu of flowers memorials may be made to the Fisher House Foundation, the Hearing Health Foundation or the Athens First Baptist Church Building Fund. Lord & Stephens West is in charge of arrangements.

Visit Legacy
Ricky Lang, 63, We lost former DMS Instructor Rickey Lang due to COVID 19 on April 3, 2020, He was 63 year old. A retired print Staff Sergeant, Rickey blessed us on the press floor from 1989 to 1995. After military retirement he stayed employed at Fort Belvoir but at first Dewitt Army Hospital and then the new Fort Belvoir Community Hospital in the Orthopedics Clinic at the front desk.  Rickey always had something nice to say and was for sure “great people”.  We will truly miss him.  According to Jack Batt, the last time I saw him I gave him a hug goodbye but never dreamed it would be a final goodbye.  Thanks for your friendship Rickey. Prayers and condolences go to his wife and family.  Due to the nature of the virus funeral arrangements are to be private.  Thanks to George Bass for passing this along.

Visit Legacy

LLOYD WILLIAM GAYLOR 

Bill Gaylor, 94 years old, of Falls Church, VA passed away on July 16, 2019. A private interment was held at Mt Comfort Cemetery on July 22, 2019.
Bill was born on January 24, 1925 the son of Evert R. and Juanita H. Gaylor in Shelbyville, IL.
A career Army man, Bill was assigned to Ft Belvoir, VA in December 1947 where he met Latane Fletcher at the Ft Belvoir Roller Skating Rink in the summer of 1948 and they were married on December 4, 1948.
He retired from the U.S. Army at Ft Belvoir in April 1964 and from the Civil Service at Ft Belvoir in January 1980.
He was preceded in death by his parents, brother Dale; and wife Latane. Surviving are his sons, Mark of Alexandria, VA, and Kevin of Carrboro, NC and his brother Earl of Atwood, IL.
Neither a scholar nor an athlete, Bill was an avid roller skater who skated briefly at age 79 at the Mattoon Il Roller Rink and at age 81 at the Franconia Roller Rink in Alexandria, VA.
Bill was laid to rest with his roller skates on.

BelvoirDMS
Defense Mapping School
NEWS
Copyright © 2021    BelvoirDMS.org  •   All Rights reserved   •   E-Mail: ray.chapman@gmail.com
In Remembrance




Bald Eagle Lands On Grave At U.S. Military Cemetery. "Frank Glick, an amateur photographer, captured this amazing image at Fort Snelling National Cemetery in Minnesota. The veteran buried at that gravestone was Sgt. Maurice Ruch. Ruch, a veteran of World War II, was a US Army marksman who served in the Aleutian Islands and earned a Bronze Star.
Click here for a 4 minute movie that is worth watching
In Remembrance of our Topo Family
Arlington National Cemetary
Quantico National Cemetery
Chris Nohe
Ralph Edward Conley
Frederickburg VA
Frederick MD
Honolulu HI
Fairfax Memorial
Unknown Burial Sites
I have tried to list the burial sites of our fallen but in the case of those listed below, I just don't know where they now rest. For now, let us just say they are "...known but to GOD"ťand maybe a few relatives
John Aranza
Brice "Mac" McDonald
Ricardo Cruz
William Paul Ferguson
Edward F. Franke
Albert Levi Josey, Sr.
Charles William Vincent Lundmark
David Joseph Lynch
Wilber Edward McCullough
Vaughn E.Nelson
Tom O'Brien
Paul H. Lake
William Alfred "Bill" Polk
John Loe Quick
Bobby Rawlings
William H. Revell
Errol Dean Seaman
Dr. William H. Sprinsky
Chris Nohe
Ralph Edward Conley
Dave Lee Miller
Dave Earl Miller
James MacKenzie
Paul Barker
Dan Risher
"Gene" Rudy
Wayne Gleason
Tom Harris
John Misurda
John Maxwell
Vic Gonzalez
Lewis Alvin Stapp Sr.
Edwin Emory Burton
John Nearden
Susumu Takaki
John Albert "JJ" Jones
Richard "Dick" Anthony Beck
Norman Andersen
John Austin
George Brabetz
Jack Barts
Patrick Bishop
Dale Boldig
"Andy" Bradley
Frank Bruley
Mark Bryant
Tom Butler
Grant Carpenter
Tyra D. Coleman
John Conner
Reuben Cook
Shannon D. Cramer
Chesley F. Cummins
Daisy Hutson
Sandral Daniell
Robert Davis
Bill Dean
Philip G.Dunn
Wayne G. Ethridge
Glen & Lou Ellen Eveland
Russell Ewing
Donald Findley
Artur Fleshman
Bob Ford
Robert Frost
Richard Gardner
Julius Gilliard
Ralph Gordon
Freedie Greear
Penny Greer
Michael Hacunda
Thomas Allen Hennig
Jim Hey
John R. Houchins
Hugh Johnson
Daisy Hutson
"Jake" Jacobs
Aubrey Johnson
Larry Johnson
Bob Jones
Paul King
Clayton Kruck
Maurice Kurtz
Billy Lake
Louis Lash
Johny Lindsey
Howard Lucas
Vern McCartney
John Mann
Carl Markwell
Al Marvel
Harold McGinnis
Leroy McHale
Stephen Setari
Elizabert Schavender
Howard Shaw
Joseph Sherman
Ella Peine
Philip Piel
Ralph Ruetze
George Searfoss
Cal Nazworth
Thomas C. Nolta
Robert Nonnemacher
Lonnie Parker
Shelby R. Miller
David P. Moore
Nelson J. Mora
Myles Mulholland
Linda Stacy
Dave Stitt
Clifford M. Temple
Michael Toteff
William M. Troutt
Louise Voelker
Robert J. Walentynowicz "Wally"
Shirley Whetzel
Ed Williams
Ed Wintz
Tom Vanosky
Dick Zieres
Joyce Zieres
If you know of others that are not listed here, drop me a line with any information you have and they will be added
Durham, NC
Dr. Jack N. Rinker
5 Sep 1923 - 12 Jan 2017

Obituary

Army Geospatial Center
Notable Topographic Engineers
During World War II Jack was a commander in the US Navy.  He was a member of a combat team known as the Scouts and Raiders.  The Scouts and Raiders were the forerunner of the Navy SEALS of today.  As a member of this team he saw action in the Pacific Theater, although he didn’t talk about it very much.

After the war he pursued a carrier in the field of pathology.  While engaged in this study, at Purdue University, he met Bob Frost and became fascinated with Bob’s Remote Sensing work, so much so, that he changed his discipline to Remote Sensing.  Eventually both he and Bob left Purdue and went to work for an organization known as the Snow Ice and Permafrost Research Establishment (SIPRE) within the US Army Corps of Engineers.  SIPRE eventually became the US Army Cold Regions Research and Engineering Laboratory (CREEL).  During this period Jack did much of his research in the Arctic.

While working in the Arctic Jack made use of an Eskimo type of “folding” kayak known as a Klepper.  Its parts are transported in three bags and can be air dropped and assembled on the ground.  Today the Navy SEALS use this type of kayak.  When Jack came to ETL he got several of us interested in kayaking.  Eventually I purchased a Klepper kayak, which is great for apartment dwellers, since you generally have no place to store an entire boat.  When I’m out kayaking I often think of Jack and his encouragement to keep exploring.

At ETL, Jack and Bob taught a course known as Remote Sensing for Environment Analysis.  It was a very intensive course demanding much time and effort.  To get away from the ETL work environment, they held the course at the Mathers Training Center in Harpers Ferry, WVA.  During the two weeks that I was there I came to appreciate what fine teachers both Jack and Bob were.  They had the ability to motivate their students, to give their all, without directly pressuring them.  The results were that we spent most of the night working on the assigned problems and getting little sleep.  Occasionally during the class, some of the students would fall asleep directly on their stereoscopes and wake up with the words US ARMY embossed backwards across their foreheads.

Jack’s main field of research was the desert environment.  Over the years he visited many types of deserts while collecting soil and rock samples.  His pride and joy was a Remote Sensing Field Guide - Desert.  When he initially tried to get this guide published, within the Army, he ran into a lot of red tape.  One day, during Operation Desert Storm, Jack was visited by several Marine Corps officers who came to see his field guide.  After they examined it they asked for a copy, which was still in draft form, and then they arranged to have some 25,000 copies printed.  They also invited him to come to Kuwait and teach the Marine Corps Terrain Analysis Teams.  On hearing this, I went to Jack’s office to congratulate him on finally getting his field guide published and he was grinning from ear to ear.

Jack was not only a fine scientist but also a mentor and friend.  May he rest in peace.  My prayers and thoughts are with his family.


Courtesy of Sam Barr

Dr. John W Eastes
31 Jul 1935 - 23 Jul 2016

Obituary
Dr. John Eastes worked as an Army Chemist, retiring in 2006 from the Army Engineer Topographic Laboratories at Fort Belvoir VA. 

John served in the U.S. Army from 1957-1960. The family moved to Northern Virginia in 1964 when John began his Department of Defense career. He was a conscientious intellectual who loved knowing and travelling the world. His educational achievements in chemistry came from the University of Texas where he received his undergraduate degree and American University in Washington, D.C. where he received his Masters and Ph.D. He continuously excelled in his work with U.S. Army Engineer Topographic Laboratories at Ft. Belvoir, Virginia. He was iconic in the field of organic chemistry with hundreds of students citing his works within their educational works.

His part-time evening and retirement was with H&R Block tax preparation where he was a senior tax adviser at a Woodbridge H&R Block office. He was once interviewed by the Washington Post regarding tax issues and the office. He learned the Spanish language and applied it to his work at the Block.


March 2017

I just learned from his son Robert, that Henry (Woody) Wooldridge had passed away in Ohau, Hawaii. Woody was at DMS between 1975 and 1980. He was an instructor there at Wheeler Hall in the cartographic/multiplex section. Woody was a good friend and I remember watching the pro football games at his house there on Belvoir. I know after he left Belvoir he became a drill SGT out at Ft. Leonardwood. He did serve in Vietnam on riverboats down in the Delta. In his early days, he was with the 29th at Oji Camp in Tokyo, probably the 34th?

Courtesy of Troy D. Carpenter
Huachuca City, AZ”

Photo from DMS Contour December 1977
“Donald Ray Walters Sr. passed away in Newburgh, IN on March 13,2017 with family at his side. He retired from the US Army with the rank of Sergeant First Class. Donald served two tours in Vietnam and received the Bronze Star. He was preceded in death by his parents, Lester and Daisy Walters, brothers Mac Walters and Mike Walters, and wife Vicky Walters. Donald is survived by daughters Belinda Hall of Arcadia, FL and Heather Walters of Spokane, WA, sons Shawn Walters(Melissa) of Greenfield , OH and Donald Walters Jr.(Kelli) of Newburgh, IN, sister Peggy Rickard of Henderson, KY and brother Marvin Walters(Jean) of Ferdinand, IN ,10 grandchildren , 7 great grandchildren as well as nieces, nephews extended family and friends.No services were held. Osborne Funeral Home entrusted with final care. - See more here

Don came to us at DMS in the late 70s was a printer.  I originally met Don around 1973 or so at Fort Bragg when we were in PSYOPS.   Don was an SP5 at the time and was being cross trained from a combat arms MOS.  Don picked up his new career field so good that I recommended him for SSG.  I guess my recommendation was strong because not only did he make SSG he kept going right passed me and made SFC.  I always liked him.  He was a good man and I am sure his family misses him.  --Jack Batt--

Colonel (Ret) Hector Wood

Colonel, US Army (Ret.), 87, of New Port Richey, passed away surrounded by his loving family Dec. 9, 2017. He served in Vietnam, was the Director of the Defense Mapping School and Retired Deputy Director of the DMA Hydro/Topo Center. Among his many medals, he was awarded the Defense Superior Service medal and the Legion of Merit. He is survived by his beloved wife, Phyllis; children, Phyllis (John) Walichnowski, Patricia (Kurt) Fenochietti, Paul (Ana) Fenochietti, Allegra (Sam) Yassine, Peter (Jeannine) Fenochietti and Peggy (Greg) Joseph; his sister, Ofilia Owen; many grand and great-grandchildren. Viewing will be on Wednesday, Dec. 13 from 2-4 pm; funeral service Thursday, 11:30 am at Dobies Funeral Home, Hudson followed by burial at Florida National Cemetery with full military honors. In lieu of flowers, donations to Gulfside Hospice are greatly appreciated.”


Colonel Wood was the fourth Director of the Defense Mapping School having served from 10 April 1979 until 10 July 1981.  His predecessor was Colonel Edward Wintz who passed away some years back.  His successor was Colonel William Stockhausen who I believe is still alive in the Pinehurst, North Carolina area.

Visit Legacy

Robert Wilson Millians, 79, husband of Beverley Cato Millians, died November 23, 2018. Born in Heard County, GA, he was the son of the late William Davis Millians and Emily Wilson Millians. He was also predeceased by his sister, Cecile Lipford Millians. Mr. Millians received his B.S and M. A. in Geography from UGA. He retired after 20 years in the US Air Force as a Geodetic Survey officer and was Director of Transportation for CCSD for 22 year.

In addition to his wife, survivors include two sons: David Wilson (Deb) Millians of Athens and Andrew McSwain (Mabel) Millians of St. Louis, MO; brother: William Davis Millians, Jr. of Milledgeville, GA; brother in law: Charles Cato, Durham, NC; sister in law: Martha Cato, Athens; three grandchildren: Jon, Charles and Isaac Millians; nephews: Mike and Rick Millians and niece: Ginger Lipford Hartlein.

A memorial service will be held December 8, 2018 at 10:30 at Athens First Baptist Church. The family will receive friends following the memorial service. In lieu of flowers memorials may be made to the Fisher House Foundation, the Hearing Health Foundation or the Athens First Baptist Church Building Fund. Lord & Stephens West is in charge of arrangements.

Visit Legacy
Ricky Lang, 63, We lost former DMS Instructor Rickey Lang due to COVID 19 on April 3, 2020, He was 63 year old. A retired print Staff Sergeant, Rickey blessed us on the press floor from 1989 to 1995. After military retirement he stayed employed at Fort Belvoir but at first Dewitt Army Hospital and then the new Fort Belvoir Community Hospital in the Orthopedics Clinic at the front desk.  Rickey always had something nice to say and was for sure “great people”.  We will truly miss him.  According to Jack Batt, the last time I saw him I gave him a hug goodbye but never dreamed it would be a final goodbye.  Thanks for your friendship Rickey. Prayers and condolences go to his wife and family.  Due to the nature of the virus funeral arrangements are to be private.  Thanks to George Bass for passing this along.

Visit Legacy

LLOYD WILLIAM GAYLOR 

Bill Gaylor, 94 years old, of Falls Church, VA passed away on July 16, 2019. A private interment was held at Mt Comfort Cemetery on July 22, 2019.
Bill was born on January 24, 1925 the son of Evert R. and Juanita H. Gaylor in Shelbyville, IL.
A career Army man, Bill was assigned to Ft Belvoir, VA in December 1947 where he met Latane Fletcher at the Ft Belvoir Roller Skating Rink in the summer of 1948 and they were married on December 4, 1948.
He retired from the U.S. Army at Ft Belvoir in April 1964 and from the Civil Service at Ft Belvoir in January 1980.
He was preceded in death by his parents, brother Dale; and wife Latane. Surviving are his sons, Mark of Alexandria, VA, and Kevin of Carrboro, NC and his brother Earl of Atwood, IL.
Neither a scholar nor an athlete, Bill was an avid roller skater who skated briefly at age 79 at the Mattoon Il Roller Rink and at age 81 at the Franconia Roller Rink in Alexandria, VA.
Bill was laid to rest with his roller skates on.

BelvoirDMS
Defense Mapping School
NEWS
Copyright © 2021    BelvoirDMS.org  •   All Rights reserved   •   E-Mail: ray.chapman@gmail.com
In Remembrance




Bald Eagle Lands On Grave At U.S. Military Cemetery. "Frank Glick, an amateur photographer, captured this amazing image at Fort Snelling National Cemetery in Minnesota. The veteran buried at that gravestone was Sgt. Maurice Ruch. Ruch, a veteran of World War II, was a US Army marksman who served in the Aleutian Islands and earned a Bronze Star.
Click here for a 4 minute movie that is worth watching
In Remembrance of our Topo Family
WORTH READING: The Department of Veterans Affairs National Cemeteries controls 128 national Cemeteries in 39 states (and Puerto Rico) and 33 soldiers lots and monument sites. States also have state Veterans Cemeteries. For more information contact the VA about military burial and memorial benefits military memorial and burial benefits. The Department of the Army National Cemeteries maintains two National Cemeteries: Arlington National Cemetery, (703) 607-8585, and the U.S. Soldiers' and Airmen's Home National Cemetery, (202) 828-1829.
Arlington National Cemetary
Quantico National Cemetery
Chris Nohe
Ralph Edward Conley
Frederickburg VA
Frederick MD
Honolulu HI
Fairfax Memorial
Unknown Burial Sites
I have tried to list the burial sites of our fallen but in the case of those listed below, I just don't know where they now rest. For now, let us just say they are "...known but to GOD"ťand maybe a few relatives
John Aranza
Brice "Mac" McDonald
Ricardo Cruz
William Paul Ferguson
Edward F. Franke
Albert Levi Josey, Sr.
Charles William Vincent Lundmark
David Joseph Lynch
Wilber Edward McCullough
Vaughn E.Nelson
Tom O'Brien
Paul H. Lake
William Alfred "Bill" Polk
John Loe Quick
Bobby Rawlings
William H. Revell
Errol Dean Seaman
Dr. William H. Sprinsky
Chris Nohe
Ralph Edward Conley
Dave Lee Miller
Dave Earl Miller
James MacKenzie
Paul Barker
Dan Risher
"Gene" Rudy
Wayne Gleason
Tom Harris
John Misurda
John Maxwell
Vic Gonzalez
Lewis Alvin Stapp Sr.
Edwin Emory Burton
John Nearden
Susumu Takaki
John Albert "JJ" Jones
Richard "Dick" Anthony Beck
Norman Andersen
John Austin
George Brabetz
Jack Barts
Patrick Bishop
Dale Boldig
"Andy" Bradley
Frank Bruley
Mark Bryant
Tom Butler
Grant Carpenter
Tyra D. Coleman
John Conner
Reuben Cook
Shannon D. Cramer
Chesley F. Cummins
Daisy Hutson
Sandral Daniell
Robert Davis
Bill Dean
Philip G.Dunn
Wayne G. Ethridge
Glen & Lou Ellen Eveland
Russell Ewing
Donald Findley
Artur Fleshman
Bob Ford
Robert Frost
Richard Gardner
Julius Gilliard
Ralph Gordon
Freedie Greear
Penny Greer
Michael Hacunda
Thomas Allen Hennig
Jim Hey
John R. Houchins
Hugh Johnson
Daisy Hutson
"Jake" Jacobs
Aubrey Johnson
Larry Johnson
Bob Jones
Paul King
Clayton Kruck
Maurice Kurtz
Billy Lake
Louis Lash
Johny Lindsey
Howard Lucas
Vern McCartney
John Mann
Carl Markwell
Al Marvel
Harold McGinnis
Leroy McHale
Stephen Setari
Elizabert Schavender
Howard Shaw
Joseph Sherman
Ella Peine
Philip Piel
Ralph Ruetze
George Searfoss
Cal Nazworth
Thomas C. Nolta
Robert Nonnemacher
Lonnie Parker
Shelby R. Miller
David P. Moore
Nelson J. Mora
Myles Mulholland
Linda Stacy
Dave Stitt
Clifford M. Temple
Michael Toteff
William M. Troutt
Louise Voelker
Robert J. Walentynowicz "Wally"
Shirley Whetzel
Ed Williams
Ed Wintz
Tom Vanosky
Dick Zieres
Joyce Zieres
If you know of others that are not listed here, drop me a line with any information you have and they will be added
Durham, NC
Dr. Jack N. Rinker
5 Sep 1923 - 12 Jan 2017

Obituary

Army Geospatial Center
Notable Topographic Engineers
During World War II Jack was a commander in the US Navy.  He was a member of a combat team known as the Scouts and Raiders.  The Scouts and Raiders were the forerunner of the Navy SEALS of today.  As a member of this team he saw action in the Pacific Theater, although he didn’t talk about it very much.

After the war he pursued a carrier in the field of pathology.  While engaged in this study, at Purdue University, he met Bob Frost and became fascinated with Bob’s Remote Sensing work, so much so, that he changed his discipline to Remote Sensing.  Eventually both he and Bob left Purdue and went to work for an organization known as the Snow Ice and Permafrost Research Establishment (SIPRE) within the US Army Corps of Engineers.  SIPRE eventually became the US Army Cold Regions Research and Engineering Laboratory (CREEL).  During this period Jack did much of his research in the Arctic.

While working in the Arctic Jack made use of an Eskimo type of “folding” kayak known as a Klepper.  Its parts are transported in three bags and can be air dropped and assembled on the ground.  Today the Navy SEALS use this type of kayak.  When Jack came to ETL he got several of us interested in kayaking.  Eventually I purchased a Klepper kayak, which is great for apartment dwellers, since you generally have no place to store an entire boat.  When I’m out kayaking I often think of Jack and his encouragement to keep exploring.

At ETL, Jack and Bob taught a course known as Remote Sensing for Environment Analysis.  It was a very intensive course demanding much time and effort.  To get away from the ETL work environment, they held the course at the Mathers Training Center in Harpers Ferry, WVA.  During the two weeks that I was there I came to appreciate what fine teachers both Jack and Bob were.  They had the ability to motivate their students, to give their all, without directly pressuring them.  The results were that we spent most of the night working on the assigned problems and getting little sleep.  Occasionally during the class, some of the students would fall asleep directly on their stereoscopes and wake up with the words US ARMY embossed backwards across their foreheads.

Jack’s main field of research was the desert environment.  Over the years he visited many types of deserts while collecting soil and rock samples.  His pride and joy was a Remote Sensing Field Guide - Desert.  When he initially tried to get this guide published, within the Army, he ran into a lot of red tape.  One day, during Operation Desert Storm, Jack was visited by several Marine Corps officers who came to see his field guide.  After they examined it they asked for a copy, which was still in draft form, and then they arranged to have some 25,000 copies printed.  They also invited him to come to Kuwait and teach the Marine Corps Terrain Analysis Teams.  On hearing this, I went to Jack’s office to congratulate him on finally getting his field guide published and he was grinning from ear to ear.

Jack was not only a fine scientist but also a mentor and friend.  May he rest in peace.  My prayers and thoughts are with his family.


Courtesy of Sam Barr

Dr. John W Eastes
31 Jul 1935 - 23 Jul 2016

Obituary
Dr. John Eastes worked as an Army Chemist, retiring in 2006 from the Army Engineer Topographic Laboratories at Fort Belvoir VA. 

John served in the U.S. Army from 1957-1960. The family moved to Northern Virginia in 1964 when John began his Department of Defense career. He was a conscientious intellectual who loved knowing and travelling the world. His educational achievements in chemistry came from the University of Texas where he received his undergraduate degree and American University in Washington, D.C. where he received his Masters and Ph.D. He continuously excelled in his work with U.S. Army Engineer Topographic Laboratories at Ft. Belvoir, Virginia. He was iconic in the field of organic chemistry with hundreds of students citing his works within their educational works.

His part-time evening and retirement was with H&R Block tax preparation where he was a senior tax adviser at a Woodbridge H&R Block office. He was once interviewed by the Washington Post regarding tax issues and the office. He learned the Spanish language and applied it to his work at the Block.


March 2017

I just learned from his son Robert, that Henry (Woody) Wooldridge had passed away in Ohau, Hawaii. Woody was at DMS between 1975 and 1980. He was an instructor there at Wheeler Hall in the cartographic/multiplex section. Woody was a good friend and I remember watching the pro football games at his house there on Belvoir. I know after he left Belvoir he became a drill SGT out at Ft. Leonardwood. He did serve in Vietnam on riverboats down in the Delta. In his early days, he was with the 29th at Oji Camp in Tokyo, probably the 34th?

Courtesy of Troy D. Carpenter
Huachuca City, AZ”

Photo from DMS Contour December 1977
“Donald Ray Walters Sr. passed away in Newburgh, IN on March 13,2017 with family at his side. He retired from the US Army with the rank of Sergeant First Class. Donald served two tours in Vietnam and received the Bronze Star. He was preceded in death by his parents, Lester and Daisy Walters, brothers Mac Walters and Mike Walters, and wife Vicky Walters. Donald is survived by daughters Belinda Hall of Arcadia, FL and Heather Walters of Spokane, WA, sons Shawn Walters(Melissa) of Greenfield , OH and Donald Walters Jr.(Kelli) of Newburgh, IN, sister Peggy Rickard of Henderson, KY and brother Marvin Walters(Jean) of Ferdinand, IN ,10 grandchildren , 7 great grandchildren as well as nieces, nephews extended family and friends.No services were held. Osborne Funeral Home entrusted with final care. - See more here

Don came to us at DMS in the late 70s was a printer.  I originally met Don around 1973 or so at Fort Bragg when we were in PSYOPS.   Don was an SP5 at the time and was being cross trained from a combat arms MOS.  Don picked up his new career field so good that I recommended him for SSG.  I guess my recommendation was strong because not only did he make SSG he kept going right passed me and made SFC.  I always liked him.  He was a good man and I am sure his family misses him.  --Jack Batt--

Colonel (Ret) Hector Wood

Colonel, US Army (Ret.), 87, of New Port Richey, passed away surrounded by his loving family Dec. 9, 2017. He served in Vietnam, was the Director of the Defense Mapping School and Retired Deputy Director of the DMA Hydro/Topo Center. Among his many medals, he was awarded the Defense Superior Service medal and the Legion of Merit. He is survived by his beloved wife, Phyllis; children, Phyllis (John) Walichnowski, Patricia (Kurt) Fenochietti, Paul (Ana) Fenochietti, Allegra (Sam) Yassine, Peter (Jeannine) Fenochietti and Peggy (Greg) Joseph; his sister, Ofilia Owen; many grand and great-grandchildren. Viewing will be on Wednesday, Dec. 13 from 2-4 pm; funeral service Thursday, 11:30 am at Dobies Funeral Home, Hudson followed by burial at Florida National Cemetery with full military honors. In lieu of flowers, donations to Gulfside Hospice are greatly appreciated.”


Colonel Wood was the fourth Director of the Defense Mapping School having served from 10 April 1979 until 10 July 1981.  His predecessor was Colonel Edward Wintz who passed away some years back.  His successor was Colonel William Stockhausen who I believe is still alive in the Pinehurst, North Carolina area.

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Robert Wilson Millians, 79, husband of Beverley Cato Millians, died November 23, 2018. Born in Heard County, GA, he was the son of the late William Davis Millians and Emily Wilson Millians. He was also predeceased by his sister, Cecile Lipford Millians. Mr. Millians received his B.S and M. A. in Geography from UGA. He retired after 20 years in the US Air Force as a Geodetic Survey officer and was Director of Transportation for CCSD for 22 year.

In addition to his wife, survivors include two sons: David Wilson (Deb) Millians of Athens and Andrew McSwain (Mabel) Millians of St. Louis, MO; brother: William Davis Millians, Jr. of Milledgeville, GA; brother in law: Charles Cato, Durham, NC; sister in law: Martha Cato, Athens; three grandchildren: Jon, Charles and Isaac Millians; nephews: Mike and Rick Millians and niece: Ginger Lipford Hartlein.

A memorial service will be held December 8, 2018 at 10:30 at Athens First Baptist Church. The family will receive friends following the memorial service. In lieu of flowers memorials may be made to the Fisher House Foundation, the Hearing Health Foundation or the Athens First Baptist Church Building Fund. Lord & Stephens West is in charge of arrangements.

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Ricky Lang, 63, We lost former DMS Instructor Rickey Lang due to COVID 19 on April 3, 2020, He was 63 year old. A retired print Staff Sergeant, Rickey blessed us on the press floor from 1989 to 1995. After military retirement he stayed employed at Fort Belvoir but at first Dewitt Army Hospital and then the new Fort Belvoir Community Hospital in the Orthopedics Clinic at the front desk.  Rickey always had something nice to say and was for sure “great people”.  We will truly miss him.  According to Jack Batt, the last time I saw him I gave him a hug goodbye but never dreamed it would be a final goodbye.  Thanks for your friendship Rickey. Prayers and condolences go to his wife and family.  Due to the nature of the virus funeral arrangements are to be private.  Thanks to George Bass for passing this along.

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LLOYD WILLIAM GAYLOR 

Bill Gaylor, 94 years old, of Falls Church, VA passed away on July 16, 2019. A private interment was held at Mt Comfort Cemetery on July 22, 2019.
Bill was born on January 24, 1925 the son of Evert R. and Juanita H. Gaylor in Shelbyville, IL.
A career Army man, Bill was assigned to Ft Belvoir, VA in December 1947 where he met Latane Fletcher at the Ft Belvoir Roller Skating Rink in the summer of 1948 and they were married on December 4, 1948.
He retired from the U.S. Army at Ft Belvoir in April 1964 and from the Civil Service at Ft Belvoir in January 1980.
He was preceded in death by his parents, brother Dale; and wife Latane. Surviving are his sons, Mark of Alexandria, VA, and Kevin of Carrboro, NC and his brother Earl of Atwood, IL.
Neither a scholar nor an athlete, Bill was an avid roller skater who skated briefly at age 79 at the Mattoon Il Roller Rink and at age 81 at the Franconia Roller Rink in Alexandria, VA.
Bill was laid to rest with his roller skates on.




Robert G. Swanson passed away Sunday, August 29, 2021. Robert was born on November 16,1935, in Greeley, Colorado, to Gunnar and Evelyn (Engstrom) Swanson. He graduated from Greeley High School in 1953 and later that year began his studies at the University of Colorado,Boulder. His participation in the Air Force Reserve Officer Training Corps (ROTC) program becamea significant element of his four years at C.U. and, upon graduation, he was designated Distinguished AFROTC Graduate. As a result, he received a Second Lieutenant commission in the Regular Air Force and three months later he entered active duty, the beginning of a military career that spanned 28 years.
Based on his academic background, the Air Force assigned him the specialty of Cartographic/Geodetic officer and he spent his entire 28-year career involved in managing Air Force mapping, charting and geodesy activities around the US and Europe. He retired as a Lt. Colonel in 1985 as Deputy Director of the Defense Mapping School at Ft. Belvoir, Virginia. The time span of his career witnessed incredible changes in the technologies involved, from photographing the earth from aircraft to create maps to doing it from satellites and from the production and use of paper maps to digital maps, GPS, etc. He was always very proud to have been a part of this
tremendous evolution.
His initial active-duty assignment was at Torrejon Air Base in Madrid, Spain. Shortly after arriving there, he met a charming young senorita, Maria Portela, and two years later they were married in Madrid. They were blessed with three sons, Erik, Karl, and Kerry.
Robert was preceded by his parents and his only sibling, sister Ann. His survivors include his wife of 61 years, Maria; sons, Erik (Shelley) and their daughters (Beatrix, Eleanor and Isabel) of Frankfurt, Germany, Karl (Amina) of Moscow, Russia, and Kerry (Karen) and their children (Kristopher and Kristina) of Wichita, KS.