Christopher Allen Vlasak, “Pickle - 14”, a Veteran of the Beirut Bombing and Desert Storm, passed away on August 1, 2024 at Grand Strand Medical Center at 7:20am surrounded by the family that loved him.
He attended St. Joe's Academy of Saint Augustine, Florida. He was a man of many talents. Before enlisting in the Marine Corp he worked as a Life Guard and a Fireman. At the age of 18 he proudly enlisted in the Marine Corp. After Parris Island he was stationed at Camp Lejuene for the better part of 10 years. He attended jump school and radio school becoming a Radio Operator for 2nd Force Recon 2nd Platoon. He was part of the Peace Keeping Mission in Beirut turning 20 years of age in the building that was bombed. October 23, 1983 he left to go on patrol and 5 minutes later the bombing occurred. He lost 241 of his friends that day, including his best childhood friend, John Blocker. He spent the next 3 days recovering both the living and the dead. He never forgot any of them and carried his love and memories of them always. Chris left the Marine Corp and joined the Army Reserves but once Desert Storm started he got reactivated and the Marine Corp showed up with orders from the Pentagon and put him back to work with 2nd Force Recon 2nd Platoon. He traveled to Kuwait and sat atop the Kuwait Towers for nearly a week calling in close air strikes resulting in “Death Highway.” After leaving the military he worked with his Daddy in construction and obtained his Florida State Contractor's license. He ended up in North Carolina and worked for several different companies such as: BFPE, Werner (truck driver), and Wilson Trailer Sales (truck driver). He retired in 2019 and moved to Myrtle Beach, SC with his wife, son, daughter-in-law and granddaughter.
Chris was born on June 28, 1963. He was born to Judith Sniadecki Lindsey Vlasak, and son to James “Jim” Vlasak (deceased).
He is survived by his loving wife, Sonya Tyndall Vlasak, and son Trey Eddie Tyndall (Katherine) as well as his grandchild, Iris Elnora Tyndall (who owned his heart, and was the only one to call him Dzia Dzia). Surving him, as well, are his sons, Christopher Allen Vlasak, Junior (Danni), Jon Vlasak (Meaghan), Jamie Vlasak(Melynda) and grandchildren Bellamy and Shelby. He is also survived by his two sisters, Mary Frances Snell (Reginald) their children; Emily and Caroline, and Jeannine Joy (Johnny) and their children; Ian and Virginia.
Christopher will be interred with his “brothers in arms”, date and location to be announced.

James Michael Smith

June 11, 2024

James Smith was a Lifetime BVA member. At just 17 years old, he enlisted in the United States Marine Corp. James was deployed to Beirut, Lebanon, where he played a vital role in the aftermath of the 1983 bombing. He was proud of his time as a Marine Drill Instructor and his other service to both the United States Marine Corps and the United States Army. His bravery and commitment did not go unnoticed. James was a decorated Veteran, earning numerous recognitions, to include various Decorations, Medals, Badges, Citations and Campaign Ribbons. This also included: Rifle Expert, Pistol Expert, Meritorious Mast, Sea Service Deployment Ribbon with 3 stars, Marine Corps Artic Service Ribbon, National Defense Service Medal, Meritorious Unit Commendation with 2 stars, and many more for his outstanding contributions. He served time caring for and assisting others after the 911 attack on New York’s Twin Towers. When there was a troop reduction James joined and served in the United States Army.

See full obiturary at: https://summersettfuneralhome.com/obituaries/James-Smith-753/#!/Obituary

Mr. LaRocque worked as a Police Officer with the Oakwood, Jefferson and Pendergrass Police Departments. He was a veteran of the United States Marine Corp serving in Beirut and Desert Storm, loved to play golf and watching hockey, football and golf on the television.

Obiturary Link: https://www.evansfuneralhomeinc.com/obituary/MrJames-LaRocqueJr

Thomas "Tom" J. Zmecek

May 23, 2024

Friend... Mentor... Coworker... Brother.... Missed Greatly.

Well known to the Mentor Beirut Veterans and Fall Veterans Memorial - Rest in Peace Brother Tom.

1958 Lebanon Veteran

https://behmfuneral.com/obituary/thomas-j-zmecek/ 

Visitation will be Sunday April 7th (1400-1600 and 1800-2000)at Demaine Funeral Home, 520 S. Washington St,  Alexandria Virginia 22314.  

Obituary
https://www.dignitymemorial.com/obituaries/alexandria-va/alfred-gray-11723333

Gen Gray and the Beirut Memorial

Marine Corps retirees in the east remember Gen. Al Gray after the 29th Commandant’s passing

https://www.witn.com/video/2024/03/21/marine-corps-retirees-east-remember-gen-al-gray-after-29th-commandants-passing/

Tommy Lee Laster

February 17, 2023

Tommy Laster

Mr. Tommy Lee Laster St, affectionately known as "Rambo", was born on December 25, 1959 to the late Nathaniel Sr. and Bertha (Camel) Laster in Albany, GA. He was a member of Greater Mt. Carmel Baptist Church of Valdosta, Georgia. He graduated from Dougherty High School in 1978, where he was a standout football player. He was a devoted, loving, and exceptional son, father, grandfather, brother, uncle, and friend.

Full Obiturary: https://www.articobits.com/obituaries/harrington-funeral-home-inc/mr-tommy-lee-laster-63-of-valdosta-georgia-obituary

Donald "Cowboy" Staten

February 14, 2023

Donald "Cowboy" Staten served with Alpha Company 1/8. On Friday, March 10, 2023, a homegoing celebration for Mr. Donald W. Staten will be held at the Vaughn Green Chapel at Randallstown, 8728 Liberty Road, where the family will receive friends from 2:00 p.m. until 2:30 p.m. with services to follow.

Ronald Lee Jones

August 29, 2022

On Monday August 29th we lost a proud Beirut veteran, husband, father, papa, and friend. MSgt.  Ronald Jones (retired) passed away after a long tough battle with cancer. He fought every day with everything he had, but sadly this battle was one he could not win.  He went peacefully and is no longer in pain. He was with 1/8th Marines and served the Marine corps proudly for 22 years.  

Full Obituary: https://www.legacy.com/us/obituaries/name/ronald-jones-obituary?id=36367621

Ronald JonesGunny Jones

John Holzhauer

August 18, 2022

Passed away unexpectedly on August 18, 2022. John was born on July 26th to Marlene Burdick and Gerald Holzhauer in Milwaukee. After attending Wauwatosa East, he proudly served his country in the United States Marine Corps. John would go on to get married and have two children. John was a wonderful and devoted member of the community.

John was with Bravo Company, Third Platoon, 1/8 24th MAU

Full Obituary: https://www.jsonline.com/obituaries/mjs067546

John HolzhauerJohn Holzhauer

Joseph King

August 8, 2022

Joe KingJoe graduated from the U.S. Naval Academy with the Class of 1959 and continued his education at the Naval Postgraduate School, Monterey, CA, earning a Master’s Degree in 1969. He served in the Navy for 32 years, including command at sea in USS CLAUDE V RICKETTS (DDG-5) and USS VIRGINIA (CGN-38) Following his retirement from the Navy, he continued his federal service at the Department of Energy. Once fully retired, he volunteered with the local AARP tax office, assisting individuals with preparing their income tax returns. He was an active member of Holy Spirit Catholic Church and a lifelong Navy lacrosse fan.

Full Obituary: https://www.dignitymemorial.com/obituaries/springfield-va/joseph-king-10882135

Lawrence Smith, Jr.

August 8, 2022

Lawrence J. Smith, Jr., 59 of Easton, PA died Monday, August 8, 2022 at St. Luke’s Hospital Anderson Campus. Smith was a U.S. Marine with Echo Company BLT 2/8 while in Beirut.

Full Obiturary: https://ashtonfuneralhome.com/obituaries/lawrence-j-smith-jr/

Lawrence Smith

John E. Selbe

July 29, 2022

10/23/1983 Survivor

Purple Heart

Visitation will be Friday August 5th starting at 10 a.m. at Leonard Johnson Funeral Home in Marmet WV with a funeral immediately after at 11 a.m. Graveside service with full military honors will follow in Marmet Cemetery, Marmet, WV.  Leonard Johnson Funeral Home, Marmet, WV. 

https://www.tributearchive.com/obituaries/25402798/john-ervin-selbe/marmet/west-virginia/leonard-johnson-funeral-home 

Doc James Looper

July 29, 2022

https://www.shinnfuneral.com/obituary/jim-looper

Doc Looper

"Doc" James "Jim" Looper, a Beirut Veteran, died last year on March 1, 2021. I was good friends with him and we used to talk on the phone once or twice a year. I did wonder why he didn't call me over this past holiday season but didn't think that much about it. I called him yesterday and although his phone still works, it went to voicemail. I then found out that he had passed away. Jim was with ("Guts") Golf Company, BLT 2/8, 22nd MAU. Jim was a corpsman on site at Checkpoint 76 during the firefight on 04 Dec 1983 when eight Marines were killed. I don't have any photos of Jim, but wish I did. If anyone has any they would be appreciated so we can have an entry for him on the BVA's "Final Muster." Jim did not participate to a great deal with remembrances and reunions, claiming he lived so far away and in isolation in Arkansas. He suspected he was the only living Beirut Veteran in the entire state of Arkansas. He will be sorely missed. - Jeff H

Michael C. Corrigan

June 7, 2022

Michael Corrigan, 60, passed away peacefully at Hospice of Savannah on June 7, 2022. He was a resident of Richmond Hill, Georgia.  Michael was a decorated veteran who served in Beirut, Lebanon and dedicated 11 years of his life to faithful service in the United States Marine Corps.

After serving in Beirut, Lebanon, with the Peacekeeping Force, Michael was assigned to Embassy Security Duty at the United States Embassy in Iceland. At the conclusion of his military career, Michael continued a life in service of others as a volunteer firefighter, EMT and Deputy Sheriff in Northampton County, Virginia.  In his retirement, nothing gave him greater joy than spending time with his granddaughter, Brynja Grace and his Westie, Fearghus.

Full Obituary: https://www.carterbryanchapel.com/obituary/michael-corrigan

Terry Moore

April 28, 2022

Terry Moore, age 59, of Blountville, Tenn., went to be with the Lord on Thursday, April 28, 2022 at Bristol Regional Medical Center. He was born August 24, 1962 in Bristol, Va., a son of the late Charlie and Dorothy Vincill Moore. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his brothers, Mike Moore and Chris Moore.

Terry was a U.S. Marine Corps Veteran and a member of the VFW Post 2116 of Elizabethton. He was a Lance Corporal when he was discharged from the Marines and served in the Motor T Headquarters Battery and Gulf Battery 3/10. He spent four and a half months in Beirut with BLT 3/8.  One year prior to the bombing that left 241 soldiers dead.

You can see the entire obituary here.

Terry Moore Marine PhotoTerry Moore

Barry Alan Davis

April 22, 2022

A Celebration Of Life Gathering For Barry Alan Davis, Age 60, Of Crossville, Tennessee, Was Conducted On Friday, April 22, 2022, From 5:00 PM Until 7:00 PM From The Chapel Of Goff Funeral Home With Full Military Honors Provided By The Veterans Honor Guard. Mr. Davis Was Born On Monday, October 2, 1961, In Springfield, Ohio, To Lonnie Carl Davis Of Monterey, Tennessee, And The Late Anna Sue Garrett Davis. Mr. Davis Passed Away On Monday, April 18, 2022, At The Cumberland Medical Center. Mr. Davis Was A United States Combat Marine Seeing Action In Beirut Serving As A Proud Tanker.

You can read the entire obituary here.

Barry Davis

John D. Kolata

January 27, 2022

Under the orders of President Ronald Reagan John was in command of his embarked Company of the U.S. Marines. That force formed the amphibious assault into the island of Grenada putting down the Soviet backed Cuban force that had overtaken the island. After Grenada the Manitowoc streamed to the Mediterranean Sea off the coast of Beirut, Lebanon and landed helos transporting evacuees from the United States Embassy. His naval service ended at Newport, RI, serving as the Station Commander. He retired from the U.S. Navy in December of 1986.

Full Obituary: https://www.ruxfuneralhome.com/obituary/John-Kolata

Kolata

Daniel Peters

July 12, 2021

Beirut Veteran Dan Peters from Fox 2/8 has recently died after a long battle with ALS.  He passed away on Monday July 12th early in the morning.

His Viewing Services will be on Thursday from 2-4 pm; 7-9, Friday 10am to 11, with Funeral at 11. All will be at Cantelmi Long Funeral Home 500 Linden st., Bethlehem, PA.

He left behind a wife, Karen, and two children.    https://www.cantelmifuneralhome.com/clq/obituary/Daniel-Peters 

Wareham-Brigadier General James M. Mead, USMC (Ret.), 85 of Hamilton Beach, Wareham passed away peacefully at Tobey Hospital on Saturday, July 10, 2021. He was the husband of Marylou (Moran) Mead also of Hamilton Beach.

James was born in Boston, the son of the late Phillip G. and Lillian (Spencer) Mead of Somerville MA. He graduated from Malden Catholic High School and attended Belmont Abbey College in Belmont NC, on a basketball scholarship. He earned a BS in English from the Abbey in 1957. Additionally, he was awarded a master’s degree in Business Administration from the University of North Carolina-Charlotte. All three academic institutions he attended recognized him as a distinguished graduate.

During College, Brigadier General Mead completed USMC Platoon Leaders Class, and was commissioned a 2nd Lieutenant upon graduation. He served his nation with valor and distinction for thirty-one years. A born leader, his military achievements were legion. Designated a Naval Aviator in 1958, he had a lifetime love of aviation, and flew more than 6000 hours in over 30 different aircraft type model series to include the F-9F Cougar, F-4D Skyray, A-4 Skyhawk, F-8 Crusader, and his beloved F-4 Phantom. The General commanded two F-4 Phantom squadrons (VMFA-251 and VMFA-232) and Marine Aircraft Group 31. Serving two tours in combat during the Vietnam War, he flew 390 combat missions. In 1982-1983, then Colonel Mead, served as the Commanding Officer of the 32nd Marine Amphibious Unit and subsequently the 22nd Marine Amphibious Unit. During his command both units comprised the United States contingent of the Multi-National Peacekeeping Force in Beirut Lebanon. After his promotion to Brigadier General, James served at Headquarters Marine Corps in Washington DC, then as the Commander of Marine Corps Air Bases East which was his final assignment in the USMC before his retirement in 1988. His decorations included, the Silver Star, Bronze Star with Combat V, Combat Action Ribbon, Distinguished Flying Cross, Legion of Merit (3 Awards), Meritorious Service Medal, Navy Commendation Medal, and many others.

Brigadier General Mead is survived by his children: Matthew Mead and his wife Danielle of SC, Michael Mead and his wife Stephanie of NC, Mitzi Mead-Smith and her husband Tory Smith of VA. and his stepson Kevin Grant and his wife Ashley Grant of Marion, MA. He was the brother of Ann Lane of MA, Grandfather of Dr. Kara Regan-Lawrence, Jake Mead, J.J. Regan, Spencer Mead, Michael Mead, 2nd Lt Max Mead USA, Patrick Mead and Samantha Mead and he is also survived by 10 great grandchildren and many loving nieces’ nephews’ relatives and friends. He was predeceased by his first wife of 49 years Patricia C. (Covington) Mead of Belmont NC, his daughter Melanie Regan, and his sister Phyllis Piscopo.

Visiting hours will be held from 4:00 to 6:00 pm on Thursday July 15, in the Wareham Village Funeral Home 5 Center Street Wareham. Relatives and friends are cordially invited to attend. His funeral Mass will be held at 11:00 am on Friday July 16, in Saint Patrick’s Roman Catholic Church, 94 High Street Wareham, Military Honors will follow, please arrive at church by 10:45. Burial will be held at a date to be determined in Mount Pleasant Cemetery, Arlington, MA.

Memorial donations may be sent to the Marine Corps Scholarship Foundation, 909 N. Washington Street, Suite 400, Arlington VA 22314, www.mcsf.org

Col Mead -  US National Archives

Marty Lemnah

June 30, 2021

Marlys "Marty" was born February 26, 1947 in Flint, Michigan. At age 4 1/2 her family moved to Minneapolis, Minnesota. Her father was from the Chippewa tribe. She graduated from the VoTech High School in Minneapolis, pre-nursing, graduating in 1965. She met a Navy recruiter who came to school to speak and decided to join the US Navy.

She was stationed at the Naval Air Station in Brunswick, Maine, and became a Licensed Pratical Nurse by challenging the state boards. She received her degree in Nursing in 1978 (Associates), a BS in Nursing, and became a Registered Nurse in 1981. 

She married Richard Lee Lemnah, US Marine, in 1968. They met at Naval Airstation in Brunswick. On October 23, 1983, Master Sergeant Lemnah was killed in the Beirut bombing attack. He returned home to St. Albans, VT, for burial. In 1984, Marty moved to St. Albans, VT, to live where she died on June 30, 2021.

Marty was an active member of the BVA and beloved by all who knew her. 

Her obitiuary can be read at: https://www.legacy.com/us/obituaries/burlingtonfreepress/name/marlys-lemnah-obituary?pid=199422961

Marty Lemnah

Mary Ellen Jackowski

April 22, 2021

Mary Ellen Jackowski

I‘m very sad to advise that Mary Ellen Jackowski has succumbed 7+ years after being diagnosed in 2013 with a rare progressive brain disease (CBD).

She was fully aware of the her terminal situation from the beginning and fought as best she could to maintain herself with the assistance of her caretaker husband John and a home health aide.

Physical disabilities progressed and last week she was accepted into The High Peaks Home Hospice Care Program. She died in her sleep the morning of 4/22.

At her direction, her brain has been donated to the Harvard Brain Tissue Resource Center in Boston, Mass.for Corticobasal degeneration research.

She regretted not being well enough to attend the Beirut Memorial Services recently and appreciated you making the videos available.She missed seeing you and the many friends we have made over the years.

We will hold a memorial service to celebrate and honor her life in the near future.

Semper Fi,

John Jackowski
Proud Father of
Cpl. James Jackowski
KIA 10/23/83 Beirut, Lebanon

Eric Hammel Final Muster

Eric HammelEric's son Daniel contacted the BVA family about his dad.

He wanted to let us know that Eric passed away today. He was sick in the last couple of years and it finally took its toll.

"My dad wrote a lot of books about a lot of people, but there was no group that he was more in touch with than yours. I know that he touched many of your lives and many of you touched his. He saw you all as brothers, even though he didn't serve, he loved you all."

- Daniel

On Saturday August 1, 2020 at 19:01, a beloved husband, father, friend, and retired marine fulfilled his mission here on earth. Maynard Lee Sinclair Sr. born September 19, 1949 in West Virginia, graced our world with his presence and was uniquely equipped with a specific call to duty..."Life."

Maynard enlisted into the United States Marine Corps in his late adolescents.During his time in the corps, he served in both Vietnam and Beirut, earning numerous awards to include: Good Conduct Medal, Sea Service Dep. Ribbon, Combat Action Ribbon x2, Meritorious Unit Ciation x2, President Unit Ciation x2, Cross of Gallantry, Purple Heart, Republic of Vietnam MUC, Marine Corps Expeditionary Medal, Vietnam Service Medal x7 and a Navy Unit Ciation.  The library of awards, certificates and medals, reflects the energy of which he placed on the assigned commissions as a Marine and as a member of civilian communities. Maynard earned an associates degree and became a certified a.c. mechanic.  The skills, trades, and education were placed into operation in living and applying life with love in his heart to complete the work established and begun within himself.

Maynard "Mad Dog" Lee Sinclair, Sr.

Howard "Roy" Moon

August 22, 2018

Ret. CWO-4 Howard "Roy" Moon, 71, a longtime resident of Jacksonville, NC passed away Wednesday, August 22, 2018.
Roy was a loving son, brother, father and grandfather. He was a 25 year veteran of the United States Marine Corps, he served two tours in Vietnam, a tour in Beirut and in the Gulf War.

He is survived by his son, Stanton Dwayne (Marla) Moon; daughter, Christina (Daryl) Dunavant; grandkids, Justin, Zach, Kourtney, Allyson & Jessica; four great grandchildren; two brothers, Troy Moon and A.J. Moon; sister, Connie Karsten; military brothers, Colonel James Marapoti and Colonel Richard Smith.

Leonard Paul Tice

July 15, 2018

Leonard Paul Tice, 55, of New Cumberland, passed away from an accidental drowning on Sunday, July 15, 2018,

Born in Steubenville, Ohio, on Aug. 27, 1962, he was the son of the late George Earl and Marjorie (Wycoff) Tice.

Lenny proudly served in the United States Marines, Beirut Lebanon Peace-Keeping Force. He was a member of the Beirut Veterans, Tri-State Marine Corp Club, Vietnam Veterans Support Group, Chapter 1 Steubenville. He graduated from Oak Glen High School.

He loved the beautiful hills of West Virginia. He was an outdoorsman and he enjoyed dirt biking, fishing, hunting, hiking and camping under the stars.

 

Visitation will be at 6 pm Tuesday, July 31st, with a service following at 7 pm at the Nixon Funeral Home in Newell, WV.  Email [email protected] if further information is required.

E. John Beaman

July 14, 2018

It is with deep sorrow and great relief that our dear father, Ernest “John” Beaman passed onto something better after a brave and fierce battle with pancreatic cancer. In the end, we lost our beautiful father, but we are happy to announce that the cancer that attacked him did not survive the attempt.

E.J. Beaman was born in New York, graduated from BYU, served a mission in Scotland, and honorably served our country as a Captain in the United States Marine Corps. He had a passion for flying, family, faith, and firing guns!

E. John Beaman

Walter Louis Walz, Jr.

May 27, 2018

Walter Louis Walz, Jr., 57, passed away May 20, 2018 at his residence.

The Chatham County native served in the U.S. Marines in Beirut and Grenada. He formerly worked at EMD Chemicals and International Paper.  He was a member of Compassion Christian Church.

He was preceded in death by his father, Walter Louis Walz, Sr.

Survivors include his wife, Jean M. Walz; daughter, Tiffany (Stephen) Bradley; son, Christopher Walz; grandson, Miller Bradley; mother and step-father, Joan and David Honeycutt; sister, Dawn (Marshall) Kutchey; sisters-in-law and brothers-in-law, June and Rocker Hartley and Becky and James Earl Miller; uncle and aunt, Carl and Brenda Walz; and a number of nieces, nephews, cousins, and extended family.

Joey Pauley

December 28, 2017

Joey Pauley

Joey Allen Pauley, 55 of Sharon died December 28, 2017 at home. 

He was a retired deck hand from Amherst River Pilots, Belle and was a U.S. Marine Corps Veteran of the multinational force sent to be peacemakers during the Lebanese Civil War where he survived the Beirut barracks bombings of 1983. 

Joey Pauley

Rupert Joe McLean

October 23, 1961 - December 6, 2017

December 6, 2017

Rupert Joe McLean was born on October 23, 1961, in Lillington, NC. Rupert graduated from Harnett Central High School in 1980, where his senior class peers voted him as "Best Looking Male." He later enlisted in the United States Marine Corps as an infantry corpsman. Rupert served in the Marine Corps from 1980 to 1983. He was serving in Beirut, Lebanon, in October 1983, when a suicide bomber drove a truck of explosives into a building—which killed 241 United States service members (including 220 Marines). It was by God’s grace that he returned home safely. For his USMC service, he was honored with a key to the city of Dunn, NC. Rupert retired in 2007 from Honeywell in Moncure, NC, after 20 years of service. Following his honorable discharge from military service, he eventually married Penny Burch, and from this union he had two sons.

Rupert Joe McLean

Glenn E. Dolphin

February 24, 1958 - February 19, 2017

February 19, 2017

Glenn Dolphin

On Sunday February 19, 2017 one of our Marine Brothers and a long standing Board Member of the Beirut Veterans of America passed away. 

Glenn Dolphin served as a 1st LT in the role of Asst Communications Officer for HQ 24th MAU during its deployment in Beirut from May to November of 1983. He authored an account of his experience in Beirut in a book titled 24 MAU 1983. In the book he shared his heart, humor, and commitment to duty. 

As with all of those who have graced our paths and paved the way for others to enjoy our freedom, we will miss Glenn's presence with us. We will pick up his banner and carry on the mission to remember all our fallen Brothers.

We have sent our condolences to Glenn's family on behalf of the BVA. You can find more information about the services for him and his life at: http://www.legacy.com/obituaries/aikenstandard/obituary.aspx?pid=184198177.

Semper Fi,

The BVA Officers and Board

Glenn Dolphin

James W. Ponder

August 13 ,1962 - February 15, 2017

February 15, 2017

James Ponder passed away in his home in New Castle, Indiana on Wednesday February 15, 2017.

Jim served in Beirut with the 32nd MAU in 1982. He was attached to HMM-262. For Beirut, he was awarded the Marine Corps Expeditionary Medal, a Sea Service Deployment Medal and a Humanitarian Service Medal. He served from 1980-1992. Ponder was a lifetime member of the BVA.

James Ponder

Nelson L. Bywaters

January 9,1950 - February 4, 2017

February 4, 2017

Nelson Bywaters

MGySgt Nelson Bywaters USMC (ret) passed away on Saturday evening February 4, 2017.

Bywaters served in Beirut, Lebanon with the 22nd MAU as a member of the Shore Party unit, commonly known as "Red Patches". Before Lebanon, he alson participated in the invasion of Grenada in 1983.

MGySgt Bywaters made a career of the U.S. Marin Corps, serving from May 4, 1968 to 30 October 1995.

Nelson Bywaters

Joseph F. Covella Jr.

September 2 ,1954 - January 24, 2017

January 24, 2017

SSgt Joe Covella, Jr USMC (Ret) passed away on Tuesday January 24, 2017 in Jacksonville, Florida.

Joe served in Beirut, Lebanon with BLT 2/8 and also participated in the 1983 invasion of Grenada. During his service in the Marine Corps, he was awarded the Combat Action Ribbon with one Star. Over his lifetime, Covella had been a member of the Beirut Veterans of America and Marine Corps League.

Joseph Covella

Philip Warren Alexander

December 26, 2016

Philip Warren Alexander, 53 of Phoenix City, Alabama passed away Monday, December 26, 2016. Funeral services with military honors will be held 2:00 P.M. EST Friday in Lakewood Hall at Striffler-Hamby, Phoenix City, AL Burial will follow in Lakeview Memory Gardens. The family will receive friends Thursday evening from 6:00 P.M. until 8:00 P.M. at the funeral home. 

Mr. Alexander was born April 20, 1963 in Fort Benning, Georgia; son of the late Fred Alexander and Lucille Johnson Nicholson of Phoenix City, AL. He is a Marine Corp veteran who served in Beirut. He is currently serving in the Army National Guard where he served in Iraq and Afghanistan and is a member of the V.F.W.. He is employed with Heat Craft Corp in Columbus, GA. 

Other than his mother, Lucille Nicholson, he is survived by his wife, Lisa Alexander of Phoenix City, AL, daughter; Amy Grindle (Jeremy) of Alabaster, AL, son; Joshua Alexander (Macy), daughters; Jessica Phillips and Juliann Faulkner both of Phoenix City, AL; brother, Rick Alexander (Susan) of Chapin, SC, grandchildren, Nathan Grindle, Taylor Grindle, Saphirra Alexander, Logan Alexander, Shea Grindle, Castiel Alexander, niece, Lauren Alexander and nephew, Ryan Alexander. 

"Doc" James "Jim" Looper

June 15, 1963

https://www.shinnfuneral.com/obituary/jim-looper

"Doc" James "Jim" Looper, a Beirut Veteran, died last year on March 1, 2021. I was good friends with him and we used to talk on the phone once or twice a year. I did wonder why he didn't call me over this past holiday season but didn't think that much about it. I called him yesterday and although his phone still works, it went to voicemail. I then found out that he had passed away. Jim was with ("Guts") Golf Company, BLT 2/8, 22nd MAU. Jim was a corpsman on site at Checkpoint 76 during the firefight on 04 Dec 1983 when eight Marines were killed. I don't have any photos of Jim, but wish I did. If anyone has any they would be appreciated so we can have an entry for him on the BVA's "Final Muster." Jim did not participate to a great deal with remembrances and reunions, claiming he lived so far away and in isolation in Arkansas. He suspected he was the only living Beirut Veteran in the entire state of Arkansas. He will be sorely missed. - Jeff H

Doc Looper

Tom "Thomas J." Zmecek

September 26, 1938

Friend... Mentor... Coworker... Brother.... Missed Greatly.

Well known to the Mentor Beirut Veterans and Fall Veterans Memorial - Rest in Peace Brother Tom.

1958 Lebanon Veteran

https://behmfuneral.com/obituary/thomas-j-zmecek/