This past month, as we collectively recognized our veterans, I was struck by the rich tapestry of military service woven within our Flagship families. It was truly inspiring to learn about the diverse experiences and sacrifices made by many individuals. These personal histories offer valuable insights into dedication, resilience and commitment to our country. Here are a few examples.
Former White House Press Secretary Sean Spicer (son of Kathy Spicer, 4600) was recently promoted to Captain in the U.S. Navy Reserve. He has been serving in the Navy Reserve as a Public Affairs Officer since 1999. His Navy career includes serving on the Joint Chiefs of Staff, earning a master’s degree from the Naval War College, and working on media coverage for exercises in places like Antarctica and Europe. After his time as White House Press Secretary, he was appointed to the U.S. Naval Academy’s Board of Visitors. The promotion ceremony was presided over by Pete Hegseth, Secretary of War.
Bill Reid (4608) was drafted in 1960 for two years which was extended 24 days because of the crises in Cuba. Bill and Pat’s son-in-law was in the Army for 42 years and now serves in the Florida Guard. Their granddaughter, her husband and their grandson all serve in the Air Force. Michael loads bombs on fighter jets and Ashley and Brady are fighter pilots. The Reid family are proud to be Americans!
Roger Leighty (4604) was a buck sergeant in the 1st Cavalry Division of the army in Vietnam, 1971-1972. He spent his time on assorted fire support bases in the Long Bing/Bien Hoa area as an artillery gun crew chief.
Becky Ross’ (4604) father, Bill Ross (William G Ross, Jr.), served in theaters of combat during World War II, beginning in 1943 and was finally recognized as a U.S. military veteran in 1988. As a 17-year-old, he tried to enlist in the U.S. Army and Navy and was rejected because of his eyesight. So, he joined the U.S. Merchant Marines at 17 years of age and was trained at the Navy Cooking School at the Vinoy Hotel in St. Petersburg, FL. He served as chief baker on a merchant ship, delivering supplies and troops to theaters of war, including Africa, India and Europe. He liked to tell the story of how, on every birthday aboard ship, he baked each serviceman the cake of his choice.
Although the Merchant Marines were not then recognized as a branch of the service, they had higher casualty rates than any branch of the armed forces during World War II. Their delivery of supplies was critical to the war efforts, and they were frequent targets of German U-boats, mines and even kamikaze pilots. A total of 733 Merchant Marine vessels were sunk by enemy attacks. Bill was part of the resupply efforts at Normandy arriving the day after D-Day, transporting more troops, ammunition and supplies.
At 63 years old, when WW II Merchant Marines were finally recognized as military veterans and qualified for veterans’ benefits, Bill joked that he was “goin’ to college.” Some of you may remember Bill Ross as he was your neighbor here in Flagship from 1985 until 2012.
John Sandrock (4612) was in the U.S. Army August 1968 to July 1971 as Spec E-5, 22 months in grade. He was a 62B heavy equipment mechanic MOS (military occupational specialty). He was one year in Vietnam and 17 months in Germany. He received an Honorable Discharge with an Army Commendation Medal. He made rank very quickly because he served well and was offered promotion to E-6 for re-enlistment. He declined since he had already been accepted to The Ohio State for Architecture and didn’t want to move frequently.
Richard Hickey (4604) enlisted in the Marine Corps in February 1964, shortly after turning 18 years old. He was Honorably Discharged in February 1968 and attained rank of Sgt (E-5). His military occupation was as a teletype operator with top secret clearance. He spent 32 months continuous overseas duty in the Philippines, Vietnam, and Okinawa.
Carolyn Wilson’s family (4608) has a unique military background. Back in 1887, her great grandfather Andrew served with the Gordon Highlanders, a branch of the British Army. His son James (Carolyn’s grandfather) served in the Royal Air Force in June 1918 in France. The RAF was heavily engaged in operations to support Allied ground forces battling the German Spring offensive. Carolyn’s dad, Andrew, grew up in New Jersey and became a research chemist working for Merck and Company. During World War II when the need for massive amounts of penicillin was identified, her dad’s job was designated as a reserved occupation. This is an occupation considered important enough that those in such an occupation are exempt for military service. He made penicillin, streptomycin, sulfa drugs and a wide variety of vitamins to support the Allied war effort.
Chief Master Sergeant Vincent Fondacaro (4604) served 17 active years of service and 23 years in Air National Guard for a total of 40 years in the U.S. Air Force. During service he deployed overseas numerous times in support of Operation Noble Eagle, Enduring Freedom, Iraqi Freedom, Southern Watch, and the Global War on Terrorism! On these deployments he earned two medals for Global War on terrorism, National Defense Service medal, Air Force Achievement and Commendation medals, and three Meritorious Service medals. While on the last six-month deployment for the Joint Detention Group at Guantanamo Bay Cuba, he earned the Defense Meritorious Service Medal for leadership. His daughter, Captain Samantha Fondacaro, is currently serving as an Air Force Aircraft Commander, flying C-17s for a Special Operations Low Level Squadron.
Lt. Commander Jessica King, daughter of Jeff and Pattie Parrett (4604), has served in the Navy as a fighter pilot since 2013. She was the first woman in the Navy to train on the EA18 Growler fighter plane. She is currently in the Navy Reserve as an instructor on the Growler and recently achieved Captain status for Delta Airlines.
Bob Allen (4616) comes from a line of those who volunteered to do their part in service to our country. While growing up, he knew that his father served in the U.S. Army, and his three uncles served in the U.S. Navy. They all served during WW II. During all their family get togethers there was always much to talk about but never about the war. Bob volunteered and joined the Army during the height of the Vietnam war. According to Bob, it just seemed like the right thing to do. During his three-year term, he spent 13 months in Korea on a secret mission and the rest of the time taught trigonometry to the artillery in Fort Sill, Oklahoma.
Their family’s claim to military history is that they are direct descendants of Admiral William “Bull” Halsey of WW II fame. His grandmother was a Halsey and he can remember visiting their farm when he was very young. His mother said his love of boats came from the Halsey side of the family.
We would like to express our sincere gratitude for the profound sacrifices made by these military families. Their unwavering dedication and sacrifices allow us to live in freedom every day.
