Tribute to Heroes

Tributes are listed from oldest to newest military.

Father of Member Marina Brown:

Apolonio (Paul) G. Jauregui, Wellington, Kansas served as riflleman in the 19th Infantry as a combat infantryman. He was a sergeant and served during WWII in conflicts in New Guinea, Southern Philippines and Luzon. He received the following decorations and citations: Distinguished Unit Citation GO 21 37 Hq 19th Inf 45 Asiatic Pacific Service Medal, Philippine Liberation Ribbon with 3 Bronze Stars World War II Victory Medal, Good Conduct Medal

Paul passed away March 6, 1993 when he lost a battle with colon cancer. He is survived by his wife Inosensia (Enos) Jauregui of Bel Aire, Kansas; sons', Charlie, Bernie, Marty and daughters Paulette and Marina. Paul was a great father and friend and is missed by all.

Member Dennis Nicklin's Father:

Robert Nicklin served in the Army
during the war from 1943 thru 1945.

Member Deb Gruver's Father:

Don Clark

More info coming. Check out the purple heart to the right!!!

Father of Member Mike Lewis

Gene Lewis
Independence Kansas
Served in the US Navy from
January 1959 to January 1965
Gene was a Destroyer Attender with CO 59-133 aboard the USS Frontier AD-25. In his duties he traveled a large portion of the world.
He passed away on October 13, 2013

Gene was an avid Corvette enthusiast owning several during his life. He passed his passion on to both of his sons who are both current Corvette owners. Member and son Mike Lewis has the privilege of caring for the 1980 corvette
Gene had at the time of his passing.

Member Dennis Nicklin:

Dennis Nicklin served as a Naval Aviation Ordnance-man
during the Vietnam conflict from 1963 thru 1966.

Member Bill Matlack:

Served in the U.S. Marine Corps from 11-28-67 to 12-3-69.

Served as a combat infantryman and radio man in Vietnam from 4-5-68 to 5-5-69.

Member Jim Bechler:

James R. Bechler, Hutchinson, Ks. Spec. 5 served with 632 HEM Co. Long Binh, Vietnam 1969-1970. Received National Defense Service Medal, Vietnam Service Medal, Good Conduct Medal

Hal Durham
Hal was in the United States Marine Corps. during the Viet Nam war. Hal was a CKCA member in the 70's era. He still owned his 65 coupe at the time of his death. He is now buried in Arlington National Cemetery due to being in combat in Viet Nam and twice wounded receiving two purple hearts. He was wounded while recovering wounded Marines during combat operations under enemy fire.

Member Deb Gruver's Brother:

Phil Clark
More info coming.

Member Kim Corcoran:

U.S. Air Force. At Williams AFB in AZ, circa 1975. Closed now and is Mesa-Pheonix Gateway Airport.

Member Mike Neuway:

Mike Neuway was in the U.S. Navy from 1987-1991 active duty. He was on the USS Ranger aircraft carrier during Operation Desert Storm. He was with VA-145 Swordsman which was an A-6 squadron on the carrier.

Mike was a plane captain which means he worked on the flight deck during flight operations and was involved with getting squadron aircraft ready for launching off the flight deck and then was part of the recovering process when the aircraft returned from it mission.

The USS Ranger was also in the movie “Top Gun” and Mike did get to work around some of the F-14 tomcats that were in the movie as well as some of the actual navy pilots that flew planes in the movie.

Michael Lee "Mike" Neuway, 48, died Dec. 18, 2012, at his home. He was born Aug. 14, 1964, in Hutchinson, the son of Robert Lee and Earlene Lavern Findley Neuway.

Member Linda Corcoran's son:

Linda and son Steve
U.S. Air Force Academy, circa 1999

Member Kim Corcoran's son:

Matthew Ediger in Afghanistan, 2005. U.S. Army. Son of Member Kim Corcoran

Member Steve & Penny Stoss' son:

Logan Stoss
Army 2011-2014

Stationed at Scofield Barracks in Hawaii.