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Military Exchanges Partner with RangeMe to Streamline American-Made Product Sourcing

Thursday, May 13th, 2021

SAN FRANCISCO, CA — May 13, 2021 — The Army & Air Force Exchange, Navy Exchange, Marine Corps Exchange, and Coast Guard Exchange are joining forces with RangeMe, the industry standard online product sourcing platform for retailers and suppliers, on a nationwide initiative to source American-made products for their shelves.

This endeavor is part of the ongoing commitment from the exchanges to bring more American-made products into their retail stores while enhancing categories that include pet supplies, PPE, housewares, toys, and more.

“RangeMe has established strong partnerships with the U.S. military exchanges, and we are thrilled to take this next step with them,” said Nicky Jackson, CEO and Founder of RangeMe. “This enhanced commitment to sourcing American-made products will help further their dedication to providing innovative, quality products to the men and women of the Armed Forces.”

Through RangeMe, the exchanges will easily discover products manufactured in America and meet their consumers’ needs. With more than 175,000 suppliers, RangeMe provides a vast array of brands representing nearly 1 million products that can meet the exchanges’ needs as they deepen their efforts to bring in more American-made products now and in the future.

American-made brands interested in working with the Exchanges can submit their products for review here: app.rangeme.com/exchangemadeinamerica.

Posted in Made In USA!, Press Release, Veterans | 7 Comments »

Vietnam Veteran Shares First-Person Account of Life in the Bush in 1968 in Debut Memoir

Tuesday, May 11th, 2021

In ’13 Months,’ author Bruce A. Bastien reflects on his experiencesas a young U.S. Marine Corps grunt serving a 13-month tour in Vietnam

SAN DIEGO – For many Americans, the Vietnam War often conjures mental images of high-action military combat overseas, unprecedented frontline media coverage of the war as it unfolded in Vietnam, and tensions across the U.S. as protestors called for the war to end. In “13 Months: In the Bush, In Vietnam, In 1968,” author Bruce A. Bastien draws back the curtain of this high-conflict period to share his experience as a young Marine – both the common notions of war and the mundane, daily life experiences that shaped his 13-month tour of duty.

“13 Months” sweeps readers up on a coming-of-age journey through a U.S. Marine Corps grunt’s daily struggles, battles, and funny moments as he navigates a new and sometimes unforgiving environment. Bastien’s book shares with readers the range of emotions and physical discomfort he experienced during his service, from unmitigated terror to utter boredom, hot and dry to wet and cold, rested and ready to frazzled and wired.

“13 Months” also shares Bastien’s experience maturing from a young man to an adult as he grows philosophically, finds his confidence, develops the ability to handle stress and strain, and learns lessons about friendship, love, difficulty, danger, deprivation, and loss. Bastien reflects on his friendship with the other American men with whom he served who came from all different walks of life, backgrounds, races, and levels of learning. The common element among them was their humanity, bravery, and willingness to risk their lives to help one another, all the while hoping to find their way back home.

“This is a personal account of the feelings, frustration, horror and friendships, of a young man under very exceptional conditions. It describes the grassroot experiences of a young marine on a mission for his country, but where questions arise of the ultimate purpose, the Why,” Mårten Wikström wrote in an endorsement of the book. “It is not a story of heroes, but a sincere description of what a young American boy experienced. What was the purpose of this war? And even, what was the purpose of some of the movements of the soldier’s unit? This is a very realistic story of how many young Americans must have experienced their role in Vietnam. The narrative doesn’t dwell in excesses, or drama, yet describes the horror and fright very clearly, but also the extreme boredom and man-to-man conflicts that arose.”

Ultimately, Bastien’s book is a gripping and unforgettable story peppered with supporting photos about a boy’s journey to becoming a man that highlights the incredible power of camaraderie and friendship. “13 Months” keeps the memories of the people who served during the Vietnam War alive and provides a glimpse into the negative impact and harrowing toll of war on individual lives.

“13 Months: In the Bush, In Vietnam, In 1968”

By Bruce A. Bastien

ISBN: 978-1-6632-0456-1 (sc); ISBN: 978-1-6632-0458-5 (hc); ISBN: 978-1-6632-0457-8 (e)

Available through iUniverse, Barnes & Noble, and Amazon.

About the author

Bruce A. Bastien has had dual careers in data processing and aviation. Bastien’s previous roles include computer salesman for IBM, business applications computer programmer, consultant, and owner of a “Cloud” service bureau business that hosts client business applications. He has also worked as a flight instructor and owner of a Part 135 on-demand airline, and he earned commercial pilot and flight instructor certificates for single and multi-engine aircraft with instrument ratings. Bastien holds degrees in biometry, computer science, and accounting. He currently resides in San Diego with his wife, Carol. To learn more, please visit www.scsstories.com.

Posted in History, Media, Press Release, USMC, Veterans | 1 Comment »

Veterans History Project Spotlights Military Mothers with May Panel Discussion

Sunday, May 2nd, 2021

Mothers have volunteered to serve in the military since the Revolutionary War, where they held traditional roles as nurses, seamstresses or cooks and, since 2015, in designated frontline combat roles. On Thursday, May 6 at 12 p.m. EST, the Library of Congress Veterans History Project (VHP) invites the public to a virtual panel titled “Motherhood and the Military” through the VHP Facebook page. The panelists and moderator will be available to answer questions and address remarks in the comments section.

Women were 16.5% of all active-duty personnel in 2018 and make up 10% of all military veterans, a percentage that is likely to increase rapidly in the next decade, according to Pentagon data. Women veterans hold many roles, including that of mothers, but their contributions have often gone unrecognized, according to experts.

Ahead of Mother’s Day, the panel will explore the intersection of the role of mothers and their connection to the military through the personal experiences of four women veterans.

“These strong women, just like those who came before them, remind us that while motherhood itself can be a full-time job, some mothers choose to continue serving in the Armed Forces. They juggle the trials of parenting with the responsibility of maintaining operations, coping with deployment and the uncertainty that can come with it all,” said Elizabeth Estabrooks, acting executive director of the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs Center for Women Veterans, and the panel’s moderator.

The discussion will include special introductions by Senators Tammy Duckworth, D-Ill, and Joni Ernst, R-Iowa, both of whom are military veterans and mothers and serve on the Senate Armed Services Committee. Duckworth, an Iraq war veteran, is the first female double amputee to serve in the Senate, while Ernst was the first female combat veteran to serve in that chamber.

“The dual roles of mother and soldier are not uncommon, but too often the story of service, sacrifice and the impact on individual families goes untold,” said Duckworth, who made history in 2018 when she took her newborn baby to a Senate floor vote, just weeks after giving birth.

For her part, Ernst, a former company commander in Kuwait and Iraq, said it wasn’t easy for her to leave her little girl for deployments “halfway across the world.”

“That experience left me with a deep appreciation for the sacrifice our military families make, particularly our moms in uniform,” said Ernst, the first woman to represent Iowa in Congress.

The panel will feature mothers from different military branches who have served our nation through various generations and armed conflicts. They will discuss the trials of parenting and fulfilling operational obligations, coping with the heartache of deployments and separations, and the uncertainty that comes with military service.

Panelists for the program include:

• Chief Warrant Officer 5 Candy Martin (U.S. Army, retired) — Martin served 38 years with the U.S. Army Reserves, including a deployment to Iraq in 2005. Her son, Lt. Tom Martin, was killed in action two years later. She remains very active in the veteran community and with American Gold Star Mothers, Inc.

• Command Sgt. Major Rue Mayweather (U.S. Army, retired) — Mayweather served 30 years in the U.S. Army. She and her son, Capt. Kenieth Mayweather, both deployed to Iraq in 2014 in support of Operation New Dawn.

• Dr. Rupa Dainer (U.S. Navy veteran) — Dainer remembers having “50,000 emotions” when she learned of her deployment to Afghanistan in the parking lot of her daughters’ daycare in 2010. The Navy doctor going off to war helped her daughters, only 4 and 2 years old at the time, get through deployment with videos she made before she left, photos, and a calendar to track the days.

• Mary Dever (U.S. Air Force veteran) — Dever served as an embedded Air Force broadcast journalist in Iraq and Afghanistan. She later became an instructor for the final three of her 10 years of service. When she became pregnant, she fought for her extended maternity leave and relied on an online support group for moms in uniform. Not wanting to leave her son for a new deployment, Dever left the military and started to work with Disabled American Veterans.

Congress created the Veterans History Project in 2000 to collect, preserve and make accessible the firsthand remembrances of United States war veterans from World War I through the more recent conflicts in Iraq and Afghanistan, so that future generations may hear directly from veterans and better understand the realities of military service. For more information, visit www.loc.gov/vets/ or call the toll-free message line at (888) 371-5848. Subscribe to the VHP RSS to receive periodic updates of VHP news. Follow VHP on Facebook @vetshistoryproject.

The Library of Congress is the world’s largest library, offering access to the creative record of the United States — and extensive materials from around the world — both on-site and online. It is the main research arm of the U.S. Congress and the home of the U.S. Copyright Office. Explore collections, reference services and other programs and plan a visit at loc.gov; access the official site for U.S. federal legislative information at congress.gov; and register creative works of authorship at copyright.gov.

Posted in For the Ladies, Press Release, Veterans | 1 Comment »

5.11, Amazon Prime Video and Higher Ground Come Together to Air Drop Gift Packages to Military Veterans

Friday, April 30th, 2021

COLLABORATION CELEBRATES NATIONAL MILITARY APPRECIATION MONTH AND TOM CLANCY’S WITHOUT REMORSE FILM RELEASE5.11, Inc., the global innovator of purpose-built apparel, footwear, and gear, today announced that the company, along with Amazon Prime Video and Higher Ground, celebrated National Military Appreciation Month and the April 30 release of the film Tom Clancy’s Without Remorse in exciting fashion earlier this week by using drones to air drop gift packages to three deserving Los Angeles-based military veterans. A video recapping the drops can be viewed here.

The packages, valued at nearly $400, contained pieces of 5.11’s latest and most innovative gear including a RUSH24 2.0 Pack, TacTec Plate Carrier, EDC L2 Flashlight, and more.

Recipients for the gift packages were selected by Higher Ground, a non-profit organization that provides adaptive recreational programs for individuals with disabilities as well as programs specific to Veterans.

“As a brand, we value the sacrifices and service our military personnel provide our nation and we are eager to find opportunities to show gratitude toward those servicemen and women,” said 5.11’s CMO, Debra Radcliff. “This fun and unique project was particularly exciting and a great way to kickoff National Military Appreciation Month.”

Celebrated annually during the month of May, National Military Appreciation Month is a time to honor current and former members of the U.S. Armed Forces.

“Our team is honored to have 5.11 and Amazon Prime Video recognize some of our most deserving Southern California-based Veterans ahead of National Military Appreciation Month,” said Adam Rund, Veteran Program Engagement Specialist, Higher Ground Los Angeles, and Veteran, USMC. “Our organization aims to work with our Veterans through therapeutic recreation to ease the transition from a life of service to Veteran life. We are grateful for companies like these two who can create memorable experiences for, and recognition of, our Veterans.”

Amazon Prime Video’s Tom Clancy’s Without Remorse is an action film adaptation of the Clancy novel of the same name. It’s the explosive origin story of action hero John Clark, an elite Navy SEAL played by Michael B. Jordan, who uncovers an international conspiracy while seeking justice for the murder of his pregnant wife.

5.11 and Amazon Prime Video have also joined forces to offer fans and customers an online sweepstakes for a chance to win a custom 5.11 prize package valued at more than $2,500. To enter the sweepstakes, or to learn more, visit www.511tactical.com/withoutremorse now through Sunday, May 9. No purchase necessary, multiple entries possible, must be 18 years or older and a U.S. resident to enter.

Posted in Charity, Press Release, Veterans | 4 Comments »

SOC-F Raises Nearly $1M to Support Special Operations Personnel and Their Families

Tuesday, April 27th, 2021

Atlanta, GA – April 27, 2021 – Special Operations Care Fund (SOC-F), an all-volunteer, non-profit grant making organization that is focused on the needs of current and former Special Operations Forces (SOF) personnel and their families, is proud to announce that they have secured nearly one million dollars (a new record) for their partner treatment programs, following their annual Sporting Clays Fundraiser held at Barnsley Gardens Resort, north of Atlanta, GA.

Hosting friends, family and supporters of the Special Operations community, SOC-F’s annual event was a fundraiser like no other. From a sporting clays tournament, to a women’s only pistol class, hosted by World Champion, Jessie Harrison, there was truly something for everyone to enjoy.

“What this incredible community has given to our heroes and families in the Special Operations Community, is time to do the ‘normal’ things that others take for granted,” stated SOC-F co-Founder, David Kramer. “We are so proud of how the SOC-F family came together to raise close to $1M for our SOF heroes.”

The money was raised from a combination of live and silent auctions, as well as generous donations over the course of the two-day event. Auction items ranging from custom firearms, to knives, hunting experiences and one-of-a-kind art pieces by world renown performer, Joe Everson, that brought in an unprecedented sum for the organization.

SOC-F’s grants generally fall in two major categories including family resiliency and medical care that is not currently covered by insurance or government programs. The funds raised will be immediately invested into the SOC-F caregiver programs, supporting treatments in TBI (Traumatic Brain Injury), PTS (Post Traumatic Stress), Endocrine System Therapies, Marriage and family Counseling, Gold Star Kids Camp, K9 therapy and more.

“The objective in hosting this annual event, is to create a platform for positive change; raising not only money but awareness of the incredible work being done in the community of treatment and care for the SOF Warriors,” stated Kramer. “The impact this funding will have on the lives of the SOF members, their families and children we and our caregiver programs serve will be immeasurable.”

Posted in Charity, Fundraising, Press Release, SOF, Veterans | 3 Comments »

Silent Warrior Foundation Announces the 6th Annual Whiskey & War Stories Honoring Operation Eagle Claw

Sunday, April 25th, 2021

The Silent Warrior Foundation is proud to host the 6th Annual Whiskey & War Stories™, which will be held on August 21, 2021, at the Scottsdale Resort at McCormick Ranch, Arizona.

This annual fundraiser will honor the men of Operation Eagle Claw. An in-depth discussion of the mission moderated by board member David Hall, SOCS (SEAL), USN, Ret. will be the highlight of the event. This night will bring together members of the rescue team and former hostages.

There will also be an online auction of tactical unicorns and military memorabilia to help raise funds for the charity.

Last year’s 5th Whiskey & War Stories™ brought together the men of Operation Ivory Coast otherwise known as the “Son Tay Raid” and raised over $200,000 to benefit veterans in need. This event also kickstarted the celebration of the 50th anniversary of the Son Tay Raid.

Individual tickets for the event are $150 per person. A limited number of Patriot Sponsor Packages are also available for $3,500. This special package includes a table for 8 and a VIP meet and greet with the men of Operation Eagle Claw on Friday, August 20, 2021.

Tickets are now on sale and can be purchased from the Silent Warrior Foundation’s website.

Special room rates available. Click here to book your room at the resort.

The Silent Warrior Foundation is a 501 (c) 3 charity serving active and former U.S. military veterans and their families since 2010.

Posted in Charity, Fundraising, History, Press Release, SOF, Veterans | Comments Off on Silent Warrior Foundation Announces the 6th Annual Whiskey & War Stories Honoring Operation Eagle Claw

New Documentary ‘Warriors Heart – Warriors Healing Warriors’ released on Amazon Prime Video in celebration of 5-Year Anniversary

Friday, April 23rd, 2021

Panteao Productions and Warriors Heart announce their new documentary film, “Warriors Heart – Warriors Healing Warriors” starring Former Special Forces and Warriors Heart Founder Tom Spooner, has been released on Amazon Prime Video with voiceover by Actor Max Martini (“13 Hours”, “Captain Phillips” and “Sgt Will Gardner”) – in sync with Warriors Heart’s 5-Year Anniversary in April 2021.

Warriors Heart and Panteao Productions announce the official release of their new documentary film: “Warriors Heart – Warriors Healing Warriors” (April 2021) on Amazon Prime Video in sync with Warriors Heart’s 5-Year Anniversary and 1500+ “Sober, Confident Warriors” completing their training program. This inspiring 60-minute “special interest, documentary” features the journey of U.S. Army Delta Operator Tom Spooner, along with his Warriors Heart CoFounders Josh and Lisa Lannon and their bold vision to “bring 1 million warriors home.”

Warriors Heart Foundation Honorary Board of Advisors Member and Actor Max Martini (“13 Hours”, “Captain Phillips” and “Sgt Will Gardner”) introduces the film with a powerful voiceover and reminder. Martini recounts how September 11, 2001, was a major turning point for America. Afterwards, many warriors were called to fight “a global war on terror,” while first responders continued to protect everyone at home. Martini emphasizes, “Two decades and three presidents later, the war continues. For many, they gave their lives to protect the American people. For others, there was another price for that reckoning. This is their story.”

To provide holistic healing solutions and reduce the alarming veteran and first responder suicide rates, the three Warriors Heart founders opened the first and only private and accredited treatment center in the U.S. in April 2016, for the Warrior class. It is a 42-day Warriors Heart training program exclusive for warriors (active duty military, veterans, all law enforcement, firefighters, first responders, EMTs/Paramedics) struggling with substance abuse and co-occurring issues (PTSD, TBI, trauma and more.) Located on a 543-acre ranch in Bandera, Texas (outside San Antonio), Warriors Heart provides a “training program” approach to help protectors heal and rebuild their lives with peers without feeling any shame. It is changing the narrative to “Strength Through Healing.”

This film highlights three moving long-term recovery stories of veterans, along with combat videos, news clips, and very personal interviews with Warriors Heart team members who welcome warriors “Home” with the dignity and respect that they deserve and have earned.

Viewers will be drawn in to this documentary watching stories about overcoming addiction, TBI, PTSD and emotional wounds by:

Tom Spooner (Former Special Forces & Warriors Heart Founder) and his Special Operations Teammate Jamie Caldwell

Teddy Lanier (Former Green Beret & Warriors Heart Alumni & Warriors Heart Foundation Executive Director)

Mike O’Dell (Former U.S. Marine Veteran & Warriors Heart Admission Advocate Team Leader)

Warriors Heart Founder CEO Josh and his wife and Co-Founder Lisa Lannon also discuss their personal WHY for starting their first addiction treatment center in Utah after Josh got sober in 2001. While Josh was running award-winning nightclubs in Las Vegas, Lisa was a LVMPD Law Enforcement Officer, who gave Josh an ultimatum to get sober or else the marriage was over. Josh reflects in the film; “It was the lifeline that I needed.” And then, you learn how the Lannons met Spooner and built Warriors Heart to provide warriors with a secure and safe environment to heal with their peers who know what it’s like to put their life on the line every day for work.

Director and Panteao Productions CEO/President Fernando T. Coelho reflected on his WHY for making this film, “I have known Tom Spooner for a long time and feel that what he is doing with Warriors Heart is important. I’ve wanted to find a way to help Warriors Heart spread the word about what they do and what they offer. It had to be in a manner that would reach the most amount of people so that those that need help will know where to seek it. Creating a documentary about Warriors Heart was the answer, and I am very proud that we were able to do it. Now it’s my hope that people watching it will share it with their family and friends so that in the end those that need help can make that phone call and go to Warriors Heart.”

Throughout this entire Warriors Heart documentary, the “Warriors Healing Warriors” culture is really the central character. The clinician team’s dedication and compassion, the art made by clients in the Wood Shop and Metal Shop, the K9 Programs, the culinary training program, everyone’s focus on the creation of sober, confident warriors, and the entire team’s personal connections to the warrior community make Warriors Heart a unique and special place.

WHERE TO WATCH on Amazon:

Warriors Heart – Warriors Healing Warriors – Film

www.warriorsheart.com/documentary

To get involved and support the Warriors Heart community, share

with #WarriorsHeart #WarriorsHealingWarriors #SoberConfidentWarriors

and/or visit www.warriorsheart.com

Posted in Media, Press Release, Veterans | Comments Off on New Documentary ‘Warriors Heart – Warriors Healing Warriors’ released on Amazon Prime Video in celebration of 5-Year Anniversary

In Memoriam – LtCol Joseph Edward Murphy Jr (USAF, Ret)

Saturday, March 13th, 2021

I just found out about the loss in February of an old friend and mentor. Many knew him as “Two Dogs,” a nickname picked up in his younger days from a bawdy joke. I call him the father of Special Tactics Intelligence. All of the rest of us who served in that community worked in his shadow.

Lieutenant Colonel Murphy was my first boss in the Air Force as a Lieutenant right out of Goodfellow. By that time he was long retired and was DAF Civilian at the 720th Special Tactics Group at Hurlburt Field where he served as Director of Intelligence. I was the second officer he hired for ST and for me, the process started while I was still an NCO in the Army. As soon as I found out I had been selected for USAF Officer Training School I started calling around to units looking for possible assignments as an Intel Officer. Joe and I hit it off and he worked behind he scenes over the next year to steer me towards the 720th while I completed my training. It worked out and I ended up being assigned as Joe’s assistant for intelligence programs, although I spent most of my time on the road going to schools and supporting units. I did a short stint down at the 23rd STS, mostly deployed to Operation Desert Thunder, before Joe had me reassigned to Pope as the Chief of Intelligence for the 21st STS. He steered the careers of quite a few of us, officers and NCOs alike, building the ST Intel community from scratch.

Special Tactics owes a lot to that guy. So do I. He always had the wildest stories of his active duty time and pushed me to produce quality intelligence products. He taught me a great deal and was the most supportive boss I ever had. I will miss him.

My heart goes out to Sally and his kids.

Here is Two Dogs’ obituary…

LtCol Joseph Edward Murphy Jr.

1941 – 2021

Fort Walton Beach – Lt. Col. Joseph Edward “Two Dogs” Murphy, Jr. passed away on February 4, 2021 in Fort Walton Beach, FL. Joe was born September 14, 1941 in St. Louis, Missouri to Joseph Edward Murphy and Evangeline Marie Kelly Murphy both of whom predeceased him. Joe grew up in St. Louis, attended St. Louis University High School and St. Louis University where he was a member of AFROTC and was commissioned into the U.S. Air Force on August 23, 1963. He married his high school sweetheart, Sandra Jean Mason, in St. Louis in May, 1964. Together they embarked on an Air Force career that spanned 3 continents, 10 assignments and 28 years. They welcomed a daughter, Kathi, while stationed at Shaw AFB, South Carolina, and a son, Jay, at Langley Air Force Base, Virginia. Traveling to and living in countries all over the world was a tremendous thrill for the family. Together, they worked to absorb as much international experience as possible through travel and engagement with local communities.

Joe began his Air Force career as a cartographer, then spent 8 years as a targeting officer followed by more than 15 years as an intelligence officer. Joe Murphy loved his work in the Air Force, especially working with US and allied Special Operations Forces. He was an enthusiastic mentor to many, including young “troops” who were as sharp-minded and as committed to the U.S. and the Air Force as he was. Joe developed a strong affinity for and connection with Special Operations activities and was privileged to work closely with USN SEALs, USAF Special Tactics, USA Special Forces and similar units from Great Britain, Australia, New Zealand, Korea, Philippines, Thailand and Malaysia. Over the years, he was given the nickname “Two Dogs” because of an off-color joke he frequently told. His combination of Intel skills and Special Operations interest led to the practice of intelligence-trained operators being inserted into the teams on the ground. This initiative of providing relevant information to operators in the field has undoubtedly saved lives and improved the effectiveness of countless missions. As such and rightfully so, many consider “Two Dogs” to be the “Grandfather of Special Operations Intelligence”. His major awards include the Meritorious Service Medal with Two Oak Leaf Clusters, the AF Commendation Medal with Two Oak Leaf Clusters, the AF Achievement Medal, The AF Outstanding Unit Award with Valor Device and Four Oak Leaf Clusters, The Vietnam Service Medal with Three Stars and the Vietnam Gallantry Cross with Palm.

Shortly after completing his 28 year active duty service in 1991, Joe returned to Hurlburt Field, where he continued his service to our country for another 23 years as a civilian intelligence expert for a number of AF Special Operations organizations. A patriot and true servant, Joe finally retired from civil service in 2016, after giving a total of 51 years of service to the U.S. Air Force, a record few have ever achieved.

In 1990, Joe was remarried to Maria (Sally) Balaoro from the Philippines who survives him and lives in Mary Esther, Florida. Their son, Joey, provided Two Dogs with many years of enjoyment as a soccer dad and #1 fan of Joey and his friends. Joey lives locally and continues to be involved in soccer.

In addition to Sally and Joey, Lt. Col. Murphy is survived by his daughter, Kathi Heapy and husband, Gary of Shalimar FL, and son, Jay and wife, Terri, of Keystone Heights Florida. He is also survived by sister, Mary K. and husband Mick McGuire of Somerset OH, and sisters-in-law Marisa Lopez and husband Jaime of Ft. Walton Beach, Nimfa and Ramon Bilasano, and Nancy and Gener Baylon of the Philippines. His grandchildren are Nicholas Heapy (Allie), Mary Flores (Daniel), Renee Murphy, and Erin Heapy, and one great- grandson, William Edward Heapy. Joe has several adored nieces and nephews in Ft. Walton Beach, Ohio, and the Philippines. Joe will be missed by all, but most certainly by his very special friends, Sally and Ted Quarles, Chief and Linda Jennings, Sheila and Dennis Quirao, his AF Intel ‘partner in crime’ Jay Clanton, and the worldwide AF SOF and Stray Goose International communities.

A Celebration of Life will be held at the Hurlburt Field Memorial Air Park on March 17, 2021 at 2:00pm. This will be an outdoor event which will offer the safest way that we can gather to honor him during this time. Interment of Lt. Col. Joseph Murphy will be at Arlington National Cemetery in Virginia at a future date.

To Plant Memorial Trees in memory, please visit our Sympathy Store.

Posted in AFSW, Air Force, ISR, Memorial, Veterans | 3 Comments »