Veterans Day 2019: WMAR 2 Honors Maryland Veterans
From Charles' granddaughter Stacey: "My maternal grandfather Charles William Godwin served in WWII. Drafted into the Army Air Corps he played baseball to entertain troops while playing stateside. He played with Rex Barney and against Bob Feller, one of the best pitchers ever! He told my mother about going to the plate against Feller, took 3 pitches, none of which he swang, and sat back down having been called out on strikes. He was stationed in England, France and Germany. Never spoke of what he did or witnessed during the war to my Mom or aunt, I imagine it was too difficult."Photo courtesy: Stacey Ramsland
From daughter Kim Roman: "My mom, Cpl. Susan DelSignore, was #7 of 14 children and the first one to graduate high school. She was quite a rebel. When 5 of her brothers enlisted in the Army during WWII. Mom followed by joining the Woman's Army Auxillary Corps. Think of how rdical this was back in the 1940's. These pioneering women made it easier for the women who followed to enter the military, like me. She married my dad, who served 20 years in the Army Air Corps, and then the Air Force. Had my brother, who is also retired from the Air Force, and me, who served 6 years in the Air Force."Photo Courtesy: Kim Roman
From Tymia Wilson: Larry R. Wilson was a Utilities Chief (SCW) in the U.S. Navy. He was a proud member of the Seabees and continues to display their "can do" attitude. He joined the Navy on March 2, 1979 and proudly served for 20 years. Even though he has retired, he continues to serve and help those in his Kent County hometown.
From WMAR-2 News Anchor Kelly Swoope: "My retired Lt. Col. Timothy Holloway was a member of the Army Reserves. Prior to retiring in 2017 LTC Holloway worked in the Defense Logistics Agency as troop support. Before that role he spent the majority of his time with the 3-312 Training Support Battalion. He trained other units/soldiers on military tasks. While I'm proud he served his country for 32 years, it's nice to have him home full-time."Photo Courtesy: Kelly Swoope
WMAR 2 News Anchor Kelly Swoope's husband, holding their daughter Taylor. (photo #2)
From Rochelle Keen: "Ed was a Spec., 4 in the 1st Calvary 7th Division, drafted in 1961. He served at camp Casey in Korea. He was at the 38th parallel the DMZ, the diving line into North Korea. Ed was proud to serve his time. He came out and owned his own contracting business and raised a family with his wife."
Arthur M. Ames. US Army 1966-1968. Mr. Ames is a Vietnam War Veteran
Captain Jesse Melton III was killed in combat September 9, 2008 while serving in Afghanistan. Captain Melton was from Randallstown where he graduated from Randallstown High School. He went on to attend Messiah College. He served in the Marine Corps for 11 years.
This is Captain Jenine Melton who served in the United States Army along side her brother Jesse Melton. Jesse, a Randallstown High School graduate, was killed in action in 2008 while serving in Afghanistan.
Captain Jenine Melton who served in the United States Army.
From daughter Brittany: "Jim Walrod, Vietnam Veteran. My dad was a Sergeant in the US Army during Vietnam. He was a recipient of a Purple Heart after being injured when his helicopter was shot down."
Vietnam Veteran Jim Walrod with his daughter Brittany (photo #2)
Joe Wilgis was in the Marines from 1995-1999. He served in Guantanamo Bay, Cuba and Camp Lejeune, North Carolina
Joe Wilgis was in the Marines from 1995-1999. He served in Guantanamo Bay, Cuba and Camp Lejeune, North Carolina (photo #2)
Joseph Contrino, Boatswain Mate 2nd Class in the United States Coast Guard. Contrino served 6 years as active duty and is currently in the Reserves. He is a heavy weather Coxswain, which requires an advanced level of training to assist in dangerous stormy conditions.
Joseph Contrino, Boatswain Mate 2nd Class in the United States Coast Guard. Contrino served 6 years as active duty and is currently in the Reserves. He is a heavy weather Coxswain, which requires an advanced level of training to assist in dangerous stormy conditions.
Kathryn Mumford is one of WMAR-2 News Lauren Cook's cousins. She was in the Navy from 2002-2006. She served two tours in Iraq and was among the first to respond during Hurricane Katrina. She spent most of her time on board the USS Bataan.
Kevin Komenda of Bel Air served in the Air Force. He first served from 2003-2009 and went back to the Air Force in 2017.
Kevin Komenda of Bel Air serves in the Air Force. He first served from 2003-2009 and went back to the Air Force in 2017.
David Olschewske of Bel Air served in the United State Marine Corps from July 27, 1998 until July 27, 2003. He was a CH46E Helicopter Crew Chief. He was a Sergeant when he left USMC.
Frederick Walter Porcella served in the US Air Force from January 1966 to December 1969. After basic training he was assigned to the 556th Reconnaissance Squadron, which was a mobile maintenance group that worked on the flight line of C-130s. Because it was a mobile unit it would fly in and out of locations every 90 days. The Recon group went to places like Saigon, Cameron Bay, Vietnam and Osan, Korea. Fred, as he's known to everyone, lives in Towson and is married to his lovely wife Adrienne. They have 7 children and 10 grandchildren.
Frederick Walter Porcella served in the US Air Force from January 1966 to December 1969. After basic training he was assigned to the 556th Reconnaissance Squadron, which was a mobile maintenance group that worked on the flight line of C-130s. Because it was a mobile unit it would fly in and out of locations every 90 days. The Recon group went to places like Saigon, Cameron Bay, Vietnam and Osan, Korea. Fred, as he's known to everyone, lives in Towson and is married to his lovely wife Adrienne. They have 7 children and 10 grandchildren.
Specialist Scott Eaton, of Bel Air, is a 6 year Army Veteran, combat deployed to Afghanistan. He is the recipient of an air medal and combat action badge among others in support of Operation Freedom Sentinel- Afghanistan as well as state wards for hurricane relief/rescue efforts in North Carolina.
Specialist Scott Eaton, Army Veteran. This is a group picture before heading home from Afghanistan (photo #2)
From granddaughter Danielle Binkley: "Dale Binkley is my grandfather and he served in the Army. He served during the Korean War. He was stationed in Alaska for many years as well. He is 91 years young!"Photo Courtesy: Danielle Binkley, granddaughter
Tony Volk is the Grandfather of WMAR 2 employee Caitlin Rogers. He served in the Army, and later in the Air Force, as a pilot. He was shot down over Germany in 1944 during his 13th mission after a tech failure on his plane. He was captured, along with some of his crew mates, and spent the next 18 months in a POW camp. He went on to fly missions during the Korean War and was a reservist during Vietnam. He passed away in February 2019 at the age of 99.
Tony Volk, top row, second from the left, was the grandfather of WMAR 2's Caitlin Rogers. He served in the Army, and later in the Air Force, as a pilot. He was shot down over German in 1944 during his 13th mission after a tech failure on his plane. He was captured, along with some of his crew mates, and spent the next 18 months in a POW camp. He went on to fly missions during the Korean War and was a Reservist during Vietnam. He passed away in February 2019 at the age of 99 (photo #2)
Willie Frank Vann Senior served in the United States Army during the Korean war, and is Elsa M's, of Midday Maryland, granddaddy. He died 7 years ago, with full military honors. She is very proud of her granddaddy and his service to our country. "As a Black man, raised in Jim Crow's Alabama, the era held many challenges for him and other Black men and women. I am happy to live in a time where their service can get the recognition it deserves now and deserved back then as well."
This is WMAR-2 News Photojournalist Manny Locke Junior. Manny served in the United States Army with HQ Company S4 Battalion 65th Combat Engineer rank Specialist 4. He served during Vietnam from 1972 to 1975. Manny joined WMAR-2 back in March of 1986. He is an active member of the Buffalo Soldiers here in Baltimore.
This is Ronald Faulcon who served in the United States Navy. He is a Veitnam Veteran who served on the USS Cochran DDG-21 between 1973 and 1975.
This is George DeFranceaux, the great grandfather of WMAR-2 News Abby Isaacs. He served in the Army in the Phillippines during WWII.
This is William Keys who served in the United States Army during WWII. He was part of the 761st Tank Battalion, Black Panthers. WMAR-2 News recently share his story, you can watch it here.
Harvey Delroy Conway served in the United States Air Force during the Cuban Missile Crisis between 1961 and 1966.
James P. Holden Jr. served in the United State Navy onboard the USS Robert A. Owens. He served from 1947- 1952 during the Korean War EraPhoto Courtesy: Frank Holden, James Holden Jr.'s Son
Frank Holden, son of James P Holden Jr., served in the United States Navy from 1975-1987. He was on active duty from '75-'78 onboard the USS Iwo Jima during the Cold War.
This is WMAR-2 News anchor Jamie Costello's Father, Uncle John and Uncle Phil.
Portrait of U.S. Army Lt. Gen. John Costello, (Uncovered). (U.S Army photo by Mr. Scott Davis) (Rleased) (PC-193083)
This is Jamie Costello's brother John "Jack" Costello who retired as a 3-star general. He has a building named after him at Ft. Bills and at Redstone Arsenal. SCOTT DAVIS, CIV, USA
This is a group of Marines from Day 28 in the battle of Iwo Jima. James Ulrich is in the back, middle. From Frank Holden: "This is what remained of 125 men."
This is the father of WMAR Sales Account Executive Belinda Lee. Lt. Col. Les Herman served with the United States Marine Corps. He graduated from the US Naval Academy in 1965m the top 10% of his class and went straight to Vietnam as a Tank Company Commander. He served 20 years in the UMSC becoming an A-4 pilot after he returned home from Vietnam.
This is the father of WMAR Sales Account Executive Belinda Lee. Lt. Col. Les Herman served with the United State Marine Corps. After serving he taught at the USNA and has lots of stories! He now lives in Annapolis and still displays (for all the neighbors to see) the USA flag quilt he slept under in Vietnam on the 4th of July.
Commander Julie Shank is from Edgewater. She is retired from the United States Navy. She is pictured here with her husband, Lt. Col. Milo Shank (USMC Ret) and her father also US Navy who served in WWII. Julie graduated from USNA, went on to be a helicopter pilot for the Navy. She served in the MIddle East and her last post was as the Operations Officer for the Brigade of Midshipman.
Corporal Elias "Buddy" Lialios served in the United States Army as a paratrooper with the 101st Airborne Division. He was an atomic veteran who died in 1960 from exposure at the Nevada site. Buddy is the grandfather of WMAR-2 News Mallory Sofastaii.
Arthur Cook Jr., WMAR-2 News Lauren Cook's father, served in the Army during the Vietnam War. He was a courier with the 35th Combat Engineer
Arthur Cook Jr., WMAR-2 News Lauren Cook's father, served in the Army during the Vietnam War. He was a courier with the 35th Combat Engineer.
Arthur Cook Sr., is the grandfather of WMAR-2 News Lauren Cook. He served in the United States Army during World War II.
John Younger is the grandfather of WMAR-2 News Lauren Cook. He served in the Navy during WWII
Drs. David Sulkowski and his wife Kathy Sulkowski served in the United States Army. They were stationed in Fort Lewis Washington, Camp Humphreys South Korea and Fort Bragg in North Carolina. They are both now doctors in Bel Air.
This is Staff Sergeant Candis Williams. She served in the United States Army and the Army Reserves from 1999-2008. She did a deployment in the Middle East in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom and Operation Enduring Freedom. She took part in several military exercises that took her to various countries: Japan, Kuwait, Thailand, Qatar and various states within the US. She works for the US Government now as an information technology manager. Candis is the daughter of WMAR-2 News Chief Photographer Lamont Williams.
Lamont Williams Jr. (middle left) served in the Army for 4 active duty years and worked with the staff judge advocate as a military paralegal. During his time in the service he served United Nations missions and also toured Bosnia. He proudly served from 1999-2003. Charles Andersen Jr. (middle right) enlisted in the United States Army in 1999. He attended basic training at Fort Jackson, South Carolina and Advanced Individual Training (AIT) at Ft. Huachuca, AZ for training as an intelligence analyst. After training he was assigned to the 323rd MI Bn as an analyst for the European region and after 9-11 the Middle Eastern region. Lamont Jr. is the son of WMAR-2 News Chief Photographer Lamont Williams and Charles is his nephew.
This is 1SGT Frank Gossman who served in the United States Army during WWII. He is the Grandfather of Frank Holden.
This is Spec5 Mike Gossman, US Army Intelligence from 1968-1972. He is the Uncle of Frank Holden.
This is Sgt. Gordon Jackson who served in the United States Army during WWII.
Samuel Davis served in the United States Army. He left the Army in 1945 as a First Lieutenant. He spent time in France and Germany.
Sidney Simon served in the United States Army from 1942-1945, he is a WWII veteran. He was a 1st Lieutenant and station in the Philippines. He is the father of Paula Simon.
John Brocenos served in the United States Army from 1971-1973, in the 82nd Airborne Division. He is the father of WMAR-2 Sales Account Executive Tiffany Needer.
Jospeh "Joe" Moscariello served in the United States Army and died at the balttle of St. Lo, France on July 16, 1944. He is the great-uncle of Miles Needer.
Retired U.S. Navy Senior Chief, John I. Perry served 24 yrs, from 1966 to 1990. This is Chief Perry, as a 21-year-old Seaman, before heading to his first assignment in the Aleutian Islands in Adak Alaska. Chief Perry has two sons; Kevin retired as a First Class Petty Officer after 20 yrs, and Mike holds the same rank as his father, and is in year 26 of active service, in Bremerton, Wa.
Courtesy of Chief John I. Perry
Courtesy of Chief John I. Perry
United States Marine Corporal Peter P. Burns served from 2003 to 2007. This photo was taken in Paris Island, South Carolina, following boot camp. Corporal Burns was deployed multiple times throughout his tenure, including to the DMZ in Korea and twice to Iraq.Courtesy of Corporal Peter P. Burns
Franklin Hunsicker served 10 years (1988-1998) in the U.S. Coast Guard, as a Health Services Technician. In 1992 he was deployed to Cuba for the mass exile. Over his career, Hunsicker spent time stationed at multiple bases including Cape Canaveral, Florida.Courtesy of Franklin Hunsicker
Garfield McKoy Jr. served in the U.S. Marine Corps. In 1985, this photo was taken right before going overseas.