TAPS 2012

Honor Ceremonies (33) for the Year 2012

The listings below are displayed in reverse chronological order with the latest ceremony shown first.

Glen M. Julian

On Tuesday May 15, the Legion Honor Team provided military funeral honors for U.S. Army veteran and American Legion 216 member Glen Julian at the Milford Presbyterian Church. Rifle team members were Chuck Bowman, Todd Herron, Joe Bishop, Ray Chaplin, Ron Nevorski, Dale Feigley, and Jerry Guest. The Commander was Skip Davison. Larry Clark, a frenid and Legion member. was the Bugler, and the Color Guard included, Jerry Mantela and Larry Shaver.

A silent Watch was held on Monday evening, and included John Moore, John Robinson, Jerry Mantela, Joe Bishop, and Joe Salvia.

A Legion memorial service was conducted by Commander Tony Puente.

Edward P. Johnson

On Thursday May 10, the Legion Honor Team provided military funeral honors for U.S. Navy veteran and American Legion 216 member Edward Johnson at Oak Grove Cemetery. Rifle team members were Rich Chowaniec (Commander), and riflemen John Robinson, Chuck Bowman, Lance Oberg, Dale Feigley, Eric Baker, Ed Merritt, and Jerry Guest. Mel Easterday was the Bugler, and the Color Guard included, Jerry Mantela and Larry Shaver.

Benedict G. Papp III

On Tuesday May 8, the Legion Honor Team provided military funeral honors for U.S. Army veteran and American Legion 216 member Benedict Papp at Oak Grove Cemetery. Rifle team members were Chuck Bowman (Commander), and riflemen John Robinson, Dennis Finkbeiner, Rich Chowaniec, Ray Clinard, and Jerry Guest.
Dale Feigley was the Bugler, and the Color Guard included, Jerry Mantela and Larry Shaver.

Stanley P. Newton

On Monday May 7, the Legion Honor Team provided military funeral honors for U.S. Army veteran and American Legion member Stanley Newton at Lynch Funeral home. Rifle team members were Chuck Bowman (Commander), and riflemen Skip Davison, Ed Merritt, Rich Chowaniec, Dale Feigley, Jerry Guest, and Ray Chaplain.

Prior to the funeral a Silent Watch was conducted with Joe Salvia, Jerry Mantela, Jerry Guest, Ed Merritt, Skip Davison, and Chuck Bowman participating.

William Graham

On Monday April 23, the Legion Honor Guard rendered Military Honors for U.S. Army Veteran William Graham at Great Lakes National Cemetery. Those members participating were, Ron Nevorski, Ray Clinard, Rich Chowaniec, Ed Merritt, Ray Chaplain, Mel Easterday, Skip Davison, Chuck Bowman, John Robinson and Dale Feigley.

Richard Lestienne

On Monday April 23, the Legion Honor Guard rendered Military Honors for U.S. Army Veteran Richard Lestienne at Great Lakes National Cemetery. Those members participating were, Ron Nevorski, Ray Clinard, Rich Chowaniec, Ed Merritt, Ray Chaplain, Mel Easterday, Skip Davison, Chuck Bowman, John Robinson and Dale Feigley.

Richard Davis

On Monday April 23, the Legion Honor Guard rendered Military Honors for U.S. Army Veteran Richard Davis at Great Lakes National Cemetery. Those members participating were, Ron Nevorski, Ray Clinard, Rich Chowaniec, Ed Merritt, Ray Chaplain, Mel Easterday, Skip Davison, Chuck Bowman, John Robinson and Dale Feigley.

Robert Mathis

On Monday April 23, the Legion Honor Guard rendered Military Honors for U.S. Marine Corps Veteran Robert Mathis at Great Lakes National Cemetery. Those members participating were, Ron Nevorski, Ray Clinard, Rich Chowaniec, Ed Merritt, Ray Chaplain, Mel Easterday, Skip Davison, Chuck Bowman, John Robinson and Dale Feigley.

Denniuse Martin

On Monday April 23, the Legion Honor Guard rendered Military Honors for U.S. Air Force Veteran Denniuse Martin at Great Lakes National Cemetery. Those members participating were, Ron Nevorski, Ray Clinard, Rich Chowaniec, Ed Merritt, Ray Chaplain, Mel Easterday, Skip Davison, Chuck Bowman, John Robinson and Dale Feigley.

Robert Thomas

On Monday April 23, the Legion Honor Guard rendered Military Honors for U.S. Marine Corps Veteran Robert Thomas at Great Lakes National Cemetery. Those members participating were, Ron Nevorski, Ray Clinard, Rich Chowaniec, Ed Merritt, Ray Chaplain, Mel Easterday, Skip Davison, Chuck Bowman, John Robinson and Dale Feigley.

Stephen Malak

On Monday April 23, the Legion Honor Guard rendered Military Honors for U.S. Marine Corps Veteran Stephen Malakn at Great Lakes National Cemetery. Those members participating were, Ron Nevorski, Ray Clinard, Rich Chowaniec, Ed Merritt, Ray Chaplain, Mel Easterday, Skip Davison, Chuck Bowman, John Robinson and Dale Feigley.

William David St. Clair

On Saturday April 21 the Legion Honor Guard provided Military Funeral Honors for U.S. Army WWII Veteran and Post 216 member, William David St. Clair at the Highland Cemetery. Our Honor Guard members who participated were, Chuck Bowman, John Robinson, Rich Chowaniec, Ron Nevorski, Skip Davison, Joe Bishop, Ed Merritt, Ray Clinard, Mel Easterday, Larry Shaver (Amvet), John Moore, Dale Feigley, and Ray Chaplin.

Chuck Bowman was the Commander, and Mel Easterday was the Bugler.

Christian Brakke

On Monday March 26, the Legion Honor Guard rendered Military Honors for US Army Veteran Christian Brakkel at Great Lakes National Cemetery. Those members participating were, Ron Nevorski, Ray Clinard, Rich Chowaniec, Ed Merritt, Mel Easterday, Skip Davison, Chuck Bowman, John Robinson and Dale Feigley.

Andrew Conklin

On Monday March 26, the Legion Honor Guard rendered Military Honors for Marine Corps Veteran Andrew Conklin at Great Lakes National Cemetery. Those members participating were, Ron Nevorski, Ray Clinard, Rich Chowaniec, Ed Merritt, Mel Easterday, Skip Davison, Chuck Bowman, John Robinson and Dale Feigley.

Raymond Ray

On Monday March 26, the Legion Honor Guard rendered Military Honors for US Army Veteran Raymond Ray at Great Lakes National Cemetery. Those members participating were, Ron Nevorski, Ray Clinard, Rich Chowaniec, Ed Merritt, Mel Easterday, Skip Davison, Chuck Bowman, John Robinson and Dale Feigley.

Joe Dudley

On Monday March 26, the Legion Honor Guard rendered Military Honors for US Army Veteran Joe Dudley at Great Lakes National Cemetery. Those members participating were, Ron Nevorski, Ray Clinard, Rich Chowaniec, Ed Merritt, Mel Easterday, Skip Davison, Chuck Bowman, John Robinson and Dale Feigley.

Clyde Simpson

On Monday March 26, the Legion Honor Guard rendered Military Honors for US Army Veteran Clyd Simpson at Great Lakes National Cemetery. Those members participating were, Ron Nevorski, Ray Clinard, Rich Chowaniec, Ed Merritt, Mel Easterday, Skip Davison, Chuck Bowman, John Robinson and Dale Feigley.

James Brady

On Monday March 26, the Legion Honor Guard rendered Military Honors for Marine Corps Veteran James Brady at Great Lakes National Cemetery. Those members participating were, Ron Nevorski, Ray Clinard, Rich Chowaniec, Ed Merritt, Mel Easterday, Skip Davison, Chuck Bowman, John Robinson and Dale Feigley.

William Edmonds

On Monday March 26, the Legion Honor Guard rendered Military Honors for US Army Veteran William Edmonds at Great Lakes National Cemetery. Those members participating were, Ron Nevorski, Ray Clinard, Rich Chowaniec, Ed Merritt, Mel Easterday, Skip Davison, Chuck Bowman, John Robinson and Dale Feigley.

Lon McFadden

On Monday March 26, the Legion Honor Guard rendered Military Honors for US Air Force Veteran Lon McFaddenl at Great Lakes National Cemetery. Those members participating were, Ron Nevorski, Ray Clinard, Rich Chowaniec, Ed Merritt, Mel Easterday, Skip Davison, Chuck Bowman, John Robinson and Dale Feigley.

Donald Hubbard

On Monday March 26, the Legion Honor Guard rendered Military Honors for US Air Force Veteran Donald Hubbard at Great Lakes National Cemetery. Those members participating were, Ron Nevorski, Ray Clinard, Rich Chowaniec, Ed Merritt, Mel Easterday, Skip Davison, Chuck Bowman, John Robinson and Dale Feigley.

Frank Hockenhull

On Monday March 26, the Legion Honor Guard rendered Military Honors for US Navy Veteran Frank Hockenhull at Great Lakes National Cemetery. Those members participating were, Ron Nevorski, Ray Clinard, Rich Chowaniec, Ed Merritt, Mel Easterday, Skip Davison, Chuck Bowman, John Robinson and Dale Feigley.

Herman Rubitus

On Tuesday March 13, the Legion Honor Team conducted full military honors for WWII Army Air Corps Veteran Herman Rubitius at Lynch Funeral Home. The flag presentation team consisted of John Moore, John Robinson, Rich Chowaniec, and Joe Salvia. Rifle team members were Chuck Bowman, Dale Feigley, Ron Nevorski, and Ray Chaplain. Larry Shaver was the Bugler.

Howard Volkening

On Monday February 27, the Legion Honor Guard rendered Military Honors for US Army Veteran Howard Volkening at Great Lakes National Cemetery. Those members participating were, Ron Nevorski, Ray Clinard, Rich Chowaniec, Ed Merritt, Ray Chaplin, Skip Davison, Chuck Bowman, John Robinson and Dale Feigley.

William Trump

On Saturday, February 11, the Legion Honor Guard provided military funeral honors for USMC Veteran William Trump at Milford's St. Mary's Church. Honor Team members participating were, Rich Chowaniec, Ron Nevorski, Skip Davison, Chuck Bowman, John Moore, Eric Baker. Ray Chaplin, , John Robinson, Dale Feigley, and Larry Shaver (AMVET). Rich commanded the firing team. Larry and Ron carried the colors.

Glenn Tyler

On Friday, February 10, the Legion Honor Guard provided military funeral honors for U.S. Navy Veteran Glenn Tyler at the Milford Memorial Cemetery. Honor Team members participating were, Rich Chowaniec, Ron Nevorski, Skip Davison, Ray Chaplin, Chuck Bowman, John Moore, Ed Merritt, John Robinson, Dale Feigley, Jerry Mantela (AMVET) and Larry Shaver (AMVET). Skip commanded the firing team. Larry and Jerry carried the colors. Dale was the Bugler.

George Hendricks

On Thursday, February 9, the Legion Honor Guard provided military funeral honors for U.S. Navy Veteran George Hendricks at the Highland Cemetery. Honor Team members participating were, Rich Chowaniec, Ron Nevorski, Skip Davison, Chuck Bowman, John Moore, Ed Merritt, John Robinson, Dale Feigley, Jerry Mantela (AMVET) and Larry Shaver (AMVET). Skip commanded the firing team. Larry and Jerry carried the colors.

Albert Wayne Riggs

On Tuesday January 31, a combined American Legion and Amvets Honor Guard stood a silent watch from 3 to 7 p.m. at the Lynch Funeral Home in Milford.

On Wednesday, February 1, the Legion Honor Guard rendered military honors at Milford Memorial Cemetery.

Members participating in these Honors were Chuck Bowman, Ray Clinard, Dale Feigley, Ron Nevorski, Rich Chowaniec, Joe Bishop, Todd Herron, John Moore, John Robinson, Joe Salvia, Ed Merritt and Skip Davison.

Amvets members included Larry Shaver, Jerry Mantela, Mike Willihgantz, and Phil Weitlauf. Adjutant Bear Hall represented the Legion at the visitation.

Rich Chowaniec was the Firing Team Commander and John Moore the Bugler. Joe Salvia and John Moore provided honors at the church funeral.

Albert Wayne Riggs, a resident of Milford since 1978, died at his home in the care of his family on Saturday evening, January 28. He was 83 years old.

Born on October 16, 1928 in Toledo, OH, he was the son of Wayne and Nina (Chamberlain) Riggs. On April 5, 1952 he married Marilyn( Mayhew)Riggs and together they raised two daughters and a son. Al Riggs was a member of the Army Reserve and was called into active duty in 1953 and served two years in the Korean War and another eight years in the active reserve, retiring from duty in 1964. He earned his first degree from the Institute of Construction Management and a second degree from Wayne State University and was a structural steel engineer who planned and oversaw the construction of many buildings throughout the Detroit Metro area. After moving to Milford in 1978 he became active in his local church, Christ Lutheran, and local community, serving on the Milford Planning Commission and The American Legion Post 216, whose building he redesigned and oversaw the remodeling of and the local cemetery advisory committee. He served three terms as President of the Milford Historical Society. He loved music and played trombone, trumpet, banjo and guitar and for three years performed with the Livingston County Orchestra. A natural leader and hard-working volunteer, Al Riggs was always willing to pitch in and do his part for the good of the cause and the community and centered his life on faith and family.

In addition to his beloved wife of 59 years, Marilyn, he is survived by his daughters, Carolyn Riggs and Deborah (John) Serafano, and his son, David Riggs, his beloved granddaughter, Claire Kunkle, his brothers, Joseph, David, Benjamin, and William Riggs and his sister, Arlene Tilton, many nieces, nephews, and dear friends who join with his family in mourning his death and giving thanks to God for his life among them.

Howard McDougall

On Thursday January 26, the Legion Honor Team rendered Military Honors for U.S. Army Veteran Howard McDougall at All Saints Cemetery in Waterford MI. Honor Guard members participating were Rich Chowaniec, Ron Nevorski, Skip Davison, Chuck Bowman, Dale Feigley, Eric Baker,John Robinson, and John Moore. Rich was the Commander and John Moore the Bugler. Amvets Members Larry Shaver and Jerry Mantela carried the colors.

Joseph Aron

On Monday January 23, the Legion Honor Guard rendered Military Honors for US Army Veteran Joseph Aron at Great Lakes National Cemetery. Those members participating were, Ron Nevorski, Ray Clinard, Rich Chowaniec, Eric Baker, Ed Merritt, Joe Bishop, Ray Chaplin, Skip Davison, Lance Oberg, Chuck Bowman, John Robinson and Dale Feigley.

Rich Chowaniec and Lance Oberg commanded the firing teams. Dale Feigley was the Bugler.

Thomas Oden

On Monday January 23, the Legion Honor Guard rendered Military Honors for US Army Veteran Thomas Oden at Great Lakes National Cemetery. Those members participating were, Ron Nevorski, Ray Clinard, Rich Chowaniec, Eric Baker, Ed Merritt, Joe Bishop, Ray Chaplin, Skip Davison, Lance Oberg, Chuck Bowman, John Robinson and Dale Feigley.

Rich Chowaniec and Lance Oberg commanded the firing teams. Dale Feigley was the Bugler.

Joseph Walter Sanders

On Saturday, January 14, the Legion Honor Guard supported the Milford Police Department in providing interment honors for Police Sgt. and U.S. Army veteran Joseph Walter Sanders at Milford Memorial Cemetery.

The Flag folding and presentation Team consisted of Joe Salvia, John Moore, and Milford Police Lt. Ray Clinard.

The Rifle team was commanded by Rich Chowaniec and included riflemen Ron Nevorski, Joe Bishop, Lance Oberg, John Robinson, Chuck Bowman, and Skip Davison. Dale Feigley was the Bugler, and the colors were carried by AMVETS members, Jerry Mantela and Larry Shaver.

Sheldon Thornton

On Tuesday January 3, the Legion Honor Guard provided military funeral honors for USMC Veteran and Purple Heart recipient Sheldon Thornton at the Highland Cemetery. Honor Team members participating were, Rich Chowaniec, Ron Nevorski, Eric Baker, Skip Davison, Chuck Bowman, John Robinson, Dale Feigley, Jerry Mantela (AMVET) and Larry Shaver (AMVET). Rich commanded the firing team.

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