Coventry High School Alumni
Akron, Ohio (OH)
Recent Members
| Carl Velleca Velleca | 1978 |
| Christy Harman | 1989 |
| Donald Paull | 1968 |
| Jennifer Brandt | 1986 |
| Karen Alsobrook | 1986 |
| Linda Augustine | 1969 |
| Patty Burns | 1969 |
| Robert Ryan | 2002 |
Military Alumni
Honoring Our Heroes
This area is dedicated to our alumni that have served or are serving in our armed forces!
Lost Class Rings
Have you lost your Coventry High School class ring? Have you found someone's class ring? Visit our Comets lost class ring page to search for your class ring or post information about a found ring.
Honored Military Alumni
Adam C Ratcliff
Class of 2007
Navy, 1 Years
Adam is currently serving aboard the USS Pearl Harbor. He is in his first year of an 8 year enlistment.
Class of 2007
Navy, 1 Years
Adam is currently serving aboard the USS Pearl Harbor. He is in his first year of an 8 year enlistment.
Ashley Scudder
Class of 2001
Navy, 5 Years
Stationed on board the USS Ronald Reagan, Ashley worked as an AO. She left active duty as an AO2 (E-5) and is still serving in the Navy Reserves. She participated in the Operation Iraqi Freedom Campaign, Operation Enduring Freedom and was awarded various sea service ribbons. In 2008 shortly before her end of tour she was awarded the Navy and Marine Corps Achievment Medal for outstanding service while stationed onboard the USS Ronald Reagan.
Class of 2001
Navy, 5 Years
Stationed on board the USS Ronald Reagan, Ashley worked as an AO. She left active duty as an AO2 (E-5) and is still serving in the Navy Reserves. She participated in the Operation Iraqi Freedom Campaign, Operation Enduring Freedom and was awarded various sea service ribbons. In 2008 shortly before her end of tour she was awarded the Navy and Marine Corps Achievment Medal for outstanding service while stationed onboard the USS Ronald Reagan.
Chelsey Maag
Class of 2010
Navy, 4 Years
Stationed onboard USS Germantown (LSD 42) in Sasebo, Japan in a forward deployed Seven Fleet. Spent 4 years conducting many joint-service exercises sailing all over the world working along with the 31st MEU as well as foreign relations.
Class of 2010
Navy, 4 Years
Stationed onboard USS Germantown (LSD 42) in Sasebo, Japan in a forward deployed Seven Fleet. Spent 4 years conducting many joint-service exercises sailing all over the world working along with the 31st MEU as well as foreign relations.
Derek Kinzel
Class of 2003
Air Force, 3 Years
Airframe/Powerplant specialist, Operation Enduring Freedom, Iraqi Freedom, Restoring Rights, Checkmate, Powder River, among many others.
Class of 2003
Air Force, 3 Years
Airframe/Powerplant specialist, Operation Enduring Freedom, Iraqi Freedom, Restoring Rights, Checkmate, Powder River, among many others.
Donald R. Maurer
Class of 1965
Marine Corps, 6 Years
Right out of high school, basic at Parris Island 65'. Off to Camp Lejeune in Artillery. Ended up in an administrative position. Made 2 cruises , one to Puerto Rico and Cuba. Spent a year in Washington, D.C. with the Marine Barracks honor guard. Performed ceremonial duties at State Department, Arlington Cemetery (burials). White House and Capitol Building. Was associated with the burial of Bobby Kennedy and riot control during the Martin Luther King killing. Slept in the Capitol Building during the riots of 68'. First time troops had been quartered there since the Civil War. Spent a year in Vietnam with the Marine Air Wing. Honorable Discharge obtained.
Class of 1965
Marine Corps, 6 Years
Right out of high school, basic at Parris Island 65'. Off to Camp Lejeune in Artillery. Ended up in an administrative position. Made 2 cruises , one to Puerto Rico and Cuba. Spent a year in Washington, D.C. with the Marine Barracks honor guard. Performed ceremonial duties at State Department, Arlington Cemetery (burials). White House and Capitol Building. Was associated with the burial of Bobby Kennedy and riot control during the Martin Luther King killing. Slept in the Capitol Building during the riots of 68'. First time troops had been quartered there since the Civil War. Spent a year in Vietnam with the Marine Air Wing. Honorable Discharge obtained.
Doug Hepler
Class of 1978
Navy, 20+ Years
Served as a Hull Technician (Shipfitter), 11/78 to 10/05. Retired as a Chief Petty Officer.
Class of 1978
Navy, 20+ Years
Served as a Hull Technician (Shipfitter), 11/78 to 10/05. Retired as a Chief Petty Officer.
Doug Wood
Class of 1972
Navy, 10 Years
Independent Duty Corpsman. Assigned to 2 Marine Division. Great times really miss it. Too old and fat to do it now
Class of 1972
Navy, 10 Years
Independent Duty Corpsman. Assigned to 2 Marine Division. Great times really miss it. Too old and fat to do it now
Duane Kari
Class of 1957
Air Force, 20+ Years
Fighter Pilot, F-101, F-111 and A-1 Skyraider. Two tours in Viet Nam. Loved every minute of it !
Class of 1957
Air Force, 20+ Years
Fighter Pilot, F-101, F-111 and A-1 Skyraider. Two tours in Viet Nam. Loved every minute of it !
James Frankland
Class of 1961
Air Force, 20+ Years
Enlisted November 1961. Stationed at Lockbourne AFB, Columbus, OH, Chanute AFB, Rantoul, IL, Elmendorf AFB, Anchorage, AK, Wright-Patterson AFB, Dayton, OH, Andersen AFB, Guam, Andrews AFB, MD, HQ USAF, Pentagon, Washington DC. Retired as a Chief Master Sergeant after serving 26 years.
Class of 1961
Air Force, 20+ Years
Enlisted November 1961. Stationed at Lockbourne AFB, Columbus, OH, Chanute AFB, Rantoul, IL, Elmendorf AFB, Anchorage, AK, Wright-Patterson AFB, Dayton, OH, Andersen AFB, Guam, Andrews AFB, MD, HQ USAF, Pentagon, Washington DC. Retired as a Chief Master Sergeant after serving 26 years.
James Plazo
Class of 1971
Army, 20+ Years
Joined OH Army National Guard 2/107 Armored Cavalry while working at Firestone and going to school nights at Akron. Commissioned in 78, Active with 3rd Brigade 9th Infantry Division Air Defense Artillery at Ft Lewis WA thru 81. Returned to 2/107 Cavalry in Canton. Served as unit Battery Cmdr in Alliance 4yrs. Active duty 88 till 92 as Asst Prof of ROTC at Akron. Besides Rotc courses taught American History at university, Returned to National Guard and was regimental Fire Support Officer, Brigade Fore Support Officer, State of OH Artillery Transition Officer. Artillery Battalion Operations Officer. Rank of Major. Next in line for Executive Officer of Battalion when I accepted a transfer in my civilian job to Atlanta GA -
Class of 1971
Army, 20+ Years
Joined OH Army National Guard 2/107 Armored Cavalry while working at Firestone and going to school nights at Akron. Commissioned in 78, Active with 3rd Brigade 9th Infantry Division Air Defense Artillery at Ft Lewis WA thru 81. Returned to 2/107 Cavalry in Canton. Served as unit Battery Cmdr in Alliance 4yrs. Active duty 88 till 92 as Asst Prof of ROTC at Akron. Besides Rotc courses taught American History at university, Returned to National Guard and was regimental Fire Support Officer, Brigade Fore Support Officer, State of OH Artillery Transition Officer. Artillery Battalion Operations Officer. Rank of Major. Next in line for Executive Officer of Battalion when I accepted a transfer in my civilian job to Atlanta GA -
Jayne Hinton
Class of 1965
Army, 4 Years
After basic training and Signal School went to Ft. Monroe, VA and worked in the CONARC emergency operation center (war room for the continental US.) Transferred to Ft. Hood, TX and was made the unit Training NCO for the WAC company. Served 1 year in the Ohio Army National Guard after active duty. Discharged as an E-5.
Class of 1965
Army, 4 Years
After basic training and Signal School went to Ft. Monroe, VA and worked in the CONARC emergency operation center (war room for the continental US.) Transferred to Ft. Hood, TX and was made the unit Training NCO for the WAC company. Served 1 year in the Ohio Army National Guard after active duty. Discharged as an E-5.
John Milton Smilek
Class of 1970
Air Force, 19 Years
24+ Years 1976-2000. Master Navigator on KC-135, NC-135 & C-141A. Strategic Air Command, System Command Test Wing. Flew combat support in Desert Storm. Additional 15 years as a GS (civilian) for just under 40 years working for the DoD. Most non-flying and civilian time in Test and Evaluation and international cooperation.
Class of 1970
Air Force, 19 Years
24+ Years 1976-2000. Master Navigator on KC-135, NC-135 & C-141A. Strategic Air Command, System Command Test Wing. Flew combat support in Desert Storm. Additional 15 years as a GS (civilian) for just under 40 years working for the DoD. Most non-flying and civilian time in Test and Evaluation and international cooperation.
John Thornsberry
Class of 1969
Air Force, 20+ Years
22 years of active duty service. Served in Germany (1970-1973 and 1982-1986), Del Rio TX, Myrtle Beach SC, Omaha NE, Ft Stewart GA, Desert Shield/Desert Storm, and Dover DE. After retiring in 1994 I moved to the Charleston SC area. In 2002 I returned to Government Service as a civilian, serving 7 years at the 28th Operational Weather Squadron as Lead Meteorologist in support of Operations Iraqi Freedom and Enduring Freedom (Afghanistan). The final 3 years where at Ft Campbell KY, supporting the 160th Special Operations Battalion, retiring in 2012.
Class of 1969
Air Force, 20+ Years
22 years of active duty service. Served in Germany (1970-1973 and 1982-1986), Del Rio TX, Myrtle Beach SC, Omaha NE, Ft Stewart GA, Desert Shield/Desert Storm, and Dover DE. After retiring in 1994 I moved to the Charleston SC area. In 2002 I returned to Government Service as a civilian, serving 7 years at the 28th Operational Weather Squadron as Lead Meteorologist in support of Operations Iraqi Freedom and Enduring Freedom (Afghanistan). The final 3 years where at Ft Campbell KY, supporting the 160th Special Operations Battalion, retiring in 2012.
Keith Miller
Class of 1965
Army, 20+ Years
Combat Engieen in Vietnam, than went into logistics was property book officer. Retired out of Ft Stewart,GA
Class of 1965
Army, 20+ Years
Combat Engieen in Vietnam, than went into logistics was property book officer. Retired out of Ft Stewart,GA
Kristine Ruiz
Class of 1990
Army, 4 Years
Stationed in Germany three of the four years of service. My job description was a petroleum supply specialist. Was serving during Desert Storm.
Class of 1990
Army, 4 Years
Stationed in Germany three of the four years of service. My job description was a petroleum supply specialist. Was serving during Desert Storm.
Larry R. Williams
Class of 1957
Air Force, 4 Years
Spent some of the 4 (1961- 1965) "best" years of my long life in US Air Force.
In the Air Force I grew up as a man, traveled many places, made wonderful friends and was very happy and enthusiastic to serve my country. Best assignment Aviano Air Base, Aviano Italy,. 50 miles north of Venice.
Class of 1957
Air Force, 4 Years
Spent some of the 4 (1961- 1965) "best" years of my long life in US Air Force.
In the Air Force I grew up as a man, traveled many places, made wonderful friends and was very happy and enthusiastic to serve my country. Best assignment Aviano Air Base, Aviano Italy,. 50 miles north of Venice.
Larry W Folden
Class of 1964
Navy, 2 Years
Electronics & radioman school/ RM-E4 USS Aldeberian AF10 & USS Duncan AR12
Class of 1964
Navy, 2 Years
Electronics & radioman school/ RM-E4 USS Aldeberian AF10 & USS Duncan AR12
Mary Hamrick
Class of 1980
Navy, 20+ Years
Traveled the world, stationed in Naples, Italy for four years, stationed at the NDSTC in Panama City FL for 4 years, recalled to Desert Storm. Currently serving on the USN Northern California Funeral Honor Detail performing honors for deceased USN active duty sailors and US Navy veterans.
Class of 1980
Navy, 20+ Years
Traveled the world, stationed in Naples, Italy for four years, stationed at the NDSTC in Panama City FL for 4 years, recalled to Desert Storm. Currently serving on the USN Northern California Funeral Honor Detail performing honors for deceased USN active duty sailors and US Navy veterans.
Robert D. Shull Jr
Class of 1972
Navy, 22 Years
I proudly served as a Navy Hospital Corpsman, and later served as an independent FMF, (Fleet Marine Force) with the US Marine Corps. I was stationed with the 1st Battalion 10th Marines, and 2nd Tank Battalion, 2nd Marine Division at Camp Lejeune NC. I served a total of for 22.5 Years of Naval Service retired from the US Navy in April 1997. Had the chance to also go to RN and LPN School also, and practiced Nursing for 25 Years, before losing my back in the Emergency Room in Bermuda. I now live in Green,Ohio
Class of 1972
Navy, 22 Years
I proudly served as a Navy Hospital Corpsman, and later served as an independent FMF, (Fleet Marine Force) with the US Marine Corps. I was stationed with the 1st Battalion 10th Marines, and 2nd Tank Battalion, 2nd Marine Division at Camp Lejeune NC. I served a total of for 22.5 Years of Naval Service retired from the US Navy in April 1997. Had the chance to also go to RN and LPN School also, and practiced Nursing for 25 Years, before losing my back in the Emergency Room in Bermuda. I now live in Green,Ohio
Robert W. Bebout
Class of 1988
Navy, 17 Years
joined for school money and stuck it out.
USS Sierra (AD-18)
USS Emory S. Land (AS-39)
SIMA Norfolk Va.
USS Iwo Jima (LHD-7)
Seal Delivery Vehicle Team 2
Navy Recruiting Station Johnstown, Pa
only 3 more to my 1st pension
Class of 1988
Navy, 17 Years
joined for school money and stuck it out.
USS Sierra (AD-18)
USS Emory S. Land (AS-39)
SIMA Norfolk Va.
USS Iwo Jima (LHD-7)
Seal Delivery Vehicle Team 2
Navy Recruiting Station Johnstown, Pa
only 3 more to my 1st pension
Ronald G Bush
Class of 1963
Navy, 22 Years
Entered the US Navy on 6/26/63, Retired 3/1/1985. Came up through the ranks, appointed Chief Torpedomen, then the following year received my commission. I had duties of Ship Training Officer, Weapons Officer, Gunnery Officer, Special Weapons Officer, Radiological Controls Officer, Weapons Courier, Surface Warfare Officer, Command Duty Officer. After retiring from the military I worked for General Dynamics (Electric Boat Division) as an Engineer working on different classes of Naval Submarines. After retirement from EB, I worked as a engineering consultant for 3 more years and retired permanently at age 57 from all work.
Class of 1963
Navy, 22 Years
Entered the US Navy on 6/26/63, Retired 3/1/1985. Came up through the ranks, appointed Chief Torpedomen, then the following year received my commission. I had duties of Ship Training Officer, Weapons Officer, Gunnery Officer, Special Weapons Officer, Radiological Controls Officer, Weapons Courier, Surface Warfare Officer, Command Duty Officer. After retiring from the military I worked for General Dynamics (Electric Boat Division) as an Engineer working on different classes of Naval Submarines. After retirement from EB, I worked as a engineering consultant for 3 more years and retired permanently at age 57 from all work.
ronnie poling
Class of 1962
Air Force, 4 Years
mech. on Minuteman missle weapon system. stationed at F..E. Warren air base in Cheyenne, Wy.from 1/64 to 6/67.
Class of 1962
Air Force, 4 Years
mech. on Minuteman missle weapon system. stationed at F..E. Warren air base in Cheyenne, Wy.from 1/64 to 6/67.
Thomas A. Fuller
Class of 1965
Army, 4 Years
Trained as Military Police. 18 months at Okinawa, 12 months in Sinope,Turkey and the remaining time in Virginia.
Class of 1965
Army, 4 Years
Trained as Military Police. 18 months at Okinawa, 12 months in Sinope,Turkey and the remaining time in Virginia.
thomas evans
Class of 1988
Navy, 7 Years
After school went right into the navy. My first 4 yrs. in Hawaii as a machinist mate. Decommisioned 3 ships. Got out and went to the reserves for 3 yrs. My unit was U.S. Forces Japan. This is a joint service command. That was really neat working with all the services at once. Great experiences - Living in Hawaii, Climbing Mount Fuji, just to name a few.
Class of 1988
Navy, 7 Years
After school went right into the navy. My first 4 yrs. in Hawaii as a machinist mate. Decommisioned 3 ships. Got out and went to the reserves for 3 yrs. My unit was U.S. Forces Japan. This is a joint service command. That was really neat working with all the services at once. Great experiences - Living in Hawaii, Climbing Mount Fuji, just to name a few.
YNC Mary G. Hamrick, USN
Class of 1980
Navy, 20+ Years
VR-55, CTF-63 (Italy), PWC Subic Bay, PSD Panama City, FL., Operation Desert Sorm/Shield, Command Chief-NOSC Sacramento CA and other assignments
Class of 1980
Navy, 20+ Years
VR-55, CTF-63 (Italy), PWC Subic Bay, PSD Panama City, FL., Operation Desert Sorm/Shield, Command Chief-NOSC Sacramento CA and other assignments
Alumni Stories
Read and submit stories about our classmates from Coventry High School, post achievements and news about our alumni, and post photos of our fellow Comets.
School News
1949 Year Book
Would like to talk to the owner of and view a Year Book from the class of 1949 which my sister Shirley Ann Bush was clas...
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Our Coventry High School military alumni are some of the most outstanding people we know and this page recognizes them and everything they have done! Not everyone gets to come home for the holidays and we want our Coventry High School Military to know that they are loved and appreciated. All of us in Akron are proud of our military alumni and want to thank them for risking their lives to protect our country!