John Dickinson High School Alumni
Wilmington, Delaware (DE)
Recent Members
| Ahmaya Johnson | 2021 |
| Bob Bob Bishop | 1973 |
| John Logan Welsh | 1963 |
| Julie Ann Gibbons Julie Ann Gibbons | 2010 |
| Richard Wilson Richard Wilson | 1971 |
| Shane Jackson | 2002 |
| Victoria Waddell Victoria Waddell | 2004 |
| Wendy Spitelle | 1988 |
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 John Dickinson High School class ring? Have you found someone's class ring? Visit our Rams lost class ring page to search for your class ring or post information about a found ring.
Honored Military Alumni
Alan Stalnaker
Class of 1966
Army, 20+ Years
years 1-5 Germany(1970-1975
next 15 Army Reserve
retired LTC
Class of 1966
Army, 20+ Years
years 1-5 Germany(1970-1975
next 15 Army Reserve
retired LTC
Cliff Eskridge
Class of 1965
Army, 3 Years
Served in Vietnam, May 67 - May 68. Returned stateside to Indiantown Gap and then Wertzberg Germany. Attained the rank of Sgt. before leaving the Army.
Class of 1965
Army, 3 Years
Served in Vietnam, May 67 - May 68. Returned stateside to Indiantown Gap and then Wertzberg Germany. Attained the rank of Sgt. before leaving the Army.
David Wittle
Class of 1965
Marine Corps, 20+ Years
COLONEL DAVID L. WITTLE USMC
Colonel Wittle was born in Lancaster, Pennsylvania, on 6 March 1947. He entered Officer’s Candidate School at Quantico, Virginia, in September 1969 and was commissioned a Second Lieutenant of Marines in November of that year.
Following completion of Basic School, Colonel Wittle’s initial Fleet Marine Force duty assignments included: Platoon Commander with Company L, 3d Battalion, 3d Marines, Camp Pendleton, California; Executive Officer, Company M, 3d Battalion, 4th Marines; and Assistant Operations Officer, 3d Battalion, 4th Marines, 3d Marine Division, Okinawa, Japan. He was also posted at the Marine Corps Recruit Depot, San Diego, California, where he served as Assistant Depot Adjutant, Series Commander, Company K and Company Commander, Company L, 3d Recruit Training Battalion, Recruit Training Regiment and Operations Officer, Headquarters and Service Battalion.
In March 1976 Colonel Wittle was transferred to Quantico, Virginia where he initially served as Staff Platoon Commander at OCS for the 1976 Summer PLC (Combined) Program. In the fall of 1976 he entered Amphibious Warfare School.
After completion of Amphibious Warfare School in 1977, Colonel Wittle was transferred to the 3d Marine Division, Okinawa, Japan. He was first assigned as Assistant Operations Officer, 2d Battalion, 9th Marines and was later reassigned as Commanding Officer, Company G, 2d Battalion, 9th Marines.
Following Okinawa, Colonel Wittle served as the Joint Processing Officer at the Military Enlisted Processing Station, Los Angeles, California.
In August 1980, Colonel Wittle was transferred to LFTCPac, Coronado, California, where he served as an Instructor, Operations and Intelligence Branch, Staff Planning School, and was later reassigned to the G-3 as Scheduling Officer. He also served as Pre Deployment Training Coordinator for the 37th MEU 1st Marine Brigade Marine Corps Air Station Kaneohe, Hawaii.
In June 1983, Colonel Wittle reported for duty with 1st Force Service Support Group, Camp Pendleton, California. His duties included: Commanding Officer, Company A, 1st Landing Support Battalion; Commanding Officer Combat Service Support Detachment 18; Commanding Officer, Combat Service Support Detachment 11; Executive Officer, MEU Service Support Group 17; Operations Officer, 1st Landing Support Battalion; G-3 Deployment Officer, Headquarters 1st Force Service Support Group and Executive Officer, Brigade Service Support Group 5.
In April 1986, Colonel Wittle transferred to the Headquarters of the Supreme Allied Commander Atlantic, North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) where he served as the Assistant Director for Maritime Logistics Plans and Exercises.
Following Colonel Wittle’s NATO assignment, he was reassigned to Headquarters, Fleet Marine Forces Atlantic, Norfolk, Virginia as Deputy Assistant Chief of Staff, G-4.
In September 1990, Colonel Wittle was transferred to 2d Force Service Support Group, Camp LeJeune, North Carolina. His duties included: G-3 Plans Officer, G-3 Operations Officer; Commanding Officer, Mobile Combat Service Support Detachment 26 in support of the 6th Marines during Operations Desert Shield/Desert Storm; Assistant Chief of Staff, G-4; Commanding Officer, 2d Force Service Support Group (Forward); and Assistant Chief of Staff, G-3.
In January 1994, Colonel Wittle was assigned as Deputy Commander/J-3 for Joint Task Force 63, Haitian Refugee Operations.
In June 1994, Colonel Wittle reported to Blount Island Command, Jacksonville, Florida and served as Commanding Officer and Director for Marine Corps Prepositioning Programs.
In August 1996, Colonel Wittle was transferred to Headquarters, U.S. Marine Corps, Washington, D.C. and assumed duties as Branch Head, Enlisted Assignment Branch, Personnel Management Division, Manpower Department.
In September 1998, Colonel Wittle was reassigned to Headquarters, U.S. Marine Corps Forces Atlantic, Norfolk, Virginia and served as Assistant Chief of Staff, G-8.
After 31 years of active service, Colonel Wittle retired from active duty on 1 October 2000.
In November 2003, Colonel Wittle returned to the Marine Corps Warfighting Laboratory Concept Development and Experimentation Division/Marine Corps Liaison Office to the United States Joint Forces Command Suffolk, Virginia. He served as Marine Corps lead for Lessons Learned Operation Iraqi Freedom and Operation Enduring Freedom with the Joint Center for Operations Analysis. He also served as the Marine Corps representative to the United States Northern Command for the revision of the Joint Operating Concept for Homeland Defense/Civil Support, and served as the Marine Corps representative to the United States Joint Forces Command for Combating Weapons of Mass Destruction.
In August 2010, Colonel Wittle ended his service with the Marine Corps War Laboratory Joint Concept Development and Experimentation Division.
Colonel Wittle earned an Associate Arts Degree from Wesley College in Dover, Delaware and earned his Bachelor Arts Degree in Economics from San Diego State University San Diego, California. He performed his postgraduate work at Pepperdine University Malibu, California, earning a Master of Business Administration Degree. His personal decorations include: the Legion of Merit with gold star in lieu of second award; the Bronze Star Medal; the Defense Meritorious Service Medal with a gold star in lieu of second award, the Meritorious Service Medal, the Navy Commendation Medal, and the Combat Action Ribbon. He was promoted to the grade of Colonel on 1 November 1991.
Colonel Wittle is married to the former Patricia L. Davis of San Diego, California. They have one son, David Patrick.
Class of 1965
Marine Corps, 20+ Years
COLONEL DAVID L. WITTLE USMC
Colonel Wittle was born in Lancaster, Pennsylvania, on 6 March 1947. He entered Officer’s Candidate School at Quantico, Virginia, in September 1969 and was commissioned a Second Lieutenant of Marines in November of that year.
Following completion of Basic School, Colonel Wittle’s initial Fleet Marine Force duty assignments included: Platoon Commander with Company L, 3d Battalion, 3d Marines, Camp Pendleton, California; Executive Officer, Company M, 3d Battalion, 4th Marines; and Assistant Operations Officer, 3d Battalion, 4th Marines, 3d Marine Division, Okinawa, Japan. He was also posted at the Marine Corps Recruit Depot, San Diego, California, where he served as Assistant Depot Adjutant, Series Commander, Company K and Company Commander, Company L, 3d Recruit Training Battalion, Recruit Training Regiment and Operations Officer, Headquarters and Service Battalion.
In March 1976 Colonel Wittle was transferred to Quantico, Virginia where he initially served as Staff Platoon Commander at OCS for the 1976 Summer PLC (Combined) Program. In the fall of 1976 he entered Amphibious Warfare School.
After completion of Amphibious Warfare School in 1977, Colonel Wittle was transferred to the 3d Marine Division, Okinawa, Japan. He was first assigned as Assistant Operations Officer, 2d Battalion, 9th Marines and was later reassigned as Commanding Officer, Company G, 2d Battalion, 9th Marines.
Following Okinawa, Colonel Wittle served as the Joint Processing Officer at the Military Enlisted Processing Station, Los Angeles, California.
In August 1980, Colonel Wittle was transferred to LFTCPac, Coronado, California, where he served as an Instructor, Operations and Intelligence Branch, Staff Planning School, and was later reassigned to the G-3 as Scheduling Officer. He also served as Pre Deployment Training Coordinator for the 37th MEU 1st Marine Brigade Marine Corps Air Station Kaneohe, Hawaii.
In June 1983, Colonel Wittle reported for duty with 1st Force Service Support Group, Camp Pendleton, California. His duties included: Commanding Officer, Company A, 1st Landing Support Battalion; Commanding Officer Combat Service Support Detachment 18; Commanding Officer, Combat Service Support Detachment 11; Executive Officer, MEU Service Support Group 17; Operations Officer, 1st Landing Support Battalion; G-3 Deployment Officer, Headquarters 1st Force Service Support Group and Executive Officer, Brigade Service Support Group 5.
In April 1986, Colonel Wittle transferred to the Headquarters of the Supreme Allied Commander Atlantic, North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) where he served as the Assistant Director for Maritime Logistics Plans and Exercises.
Following Colonel Wittle’s NATO assignment, he was reassigned to Headquarters, Fleet Marine Forces Atlantic, Norfolk, Virginia as Deputy Assistant Chief of Staff, G-4.
In September 1990, Colonel Wittle was transferred to 2d Force Service Support Group, Camp LeJeune, North Carolina. His duties included: G-3 Plans Officer, G-3 Operations Officer; Commanding Officer, Mobile Combat Service Support Detachment 26 in support of the 6th Marines during Operations Desert Shield/Desert Storm; Assistant Chief of Staff, G-4; Commanding Officer, 2d Force Service Support Group (Forward); and Assistant Chief of Staff, G-3.
In January 1994, Colonel Wittle was assigned as Deputy Commander/J-3 for Joint Task Force 63, Haitian Refugee Operations.
In June 1994, Colonel Wittle reported to Blount Island Command, Jacksonville, Florida and served as Commanding Officer and Director for Marine Corps Prepositioning Programs.
In August 1996, Colonel Wittle was transferred to Headquarters, U.S. Marine Corps, Washington, D.C. and assumed duties as Branch Head, Enlisted Assignment Branch, Personnel Management Division, Manpower Department.
In September 1998, Colonel Wittle was reassigned to Headquarters, U.S. Marine Corps Forces Atlantic, Norfolk, Virginia and served as Assistant Chief of Staff, G-8.
After 31 years of active service, Colonel Wittle retired from active duty on 1 October 2000.
In November 2003, Colonel Wittle returned to the Marine Corps Warfighting Laboratory Concept Development and Experimentation Division/Marine Corps Liaison Office to the United States Joint Forces Command Suffolk, Virginia. He served as Marine Corps lead for Lessons Learned Operation Iraqi Freedom and Operation Enduring Freedom with the Joint Center for Operations Analysis. He also served as the Marine Corps representative to the United States Northern Command for the revision of the Joint Operating Concept for Homeland Defense/Civil Support, and served as the Marine Corps representative to the United States Joint Forces Command for Combating Weapons of Mass Destruction.
In August 2010, Colonel Wittle ended his service with the Marine Corps War Laboratory Joint Concept Development and Experimentation Division.
Colonel Wittle earned an Associate Arts Degree from Wesley College in Dover, Delaware and earned his Bachelor Arts Degree in Economics from San Diego State University San Diego, California. He performed his postgraduate work at Pepperdine University Malibu, California, earning a Master of Business Administration Degree. His personal decorations include: the Legion of Merit with gold star in lieu of second award; the Bronze Star Medal; the Defense Meritorious Service Medal with a gold star in lieu of second award, the Meritorious Service Medal, the Navy Commendation Medal, and the Combat Action Ribbon. He was promoted to the grade of Colonel on 1 November 1991.
Colonel Wittle is married to the former Patricia L. Davis of San Diego, California. They have one son, David Patrick.
Dr. Mark A. Colicchio
Class of 1974
Air Force, 4 Years
Enlisted in the USAF directly out of HS in the early enlistment program at age 17. Selected for the USAF Honor Guard in Wash D.C. Served in the unit for 1 year and was then assigned to the 89th SAM squadron at Andrews AFB home of Air Force One. Duties included providing aircraft security for Presidents Ford and Carter as well as Vice Presidents Rockeller and Mondale from 1975 through 1978. Received the USAF Accomendation Medal in 1976 for service during the Carter Innaugaration.
Class of 1974
Air Force, 4 Years
Enlisted in the USAF directly out of HS in the early enlistment program at age 17. Selected for the USAF Honor Guard in Wash D.C. Served in the unit for 1 year and was then assigned to the 89th SAM squadron at Andrews AFB home of Air Force One. Duties included providing aircraft security for Presidents Ford and Carter as well as Vice Presidents Rockeller and Mondale from 1975 through 1978. Received the USAF Accomendation Medal in 1976 for service during the Carter Innaugaration.
Gary Abramowicz
Class of 1971
Air Force, 4 Years
Served from 71-75 and would never do it again. Talked my son and his friends out of serving. I used my military experience well.
Class of 1971
Air Force, 4 Years
Served from 71-75 and would never do it again. Talked my son and his friends out of serving. I used my military experience well.
George Stalnaker
Class of 1965
Navy, 4 Years
Served in the Navy Seabees. MCB 10, two tours in Vietnam. All tours in I Corp, Quang Tri north. 1967-1968, 1968-1969. Discharged as a Petty Officer 3rd class. Life member VFW, and 30 year member of the American Legion.
Class of 1965
Navy, 4 Years
Served in the Navy Seabees. MCB 10, two tours in Vietnam. All tours in I Corp, Quang Tri north. 1967-1968, 1968-1969. Discharged as a Petty Officer 3rd class. Life member VFW, and 30 year member of the American Legion.
Michael boone
Class of 1994
Army, 14 Years
Still on active duty. Right stationed at Fort Gordon, GA.
Class of 1994
Army, 14 Years
Still on active duty. Right stationed at Fort Gordon, GA.
Michael Pistek
Class of 1972
Army, 20+ Years
I enlisted in February, 1977 and served until June, 1998. Following BCT at Fort Leonard Wood from February to April 1977 and Medic training at Fort Sam Houston I was assigned to the Fitzsimons Army Medical Center in Denver, CO for training as a clinical specialist. Following training, I was assigned to the post hospital at Fort Ord, CA and worked in the Emergency Room for four years attaining the rank of Specialist 5. In 1982, I was assigned to the 10th Combat Support Hospital (later the 10th Mobile Army Surgical Hospital) at Fort Meade, MD. While there I was promoted to Staff Sergeant, earned the Expert Field Medical Badge and attended the US Air Force Loadmasters course. In May, 1986, my family and I were transferred to Ludwigsburg, Germany and I was assigned to the 128th Combat Support Hospital. Following a three year tour, we returned to the States and I was assigned to HHC, 2nd Battalion, 111th Infantry until 1994 when the Battalion was deactivated and I was further assigned to HHB, 1st Battalion, 213th Air Defense Artillery when I served as a medical platoon sergeant. I retired in June, 1998.
Class of 1972
Army, 20+ Years
I enlisted in February, 1977 and served until June, 1998. Following BCT at Fort Leonard Wood from February to April 1977 and Medic training at Fort Sam Houston I was assigned to the Fitzsimons Army Medical Center in Denver, CO for training as a clinical specialist. Following training, I was assigned to the post hospital at Fort Ord, CA and worked in the Emergency Room for four years attaining the rank of Specialist 5. In 1982, I was assigned to the 10th Combat Support Hospital (later the 10th Mobile Army Surgical Hospital) at Fort Meade, MD. While there I was promoted to Staff Sergeant, earned the Expert Field Medical Badge and attended the US Air Force Loadmasters course. In May, 1986, my family and I were transferred to Ludwigsburg, Germany and I was assigned to the 128th Combat Support Hospital. Following a three year tour, we returned to the States and I was assigned to HHC, 2nd Battalion, 111th Infantry until 1994 when the Battalion was deactivated and I was further assigned to HHB, 1st Battalion, 213th Air Defense Artillery when I served as a medical platoon sergeant. I retired in June, 1998.
NATHAN (NATE) CAGLE
Class of 1968
Navy Reserves, 20+ Years
Retired Navy Commander. Naval Aviator, Naval Flight Officer, Mission Commander, Tactical Coordinator, P-3 Orion. 3000+ flight time hours. Reconnaissance and Anti-Submarine Warfare.
Serviced in Pacific-Japan, Philippines, Vietnam coast, Thailand, Diego Garcia, Iran, Pakistan, French Territory of Afars and Issa (Republic of Djbouti).
Europe/Carib. Spain, Portugal, Bermuda
Class of 1968
Navy Reserves, 20+ Years
Retired Navy Commander. Naval Aviator, Naval Flight Officer, Mission Commander, Tactical Coordinator, P-3 Orion. 3000+ flight time hours. Reconnaissance and Anti-Submarine Warfare.
Serviced in Pacific-Japan, Philippines, Vietnam coast, Thailand, Diego Garcia, Iran, Pakistan, French Territory of Afars and Issa (Republic of Djbouti).
Europe/Carib. Spain, Portugal, Bermuda
William F Russell (Bill)
Class of 1962
Navy, 4 Years
Musician - Graduated Naval School of Music, Washington, DC. Played drums in various Navy Bands.
Class of 1962
Navy, 4 Years
Musician - Graduated Naval School of Music, Washington, DC. Played drums in various Navy Bands.
William Walton
Class of 1971
Air Force, 20+ Years
Enlisted in the Air Force after graduation. Trained in Aircraft Crash Rescue. Served in Germany and Spain during the Vietnam War. In 74 was deactivated and then served in the De Air National Guard. Was again called to active duty during Desert Storm. Retired after 22 years service. The time was bittersweet with some of the best, and worst times of my life. I would do it again in a heartbeat.
Class of 1971
Air Force, 20+ Years
Enlisted in the Air Force after graduation. Trained in Aircraft Crash Rescue. Served in Germany and Spain during the Vietnam War. In 74 was deactivated and then served in the De Air National Guard. Was again called to active duty during Desert Storm. Retired after 22 years service. The time was bittersweet with some of the best, and worst times of my life. I would do it again in a heartbeat.
Alumni Stories
Read and submit stories about our classmates from John Dickinson High School, post achievements and news about our alumni, and post photos of our fellow Rams.
School News
Sheila Cassidy Wins Music Educator of the Year Award
I stopped into the school today and found out that choir director (my former band teacher) Sheila Cassidy has won this y...
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Our John Dickinson 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 John Dickinson High School Military to know that they are loved and appreciated. All of us in Wilmington are proud of our military alumni and want to thank them for risking their lives to protect our country!