December TAPS

Charlie M. Eskridge of Marina, Calif.

Charlie M. Eskridge of Post 694 (Department of California) passed away Oct. 31 at 80. He was a Korean, Vietnam and Lebanon/Grenada War Army veteran. Mr. Eskridge served as department commander from 2006 to 2007, department vice commander from 2000 to 2001, and National Foreign Relations Council vice chairman from 2002 to 2006.

Thomas G. Holzgen of Grandville, Mich.

Thomas G. Holzgen of Post 179 (Department of Michigan) passed away Dec. 8 at 64. He was a Vietnam War Marine Corps veteran. Mr. Holzgen served as department commander from 2004 to 2005, National Executive Committee alternate member from 2009 to 2011, National Foreign Relations Council vice chairman from 2008 to 2011, and National Distinguished Guests Committee vice chairman from 1993 to 1995 and 1996 to 2004. He was a member of the National Public Relations Commission Liaison Committee from 2011 to 2012. And until Mr. Holzgen’s passing, he was also a present member of the National Convention Commission Liaison Committee and the National Executive Committee.

Clayton J. Hueske of Waco, Texas

Clayton J. Hueske of Post 121 (Department of Texas) passed away Nov. 22 at 82. He was a Korean War Marine Corps veteran. Mr. Hueske served as department commander from 2002 to 2003, National Distinguished Guests Committee vice chairman from 1998 to 2003, National Economic Commission member from 2005 to 2007, National & Homeland Security Council vice chairman from 1994 to 1995 and 2007 to 2009, and National VA&R Region 4 member from 2003 to 2005.

Gregory M. Kowatch of Anchorage, Alaska

Gregory M. Kowatch of Post 1 (Department of Alaska) passed away Nov. 23 at 55. He was a Vietnam War Air Force veteran. Mr. Kowatch served as the National Americanism Council vice chairman from 2010 to 2011.

Irvin A. Quick of Casper, Wyo.

Irvin A. Quick of Post 8 (Department of Wyoming) passed away Nov. 6 at 78. He was a Korean War Army veteran. Mr. Quick served as department commander from 1985 to 1986, department vice commander from 1984 to 1985, National Executive Committeeman alternate member from 2002 to 2004, National & Homeland Security Council vice chairman from 1990 to 1993 and 2008 to 2012, and a member of the National Economic Commission Liaison Committee from 2004 to 2005, National Executive Committee from 2004 to 2008, National Military Affairs Committee from 1993 to 1997, National Merchant Marine Committee from 2002 to 2004, and National Security Commission Liaison Committee from 2005 to 2008.

Charles C. Ragsdell of Eureka Springs, Ark.

Charles C. Ragsdell of Post 64 (Department of Arkansas) passed away Dec. 9 at 80. He was a Korean War Army veteran. Mr. Ragsdell served as department adjutant from 1988 to 1993 and 1995 to 1996, department commander from 1993 to 1994, national vice commander from 2000 to 2001, and a member of the National Public Relations Commission from 1993 to 1995, 1996 to 2000 and 2001 to 2004.

Jack M. Rainey of South Hill, Va.

Jack M. Rainey of Post 79 (Department of Virginia) passed away Nov. 9 at 95. He was a World War II Air Force veteran. Mr. Rainey served as department commander from 1981 to 1982 and department vice commander from 1957 to 1958. He was a National Executive Committeeman alternate from 1989 to 1993, National & Homeland Security Council vice chairman from 2000 to 2003, and a member of the National Counter-Subversive Activities Committee from 1954 to 1955, National Distinguished Guests Committee from 1958 to 1962, and National Law and Order Committee from 1955 to 1958 and 1973 to 2000.