Remembering Our Fallen Brothers With Great Honor and Respect
Howard I. "Howie" Cohen
JCU Member June 1989 – June 1991
Colonel Howard Cohen. Army (ret.), loving husband, father, proud army ranger and officer, passed peacefully on the morning of July 20th, 2026 surrounded by family. Howard Cohen was born on 22 February 1957 in Newark, NJ to Joseph and Matilda Cohen. Howie was a big brother to Paula and Steve Cohen. Growing up, Howie was a dedicated athlete, playing a variety of sports, but most significantly known as a baseball player through the college level.
He graduated from Lafayette College in June 1979 and was commissioned as a second lieutenant in the Signal Corps. His last assignment was as the Commander, White House Communications Agency, (WHCA). Prior to WHCA, Colonel Cohen commanded the 35th Signal Brigade (Airborne) in support of the XVIII Airborne Corps at Fort Bragg, North Carolina. He commanded at the platoon, detachment, company, battalion, squadron, and brigade levels. He also served in various staff assignments including Battalion Signal Officer, Operations Officer, Deputy Inspector General, and Battalion Executive Officer.
He is a graduate of the Signal Officer Basic and Advanced Courses, Ranger School, Basic Airborne School, Jumpmaster School, the Combined Arms Staff Officer Course, the Army Command and General Staff Officer Course, and completed the Senior Service College as a National Security Program Fellow with the John F. Kennedy School of Government at Harvard University. He also holds a Bachelor’s Degree in English from Lafayette College, a Master’s in Business Administration, and a Master’s Degree in Public Administration from Central Michigan University.
Howie was a soldier’s soldier who lived his life by the ranger’s creed and army values. His awards include the Legion of Merit, Defense Meritorious Service Medal, the Meritorious Service Medal with five oak leaf clusters, the Army Commendation Medal with one oak leaf cluster, the Joint Service Achievement Medal, the Army Achievement Medal with two oak leaf clusters, the National Defense Service Medal, the Armed Forces Expeditionary Medal, the Army Service Ribbon, the Overseas Ribbon, the Joint Meritorious Unit Award, and the Army Superior Unit Award.
Post-military, Howie transitioned to the corporate world where he specialized in leadership consulting and management roles for different corporations. Later in life, Howie spent a great deal of purpose-filled energy and effort in helping veterans and family members transition to civilian life and laser-focused on lowering the high rate of veteran suicide.
COL Cohen’s family includes his wife, Maria, and two sons, Nick and Drew. Howie shared his life with his loving wife, Maria, for over 40 years. His children were blessed with a devoted father, his siblings with a caring brother, his parents with a cherished son, and so many of you with a loyal friend.
His greatest legacy is not only the life he lived but the love he gave, the people he encouraged, and the example he set. We will carry his memory forward by living with the same compassion, love, and strength that he showed every day.
Dillon M. Adams
JCU Member June 2022-September 2025
CW3 Dillon Michael Adams — soldier, gym rat, Spartan racer, and self-appointed connoisseur of a good bassline — has left the building, and you can bet he made an entrance in Heaven.
Dillon was born on April 23, 1990, in Bangor, Maine, to Shelly and Christopher Adams. He was raised in Parkman, ME, and graduated from Tri County Technical High School in Dexter, ME — a small-town kid who went on to build one of the most impressive careers in Army Special Operations, and never once let it go to his head.
Dillon joined the Army in 2008 as a Signal Support Systems Specialist and was assigned to the 1-508th PIR at Fort Bragg, NC, where he deployed to Afghanistan twice in support of Operation Enduring Freedom. He went on to serve as a Wideband Radio Technician at the White House Communications Agency in Washington, DC — because apparently regular top-secret work wasn’t enough of a challenge. After completing WOCS and RASP 2, he began his SOF career as a Network Systems Tech with 2/75th Ranger Regiment at JBLM, Washington, then served as a Network Operations Warrant Officer at Joint Special Operations Command (JSOC), Fort Bragg, NC. At the time of his passing, he was the Senior Technology Strategist for Task Force Easy in the USASOC AI Division, Fort Bragg, NC — still on the cutting edge, right to the end.
His awards include the Defense Meritorious Service Medal, the Meritorious Service Medal (second award), the Joint Service Commendation Medal with C-Device, the Joint Service Commendation Medal, the Army Commendation Medal (second award), the Army Achievement Medal, the Army Good Conduct Medal, the National Defense Service Medal, the Afghanistan Campaign Medal with Campaign Star, the Global War on Terrorism Service Medal, the Humanitarian Service Medal, the Noncommissioned Officer Professional Development Ribbon, the Army Service Ribbon, the Overseas Service Ribbon, the NATO Medal, the Combat Action Badge, the Parachutist Badge, and the Presidential Service Badge. In short: the man had more hardware than most people have hangers in their closet, and he earned every piece of it.
But if you knew Dillon outside of the uniform, you knew the real mission statement: live loud … literally. He was the guy who could be found at the gym before most people’s alarms went off. Chasing one more rep, one more PR, one more reason to feel unstoppable. When the gym wasn’t enough, he went and found mud, barbed wire, and fire to run through instead. Dillon was a certified Spartan Race addict, finishing 31 races and earning 10 Trifectas along the way. He crawled, climbed, and clawed his way through 865 obstacles across 457 kilometers, racking up over 4 days, 11 hours, and 7 minutes of pure grit on the course … because apparently a full-time Army career and elite physical fitness wasn’t enough. He loved music the way some people love their jobs — completely, unapologetically, bass turned up way past what was reasonable. Give him a good set and he was exactly where he wanted to be. He didn’t just love life — he trained for it, raced for it, and danced through it.
Dillon is survived by his family — a colorful cast of characters now left without their Chief Instigator — including his daughter, Eliyannah Grace, of Chesapeake, Virginia; his fiancée, Elisabeth Barbee, of Fayetteville, North Carolina; his siblings, Jess Adams, Aaron Adams, Fern Adams, John Adams, and Daniel Adams, of Topsham, Maine; his father, Christopher Adams, of Parkman, Maine; and his mother, Shelly Adams, of Caloosa, Florida. The family promises to carry on his legacy and continue putting the “fun” in dysfunctional, in his honor.
The family asks that you hit the gym for him, sign up for a race you’re not quite ready for, and turn the music up a little louder than you normally would. Dillon spent his whole life defending the freedom for the rest of us to live exactly like that.
Rest easy, Dillon. Save us a spot at the finish line – and on the dance floor.
Family and friends are invited to celebrate Dillon’s life at a Celebration of Life service to be held Saturday, July 25, 2026, at 10 am at Manna Church, 5117 Cliffdale Rd., Fayetteville, NC 28314. A reception will follow at the church. A second Celebration of Life service will be held Saturday, August 1, 2026, at 11a.m. at O’Donoghue’s Pub, 103 Pleasant St., Brunswick, Maine 04011. It will be a time of celebration sharing stories and honoring Dillon Michael Adams.
The family appreciates your thoughts, prayers, and support during this difficult time.
Funeral arrangements are entrusted to Jernigan-Warren Funeral Home, 545 Ramsey Street, Fayetteville, NC 28301.
Eric S. Bell
JCU Member August 1988-May 1991
Obituary forthcoming.
Thomas "Tom" W. Donnelly
JCU Member November 1990 – June 1993
Thomas “Tom” W. Donnelly, Jr., a devoted servant of his nation, his faith, and his community, passed away peacefully on May 18, 2025, at the age of 65. A man of unwavering integrity, humility, and purpose, Tom leaves behind a legacy of honor, service, and compassion.
Born on November 4, 1959, in Rhode Island, Tom charted a path of leadership and service from an early age. He graduated from the University of Notre Dame in 1981, where he also earned a commission as an officer in the United States Army. Over the next 24 years, Tom served his country with distinction, retiring as a Lieutenant Colonel in September 2005.
Tom’s commitment to national service did not end with military retirement. For the following two decades, Tom continued to support the defense of the nation as an Army civilian with the Government Special Operations Command at Fort Bragg, where his wisdom and dedication had a lasting impact on countless colleagues and missions.
A devout Catholic, Tom found great joy and purpose in his faith. He was a long-time, deeply involved member of Saint Elizabeth Ann Seton Parish in Fayetteville, where he was active as a 3rd Knight of Columbus. Tom worked tirelessly to live by values of charity and service, regularly volunteering to provide meals, clothing, and support to those in need. He also served as a Eucharistic Minister for many years. His quiet strength and generous spirit made him a pillar of the church and broader community.
Tom was a loving husband, father, and grandfather. He is survived by his devoted wife of 32 years, Maxine Donnelly; his cherished daughter, Donnia and son-in-law, Tom; his beloved granddaughters, in whom he took immense joy and pride, Tara and Jessica, and by several cousins and their spouses in Rhode Island. He was preceded in death by his parents, Tom and Elizabeth Donnelly and his son, Michael.
Tom’s death will impact so many dear friends near and far.
A funeral Mass will be held at Saint Elizabeth Ann Seton Catholic Church on Thursday, June 5, 2025, at 11:00 AM. The family will receive friends following the Mass.
Peter P. Larkin
JCU Member (3rd SEA) JUL 1986-May 1989
Born on 12 April 1943 and passed on 4 September 2023. The family did not publish an obituary. The following link is from Veterans Legacy Memorial https://www.vlm.cem.va.gov/PETERLARKIN/a4b213
Timothy J. London
JCU Member December 1984 – September 1987
Timothy James London, born Oct. 4, 1950 in Lincoln, left his earthly body on Aug. 7, 2023 with his family and beloved wife, Marhea, by his side.
Tim was the oldest child of Jack and Marget (Ford) and was the big brother to Mike (Debbie) London, Steve (Bobbie) London, and Tracy (Bernard) London. Tim was proceeded in death by both his parents; along with his sister, Bev Post; and his brother, Dave London.
Tim was married to Anna Marhea on Feb. 27, 1981 and remained by her side until his passing. Tim and Marhea raised their blended family together while Tim served this country for 27 years in the U.S. Army until his retirement in June of 1994.
Tim leaves behind not only his wife of 41 years along with their children, sons, Justin (Lori) London, and Jason (Melinda) London, and his daughter, Kala London.
As a proud father of his children, Tim was an amazing and prouder Papa to Ashley (Derek) Shetler, Andrew (Sara) Ziel, Amber (RC) Wise, Mackenzie, Katarina, Zoe, Jack, James, and Sarah. Tim was also blessed with several great grandchildren, Asa, Luka, Julian, Ellen, and baby girl, Ziel due later this year.
As a veteran to our country Tim served two tours in Vietnam from 1968-69, and re-entered the military in 1973 to continue his service to our country. Tim traveled the world serving this country after Vietnam as a paratrooper and communication specialist.
While protecting our country took Tim away from his family many days, he always made sure they knew he was leaving and never forgot to tell his wife “Remember to take out the trash.”
In leu of a funeral Tim had requested not sorrow but a celebration of life. Tim’s celebration will take place on Sept. 16, at the Mikado Civic Center at noon. To sign online guestbook, visit www.cremationsocietymidmi.com. Arrangements made with Cremation Society of Mid- Michigan.
Scott S. Scharper
JCU Member June 2001 – August 2005
Scott Shane Scharper, a decorated Marine Corps veteran, age 51, passed away on Thursday, July 27, 2023 in Johnson City, TN.
Born in Baltimore, MD, Scott’s whole life embodied the Jesuit motto, “Service to Others”. As a young man, he was a leader in the Civil Air Patrol and a lifeguard at the community swimming pool. After graduating from Loyola High School in Towson, MD, where he was on the swim team, he attended a local college until enlisting in the US Marine Corps. As a Marine, Scott rose through the ranks to retire as a commissioned officer, Chief Warrant Officer 4. During his 23 years of service, he participated in multiple combat deployments and operations to Afghanistan and Iraq, was a member of the elite Joint Special Operations Command and an early member of the Marine Forces Special Operations Command. Through his exemplary military career he was awarded the Gold Naval Parachutist Wings along with thirty-nine medals and ribbons to include the Defense Meritorious Service Medal, Joint Service Commendation Medal, and multiple Combat Action Ribbons. After retirement, he continued his service to his country as a contractor supporting both US Central Command and Special Operations Command in Tampa, FL. Always striving to improve himself, he was pursuing a degree at Eastern Tennessee State University with the goal of improving the lives of veterans suffering from PTSD and had been the commander of the local Post 24 of the American Legion. Scott was a fun, loving person who enjoyed cooking and spending time with his family.
He is survived by his wife, Melissa Scharper, sons Zachery and Ian Scharper, sisters Kate Scharper McDonald and Sue Sappington, and his parents, Richard and Theresa Scharper.
A visitation will be held on Tuesday evening between 5:00 – 8:00 pm on August 1, 2023, at Morris-Baker Funeral Home, 2001 E. Oakland Ave, Johnson City, Tn, 37601.
A committal service will commence the following day at 11:00 am on August 2, 2023, at the Mountain Home National Cemetery, 53 Memorial Ave, within the James Quillon VA Hospital grounds at Veterans Way & Lamont St, Johnson City, Tn, 37604. There will be a funeral home member inside the entrance to direct you to the nearby site. A memorial reception will be held at The Gallery at Southern Craft BBQ following the funeral.
Memories and condolences may be shared with the family via www.morrisbaker.com
Morris-Baker Funeral Home is honored to serve the family of Scott Scharper. (423) 282-1521
Ronald A. Watts
JCU Member June 1998-May 2002 & September 2003-January 2011
November 30, 1969 – March 13, 2023
This is a story of an adventurous southern boy from rural Florence County, South Carolina who through a series of misadventures and good fortune grew into the man we all came to know, love, and respect.
During his formative years Ronny worked in his father’s auto parts store and knew exactly what he wanted in life; have fun, avoid trouble and do the best job possible. From hunting and fishing to riding dirt bikes; from earning the rank of Eagle Scout, the highest achievement in Boy Scouts, to winning countless shooting competitions; Ronny accomplished these and many other goals.
Ronny enjoyed time in his workshop crafting exotic woods into keepsake items. According to friends and family, he honed his woodworking skills using carefully selected sharp four-letter words!
Ronny enlisted in the Army in 1989 and was subsequently assigned to the US Army Marksmanship Unit at Fort Benning, Georgia as an international Pistol Shooter for the Army Shooting Team. Ronny was then assigned as a programmer analyst during a tour in Korea. Following this assignment, he returned to the U.S Shooting Team and competed in World Cups in Munich, Milan and Atlanta. Ronny’s additional assignments included a tour as instructor at the U.S. Army Signal Center at Ft. Gordon, Georgia and JSOC where he would eventually serve as Operations Sergeant Major.
During a brief assignment in 2003, Ronny met Sarah Watkins and the two married a year later. Following his retirement in 2010, Ronny, Sarah and their three children settled in Apex, NC
His military decorations include the Defense Meritorious Service Medal, the Meritorious Service Medal, the Joint Service Achievement Medal, the Army Commendation Medal and the Army Achievement Medal. He was awarded the Ranger Tab, the Senior Parachutist Badge, the German Parachutist Badge, and was a member of the prestigious Sgt Audie Murphy Club. In addition to successfully completing various complex training courses, Ronny also earned his master’s degree.
In addition to his long list of military accomplishments, Ronny also took great pride in instilling fear in his superiors and subordinates. Countless stories have been told of how Ronny used his debating skills to sway opinion. One friend said Ronny could argue that a chair should be positioned upside down on the floor and, eventually, all would agree.
After retiring from the Army in 2010, Ronny joined Dell Technologies as a Deputy Program Manager. He played a key role in everything from contract change negotiations with government leaders, to solution development with Dell and various external partners, to talent identification and leadership development activities for prospective and existing employees. Ronny continually worked to support veterans in their efforts to transition from the military to civilian life.
Ronny enjoyed the simple things in life – woodworking in his shop, teaching his sons how to hunt and fish, basking in the joy of sharing his love of guitar with his daughter and snuggling up to his wife while watching a movie.
A person’s success when facing the end of life isn’t measured by what you have, it’s measured by the strength of love surrounding you when that time arrives. By all measures Ronny led a very successful life.
Ronny is survived by Sarah, his loving wife of 20 years; and their three children, Chandler, Oliver and Abigail; and, of course, the family pets: Tony the cat and Rigby the dog. We will forever miss his quick-witted humor, sly smile, feisty attitude and outspoken opinion about everything.
In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to Special Operations Communicators Association.
Stacey A. Lewis
JCU Member MAY 2005-March 2012
Stacey Adam Lewis, 49, passed away Sunday, November 20, 2022. Stacey is survived by parents; Wesley and Judy Lewis; loving wife of 30 years, Shelly Lewis; son, Stacey Adam Lewis II “Adam”; daughter, Tiffany (Darren) Redburn; sister, Alicia Lewis, and many other brothers and sisters; grandchildren, Nova Lewis, Edward Foust, Owen Redburn, and Jace Redburn; and many nieces and nephews. Share condolences at www.cozine.com. Services by Cozine Memorial Group – Broadway Mortuary.
Randall E. Hammond
JCU Member December 1987-July 1994
It is with profound sadness that the family of Randy Hammond announce his sudden passing at the far too young age of 60 on September 27, 2021.
Randy was the youngest child, born to Walter and Jeanne Hammond, in Grand Rapids, Michigan. He was preceded in death by his mother Jeanne Hammond (at 101 years old) just last year. He will be dearly missed by his high school sweetheart, and wife of 41 years, Cindy, his daughter Beth Matthews (Tom Matthews), son Tom Hammond (Jessica Hammond), siblings Russell, Eileen, Ralph, and Roy, his grandchildren, Zayden, Stella, Scott, and Saul, and many nieces and nephews.
Randy led a life full of accomplishments that most can only wish to achieve in twice as much time. He was committed to his family, and the kind of man that held on to friends his entire life. He was loyal, faithful, and steadfast in his beliefs. Retiring from the U.S. Airforce as a Master Sergeant after 20 years of dedicated service, he was HALO qualified, with over 100 jumps (out of perfectly good airplanes) with the Joint Communications Operations Squadron. He was a well decorated airman having earned several awards with the most notable being the Defense Meritorious Service Medal, the Air Force Meritorious Service Medal, and the Joint Commendation Medal.
He graduated from Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University with a Bachelor of Science in Technical Operations and a minor in Aviation Safety while serving active duty in the Air Force with two children in grade school and his wife by his side. This set him up for a future career with GE Aviation as a Principal Engineer. While at GE, Randy ran the Edison Internship program mentoring many young adults. He was also a Fire Fighter for Byron Township, a Board member and Youth Trap Coach of the South Kent Sportsman’s Club, a certified SCUBA diver, private pilot, electronics instructor at Grand Rapids Community College, and his latest (and very proud) achievement, a licensed ham radio operator.
Randy was a jack-of-all trades, fixer of just about anything including grandkid toys, and life-long learner. He loved his family dearly; there was nothing he couldn’t do.
Services will be held at Zaagman Memorial Chapel, 2800 Burton St SE, Grand Rapids, MI 49546, Monday, October 4th with visitation beginning at 10:00 am and funeral service at 11:00 am. Reception to follow. He will be laid to rest Tuesday, October 5th at 11:00 am at Fort Custer National Cemetery, 15501 Dickman Rd, Augusta, MI 49012.