Douglas R. Doerr
July 16, 1957 - April 5, 2025

Douglas R. Doerr, a dedicated Marine aviator, contractor, and beloved friend to many, passed away on April 5, 2025, at the age of 67 after a courageous battle with stomach cancer.

Born in Tacoma, WA., Doug dedicated his life to serving his country with honor and distinction. His military career spanned 20 years from 1979-1999 as a Marine aviator, including combat deployments to Grenada during Operation Urgent Fury and to Beirut with HMM-261, where he served as a first lieutenant with the Raging Bulls. Following his military retirement in May of 1999, Doug continued his service to the Marine Corps as a civilian contractor for over 20 years at Headquarters Marine Corps Combat Development & Integration (CD&I) in 2000.

Doug began his contractor career as an analyst for combat identification, target identification, and friendly force tracking solutions. In October 2016, he transitioned to become the small uncrewed aircraft system (sUAS) task analyst supporting the Aviation Command Element (ACE) Division, a role he served in for seven years until his retirement in June 2022.

Doug was known as the last of the "Long Riders," a distinguished group of former Marines who all served together on the same 261 cruise and later worked as contractors in the Davis Building. These men set the standard for contract support and left an indelible mark on the Marine Corps and the Capabilities Integration Officers who benefited from their service and mentorship.

In 2008, Doug played a pivotal role in recovering a piece of Marine Corps history when he helped identify and retrieve the tail boom from a downed helicopter in Grenada, ensuring this important artifact would be preserved at the National Museum of the Marine Corps. This effort exemplified Doug's dedication to honoring the legacy of his fellow Marines and preserving their stories for future generations.

Doug will be remembered for his exceptional work ethic, kindness, and the small gestures that brightened everyone's day—including the little chocolates he hand-delivered throughout the Davis Building. An avid cyclist, Doug embraced the philosophy that "the only way to see the sunset is to ride into it."

He is survived by his loving wife, Corinne Doerr, of Dumfries, Virginia and his children Kimberly and Nathan along with his three grandchildren. Doug's legacy lives on through the countless Marines and colleagues whose lives he touched during his more than four decades of service to Country and Corps.

Semper Fidelis, Marine. Hand salute.

Gary C. Lewis

1939 - 2025

Steven Charles Shirosky, Sr., 85, of North Port, Florida formerly of Bridgewater, Massachusetts, passed away surrounded by his family on February 14, 2025. After attending Brockton High School, Steve married Elaine Fruzzetti of Brockton and went on to serve in the U.S. Navy aboard the USS Fort Snelling of the U.S. Sixth Fleet operating out of Norfolk, Virginia. The Snelling took part in the landing of Marines at Beirut, Lebanon in July 1958, during the Middle East crisis.

Steve returned to Massachusetts in 1962 to raise his family. He attended Wentworth Institute of Technology and built a successful painting business before retiring to Port Charlotte, Florida in 1999. Steve and his family attended the Assembly of God church in Brockton, where he served as a deacon. Together, Steve and Elaine, dedicated their lives to the service of the church, working with communities in Haiti and Honduras, as well as various organizations and ministries that brought Christ's love, forgiveness and support to prisoners, their families and those who struggle with substance abuse. Steven's service to the lord continued after moving to Florida with decades of service to his church family at West Coast Church in Englewood, Florida.

Steve is survived by his beloved wife, Elaine of 67 years; his ten children, Bonnie Lee Duggan, Steven, Jr. and Karen Shirosky, John E. and Marjorie Shirosky, Lauren Shirosky, Chirstopher Shirosky and Jennifer Blankenship, Angela and Shawn Ryan, Ernest Shirosky, Eric Shirosky, William Shirosky, Elson Alexandre; and his 26 grandchildren, 17 great-grandchildren and great-great-grandson. Steve Shirosky touched many with his generosity and grateful spirit. He would often say about his life and family, "It doesn't get any better than this." The family asks any memorial contributions be directed to Kairos Prison Ministry, an organization close to Steve's heart and with which he was deeply involved.

https://givebutter.com/kairosprisonministry

Visiting Hours: I, lieu Viewing, there will be a Graveside Ceremony at Venice Memorial Gardens, at 1:00 on February 24, 1950 Center Road, Venice, Florida 34292.

Stephen J. Polaski Jr., age 64, of Erie, passed away Saturday January 25th, 2025 at his residence.He was born in Roaring Springs, PA on August 17, 1960, a son of Stephen J. and Beverly Thompson Polaski.Stephen was a U.S. Marine Sargeant who proudly served his county for 10 years from 1978 to 1987. He was a decorated combat Veteran and was discharged with honors.He enjoyed the outdoors, hunting, cooking, woodworking, and off-roading in his Jeep.Stephen was preceded in death by his grandparents, Mr. and Mrs. James Thompson, Stephen Polaski, and Stanley and Julia Polaski Pavlock, as well as his brother, Robert Polaski.

In addition to his parents, he is survived by his children, Michelle Crego and Stephen Polaski; two brothers, Richard Polaski and his wife Tracey of Edinboro, and John Polaski and his wife Carrie of Erie; two sisters, Shirley Bartone and her husband Chris of Athens, Ohio and Jill Sanford and her husband Steve of Erie; four grandchildren, Ruby, Teddy (Theodore), Nova and Bryson. He is further survived by eight nieces and nephews, Christopher and Stephen Bartone (Joanna), Courtney and Ryan Polaski, Megan Polaski and Rachael, Matthew and Mark Sanford.

and Ryan Polaski, Megan Polaski and Rachael, Matthew and Mark Sanford.

Roger Gagnon July 20, 1961 - January 26, 2025

Roger Gagnon, beloved Marine, father, grandfather, and friend, passed away unexpectedly on January 26, 2025. A proud veteran of the United States Marine Corps, Roger remained deeply connected to his "Beirut Brothers" and carried his military values throughout his civilian life. Roger was a Marine Corps Combat Engineer and was stationed in Beirut at the time of the US Embassy Bombing on April 18, 1983.

Roger was known for his boundless generosity, always ready to help anyone in need regardless of personal cost. His faithful companion, a 21-year-old terrier named Nikki, was never far from his side. When not lending a helping hand to others, Roger could often be found cruising on his cherished Harley.

A devoted father to Shelly and RJ, and a doting grandfather, Roger worked diligently in recent years to rebuild meaningful relationships with his family. His playful spirit and caring nature made him an honorary uncle to many, including young Emberlyn.

A memorial service will be held Sunday at 2pm at St. Jude's Church in Orange City. Roger will be deeply missed by all who knew his generous heart.

Anthony “Boots” LeBoutillier
February 28, 1937 - August 7, 2024

It is with heavy hearts that we announce the passing of Anthony Paul LeBoutillier, age 87, of Anderson, South Carolina, who left us on Wednesday, August 7, 2024. A celebration of life will be held on Saturday, August 24, 2024, from 12:00 PM to 1:00 PM at Union Grove United Methodist Church, located at 3332 US-29, Belton, SC 29627.

Tony was almost born on Leap Day in 1937, but he arrived just in time to celebrate his birthdays every year. Born to Stan and Sylvia, two Jewish parents who met in school in France, Tony grew up with an older brother, Steve. His childhood was marked by the complexities of family life, particularly after his mother remarried. While his home life was often turbulent, Tony’s resilience shone through the challenges he faced.

A passion for cars ignited in his youth, inspired by the auto sales lot he would pass on his way home from school. His love for vehicles blossomed during summers spent at a kosher retreat center in Michigan, where he also learned the value of hard work.

In 1957, seeking adventure and purpose, Tony joined the U.S. Air Force, serving with distinction. His military journey took him to Aviano Air Force Base in Italy, where he expanded his love of vehicles to include motorcycles. It was there that he met the love of his life, Anna Maria Clementina Fruscalzo, whom he married just months later. Tony participated in Operation Blue Bat, the U.S. intervention in Beirut, Lebanon, in 1958.

Tony was a complex individual with many dimensions, and those who knew him were fortunate to witness the fullness of his character. He was not just a grandfather; he was a mentor, a storyteller, and a source of unwavering support. His adventurous spirit and rich life experiences were a gift to his family, and his legacy will live on through the stories shared and the memories cherished.

As we gather to celebrate his life, we reflect on the many ways he touched our hearts and inspired us all. He will be deeply missed but forever remembered.

James Smith was a Lifetime BVA member. At just 17 years old, he enlisted in the United States Marine Corp. James was deployed to Beirut, Lebanon, where he played a vital role in the aftermath of the 1983 bombing. He was proud of his time as a Marine Drill Instructor and his other service to both the United States Marine Corps and the United States Army. His bravery and commitment did not go unnoticed. James was a decorated Veteran, earning numerous recognitions, to include various Decorations, Medals, Badges, Citations and Campaign Ribbons. This also included: Rifle Expert, Pistol Expert, Meritorious Mast, Sea Service Deployment Ribbon with 3 stars, Marine Corps Artic Service Ribbon, National Defense Service Medal, Meritorious Unit Commendation with 2 stars, and many more for his outstanding contributions. He served time caring for and assisting others after the 911 attack on New York’s Twin Towers. When there was a troop reduction James joined and served in the United States Army.

See full obiturary at: https://summersettfuneralhome.com/obituaries/James-Smith-753/#!/Obituary

Friend... Mentor... Coworker... Brother.... Missed Greatly.

Well known to the Mentor Beirut Veterans and Fall Veterans Memorial - Rest in Peace Brother Tom.

1958 Lebanon Veteran

https://behmfuneral.com/obituary/thomas-j-zmecek/ 

Robert Query was with Charlie Company, Weapons Platoon, 1/8 24th MAU.

Full Obituary: https://obituaries.neptunesociety.com/obituaries/austin-tx/robert-query-10906321

Joe graduated from the U.S. Naval Academy with the Class of 1959 and continued his education at the Naval Postgraduate School, Monterey, CA, earning a Master’s Degree in 1969. He served in the Navy for 32 years, including command at sea in USS CLAUDE V RICKETTS (DDG-5) and USS VIRGINIA (CGN-38) Following his retirement from the Navy, he continued his federal service at the Department of Energy. Once fully retired, he volunteered with the local AARP tax office, assisting individuals with preparing their income tax returns. He was an active member of Holy Spirit Catholic Church and a lifelong Navy lacrosse fan.

Full Obituary: https://www.dignitymemorial.com/obituaries/springfield-va/joseph-king-10882135

https://www.amsfuneralhomes.com/obituaries/steven-palmer-1?fbclid=IwAR2y1_TMgxiV3SNHAL69tr9SbRrmCDvZx1fcWOohmXHz6J3269SDUIqmEOo 

10/23/1983 Survivor

Purple Heart

Visitation will be Friday August 5th starting at 10 a.m. at Leonard Johnson Funeral Home in Marmet WV with a funeral immediately after at 11 a.m. Graveside service with full military honors will follow in Marmet Cemetery, Marmet, WV.  Leonard Johnson Funeral Home, Marmet, WV. 

https://www.tributearchive.com/obituaries/25402798/john-ervin-selbe/marmet/west-virginia/leonard-johnson-funeral-home 

https://www.snyderfuneralhome.com/obituary/michael-j-lopatic/ 

Terry Moore, age 59, of Blountville, Tenn., went to be with the Lord on Thursday, April 28, 2022 at Bristol Regional Medical Center. He was born August 24, 1962 in Bristol, Va., a son of the late Charlie and Dorothy Vincill Moore. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his brothers, Mike Moore and Chris Moore.

Terry was a U.S. Marine Corps Veteran and a member of the VFW Post 2116 of Elizabethton. He was a Lance Corporal when he was discharged from the Marines and served in the Motor T Headquarters Battery and Gulf Battery 3/10. He spent four and a half months in Beirut with BLT 3/8.  One year prior to the bombing that left 241 soldiers dead.

You can see the entire obituary here.

Under the orders of President Ronald Reagan John was in command of his embarked Company of the U.S. Marines. That force formed the amphibious assault into the island of Grenada putting down the Soviet backed Cuban force that had overtaken the island. After Grenada the Manitowoc streamed to the Mediterranean Sea off the coast of Beirut, Lebanon and landed helos transporting evacuees from the United States Embassy. His naval service ended at Newport, RI, serving as the Station Commander. He retired from the U.S. Navy in December of 1986.

Full Obituary: https://www.ruxfuneralhome.com/obituary/John-Kolata

Wareham-Brigadier General James M. Mead, USMC (Ret.), 85 of Hamilton Beach, Wareham passed away peacefully at Tobey Hospital on Saturday, July 10, 2021. He was the husband of Marylou (Moran) Mead also of Hamilton Beach.

James was born in Boston, the son of the late Phillip G. and Lillian (Spencer) Mead of Somerville MA. He graduated from Malden Catholic High School and attended Belmont Abbey College in Belmont NC, on a basketball scholarship. He earned a BS in English from the Abbey in 1957. Additionally, he was awarded a master’s degree in Business Administration from the University of North Carolina-Charlotte. All three academic institutions he attended recognized him as a distinguished graduate.

During College, Brigadier General Mead completed USMC Platoon Leaders Class, and was commissioned a 2nd Lieutenant upon graduation. He served his nation with valor and distinction for thirty-one years. A born leader, his military achievements were legion. Designated a Naval Aviator in 1958, he had a lifetime love of aviation, and flew more than 6000 hours in over 30 different aircraft type model series to include the F-9F Cougar, F-4D Skyray, A-4 Skyhawk, F-8 Crusader, and his beloved F-4 Phantom. The General commanded two F-4 Phantom squadrons (VMFA-251 and VMFA-232) and Marine Aircraft Group 31. Serving two tours in combat during the Vietnam War, he flew 390 combat missions. In 1982-1983, then Colonel Mead, served as the Commanding Officer of the 32nd Marine Amphibious Unit and subsequently the 22nd Marine Amphibious Unit. During his command both units comprised the United States contingent of the Multi-National Peacekeeping Force in Beirut Lebanon. After his promotion to Brigadier General, James served at Headquarters Marine Corps in Washington DC, then as the Commander of Marine Corps Air Bases East which was his final assignment in the USMC before his retirement in 1988. His decorations included, the Silver Star, Bronze Star with Combat V, Combat Action Ribbon, Distinguished Flying Cross, Legion of Merit (3 Awards), Meritorious Service Medal, Navy Commendation Medal, and many others.

Brigadier General Mead is survived by his children: Matthew Mead and his wife Danielle of SC, Michael Mead and his wife Stephanie of NC, Mitzi Mead-Smith and her husband Tory Smith of VA. and his stepson Kevin Grant and his wife Ashley Grant of Marion, MA. He was the brother of Ann Lane of MA, Grandfather of Dr. Kara Regan-Lawrence, Jake Mead, J.J. Regan, Spencer Mead, Michael Mead, 2nd Lt Max Mead USA, Patrick Mead and Samantha Mead and he is also survived by 10 great grandchildren and many loving nieces’ nephews’ relatives and friends. He was predeceased by his first wife of 49 years Patricia C. (Covington) Mead of Belmont NC, his daughter Melanie Regan, and his sister Phyllis Piscopo.

Visiting hours will be held from 4:00 to 6:00 pm on Thursday July 15, in the Wareham Village Funeral Home 5 Center Street Wareham. Relatives and friends are cordially invited to attend. His funeral Mass will be held at 11:00 am on Friday July 16, in Saint Patrick’s Roman Catholic Church, 94 High Street Wareham, Military Honors will follow, please arrive at church by 10:45. Burial will be held at a date to be determined in Mount Pleasant Cemetery, Arlington, MA.

Memorial donations may be sent to the Marine Corps Scholarship Foundation, 909 N. Washington Street, Suite 400, Arlington VA 22314, www.mcsf.org

I‘m very sad to advise that Mary Ellen Jackowski has succumbed 7+ years after being diagnosed in 2013 with a rare progressive brain disease (CBD).

She was fully aware of the her terminal situation from the beginning and fought as best she could to maintain herself with the assistance of her caretaker husband John and a home health aide.

Physical disabilities progressed and last week she was accepted into The High Peaks Home Hospice Care Program. She died in her sleep the morning of 4/22.

At her direction, her brain has been donated to the Harvard Brain Tissue Resource Center in Boston, Mass.for Corticobasal degeneration research.

She regretted not being well enough to attend the Beirut Memorial Services recently and appreciated you making the videos available.She missed seeing you and the many friends we have made over the years.

We will hold a memorial service to celebrate and honor her life in the near future.

Semper Fi,

John Jackowski
Proud Father of
Cpl. James Jackowski
KIA 10/23/83 Beirut, Lebanon

Eric's son Daniel contacted the BVA family about his dad.

He wanted to let us know that Eric passed away today. He was sick in the last couple of years and it finally took its toll.

"My dad wrote a lot of books about a lot of people, but there was no group that he was more in touch with than yours. I know that he touched many of your lives and many of you touched his. He saw you all as brothers, even though he didn't serve, he loved you all."

- Daniel

It is with deep sorrow and great relief that our dear father, Ernest “John” Beaman passed onto something better after a brave and fierce battle with pancreatic cancer. In the end, we lost our beautiful father, but we are happy to announce that the cancer that attacked him did not survive the attempt.

E.J. Beaman was born in New York, graduated from BYU, served a mission in Scotland, and honorably served our country as a Captain in the United States Marine Corps. He had a passion for flying, family, faith, and firing guns!

Joey Allen Pauley, 55 of Sharon died December 28, 2017 at home. 

He was a retired deck hand from Amherst River Pilots, Belle and was a U.S. Marine Corps Veteran of the multinational force sent to be peacemakers during the Lebanese Civil War where he survived the Beirut barracks bombings of 1983. 

On Sunday February 19, 2017 one of our Marine Brothers and a long standing Board Member of the Beirut Veterans of America passed away. 

Glenn Dolphin served as a 1st LT in the role of Asst Communications Officer for HQ 24th MAU during its deployment in Beirut from May to November of 1983. He authored an account of his experience in Beirut in a book titled 24 MAU 1983. In the book he shared his heart, humor, and commitment to duty. 

As with all of those who have graced our paths and paved the way for others to enjoy our freedom, we will miss Glenn's presence with us. We will pick up his banner and carry on the mission to remember all our fallen Brothers.

We have sent our condolences to Glenn's family on behalf of the BVA. You can find more information about the services for him and his life at: http://www.legacy.com/obituaries/aikenstandard/obituary.aspx?pid=184198177.

Semper Fi,

The BVA Officers and Board

MGySgt Nelson Bywaters USMC (ret) passed away on Saturday evening February 4, 2017.

Bywaters served in Beirut, Lebanon with the 22nd MAU as a member of the Shore Party unit, commonly known as "Red Patches". Before Lebanon, he alson participated in the invasion of Grenada in 1983.

MGySgt Bywaters made a career of the U.S. Marin Corps, serving from May 4, 1968 to 30 October 1995.

Philip Warren Alexander, 53 of Phoenix City, Alabama passed away Monday, December 26, 2016. Funeral services with military honors will be held 2:00 P.M. EST Friday in Lakewood Hall at Striffler-Hamby, Phoenix City, AL Burial will follow in Lakeview Memory Gardens. The family will receive friends Thursday evening from 6:00 P.M. until 8:00 P.M. at the funeral home. 

Mr. Alexander was born April 20, 1963 in Fort Benning, Georgia; son of the late Fred Alexander and Lucille Johnson Nicholson of Phoenix City, AL. He is a Marine Corp veteran who served in Beirut. He is currently serving in the Army National Guard where he served in Iraq and Afghanistan and is a member of the V.F.W.. He is employed with Heat Craft Corp in Columbus, GA. 

Other than his mother, Lucille Nicholson, he is survived by his wife, Lisa Alexander of Phoenix City, AL, daughter; Amy Grindle (Jeremy) of Alabaster, AL, son; Joshua Alexander (Macy), daughters; Jessica Phillips and Juliann Faulkner both of Phoenix City, AL; brother, Rick Alexander (Susan) of Chapin, SC, grandchildren, Nathan Grindle, Taylor Grindle, Saphirra Alexander, Logan Alexander, Shea Grindle, Castiel Alexander, niece, Lauren Alexander and nephew, Ryan Alexander.