Two Year Anniversary

For those of you who still check this web site, Thank You. I want to send my family’s best wishes for 2011.

I’m sorry it’s taken this long to send out this message, but it’s been a road I pray none of you ever have to travel. It’s been 2 years today and still a bit of a blur, but getting better with each passing day. We want to send our most heartfelt wishes and Thank you from the bottom of our hearts to all of you who have been so loving and supportive during the past 2 years. It has meant more than my words can express!!

Walt/John was such a loving Husband, father and friend to many. He celebrated life everyday, and led by example. He is missed daily, and is always with us in spirit. For those who knew him, he made a difference. He always lived larger than life, and felt everyday was a gift. We thanked God for our blessings and always asked why we were so lucky. 32 years of marriage, 2 amazing children and family and friends that were over the top. We all should learn from his example…not taking anything for granted, and one of his many mantras “Go BIG or go home!” Seize the day as every day is a gift from God and should not be wasted. Hug your wife/husband, partner, kids, family and friends. Tell them how much you love them and what a difference they make in your life. It doesn’t get any better than that. We wish you all a very happy and healthy life.

With Much Love and Good wishes to you and yours,

Sue, Emily and Erik

******Beat Army!

A Remembrance from SPC John W. Mitchell

[Editors note: It's just amazing the extent to which John enlivened those he even briefly knew. Evidence below….]

To Mr. Walt Joller’s family,

I am shocked and sadden to find that Mr. Joller has passed away so suddenly. To his family, please accept my deepest sincere condolences. I was a 23 year old Petty Officer 2nd Class E-2C NATOPS Flight Technician Evaluator when I first met Mr. Joller in VAW-110 in 1987 at NAS Miramar. He was the Maintenance Officer at the time, and he often flew CICO on training evaluation flights with me sitting next to him in the RO position as I put students through their paces in the systems troubleshooting portion of the course. He was an avid runner then as was I, and we often went for impromptu lunchtime runs through the undeveloped back road areas of NAS Miramar. He liked my classic VW’s, too, and we even took my ’61 bug out for a test ride once. He was very approachable, and I always remembered him as a leader and mentor in and out of the aircraft. He impressed me as the type of man in personality and action to try to strive towards being.

I left VAW-110 and the Navy in 1989, but it wasn’t the last time I would see Mr. Joller. It must have been in 2008 that I saw him again. I was a TSA checkpoint supervisor at San Diego International Airport and recognized him in the airport lobby. It was by pure happenstance that I was able to answer a question and direct him to where he needed to go for airline assistance. He thanked me and I said, “You’re welcome Mr. Joller,” and he looked at me a bit surprised that I knew his name because he didn’t immediately recognize me. He studied me for a fraction of a second and a slight hint of recognition flashed over his face, but I wasn’t sure if he could place me. As often is the case at airports there wasn’t really time to have a follow-up conversation. He needed to catch a flight, had a LT in whites assisting and hurrying him on, and as I was on duty, it certainly wasn’t my place to hold him up. And so we parted like that, with him probably wondering where he remembered me from and I wondering if he remembered me at all.

It was good to see him again, as brief and probably anonymous as it was. I always knew Mr. Joller would probably go far with his Navy career. As a twenty-three-year-old I recognized he had the character and heart for it, and nearly 20 years later, him at the airport with a uniformed assistant was an indication that he had, though I had no idea to what extent as he was traveling in civilian clothes. I tried to Google him but didn’t really get any information. I left it at that, with a happy satisfied feeling that things had gone good for him, and filing the chance meeting in the “things-are-right-in-the-world” part of my brain.

Today when I found out about the tragic news, I am not sure exactly why I was trying to find out more information about Mr. Joller, but I was. And the fact that I was, and so many years after having first known him, should certainly tell you that when I did know him, he had left an enduring positive impression upon my being. I may have been thinking of contacting him, as, believe it or not, I joined the military again in March of 2009. I felt I could do more for my country than what I was doing with the TSA. At 45 years old I enlisted in the Army and am now studying to be a satellite payload controller at school in Fort Gordon, Georgia. I thought he might get a kick out of that. I still run, bike, and swim, too. I competed in the Augusta Ironman 70.3 in September and ran in the Army Ten-Miler in Washington DC in October. I want his family to know that as a role model and leader “Mr. Joller”, as I knew him and addressed him, has been a positive, formative influence in my life.

Sincerest respects,
SPC John W. Mitchell
US Army

Walt’s Memorial Bike Ride

I just found these photos from Sue—they’re of the memorial bike ride we rode for John. It was a great ride!

St. Joe’s Collegiate Institute Fund

This is the article about the scholarship fund at St. Joe’s Collegiate Institute where Walt went to high school. His fellow classmates have established this fund in his honor along with Walt’s dear friend Joe Reedy, who passed away suddenly.

—Joy Sarkisian (sister)

Memorial Fund .rtf

Beer Label Dedication

via Baron Asher.

Memorial Service in Town of Tonawanda, NY

A memorial service was held on Feb. 28, 2009 for our brother John. A Mass was said at St John the Baptist Chapel with over 100 people in attendance. The chapel was overflowing with many old friends who grew up with John from St Joseph Collegiate Institute along with neighbors and close friends and family. We played Sue singing Amazing Grace again which was really beautiful. The eulogies were done by Ron Joller (brother), Bill O’Brien and Paul Kolkmeyer (classmates at St. Joe’s).

One funny story related to me (there were many) was that after a cross country race from St. Joe’s, a lot of guys were throwing up (a common occurrence, I’m told) but there was John doing a cartwheel.

We would like to thank everyone who has supported us during this tragic time—I had second thoughts about doing the memorial as it is so hard to go through this twice, but everyone agreed it was the perfect healing we needed and a wonderful tribute to a wonderful brother who will be greatly missed.

Joy Sarkisian, sister

Walt at St Joes’s Collegiate High School

Walt (with hair) is kneeling 2nd from the left.

I was a classmate of Walt’s at St Joes’s Collegiate High School in Buffalo, NY.

Walt was a natural leader and mentor to to many.

He was also a bit of a character. I remember completing a difficult work out on the track one day with guys loosing theri cookies and crying. Walt called several us a names and proceeded to complete the last 220 by doing a hand stand and running on his hands.

I will miss Walt.

By the way I always thought he’d become a Marine.

Alex Trammell
Newnan, GA
SJCI
Class of 1972

Bill Shannon’s account of John’s Burial at Sea

Back from the Truman and wanted to give you a short summary of the time
on-board. First of all, I can’t tell you how impressed I was with Erik. The
crew loved him!! Everywhere he went throughout the ship, he made friends. He
carried himself with dignity and poise. I know you’re proud of him and I
told him that I know his dad’s proud of him also. I really enjoyed Rick and
Bob. They all have a great sense of humor and really helped keep the spirits
up. Herm treated us all like kings. He and his crew had every minute of our
time planned out for us. We got to tour every corner of the ship. We must
have gone from the 09 level to the 3rd deck about fifty times (a few of us
old guys had some hurtin’ knees). Everywhere we went there were young
bright-eyed sailors ready to greet us and tell us about what they did. We
ate with the crew on the mess decks and were guests of the Chiefs Mess (my
first time). The night before the burial we had dinner in the CO’s cabin
and then we went to the 09 level outside to gaze at the stars and have some
cigars and drink fake beer from Dubai (ugh!). The day of the burial the ship
dropped anchor. The sea was calm and the skies were clear with a slight
breeze and temps in the high 40′s. The ceremony took place on the elevator
which had been lowered to the hangar deck level. They had chairs set up for
the members of the party who had come aboard for the burial including
company-mates (Frank Frassica, Les Foster), Classmates (Steve Hubbard, Mike
Lipari, Brian DiAntonio, Carl Klee, Steve Hughes) and Squadron mates (Don
Ward). Erik, Bob and Rick sat between Herm and I. Out on the hangar deck
were many members of the crew and shipyard workers who were on-board for the
underway period. They stood by very quietly and respectfully. Many members
of the crew quietly saluted us as we moved to our seats. Herm began the
ceremony by reading John’s biography. I was very humbled by the amount of
deployed and operational time he had. Herm then asked me to represent his
classmates and say a few words. My remarks:

“I first met Johnnie in 1971. Two kids from New York. We were company-mates,
and later, roommates at the Academy. I liked him the minute I met him…but
then, I was no different from the thousands who met him throughout his life.
Whether you knew him as Walt, Wally, John, Johnnie or Dad, you loved him.
I’m not nearly as eloquent as the many friends and family who spoke at his
memorial service, but when I think of Johnnie, I see a walking can of Red
Bull and a warm chair by the fire. When you were with Johnnie he filled you
with energy and you basked in the warm glow of his friendship.
You could see what he meant to his friends at his memorial service at
Miramar. His friends filled the large chapel and were flowing out into the
parking lot. They came dressed in suits, uniforms, flight suits and, best of
all, Hawaiian shirts. Walt could make any gathering a party.
He wasn’t just a good friend; he was also a superstar aviator, officer,
leader and mentor. A man of passion and compassion. In all my travels around
the Navy I never heard anybody who worked with, and for, Walt say one bad
word about him. That is a remarkable record for someone who was so
successful. Walt was always true to himself and his people.
So as we commit him to the sea today I know I speak for his family,
shipmates, and classmates when I say, ‘fairwinds and Godspeed Johnnie
Joller’”

After my remarks Herm and Erik carried John to the elevator deck edge and
committed him to the sea. It was the most peaceful and quiet I’ve ever heard
on a CVN. There was a gun salute and taps were played followed by the Navy
Hymn. Lot’s of tears. The ceremony was over and Herm started across the
hangar with the Chaplain. The rest of us who had never been to a burial at
sea were still standing on the elevator. I was standing with Erik, Rick and
Bob and said “I think it’s over!”—we had a laugh and hurried after Herm. We
got back to Herm’s cabin and he had set up the pictures of John on his TV.
He broke out the bottle of “old bald guys brew” from Stone Brewery with
John’s picture on it. He poured a little for all of us and led us in a toast
for John. (The beer was good!) Later that night as we were pulling into
port the Captain’s cooks presented Erik with a homemade birthday cake and we
all sang happy birthday.

My short summary really doesn’t do justice to the fantastic treatment Herm
and his ship gave us all. One final note: everywhere we went I was so
impressed with the quality of the folks I met at every level (officers,
chiefs and enlisted). As I thought about that I realized what an important
part of that John was as a leader, teacher and mentor. I’m sure it would be
the navy legacy he’d be most proud of. Will the circle be unbroken….

From John Svelan, former Black Eagle Command Master Chief

Over a month has passed and it hasn’t gotten much easier to bear the sadness of loosing the best skipper and enlisted man could have. Skipper Joller genuinely cared so deeply about the welfare of his men and their families. In this photo taken in September 1997, the exuberant sailor in the middle seems a little overwhelmed. It may be because he is surrounded by the three best Skippers of his Navy career.

L–R: Brad Gregor, Walt Joller, John Svelan and Craig Herriott.

Photos from Warren Jennings

Like many of my fellow Black Eagles squadron-mates, I was very saddened by the news of Captain Joller’s accident and passing. I extend my condolences to his family.

I found 3 photo’s that I’d like to share:

Tailhook Memorial Scholarship

I thought I’d shoot out a follow-up note for those interested in donating to the Tailhook memorial scholarship in Walt’s name. Thank-you as well to those who have already donated.

Although the procedure is not difficult, it is not real obvious either. Having said that, many thanks to The Association for remembering Walt in this generous manner. I know it’s winners will value the award, but I also hope they will truly appreciate the outstanding officer, shipmate and man for whom it’s named. So, let’s go.

First, navigate your browser to The Tailhook Association Website Educational Foundation:
Educational Foundation CFC #10251

Near the top of the page is a 4 line by 4 column box with dollar donation amounts across the bottom. Click there, for example, “Donate $250″. That will bring you to a secure Payflow Link page. There enter your card number, card type and expiration date and click on “continue.” This action will take you to a page where you enter your billing information.

This is where you need to pay attention! Fill out your address information, but in the country block enter JOLLER. Your address, but in the country block enter JOLLER! No, I wasn’t stuttering…

When you’re done, click on the “I authorize this transaction” block and it will take you to a confirmation page.

There, just click on the “Submit for processing” block and you’ll be done! Hopefully that will work for everyone.
If you would rather send a check, that is of course fine as well. The address is:

The Tailhook Educational Foundation
P.O. Box 26626
San Diego, CA 92196-0626

For more details, Marc Ostertag at Tailhook is the best source of information. His address is Tag@Tailhook.net.

Thanks, and best wishes to all!
Turbo

Jack Ashby’s Eulogy for John

As Sue’s oldest brother, I am honored to say a few words about our brother, John.

Transcendentalists like Emerson and Thoreau believed in the oversoul, which means all of our individual souls combine together to make one large soul representing mankind and nature. I can just picture John’s soul bouncing around in there like the energizer bunny colliding with other souls and motivating all of us to be better people and thus making all of humanity better too. He did that.

John’s boundless energy and love for everything (food included) positively impacted each and everyone he bounced into: family, friends, fellow military, and even strangers, soon to be new friends. As Sue says he lived life large.

John Donne’s poem “No Man is an Island” states: “Never send to know for whom the bell tolls; it tolls for thee. Any man’s death diminishes me, for I am involved in mankind.” John was not just involved with mankind, he rocked it.

The oversoul is diminished with John’s passing but our individual souls are so much better because of this extraordinary leader of men who shared with us his compassion, his energy, his affection, and his love for life. He has truly made this world a better place.

We love and miss you deeply John.

Herman Shelanski’s Eulogy for Walt

It is so wonderful to see so many friends and family of Walt: from his early childhood though his navy career to his civilian career. It’s so much like a grand party or reunion that Walt would have loved this so much.

So first, to all the family—I know you call him call him John, but we in the Navy have know him and have called him by many names: Pleb, NFO, Bullet, OPSO, MO, Skipper, Big XO, Commodore, COS, Walt and Wally…. In fact his wonderful, personable and fun persona led to a new and wonderful place in the United States Navy named after him known as Wally’s World.

Walt was a tall guy; hey he towered over me, but never made me feel small. But that wasn’t what you noticed when you saw him. He had a certain swagger as he entered the room; not an arrogant walk, but a walk very military that sort of squared his shoulders while leaning them back almost like a drill instructor. You could tell immediately that here was a guy in shape, lean, muscular and strong. But that wasn’t what drew your attention to him. His head was bald and he sported a beard—a full one in his early navy career and a wonderful goatee in retirement. Later, when the Navy did away with beards, he opted for the large but militarily well-trimmed walrus mustache. And though the beard and mustache were a standout feature on a handsome face, they also weren’t what captured you as you meet him. No, it was the ever-present smile and the sparkling eyes. His smile was large and competed with his mustache for dominance of the face and won. The eyes set upon you with a gaze that made you say, “I must know this guy and I know I like him.” Though from Swedish stock, I thought at first he was Italian, by the way he hugged and kissed everyone, even the first time he met you. And it didn’t take long to know him as brother and to love him right back.

You can see by the number of friends and family who honor him today with their presence here that he was undoubtedly well loved. What you don’t see, though, are the thousands of sailors and shipmates that were also touched by Walt. Walt loved the Navy. An Academy graduate, an aviator, a squadron commander, Aide, Carrier Executive Officer, Hawkeye Commodore and Strike Group Chief of Staff—all jobs of a career that screams of success. And those that served with him know why he was so successful.

Walt was bigger than life. You never saw Walt just walk into the ready room—he would burst into it exuding enthusiasm and cheerfulness. He would make you feel, whether officer or enlisted, that you were the greatest guy the Navy had. He would make you laugh, he would tease you; he could de-stress any stressful situation. He created a world, Wally World, where is was okay to have fun: get the job done but have fun doing it and love what you are doing. He was the officer I wanted to be like, the guy I emulated and tried to duplicate, as did many of us here. He taught us about leadership, about how to take care of the Sailors; how to succeed in the Navy and have fun doing it.

Part of this fun was sports and how he drew us into it in a big way and made it part of our lives. In our younger days it was running, biking, racquetball, or tennis. For instance, our first day in port Hawaii at the Sheraton Admin, Walt would gather us all together to go for a short run. All of us would leave Waikiki beach with Walt in the lead in his crazy pink shorts, sweaty running shirt and faded blue biking hat and head off to the top of Diamond Head. I remember thinking “this is crazy, I’ll never make it to the top of that thing.” But he never left any of us behind. This became our ritual. Even years later, as a squadron CO, as we had our first port visit in Hawaii, I too gathered my JO’s together and said, “we’re running to the top of Diamond Head—it’s a Navy tradition.”

Looking at those pictures here around the Church I can still feel his presence. Look at his face: the smile and the love that pours forth from it. Look around at the pictures we have here today; there he is with running shorts on or on a bike. Look at him surrounded with friends and family drinking a beer laughing, messing around, or just being Walt. Though he is seen in these photos greeting many with a hug and kiss, Walt was a faithful and loving man who Sue was unquestionably the love of his life. Look at him with babies in his arms. He loved all of our kids, but loved his kids. Eric and Emy were his joy and pride of his life. He loved them so much and was so proud of them and what great people they have become. Thank you Sue, thank you Emy and Eric for sharing us some of that precious Walt time with us.

We can’t answer today the why of what has tragically taken Walt from us. But whatever divine purpose there is, I feel sure that Walt has already organized an angel run or bike ride. Maybe there is special ethereal Angels Brew being made. I’m sure even G-d would enjoy a “Walt” brew. I believe what we can be assured of is that there is more laughter and love in heaven then ever before and maybe, just maybe, that more of that love and laughter will fall down to more people than Walt ever reached when he was with us. Thank You and God Bless.

A Eulogy for John by Doug Lee

My first recollection of John dates to a time before I had any idea who he was. I was on my way to Highland Ranch Elementary school to help in my son’s 4th grade class. John was riding his bike, wearing lime green, 1970′s era running shorts. I think the year was 1993. On a bike with him was his wife Sue. One of the things that impressed me in that brief moment was his legs. They were beautiful.

As it turned out, John and Sue were on their way to help in their son’s 4th grade class. Our sons, Ben and Erik, were in the same class.

What are the chances? How could I have known then he was going to be the best friend I would ever have? And he would change my life forever.

…

I relate this story because I think it synthesizes, in a few words, essential things about John.

He was with Sue, with whom he shared a relationship that was a rare thing to behold. Except for when duty called, they were inseparable. He was a devoted and loving husband.

He was on his way to spend time with his son—Erik. He was a devoted and loving father.

He was riding his bike. Something he would do even if it was easier not to. He was a superb athlete.

He was wearing those fantastic shorts. He was his own man. And he lived life on his own terms.

Finally, you may have noticed—I refer to him as John. As we know, his name wasn’t John—It was Walt. I am almost certain I never even heard his own wife, Sue, call him Walt. But many people know him only as Walt!

Maybe one name wasn’t enough to contain the whole of who this man was.

…

I mentioned being impressed by his legs, at risk, considering the circumstances of the tragedy that has brought us together today, of being indelicate at best, or offensive at worst. If either is the case, I sincerely apologize.

But I willingly take this risk because I think that John’s vitality and his zest for life sprang from his legs—figuratively and literally—and in combination with his boundless heart were essential to who he was.

He moved through life, almost glided, buoyed by those legs and that heart. I have never seen any man with such ease of movement on his feet.

If I had to characterize John in one phrase I would say, he was the embodiment of joy. Again, I think his joy started with those legs and what they enabled him to do. That may be why he was always in motion—for the sheer joy of it.

Part of his beauty, maybe his genius in life, was that he could embrace all of us who knew him and make each feel equally special. And he invited all of us to join with him in his joy.

In the 15 years that I knew John, I am sure that I never saw a hint of anger or rancor in his eyes or in his actions. There was no meanness or cruelty in any part of his being.

I have been privileged to call John my friend. He was as good a friend as any man could hope for.

As I said when I started, the first image I have of John is of him on his bike. And the last image I have is of him on his bike as he started on his way home after our last tennis match on the Sunday before his accident—How poignant and perhaps appropriate.

I was going to provide more vignettes about the times I spent with John—on the tennis court, or running, or hiking, or during family gatherings or any number of times shared that would illustrate how he lived his life. Then I had to remind myself, and I was reminded by others, that this is not about me.

But in a sense, it is—It is about all of us who were fortunate enough to have been loved and befriended by him. This may be the true and best measure of his life—that he brought so much joy to us all.

I know, and I want to proclaim now, he made me a better person.

Finally, I would like to end with a phrase I often heard John use upon hearing of the misfortune of others,

God Love ‘Em.

John Wcislo’s Recollections

I read of Walt Joller’s tragic passing in the Buffalo News, and I remembered him from Monsignor Martin Athletic Association cross-country and track competitions in the Buffalo area during the late 1960’s. Since I went to another Catholic high school (Bishop Ryan, which has long since closed) I knew him only casually, but I do recall that he was a terrific competitor who excelled as a distance runner. And like Walt, I also attended a service academy ( U.S. Coast Guard Academy) and pursued a 23-year military career. That is why in reading the comments from his friends and Navy shipmates, it is obvious that he not only distinguished himself throughout his Navy career, but that his passing is a great loss, not only to his family and friends, but to our nation as well. My deepest sympathies go out to Walt’s family. May the Lord bless and comfort you in your time of sorrow, and may the Lord’s perpetual light shine upon Walt.

Testimony to a great man

Walt was my first OPS O in VAW-117 in 1984 , who took a very young and wet behind the ears ensign and molded him into a better naval officer. While my career in khaki was relatively short, I had the good fortunate to stay in touch with Walt as my Federal career began. He was always a leader, friend, and mentor. While my wife Janice and I did not see the Joller family enough, we counted them as friends. Walt’s loss will be felt by a large group of family, friends, and acquaintances. His impact was wide-ranging, though he would probably down-play the positive impact he had on countless people.

Our most sincere and heart-felt condolences to Walt’s entire family. We are having masses said for Walt.

Keith and Janice Weis
US Strategic Command
Bellevue, NE

Memorial Service in Buffalo

There will be a memorial service in honor of Walt / John held February 28, 2009 at 10:45 AM at St. John the Baptist Chapel in Kenmore, NY. The address is: 1085 Englewood Ave, Buffalo, NY 14223. Please contact Joy Sarkisian (Walt’s sister) at (716) 874-5560 if you have any questions or need assistance.

In loving memory of Walt / John,

Joy Sarkisian

Eulogy to my Brother John

by Ron Joller

The family called him John because our mother wanted to differentiate from my father who had the same name. When he was born she thought he looked like our maternal grandfather whose name was John.

I’m 12 years older than my little brother and I watched him grow up. He was the little blond boy or towhead whom everyone wanted to hug. Yes, when he graduated from high school he had an afro.

I do remember as a little guy he would leave his pillow at Chuckie Riley’s or Alba’s house. I or one of my sisters would be sent out to find it so he could go to sleep.

He was a little brother until about the time he entered the Naval Academy. I think as he passed through his career we all looked up to him and lived off his laurels. My dad and mom were so proud of him.

His sudden passing feels like a robbery. Part of our hearts were rlpped out that night of January 6. To have him taken away by somebody’s carelessness doesn’t make sense to me. This precious life that gave so much to us should not have been taken.

John loved life like no one else. But I guess we took that for granted when he was alive. You just don’t realize what you have until you lose it.

Sam Locklear’s Story

This was read by Mike Wertz at the O Club following the service.

Good Afternoon. I deeply regret that I couldn’t be here today with Sue, the Joller family, and their many friends as you celebrate Walt’s extraordinary life. As many of you know I had the blessing and good fortune of having Walt serve as my second in command of the Nimitz Strike Group during the early days of Operation Iraqi Freedom. I am so very proud to have had him as my confidant, my mentor and my friend—they don’t come better than Walt Joller!

Since his passing, just like most of you, I have been recalling and reliving the times and events we experienced together. They are all special, and will forever be with me…but there is one story I would like to share that I believe does a good job of highlighting the Walt I admired, deeply respected, and loved so very much.

By mid summer of 2003, the Nimitz Strike Group had completed a twelve thousand mile high speed transit to the Arabian Gulf, had been a key part of the initial combat operations against the Iraqi forced, and had played a key support role in the fall of Baghdad. We had been underway for over four months and we were approaching our third “beer day” with no liberty in sight. (For all you land lubbers and P-3 pilots in attendance one “beer day” equals 45 calendar days).

As the strike group commander, I was perfectly happy to remain at sea for another four months, but at Walt’s insistence he finally convinced me to allow the ship to go in for a very brief port visit to the infamous “sand box” near Dubai, UAE. The plan was to pull in and allow the crew a few hours of R and R in the sand parking lot adjacent to the ship before we resumed the next phase of the war effort. Due to security concerns, there would be no town liberty, only a small celebration (according to Walt) and then everyone back on the ship.

Of course Walt was ecstatic!…I swear I could see the gleam of a frosty beer in his eyes as he began the detailed planning for his “small celebration.”

I on the other hand, being the ever cautious Admiral, had my concerns about the wisdom of turning numerous eighteen to twenty five year olds and an unknown number of combat-hardened Naval Aviators loose in a sand parking lot for even a few hours of beer drinking. (Although I had never witnessed it myself, I had been advised it could get ugly in a hurry!) When I expressed my concerns to Walt he assured me that he had it allllll under control, and that he had a brilliant plan…a plan in which he would be personally involved to ensure mission success.
Read the rest of this entry »

Bahrain Hash Run, August 9, 2003

Photos of an evening combining two of CAPT Joller’s passions: running and beer. Photos courtesy of LCDR Jim Hammond.

Celebrating Life’s Milestones with Walt

June 30, 2003, at sea in the Arabian Gulf. CAPT Charles Wright, CAG 11, is only days away from relinquishing command. How does one mark this milestone? With a run no less organized by CAPT Joller.

Editor’s note: This comment, by Charles Wright, is a great addition to the images.

Eulogy from Mike “Shoe” Mellor

“Wally Dog” as our family called him…and since 1985 “Wally Dog” has been my shipmate and my best friend.

Like so many of us here today, when we got that dreaded phone call on Tuesday evening January 6th, my life, and all of our lives will never be the same!!

We had so many plans that we wanted to share together in retirement—and luckily our families did not wait for final retirement to begin sharing those plans—instead, we got together as often as possible, to share some fun, and lots of love!!

Reflecting back a bit, my family and I feel so fortunate that we were able to share so many wonderful memories together with Wally and his family!!

A few of those memories include running on numerous flight decks together, running and biking together in different ports of call, biking to work together either to NAS Miramar or NAS North Island, training nights at City College with the San Diego Track Club, a family run in Hawaii, an occasional 106 mile bike ride around the island of Oahu, family runs through Blue Sky Reserve and to the top of Ramona Dam Reservoir with the infamous tennis ball toss along the way, family walks and runs to the top of Iron Mountain, bar hoping in San Francisco, an occasional San Diego Padres game, and most recently an 80 mile bike ride at the “El Tour de Tucson” bike race, followed by a nice family dinner at our home on the old Mellor ranch—“The Hawk’s Nest.”

My list could go on and on forever. My best friend will sorely be missed, not only by me and my family, but by so many others—as Wally Dog touched so many people, and he lived in so many of our hearts!!

For me, and for my family—Wally Dog will never be replaced—my heart and so many other hearts will always have a void.

Sue, Emily, and Erik…you know exactly how much we love you!! All three of you have been a huge part of our lives, and I can assure you that you’ll be a bigger part of our future—including the entire Ashby family.

The Mellor family will always be here for you three…always and forever. We love you guys so much…we’ll miss your husband, we’ll miss your father, And we’ll miss our best friend…but he’ll always live in our hearts forever.

I don’t have a clue why Wally Dog was taken from all of us so suddenly, and so unexpectedly…all I can tell you is “someone up there” has a bigger need and a much bigger picture than we do down here!! But no matter what anyone can ever offer as an answer…it just sucks and it’s not fair!!

Sue, Em, and Erik…we love you—and “Wally Dog”…we’ll love you forever!!

Love always…Shoe, Bevie, Michael Jr., Jessie, Jason, Jessica…Baby Addison, and Baby in the Hangar!!

Eulogy for Walt

I met Walt when I was a RAG student many years ago. We shared lockers a few feet apart and shortly after our first meeting Walt talked me into a short run. Well, to Walt, time was never a factor in a run. One turn here and another turn there. Oh, lets run up that hill. Any run could turn into an hour-plus event. I was slow by comparison but it never mattered to Walt. He was just happy being there. We became fast friends and to my good luck we were assigned to the same fleet squadron. Working, flying, running, playing thousands of games of racquetball. We were constantly together.

On my first cruise we went straight across the pacific from Hawaii to the Philippines. En route I got word from medical that they did not have my medical records and the night before the ship pulled into Subic I had to have all of my shots retaken. When we docked in Subic we made a bee line for the BOQ where we relaxed at the pool drinking San Miguels and Cubi specials. At noon, Walt got the great idea to go for a run out to the hospital and back. It was brutally hot and the hills made the 6 mile run that much more difficult. Halfway back to the Q, I could not continue. As the guys disappeared over the next hill, howling monkeys surrounded me on the road and I could do nothing about it. I looked up and there came Walt. He chased the monkeys off and walked with me back to the Q. He would never leave a friend behind. He was a man who always had your back and would give you the shirt off his. He always looked out for me.

Abraham Lincoln said:
And in the end, it’s not the years in your life that count. It’s the life in your years.

To that end, Walt had a wonderful life. He really enjoyed himself in everything he did and everyone he met.

Last Tuesday evening, I took off from Atlanta en route to Kuwait City virtually minutes before Walt’s accident. On arrival in Kuwait, we turned base leg for landing when the cockpit lit up with lights from the most spectacular shooting star I have ever seen. It methodically moved across the sky and dove into the darkness of the desert. All of us on the flight deck remarked on the brilliance and length of the event. Thousands on the ground must have looked into the night sky, spellbound by the pallet of colors and suddenness of the meteor falling from the heavens.

It was just Walt, watching my back as usual. Like his life, a roman candle to us, here in a flash, burning like magnesium and bright as phosphorus. Strong and fast, and gone too quickly.

Picture from 2007 Poinsettia Bowl

From Left to Right: Mark Gilliliand, Walt, Tom Welsh, Forrest Welsh

A Photo from Lance

Photo taken June 2006 at Fort MacArthur in San Pedro at retirement ceremony for CAPT Jerry Stoll, USN (ret).

Walt was my CO when I was a LTJG in VAW-113.

He will be missed.

the COS

A Man of the People

“Jaaaaaag!” With his trademark smile and a twinkle in his eye, this is the way I will forever remember Captain Joller greeting me when we served together at Cruiser-Destroyer Group Five from 2002–2004. Reporting within months of each other, I was fortunate to have served most of my tour with the man I will always fondly remember as “the COS.” For a non-warfare qualified officer, CAPT Joller made my transition to the staff a memorable one simply with his great sense of humor.

With a condensed work-up cycle and an eight-month deployment, I was fortunate to have been able spend a lot of time with the COS. Although a deployment at sea quickly gains the feeling of “Groundhog Day,” serving with him made one look forward to rolling out of the rack for another day of adventure. The man embraced life and taught those around him to find the joy in the routine. I soon looked forward to the twice-daily FOD walkdown as an opportunity to spend a few moments in the sun doing what Walt Joller did best: interacting with people. Whether one was the Admiral or an airman, he was treated the same: greeted with a smile, a handshake and a conversation.

Then there was the daily EOD workouts. At the beginning of deployment, an occasional cardiovascular workout was my norm. With CAPT Joller’s encouragement, good-natured ribbing and his companionship, I soon found myself looking forward to these grueling 1600 workouts. After only a few weeks at sea, I promised myself that I would PT whenever the COS asked me to join him. “Hey, JAG, let’s go running on the flight deck. Meet me here in 5 minutes.” Usually, COS had already worked out at 0500 and would be down in the hangarbay later for the EOD workouts, but a 1200 run during a break in flight ops—with push-ups every time we reached the bow—was a bonus. By the end of the deployment, I was training to run a marathon.

Of course, CAPT Joller’s love of life was not reserved for PT. As is well-known by his friends, he loved beer. I will forever remember the time in Jebel Ali when he wasted no time catching up on all the beer he had forgone while at sea. He volunteered to help the CPO selectees sell beer as part of their fundraising activities in the sand pit, but was soon asked to leave when he said the hell with collecting money for the beer, instead offering his shipmates the opportunity to drink with him. By 0200, it was apparent that the COS had had enough. The next morning, around 0700, the Admiral and I decided to play a practical joke on the COS by placing him on Class Charlie Liberty Risk. I dutifully prepared the letter prohibiting him from leaving the ship for the rest of the port visit and the Admiral signed it. I then went to the COS’s office to give it to him. At 0730, when he did not get up, I assumed he was still sleeping it off. I continued to check his office approximately every 15 minutes, but still no sign of him. A couple of hours later, I decided prudence dictated I check on him. After knocking on his door and receiving no response, I opened his door to find – an empty rack. I later learned that he COS had awoken around 0500 and departed the ship with shipmates to ride their bikes in the 100+ temperatures common in the United Arab Emirates in the summer.

After our tour together, I was fortunate to receive follow-on orders in Coronado, giving me the opportuinty to see CAPT Joller occasionally, at a couple CRUDESGRU FIVE VFW gatherings at McP’s, my wetting down on November 30, 2007, his annual Army-Navy party the following day, a chance encounter at the 2007 Poinsettia Bowl, and the last time, at my quarters in March 2008 for our family’s annual soup party. Even after transferring to Italy, we occasionally traded e-mail. Walt Joller was a man who was so full of life that I assumed I would one day see again when I returned to the San Diego.

In the days since his death, after trying to get my mind around this inconceivable event, I have come to realize that Walter Carl “John” Joller, Jr., simply was not meant to become old. I am saddened knowing that I will never see my mentor, shipmate and friend again while I walk on this earth. My heart breaks for Sue, Emily and Erik.

Yet, life goes on. I have resolved the best way to remember him is to capture those attributes, what he would refer to as “style points,” that allowed everyone to think of him as their friend, namely, a renewed determination to treat everyone with respect and to embrace the little things in life. And today, for the first time in a long time, I laced up my running shoes and began training for another long-distance race.

Fair winds and following seas, COS. You are my boy, Blue!

Very respectfully,

CDR Thomas J. “JAG” Welsh, JAGC, USN
Naples, Italy

Blogs by the Very Extended Family

Emphasis on the “Very.” Searching the internets for any mention of Uncle John (i.e. Walter C. Joller, Jr.) has turned up a few blogs written by those whose lives he has touched. It’s amazing how far afield run the roots of Walt’s life. I’ll update this as I find more:

soapbox.Superstar
Far East Cynic
Jeff Bean

From Ron, Joy, Mimi and Kate

Brother, you will always be in our hearts and greatly missed.

Condolences via the North County Times

The North County Times has very kindly set up a guest book tied to their news story here. Because the guest book expires in February, we will archive the comments in this post.

January 26, 2009
Sue, our thoughts and prayers are with you and the kids. Kicked off the Tailhook Scholarship with Turbo this AM. More later….Love Marc and Marsha
~ marc Ostertag,
La Jolla, California

January 23, 2009
Dear Erik and family:
Please accept my condolences for the loss of your dear father.
With much love,
Martivon Galindo
Martivon Galindo (Oakland, CA)

January 20, 2009
Walt was a great guy to work with. He was always friendly and made my life a lot easier. He will be missed. All my sympathy.
Michael Supko (California, MD)

January 20, 2009
Walt will be sorely missed by all he came to know. I knew him on the Connie when he was XO, and then he helped us out in the unmanned world later on this past year. It was great to get back together and catch up again. He was always happy to serve and totally upbeat.
Michael & Dawn Schachterle (Leonardtown, MD)

January 18, 2009
Please accept my deepest sympathies. I grew up in Kenmore NY on John’s street. He baby sat me and was one of the reason I ended up at USNA. I am very sorry for your loss.
Dan Quattrini (Edina, MN)

January 18, 2009
My condolences to Walt’s family and friends on his untimely passing. Walt’s office at SPAWAR was just down the hall from mine, and he would often come in to talk business with my office mate. His friendly attitude and professional demeanor were a model for the rest of us. The pain we feel from his passing is a measure of his influence on family, friends, and co-workers. The reassurance of resurrection in 1 Corinthians 15 was a helpful reminder that Walt will be waiting for his family and friends, and we can be secure in the knowledge that Walt is now at peace, safely Home with God.
John Murphy (Poway, CA)

January 18, 2009
To Walt’s family,
Please accept our deepest sympathies for your sudden and profound loss. To be absent from the body is to be present with the Lord. Heaven’s gain is our loss, but someday we will be reunited and understand.
Until then, may God hold you close and provide peace that only He can give.
Walt’s wonderful legacy of enthusiasm, fun and joy of living, and his pursuit of excellence made everyone around him better. Thank you for sharing him with so many so that they may become better, because they knew him.
You are all in our thought and prayers.
May God hold you close always.
Steve and Kris Thrailkill (Vista, CA)

Read the rest of this entry »

Pictures from Chuck

A couple of good pics of Walt being Walt.
—Chuck

A Message from the Disano’s

Walt, Our Dear Friend, will be remembered in our hearts, always. All our love to Sue, Emy and Erik.

The Disano Family

Michael, Jennifer, Michael Jr., & Daniel

Memorial Program

For those of you who missed the service, you can get an idea of what it was like from the program. Videos of the service will follow shortly.

Walter C. Joller, Jr. Memorial Program (pdf)

Last drink at the O

Jack Ashby, Shoe Mellor, Turbo Wertz, and Chuck LeFevre Honoring John with a last drink at the O Club. Stopped off to view the memorial on Sabre Springs Parkway.

Love, Tony & Teri Artino

CAPT Joller was a truly outstanding leader, boss, and friend. Teri and I have extremely fond memories of our years at Pt. Mugu working and playing with Walt and Sue. Whether it was volleyball in the backyard or karaoke at the club, Walt certainly knew how to enjoy life. And now we suspect that he’s somewhere much better creating a big old “work site.”

Our memories of Walt and the E-2 Wing that he commanded are some of our best. Our hearts ache for Sue, Emily, and Erik. We will miss Walt dearly.

Love,
Tony & Teri Artino

More great photos

A Letter from Trever Lange

Walt was my boss when he was Commodore of the E-2 Wing from 2000-2002. Walt meant so much to so many people so my little testament tries to capture just a small part of what he meant to my wife and my 2 kids.

Walt taught me how a leader should act when on liberty. Have a great time, eat, drink, play and most importantly treat your people well and (he was especially good at this) get to know your people’s families and treat them great. He treated my family like they were his family and that is my strongest lasting memory of Walt.

CDR(s) Trever Lange, USNR

If you’d like to contribute…

Please feel free to contribute by email anything you think will honor John’s life.

A Letter from Lukas

Dear Sue and Family

I am overcome with enormous sadness and disbelief. John was always a hero of mine. Since early childhood I have memories of our encounters that always left me yearning for more. His kindness, moral strength and wit have left an everlasting impression on me. He has shown me so many qualities I’ve aspired to attain in my life & his love of family always inspired me. He simply was one of the coolest people I’ve ever met! And I will miss him very much. … My thoughts and prayers are with you all. I love you all very much and can’t wait to embrace and cry with you.

Lukas

Some Great Photos