In memory of the passing members.
In Loving Memory… Sergeant Major Salvador (Sal) Isaac Navarro, a proud veteran of the United States Marine Corps, passed away July 29, 2024, at the age of 86.
He was born in Dallas, Texas, the son of Jesse and Consuelo Navarro. Sal is the fourth son of five children, Jesse, Ramon, Robert and Helen. All are predeceased except for brother,
Robert.
He enlisted with his parents consent at the age of 17. After an illustrious 26-year career which included bravely serving in the Bay of Pigs Invasion and three deployments to Vietnam, he
retired as Marine Corps Air Station Tustin Sergeant Major at the age of 43 in 1981. After retirement, he continued serving his community and the local veterans as the esteemed
Founder and first Commander of the High Desert Marines, February 3, 2007. His leadership and compassion have touched countless lives, and his contributions will be
remembered and cherished by all who knew him.
Sal is survived by his wife, Linda Navarro and stepson, retired Marine Corps Sergeant Major Paul Quesada (Rocio). He is also survived by his children with his former spouse, Mary Alice Navarro: retired Army Lieutenant Colonel Alfred Navarro (Michele), Teri Winne (Brian), Nora Nichols (Martin), Mara Navarro (Damien) and grandchildren. Sal’s many nieces and nephews remember him fondly for his support, love, kindness and generosity.
Sal loved his dogs and to spend his time fishing & camping. He also loved to dance, Rat Pack and John Wayne movies, listening to Frank Sinatra, playing golf, classic car shows and mentoring “Young Marines” to enlist in military service and have love for our country.
A viewing at Desert View Memorial Park, Victorville, CA will be held on Thursday, August 29th from 4:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. The funeral will be held at Riverside National Cemetery, August 30th, at 11:00 a.m. Celebration of life to follow at March Field Air Museum, Riverside, CA.
In lieu of sending flowers donations can be made to Navy-Marine Corps Relief Society (nmcrs.org) or High Desert Marines (highdesertmarines.com) in memory of Sergeant Major Salvador Navarro.
Angel Medina
Angel a long time member and a HDM Board Director, passed away after suffering for months with cancer. Angel is fondly remembered for the many trips he planned for the group. He was a loyal friend to all who knew him and his contributions at committee and board meetings was insightful and valued. Angel served in both the Marine Corps and the Army, but considered himself a Marine first – Once a Marine, Always a Marine. Deepest sympathy is conveyed to Angel’s son, Brian.
Paul Dietrich
A long time High Desert Marine passed away. Paul had not been active with HDM in a while, but had been a regular at the monthly breakfasts and a volunteer at many of the car shows and events. He was a Korean War Veteran. His daughter, Susan Vanderhorst, wrote “My father was a very proud Marine. One of his great joys in recent years was his grand-daughter Maddie singing the Marines Hymn to him every patriotic day. She is only 9 but her kindergarten teacher was from a Marine family and taught her kids all the military songs.”
Al Watson
It is with profound sadness, that we announce the passing of Al Watson, one of the founding members of the High Desert Marines. Al was a “bigger than life” Marine who rarely missed a monthly breakfast meeting or weekly social lunch with his Marine brothers and sisters. His kind and giving heart was evident at every breakfast where 90% of the raffle prizes offered each month were provided by Al. Additionally, he donated generously to the HDM coffers with regular contributions. Al will be remembered for his exuberant patriotic spirit and pride for the Corps. He never hesitated to don his dress blue uniform to represent the HDM at ceremonies and events, and always drew both admiring and questioning eyes with his Private First Class chevron and myriad of service stripes. Al’s military included both the Marine Corps and the Air Force. Joining the Marines in 1957, he earned the rank of PFC before leaving the Corps and enlisting in the Air Force. He retired from the Air Force in 1980, thus earning the active duty service stripes he was allowed to wear on his Marine uniform. Al was truly one of a kind. Al leaves his wife, Kimie and son Jimmy, to whom we offer our sincerest condolences.
Paul Stemrich
Paul a long time member and significant contributor to the High Desert Marines passed February 28, 2020. He proudly served in the USMC and was assigned to the Marine Barracks, Washington, D.C. as part of the Presidential Honor Guard. Paul was instrumental in the sucess of the High Desert Marines. He designed and for a long time cut the metal Plaques that the HDM sells at the breakfast meetings and car shows. His designs are still cut and sold today. He is survived by his loving wife Karyn, son Scott, daughter Heather, and five grandchildren Aaron, Jesse, Charleigh, Kaden and Jacob.
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