In memory of the passing members.
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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