Originally posted on Cpl Benjamin Galarza's profile page.
NAS Pensacola
John Utsinger and I bunked together at WST. Afterwards, we went to Franco's. I got hammered and passed out. He made sure I made it back to the base and my room safe and sound.
For that, I was grateful.
Months later, we were scheduled for formation at 1300. Minutes before mustering, I saw Top Rasmussen crying. I knew then that something terrible happened.
John passed away in a crash off San Clemente Island.
His wife, Lori, moved back to Iowa. She never remarried.
His son, John Jr., is now in the Air Force.
His daughter, Aimee, graduated with a family and consumer science degree from Northwest Missouri State University, in Maryville.
