National Sojourners®

"When we assumed the soldier, we did not lay aside the citizen."

Josie Arroyo (Wife of CW5 Pedro Arroyo, PNC)

Dec 14, 2020

It is with a heavy heart that we are informing you of the passing of Josie Arroyo on December 14, 2020. A Grande Dame, Josie was the beloved wife of Pedro A. Arroyo, PNC. Please keep Pedro and the family in your thoughts and prayers In an expression of sympathy, donations may be made to the SEM Fund. Please make checks payable to the SEM Fund and mail to the National Office, 7942 R Cluny Court, Springfield, VA, 22153, and in the notation line of the check include “In memory of Josie Arroyo”.

Sympathy cards may be sent to the following address: CW5 Pedro Arroyo 1011 California Creek Dr Oviedo, FL 32765-5615

Lt Col Joseph H. Baker, Jr., USAF (Ret)

Brother Joseph H. Baker, Jr., PNP, (2008-2009), laid down his working tools and he passed to the Great Architect on 11 April 2023. Personal: Joseph Baker, Jr. was born in Eagle Pass, Texas on 27 September 1926. He attended the University of Arkansas and Louisiana...

Lt. Col. USAF (retired) Keye E. Perry

Lt Col Keye E. Perry, USAF (retired) – born April 4, 1947. Father, son, husband, grandfather, uncle, pilot, mason, coach, athlete, scout, consummate life-long learner, and gifted orator – laid down his working tools and joined the Great Architect of the Universe...

Grande Dame Floretta “Flo” Barnes

Lady Flo Barnes, the wife of PNP Wayne Barnes, passed 11/23/22. Floretta was born to Earnest and Minnie Eden Burton on March 6th, 1938, in Martin, Kentucky and raised in Bicknell, Indiana. Floretta attended Bicknell High School and graduated with the class of 1956....

1SG Andrew F. Hirst, USA (Ret) (PNC 2011-2012)

It is my sad duty to report Brother Andrew F. Hirst, PNC, (2011-2012), laid down his working tools and he passed to the Grand Commander of us all on 23 July 2022. Andrew Hirst was born in Sackets Harbor, NY on 19 May 1933 to Raymond and Ethel Hirst (Dyer). Andy's...

MAJ Nelson O. Newcombe, USA (Ret) (Emeritus)

REMEMBERING OUR NATIONAL SECRETARY-TREASURER EMERITUS MAJOR NELSON O. NEWCOMBE, U.S. ARMY (Retired) 37 YEARS OF SERVICE TO OUR ORDER, (JUNE 1976 - OCTOBER 2013) LEGION OF HONOR Sunrise: May 19, 1933; Sunset: March 9, 2022. Brother Nelson O. Newcombe passed away on...

Terri Harris (Wife of Col Frank W. Harris, III, PNP)

It is with a heavy heart that we are informing you of the passing of Terri Harris on December 19, 2020. In the past, Terri had assisted the Secretary and helped with secretarial duties for Quantico Chapter #44, Terri was the beloved wife of Frank Harris, PNP. Please...

COL Richard M. Ripley, USA (Past Historian)

23 August 1922 - 17 October 2020 Past National Historian, ROBW Emeritus Brother Richard M. Ripley passed to the Celestial Chapter above on October 17, 2020. Born August 23, 1922 in Grand Rapids, MI, he was 98 years old. COL Richard M. Ripley enlisted in the U.S. Army...

MAJ William F. Koeckert, USA (PNP 1978-1979)

National President (1978-1979) Brother William F. Koeckert passed to the Celestial Chapter above on September 26, 2020. Born October 12, 1925 in Cleveland, OH, he was 95 years old. MAJ William F. Koeckert, served in the U.S. Army from 1944 to 1965. He served in...

1stLt Raymond J. Vanden Berghe, Sr, USMC (PNC 2015-2016)

28 June 1933 - 20 September 2020 Past National Commander (2015-2016), Emeritus Brother Ray Vanden Berghe passed to the Celestial Chapter above on September 24, 2020. Born June 28, 1933 in Paterson, NJ, he was 88 years old. 1st Lt Vanden Berghe served in the U.S....