In Memoriam

Remembering the Recently Departed Members of the Regiment

By Dr. Nicholas K. Roland, Ph.D.

Article published on: May 29, 2026 in the 2026 Issue #1 of Army Lawyer

Read Time: < 26 mins

The following members of our Regiment, in alphabetical order, passed away in 2025.

LTC (Ret.) Charles W. Baccus (right) and his wife, Gwendolyn Baccus (left). (Photo courtesy of Gwendolyn Baccus)

BACCUS, Charles (1951–2025). Lieutenant Colonel (LTC) (Retired) (Ret.) Charles W. Baccus passed away on 26 June 2025. He was seventy-three years old.

Charles William Baccus was born on 27 October 1951 in Toledo, Ohio, to Larrie and Mary Baccus. He graduated from Irving E. Macomber Vocational Technical High School in Toledo, Ohio, in 1969. Charles enlisted in the Air Force in 1970, served in Thailand as an integrated avionics specialist supporting operations in Vietnam, and was honorably discharged as a sergeant in 1974. He then received his bachelor’s degree from Bowling Green State University in 1977, his juris doctor from Howard University in 1981, and his master of laws (LL.M) from The Judge Advocate General’s School (TJAGSA) in 1989.

LTC (Ret.) Baccus joined the Army as a judge advocate (JA) in 1982. He served as an assistant staff judge advocate (SJA) at Fort Hamilton, New York; trial defense counsel at Camp Casey, Republic of South Korea; assistant command legal counsel, U.S. Army Recruiting Command, Fort Sheridan, Illinois; legal office officer-in-charge (OIC), Göppingen, West Germany (Cooke Barracks); chief of claims, V Corps, Frankfurt, Germany; deputy SJA, Theater Army Area Command, Camp Walker, Korea; and command judge advocate, 743d Military Intelligence Battalion and 713th Military Intelligence Group, Royal Air Force Menwith Hill, Harrogate, United Kingdom. He was a graduate of the Judge Advocate Officer Basic Course, the Judge Advocate Officer Graduate Course, and the Command and General Staff College. Among other decorations, he was awarded the Legion of Merit; the Meritorious Service Medal (x3); the Army Commendation Medal (x2); Overseas Service Ribbon (x3); the Vietnam Service Medal; the Republic of Vietnam Campaign Medal; and the Republic of Vietnam Gallantry Cross Unit Citation with Bronze Star.

Following the end of his military career in 1998, he accepted the job of assistant chief counsel for the Department of Homeland Security in Las Vegas, Nevada. While performing his duties and responsibilities in Las Vegas, he spent several years on cases that exposed war criminals from the Second World War and the Bosnian War. He received the Eleanor Roosevelt Human Rights Award from the Department of Homeland Security for “exemplary achievement in human rights litigation and unwavering dedication to bringing human rights abusers to justice” in Washington, D.C., in September 2011.

In retirement, he helped those in need with their taxes and other altruistic endeavors that made a real quality-of-life difference for others. He was blessed with two grandsons to whom he provided hands-on experiences and taught many things. For example, at ages three and five, he had his grandsons study how to change a set of vehicle brakes and then had them assist him with the job. He regularly read to them and gave them experiences they retell today as they advise about what “Poppo” would do or demand of us. His siblings actively respected him and loved him as a leader they could call on at any time for guidance and a listening ear. Whether it was hard, easy, or tremendously time-consuming, he gave his absolute best every day and in all endeavors.

LTC (Ret.) Baccus is survived by his wife, Gwendolyn, with whom he spent forty-nine years; his daughter, Rosiland Lizzette Baccus; his son, Brandon Jonathan Baccus; grandsons Kaiden Charles and Lexington Michael; sisters and brothers Wilbert, Verdell, Ruby, Larrie, Kenneth, Lennon, and Johnnie; and many other loving family members and friends.

BELL, Christopher (1991–2025). Sergeant First Class (SFC) Christopher Bell passed away on 22 February 2025 while serving as the senior court reporter for 1st Armored Division and Fort Bliss, Texas. He was thirty-three years old.

SFC Bell was born on 5 June 1991 in Chattanooga, Tennessee, and grew up in Puerto Rico. He enlisted in the U.S. Army on 1 July 2009. His military assignments included various paralegal positions at Camp Carroll, Republic of South Korea; Fort Bliss, Texas; Fort Gordon, Georgia; and Fort Carson, Colorado. Prior to his assignment at Fort Bliss, he served as a recruiter in Dallas, Texas. SFC Bell earned an associate of arts degree in computer science, with a minor in philosophy and cyber security from the University of Maryland.

His military awards and decorations include the Joint Service Commendation Medal, Army Commendation Medal, Army Achievement Medal, Good Conduct Medal (x5), National Defense Service Medal, Afghanistan Campaign Medal, Global War on Terrorism Service Medal, Korea Defense Service Medal, Noncommissioned Officer (NCO) Professional Development Ribbon (x3), Army Service Ribbon, Army Overseas Service Ribbon, NATO Medal, Joint Meritorious Unit Award, and Recruiter Badge.

SFC Bell is survived by his wife, Adriana; his son, Santiago; his parents, Philip and Lisa; his siblings, Joshua, Justin, David, Brandon, and Kamryon; and other family and friends.1

COL (Ret.) Samuel Brick. (Photo courtesy of author)

BRICK, Samuel (1942–2025). Colonel (COL) (Ret.) Samuel “Sam” T. Brick Jr. passed away with his loving family by his side on 19 July in Blythewood, South Carolina. He was eighty-three years old.

COL (Ret.) Brick grew up in Roland Park, a Baltimore neighborhood that lived large in his memory for the rest of his life. He held fond memories of lively family parties at their home on University Parkway, where joy, music, and connection filled the house. He attended Loyola High School, where he excelled at lacrosse, a sport that would stay with him for life.

He went on to study at the University of Pennsylvania, graduating in 1964 with a degree in political science. At Penn, he played on the varsity lacrosse team, lived in the Little Quad and Delta Kappa Epsilon (DEKE) house, and was active in the Newman Club, Interfraternity Council, Phi Kappa Beta, Friars, and Dormitory Council. He also played rugby and proudly wore the evidence on his face for the rest of his life after a college match left his nose permanently altered.

After earning his law degree from the University of Maryland and passing the bar, COL (Ret.) Brick was drafted into the U.S. Army and sent to advanced infantry training at Tigerland, Fort Polk, Louisiana. He applied for a commission as a JA and was reassigned to the local Judge Advocate General (JAG) office, where, after a month or two, he received a commission. He stayed at Fort Polk for about a year before receiving orders for Vietnam. Just before shipping out, the Army sent him to TJAGSA, including attendance at the first-ever Military Judge’s Course, newly created after Congress authorized JAs to sit as judges.

In Vietnam, he served as command judge advocate for the Saigon Headquarters Area Command, managing courts-martial from serious felonies to drug offenses. These experiences are chronicled in his fictionalized memoir, Boots and the Law.2

After returning stateside, COL (Ret.) Brick held legal roles at Fort Meade, Maryland, and across the Department of War, culminating in service as chief legislative counsel for the Army and later director of legislative reference for the Office of the Secretary of War General Counsel. He helped shape national legislative policy and worked closely with Congress to advance defense priorities.

He remained in uniform as a U.S. Army Reserve (USAR) officer, attaining the rank of colonel. During the Persian Gulf War, he volunteered for active duty and served as SJA for U.S. Central Command Rear Headquarters under General Norman Schwarzkopf. His final assignment was as SJA for Headquarters, U.S. Army Europe. For his decades of distinguished service—including during his tenure at the Pentagon—he was awarded the Legion of Merit, an honor made all the more exceptional because it recognized his contributions as a Civilian Federal attorney, not just his military record.

In retirement, COL (Ret.) Brick continued to serve. He ran a military academy, returned to South Carolina to be closer to family, and became deeply involved in veterans’ advocacy. He was elected president of the South Carolina State Council of the Vietnam Veterans of America (VVA), and then chair, earning him a seat on the VVA’s National Board. He was also appointed Army Reserve Ambassador for South Carolina, a senior honorary role with the protocol of a major general. He remained active in the legal world, arguing pro bono cases, including some before the South Carolina Supreme Court.

But the roles COL (Ret.) Brick cherished most were husband, father, and coach. He was married to Mary Brick for forty-seven years, and together they raised four children—Morgan, Alex, Nathan, and Berin—in Mount Vernon, Virginia, during Sam’s years at the Pentagon. He was there on September 11, 2001, in offices adjacent to the quadrant where the plane struck.

He coached countless youth games in t-ball, basketball, and lacrosse, leading his children’s teams to area championships and earning the loyalty of players and families alike. He followed sports passionately, especially the Baltimore Orioles, the Washington Commanders, college athletics, and, most of all, lacrosse, which remained his favorite to watch. In the summers, he could be found at the beach in an army fatigue jacket, digging trenches in the sand for the kids.

In recent years, COL (Ret.) Brick was joyfully united with his daughter, Jennifer Jones, a wonderful surprise from his time in Basic Training. She and her family became a beloved part of the Brick family. COL (Ret.) Brick is survived by his wife, Mary Brick; his sister, Carole Potar; his five children, Morgan Brick (Tracy), Alex Brick (Renee), Nathan Brick, Berin Watson (Ronnie), and Jennifer Jones (Matthew); and his seventeen grandchildren.3

CLAYTON, Kenneth (1960–2025). Mr. Kenneth A. Clayton passed away on 18 September 2025 while serving as a dedicated paralegal specialist with the Military Personnel Branch, Litigation Division, U.S. Army Legal Services Agency. He was sixty-five years old.

Mr. Clayton was born on 26 June 1960 in Boston, Massachusetts, to the late Lauretta Clayton Jones and Jack Hunt. Mr. Clayton’s commitment to service began early. He enlisted in the Army in March 1979, initially as a 31J, teletypewriter repairer, before transitioning to a 71D, legal clerk. His military career included assignments in Germany; Fort Monmouth, New Jersey; and Fort Sill, Oklahoma. He was honorably discharged in August 1989.

In August 1998, Mr. Clayton joined the Office of the Staff Judge Advocate for the 1st Armored Division in Baumholder, Germany, as a Civilian legal assistant. He then transitioned to the U.S. Army Legal Services Agency in June 2003. In total, Kenneth served in the Federal Government with distinction for more than forty years.

Mr. Clayton is survived by his beloved wife of more than forty-one years, Petra; his son, Kenneth, Jr. (“Junior”); his brothers, Donald (Charlotte) and Eric Clayton; and his sister, Patrice (Ronnie) Adams. He was preceded in death by his parents and his brother, Michael Wayne.4

COL (Ret.) Thomas Crean. (Photo courtesy of author)

CREAN, Thomas (1941–2025). COL (Ret.) Thomas Michael Crean passed away peacefully on 6 April 2025, surrounded by his loving family. He was eighty-three years old.

COL (Ret.) Crean was born on 6 June 1941 in the Bronx, New York, to Tom and Irene Crean. He was raised in New Jersey before attending Fordham University, where he attained both his undergraduate and law degrees. COL (Ret.) Crean dedicated his life to service. He spent twenty-eight years in the Army JAG Corps, where he honorably served his country with distinction and integrity. Following his military career, he continued his commitment to justice as an administrative law judge.

A devout Catholic, COL (Ret.) Crean’s faith was central to his life. He found joy in life’s simple pleasures, like reading the daily newspaper. He knew every answer on Jeopardy!, loved watching cop shows, and reveled in his Irish heritage. But his greatest happiness came from his family, whom he adored beyond measure. The feeling was mutual.

COL (Ret.) Crean is survived by his beloved wife of fifty-three years, Donna; his daughters, Kelly and Katie; sons-in-law, Richard and Dan; and six cherished grand-children, who brought immense joy to his life. He is also survived by his sisters, Maureen Paul and Geraldine (John) Hughey; his brother, Billy (Pat) Crean, and many nieces and nephews and great-nieces and nephews.5

GIBSON, Kim (1948–2025). COL (Ret.) Kim Richard Gibson, loving father, grand-father, husband, brother, and friend, passed away peacefully on 30 May 2025 surrounded by his family. He was seventy-seven years old.

COL (Ret.) Gibson was born 29 May 1948 in Trenton, New Jersey, to the late James Russell and Eleanor Martha Gibson. He was preceded in death by his brother, William “Denny” Gibson. He is survived by his wife, Rebecca (Arbogast) Gibson; his brother, Jim; his children, Laura (Chad), Erin (George), Adam (Stacy), Matthew, Sean (Yuko), and Connor (Katie); and his grandchildren, James, Peyton, Mia, Carmen, John Henry, Luke, and Dorothy.

COL (Ret.) Gibson devoted his entire adult life to serving his country and community. He graduated from the U.S. Military Academy at West Point in 1970. Upon being commissioned as a second lieutenant in the U.S. Army, COL (Ret.) Gibson took one of the hardest paths possible, completing both Airborne and Ranger training before serving as an armor officer on active duty until 1975.

COL (Ret.) Gibson attended the Penn State Dickinson School of Law, graduating magna cum laude in 1975, where he served as an editor of the Dickinson Law Review. He received his masters degree from TJAGSA, and he remained on active duty in the JAG Corps until 1978. He was recalled to active duty during Operation DESERT STORM in 1991. COL (Ret.) Gibson’s service in the Army on active and Reserve duty extended for twenty-six years, and he retired as a colonel in the JAG Corps in 1996.

While COL (Ret.) Gibson was in solo practice in Somerset, Pennsylvania, he served as a public defender, as the solicitor for the Somerset School District, as counsel to the Office of Children and Youth Services, and as the solicitor for Somerset County. In 1997, he was elected by the voters of Somerset County to the Court of Common Pleas, serving in that role until joining the Federal bench in September 2003. He was honored and grateful to hold that position until his final illness. Outside of the court, he was an adjunct professor at and a member of the Board of Counselors for the Penn State Dickinson School of Law.

He was an active member of St. Peter’s Catholic Church. In addition to coaching little league for many years, he enjoyed ballroom dancing, detective stories, and dressing well.6

HOLMES, Damon (1982–2025). Master Sergeant (MSG) Damon Holmes passed away on 30 May 2025 while serving as the chief paralegal at the U.S. Army Training Center at Fort Jackson, South Carolina. He was forty-two years old.

MSG Holmes was born on 10 June 1982 in Columbia, South Carolina, to Veronica Holmes. He enlisted in the U.S. Army on 19 October 2006. His military assignments included various paralegal positions at Fort Bragg, North Carolina; Camp Casey, Republic of South Korea; and the Pentagon. He earned an associate of arts degree from Central Texas College in 2012 and a bachelor of science degree in legal studies from American Military University in 2016. MSG Holmes was a graduate of the Army’s Master Leader Course and Airborne School.

His military awards and decorations include the Defense Meritorious Service Medal, Meritorious Service Medal (x2), Joint Service Commendation Medal, Army Commendation Medal (x3), Joint Service Achievement Medal, Army Good Conduct Medal (x6), National Defense Service Medal, Iraq Campaign Medal, Global War on Terrorism Service Medal, NCO Professional Development Ribbon (x4), Army Service Ribbon, Army Overseas Service Ribbon, Meritorious Unit Commendation, Superior Unit Award, Parachutist Badge, Marksmanship Badge, and Driver and Mechanic Badge.

MSG Holmes is survived by his wife, Raven Holmes; his children, Ashleigh, Damon, Dylan, Noah, and Grace; his mother, Veronica Holmes; and his siblings, Lakila Holmes, Joseph Brunson, Earl and Karla Holness, and Andrew Jones.

He will be remembered as a dedicated leader and NCO, and a quiet professional who approached every challenge with determination and integrity. He had a remarkable ability to work through difficult issues and consistently uplifted and improved those around him.7

LATINO, Stephen (1978–2025). LTC Stephen “Steve” Latino passed away on 27 July 2025 while serving as the regional defense counsel for the Third Judicial Circuit (Mississippi Valley Region) at Fort Campbell, Kentucky. He was forty-six years old.

LTC Latino was born on 25 October 1978 in Boston, Massachusetts, to Rocco and Darlene Latino. He enlisted in the U.S. Army National Guard as an 11B infantryman in 1999, and then attended Purdue University on a Reserve Officers’ Training Corps Scholarship, earning a bachelor of arts in 2001. He earned his law degree at the University of Dayton School of Law and was commissioned into the U.S. Army JAG Corps in 2004. His military assignments include positions at Fort Campbell, Kentucky; Fort Belvoir, Virginia; Fort Bragg, North Carolina; Fort McNair, Virginia; Fort Leavenworth, Kansas; Fort Riley, Kansas; and Fort Huachuca, Arizona. Most recently, he served as the deputy staff judge advocate (DSJA) at Fort Huachuca, Arizona. LTC Latino was a graduate of Basic Training and Advanced Individual Training as an 11B, the Judge Advocate Office Basic Course, Airborne School, Air Assault School, the Judge Advocate Graduate Course, and Resident Intermediate Level Education.

His military awards and decorations include the Meritorious Service Medal (x5), Army Commendation Medal (x2), Army Achievement Medal (x2), National Defense Service Medal, Afghanistan Campaign Medal w/Bronze Service Star, Iraq Campaign Medal w/Bronze Service Star, Global War on Terrorism Expeditionary Medal, Global War on Terrorism Service Medal, Army Service Ribbon, NATO Medal, Overseas Service Ribbon, Combat Action Badge, Parachutist Badge, Air Assault Badge, four Overseas Service Bars, and a Meritorious Unit Commendation (Army).

LTC Latino is survived by his loving wife of twenty years, Suzanne Bojko Latino; his children, Andrew, Emily, and Grayson; his father, Rocco, and his spouse, Carol Latino; his mother, Darlene Stefanowiez-Latino; his siblings, Nicholas, and his spouse, Alison Latino, Rocco, and his spouse, Lauren Latino, Mary, and her spouse, Derek Howard, and Stephanie, and her spouse, Charly Latino. Steve also leaves behind his loving dogs, Todd and Copper.8

LLOYD, Robert Jr. (1953–2025). The Reverend LTC (Ret.) Robert Bruce “Rob” Lloyd Jr. of Kailua, Hawaii, passed away after a courageous seven-year battle with Parkinson’s disease. As a retired pastor in the United Methodist Church and a retired officer in the U.S. Army JAG Corps, LTC (Ret.) Lloyd’s life was shaped not by rank or title but by a servant’s heart.

Whether serving his fellow Soldiers as an Army officer, his congregants as a pastor, or his fellow believers through the “Walk to Emmaus” ministry, LTC (Ret.) Lloyd poured himself out in service to others. His life was dedicated to reflecting the love of Jesus Christ.

Born 14 December 1953, in Oberlin, Ohio, to Robert Bruce Lloyd Sr., a professor of classics, and Angela Davies (Pardington) Lloyd, a Latin teacher and dean, LTC (Ret.) Lloyd grew up in Lynchburg, Virginia. He graduated from E. C. Glass High School, where he met his future wife, Mary Lisa Anderson. They were married on 23 August 1975, at Court Street United Methodist Church in Lynchburg, and together built a life of love and shared calling.

LTC (Ret.) Lloyd earned his undergraduate degree in French from the College of William and Mary in 1975 and was commissioned as a second lieutenant in the U.S. Army’s Transportation Corps that same year. He was selected for the Army Funded Legal Education Program and earned his law degree from the University of Richmond in 1981. He served with distinction in legal positions across South Korea, Germany, and the United States throughout his twenty-eight-year military career.

After retiring from the Army, LTC (Ret.) Lloyd earned a master of divinity from Wesley Theological Seminary in 2006. He was ordained as a Methodist pastor, serving congregations in Kentucky, Virginia, and Hawaii until stepping down from active ministry in 2020.

LTC (Ret.) Lloyd’s ministry extended beyond the pulpit. He remained deeply involved in the Walk to Emmaus movement, offering guidance, love, and support through retreats and weekly reunion groups. Those dear friends continued ministering to him with great tenderness and care in his final years.

LTC (Ret.) Lloyd is survived by the love of his life, Lisa, his wife of nearly fifty years; their beloved children, Mary Angela Anderson Lloyd and Joseph Wesley (Kathleen “Katie”) Anderson Lloyd; and four cherished grandchildren, Kyle James, Elise Mary Kathleen, Sawyer Kathryn, and Miles Anderson. He is also survived by his siblings, Marshall, Johnny, and Celia, along with Lisa’s siblings, Millard O. Anderson, Jr., Richard V. Anderson, and Julie A. Brennan. He was predeceased by his parents and his dearly loved in-laws, Millard Othello and Mary (Boettcher) Anderson.9

LOKEN, Rachael (1983–2025). MSG Rachael Loken passed away on 3 January 2025. She was serving as the chief paralegal at Joint Special Operations Command at Fort Bragg, North Carolina. She was forty-one years old.

MSG Loken was born on 6 November 1983 in Charleston, South Carolina, to the late Brett and Michelle Mullen. She enlisted in the U.S. Army on 1 February 2007. Her military assignments included various paralegal positions at Heidelberg, Germany; Fort Hood, Texas; Fort Benning, Georgia; and Fort Bragg, North Carolina. MSG Loken earned a bachelor of arts in management and was a graduate of the Army’s Senior Leader Course and Airborne School.

Her military awards and decorations include the Meritorious Service Medal, Army Commendation Medal (x9), Army Achievement Medal, Army Good Conduct Medal (x4), National Defense Service Medal, Afghanistan Campaign Medal, Global War on Terrorism Expeditionary Medal, Global War on Terrorism Service Medal, NCO Professional Development Ribbon (x3), Army Service Ribbon, Overseas Service Ribbon (x3), NATO Medal, Parachutist Badge, and Driver and Mechanic Badge.

MSG Loken is survived by her husband, Chris Loken; her son, Nate Loken; and sister, Samantha Skeens. She was preceded in death by her son, Wyatt Alexander Loken, and her parents, Brett and Michelle Mullen.10

McKAY, James (1945–2025). COL (Ret.) James C. Mckay passed away on 26 December 2025 after enduring amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS/Lou Gehrig’s Disease) with grace, resolve, and dignity. He was eighty years old.

COL (Ret.) McKay grew up in Bellingham, Washington. His father was Chairman of the Lummi Indian Tribe in Bellingham, and his mother was a member of the Shoshone Indian Tribe from Wind River, Wyoming.

After high school, COL (Ret.) McKay volunteered and joined the Army, including serving on active duty as a paratrooper in Vietnam from 1968 to 1969 in the 82d Airborne Division and the 1st Air Cavalry Division. COL (Ret.) McKay was highly decorated for his actions in service, including the Silver Star, Soldier’s Medal, Bronze Star with Valor device, and Air Medal with Valor device and fourteen oak leaf clusters. He engaged in extremely dangerous missions, including jumping from helicopters to rescue wounded Soldiers as part of a medevac unit, which has recently been recognized and awarded the Congressional Gold Medal.11COL (Ret.) McKay was also awarded the Vietnamese Cross of Gallantry with palm, the Vietnamese Civil Action Award with palm, and the Valorous Unit Award.12

After his military tour, COL (Ret.) McKay graduated from Seattle University, and subsequently from the New Mexico University School of Law, earning his law degree in 1978. He met his wife, Janet McKay, during their time together in law school. After law school, they moved to Santa Fe together, where he was admitted to the Bar and worked at the New Mexico Supreme Court, the New Mexico Attorney General’s office, and the city of Santa Fe, where he served as City Attorney.

COL (Ret.) McKay continued his service with the Army National Guard when he moved to Santa Fe and, in 1992, he became general counsel for the New Mexico Army National Guard, and subsequently State Judge Advocate for the State of New Mexico. He retired from the Guard and moved with Janet to Scottsdale in 2016. Besides his combat awards, he was awarded the Meritorious Service Medal (x5), the Outstanding Volunteer Medal, and numerous other awards and decorations, including the State of New Mexico Distinguished Service Medal, the Medal of Merit, and the Outstanding Service Medal.13

COL (Ret.) McKay is among the most decorated New Mexico National Guardsmen and a New Mexico National Guard Hall of Honor inductee. His legacy of selfless service and leadership endures through the countless Soldiers he influenced and the lasting impacts of his work, including his instrumental role in establishing the State of New Mexico Servicemembers’ Group Life Insurance (SGLI) reimbursement and the state income tax deduction for National Guard members.14

COL (Ret.) McKay’s favorite activity was fly fishing New Mexico streams. He was also a lifelong Chicago Cubs fan, an inveterate collector of Christmas ornaments, and brave beyond telling. He was the first in his family to attend college and the first Wind River Shoshone to graduate from law school. COL (Ret.) McKay is survived by his wife, Janet, his children, of whom he was immensely proud, sons Foster McKay and Andrew McKay, and daughter Elizabeth McKay Judd; and his three grandchildren.15

PHELPS, John (1950–2025). COL (Ret.) John Phelps passed away on 21 April 2025. He was seventy-four years old.

COL (Ret.) Phelps was born on 15 November 1950 and was the son of John and Wilma Phelps. His military career as a JA was long and distinguished, spanning thirty years. He served as a prosecutor, defense counsel, administrative law attorney, professor at the U.S. Army Judge Advocate General’s Legal Center and School, deputy chairman of the International Law Department of the U.S. Naval War College, DSJA for the Military District of Washington, and the SJA at Fort Rucker, Alabama. Other staff assignments included serving in the Office of The Judge Advocate General, and as chief, U.S. Army Defense Appellate Division. COL (Ret.) Phelps also served as the chief legal advisor for Allied Forces Southern Europe (NATO) from 1999 to 2002, where he was responsible for legal advice affecting regional operations as well as NATO operations in Bosnia, Kosovo, Macedonia, and Afghanistan.

While deployed, COL (Ret.) Phelps was assigned as the legal advisor for detainee operations, Task Force 134, and Multi-National Forces Iraq.

COL (Ret.) Phelps held a bachelor of science from Ohio State University, a law degree from the University of Cincinnati College of Law, and a master of arts in national security and strategic studies from the U.S. Naval War College. His personal military decorations and awards include the Legion of Merit (x3), Bronze Star, Defense Meritorious Service Medal, Meritorious Service Medal (x4), Army Commendation Medal (x2), Army Achievement Medal (x2), Kosovo Campaign Medal, Iraq Campaign medal, and NATO Medal, as well as the Air Assault Badge, Parachutist Badge, and Army Staff Badge.

After retiring from active-duty service in 2008, COL (Ret.) Phelps continued his life of service when he joined the Defense Institute for International Legal Studies (DIILS) in Newport, Rhode Island, as a regional program director for North, Central, and South America. He was later assigned regional program director for the Middle East and Central Asia, and additionally served as course director for the flagship DIILS resident course on the law of armed conflict and human rights.

COL (Ret.) Phelps is survived by his partner of more than twenty years, Elaine Cascio; his son, Brian; his daughter, Erin (Christopher Powers); and five grandchildren.16

COL (Ret.) Bryan Spencer. (Source: Legacy.com)

SPENCER, Bryan (1932–2025). COL (Ret.) Bryan Stulting Spencer, of Austin, Texas, passed away on 21 December 2025. He was ninety-three years old.

COL (Ret.) Spencer was born in Beaumont, Texas, on 31 January 1932. He grew up in Galveston, Texas, where his family moved in 1937. He graduated from Ball High School in 1949, from Texas A&M in 1953, and from the University of Texas Law School in 1958. Upon his graduation from Texas A&M, Bryan entered the Army in the Army Security Agency. His last assignment with the agency was in Korea on the 38th parallel.

COL (Ret.) Spencer then returned to Texas, married Lucy Phillips, and entered law school. Following law school, he worked at the Texas Highway Department doing eminent domain right-of-way acquisition for the I-10 and I-35 interstate highways. He returned to the U.S. Army as a JA in 1960, where he served for twenty-eight years. He was the SJA to several general officers: two became Chief of Staff of the Army, two became Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, and one became U.S. Secretary of State. Duty stations included Fort Bliss, Texas; Mannheim, Germany; the Republic of Vietnam; Fort Carson, Colorado; Bangkok, Thailand; the Pentagon; Naples, Italy; Fort Leavenworth, Kansas; and Fort Sam Houston, Texas.

In retirement, COL (Ret.) Spencer served as the SJA for the Texas State Guard. He was active in the American Bar Association (ABA) and served on the Standing Committee on Legal Assistance to Military Personnel and on the editorial board for the ABA magazine. He was chairman of the Military Law Committee of the State Bar of Texas. He was awarded the Legion of Merit (x2), Bronze Star (x2), Defense Meritorious Service Medal, Meritorious Service Medal (x2), the Korean Service Medal, and the Vietnam Service Medal, among other numerous awards.

COL (Ret.) Spencer was actively involved in the Boy Scouts of America, achieving the rank of Eagle Scout. His passion was Philmont Scout Ranch, where he first visited as a scout in 1947. He returned as a guide in 1949 and 1952. Despite the breadth and diversity of his military experience, Philmont was his favorite topic of conversation.

COL (Ret.) Spencer was preceded in death by his wife, Lucy Phillips Spencer, and his parents, Bryan and Lela Stulting Spencer. He is survived by his sons, David B. Spencer and Terrence P. Spencer; his sister, Patricia Spencer Maher; and his three grandchildren, Sarah Spencer, Grant Spencer, and Ansel Spencer.17

TROCHE, Joshua (1978–2025). MSG Joshua J. Troche passed away on 7 August 2025 while serving as the chief paralegal NCO the 63d Readiness Division, Mountain View, California. He was forty-seven years old.

MSG Troche was born on 23 May 1978 in Brooklyn, New York. He enlisted in the U.S. Army on 22 July 1999. MSG Troche initially served with the 246th Quartermaster Company in Aguadilla, Puerto Rico, as a mortuary affairs specialist. In 2002, he reclassified to a combat engineer specialist and served with the 448th Engineer Battalion. Ultimately, he found his passion in the law and reclassified to a paralegal specialist in 2006. His military assignments included various paralegal positions of increasing responsibility at the 174th Legal Support Organization; 1st Armored Division; 1st Mission Support Command; 4th Sustainment Command (Expeditionary); 79th Theater Sustainment Command; and the 377th Theater Sustainment Command. MSG Troche deployed to Iraq with the 166th Regional Support Group in 2010. He earned a bachelor of science degree in criminal justice from Universidad Del Este and was a graduate of the Army’s Advanced Leaders Course and Senior Leaders Course.

MSG Troche’s military awards and decorations include the Meritorious Service Medal (x4), Joint Service Commendation Medal, Army Commendation Medal (x4), Army Achievement Medal (x2), Army Good Conduct Medal (x5), Army Reserve Components Achievement Medal (x3), National Defense Service Medal, Iraq Campaign Medal (with bronze star), Global War on Terrorism Service Medal, Armed Forces Service Medal, Military Outstanding Volunteer Service Medal, and the Army Forces Reserve Medal.

He is survived by his wife, Tatiana; his children, Jaden and Journey; his parents, Blanca and Jesse Sr.; and his brothers, Jesse Jr. and Jason. He will be remembered as a senior NCO who lived the Army Values, and a quiet professional who deeply cared for his fellow Soldiers. He brought immeasurable joy and light to all who were fortunate enough to know him.18

VANISON, Gregory (1980–2025). Major (MAJ) (Ret.) Gregory Vanison passed away on 12 June 2025, after a life of dedicated service to his country and community. He was forty-four years old.

MAJ (Ret.) Vanison began his military career in November 2001, enlisting in the U.S. Marine Corps. He deployed to Al Asad Air Base, Iraq, from 2004 to 2005, serving honorably during a pivotal time in the Global War on Terrorism. After completing his active-duty service with the Marine Corps in March 2008, he transitioned to the Georgia Army National Guard.

In December 2008, he earned his juris doctor degree from Florida Coastal School of Law. Shortly thereafter, MAJ (Ret.) Vanison commissioned as a JA in the South Carolina Army National Guard, where he served from November 2008 to November 2009. He then returned to the Georgia Army National Guard, where he held a variety of leadership roles, most notably as brigade judge advocate for the 648th Maneuver Enhancement Brigade during its deployment to Afghanistan in support of Operation Enduring Freedom from 2012 to 2013.

Following this deployment, MAJ (Ret.) Vanison accepted a challenging position as a full-time attorney with the Alaska National Guard, continuing his service in both legal and operational capacities. In 2016, he was selected to serve as defense counsel for the Office of Military Commissions at Guantanamo Bay, Cuba. He later moved to the National Capital Region, where he took on broader responsibilities within the National Guard Bureau’s Office of the General Counsel. He retired from military service in 2021.

MAJ (Ret.) Vanison’s military decorations reflect his exceptional service and include the Defense Meritorious Service Medal, Army Commendation Medal (x3), Global War on Terrorism Expeditionary Medal, Iraq Campaign Medal, Afghanistan Campaign Medal, and the Alaska National Guard Legion of Merit.

A proud Marine, Soldier, and JA, MAJ (Ret.) Vanison’s legacy is marked by unwavering dedication, leadership, and service. He is survived by his beloved wife, Dusty; his children, Erika and Gregory; and his grand-children, Alora and Adonis.19TAL

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