GONE BUT NOT FORGOTTEN John P. Simeroth, ’90 Maj. (Ret) John Patrick Simeroth’s departure from life was at 9:09 p.m. Tuesday, April 26, 2016. John Patrick Simeroth, age 46, was the child of James Simeroth and Nancy Beatty, born May 17, 1969 in Heidelberg, West Germany, baptized according to the Rite of the Roman Catholic Church on June 1, 1969 at Patrick Henry Village Chapel, Heidelberg, West Germany, by the Rev. Herman J. Brinkmann. John lived in Alaska as a youth and graduated from Kenai Central High School in 1986. John’s desire to enter military service after graduation generated many recommendations, which spoke volumes about him as a person. John would receive the following appointments to these military branches: United States Air Force Academy, Jan. 30, 1986 United States Naval Academy, March 4, 1986 United States Coast Guard Academy, April 16, 1986 John’s decided to join the U.S. Air Force. After four challenging and rewarding years as a cadet, John graduated May 30, 1990, at 11 a.m. at the Academy. Later he would earn a Master of Science Degree at Virginia Tech. John entered active duty on May 30, 1990, and was separated from active duty on May 31, 2010. He had a rewarding career in the Air Force that was highlighted with many achievements, some of which included the Meritorious Service Medal with one oak leaf cluster, Air Medal with five oak leaf clusters, Air Force Commendation Medal with one oak leaf cluster, Meritorious Unit Award with one oak leaf cluster, and Air Force Outstanding Unit Award with five oak leaf clusters. He was an extensive traveling enthusiast and was particularly fond of ocean journeys to exotic and tropical destinations. This passion would lead him on more than 20 cruises and platinum status with Carnival Cruises. One of John’s favorite ships was the Carnival Fantasy, home port, Charleston, S.C. John Heald, senior cruise director for Carnival, and John often shared stories and experience through Heald’s blog. One particularly interesting exchange was John’s remarks on Jan. 15, 2013, to Heald’s site: “Reading your latest blog, I was pleasantly surprised to see that Jessica Lynch is the godmother of the Carnival Miracle. You see, I am a retired Air Force pilot and was intimately involved in Jessica’s rescue operation back in the day. My partner and I will be sailing on the Carnival Miracle’s last roundtrip from New York in March (a 10-day cruise), and it will be even more special now knowing that Jessica is the godmother of the ship. - John Simeroth.” John is survived by a husband, Steven Forehand, and three children: Ryan Simeroth, Keyahnee and Juliahnah Forehand. He also leaves behind one grandchild, Venice Milan Anderson; grandmother (Nonnie) Alberta Beatty; mother, Nancy Beatty; and siblings Andrew, Anthony, Matthew and Katrina Simeroth. After retiring from the Air Force, John enjoyed volunteering for the Charleston Animal Society, Meals on Wheels, and Habitat for Humanity. John appreciated the fine arts, entertaining friends and family, and spending time with his pets, Max and Meckie (mini-canines), and his two Maine Coons, Meeko and Marty. He was a passionate fan of college football and a wholehearted Virginia Tech Hokie. One of the most important memories John shared was his love for the U.S. Air Force Academy. He was part of the chorus group and often listened to one of his favorite chorus pieces on YouTube under the title: US Air Force Academy Cadet Chorale -- High Flight, Air Force Hymn. This selection was playing for him at 9:09 p.m. as he journeyed beyond this earthly realm. (Steven Forehand, John’s husband)
Gone But Not Forgotten Notifications
Ian K. Helms, ’08 Capt. Ian K. Helms, age 30, passed away on March 31, 2016 in Bethesda, Md. due to complications from cancer. He was diagnosed with diffuse large B-cell lymphoma in August of 2015. He bravely fought for his life for the eight months from his diagnosis to his passing, with his family and friends by his side. Ian was born in Washington, D.C. Feb. 16, 1986. Ian knew he wanted to be an astronaut from the age of seven, and worked tirelessly toward that goal. He graduated as valedictorian from Mililani High School in Mililani, Hawaii, in 2004. While in high school, Ian participated on the football, cross country and track teams. He served as captain of the track team for his abilities on the track, in the classroom, and as a leader in general. Ian was named an honorary track team coach for assisting the team whenever he was home on leave. At the U.S. Air Force Academy, Ian was a member of CS-35 “Wild Weasels” and CS-22 “Raptors.” He decided to major in astronautical engineering to feed his voracious passion for space exploration and science. Ian, being as competitive as they come, made it a goal from the outset to serve as the Cadet Wing commander. He reached his goal during the fall of 2007 and executed the duties of “Wing King” with great humility and pleasure. On any given morning, you could find Ian in the halls of a random squadron helping 4-degrees review knowledge from Contrails and dropping with them for motivational pushups. The 2011, 4-degrees took such a great liking to Ian, they deemed him the “4th Core Value” and emblazoned this fact with duct tape on the Core Values Wall at the entrance of the Terrazzo battle ramp. When Ian wasn’t helping 4-degrees keep perspective or tinkering with Falcon-Sat in the astro lab, you could usually find him in his room singing. It wasn’t great singing but it was singing nonetheless. His favorites were numbers by Celine Dion and John Denver. Namely, “It’s All Coming Back to Me Now” and “Thank God I’m a Country Boy.” Before graduating in 2008, he earned the Eagle and Fledgling award. Ian was also honored to be awarded the Holaday Scholarship. He studied at Oxford University’s Exeter College for two years, where he authored his thesis titled: Effect of Non-Uniform Inlet Turbulence Distributions on High Pressure Turbine Heat Transfer, thus earning his Master of Science by Research. Following Oxford, Ian accepted a slot at ENJJPT for undergraduate pilot training. He battled an extreme case of airsickness that did not shake his resolve to become a pilot. He dropped the B1 Lancer in 2013, and was able to complete one of his lifetime goals of deploying in the defense of the nation while contributing to Operations Inherent Resolve and Freedom’s Sentinel prior to his diagnosis. Ian learned he had been invited to interview for Test Pilot School shortly before passing. Ian’s dream of becoming a member of the astronaut corps was taking form. Ian had an extremely promising future. To say the sky was the limit for him would be a severe understatement. He was truly one of the absolute finest among us and his absence came far too soon. Ian is survived by his wife, Alexandra Helms; his parents, Charles and Elizabeth Helms; and his brothers Zach, Jake and Tim Helms. Ian was a kind, well-spoken, fiercely driven person. His integrity and magnetic personality left an impression on everyone he met. He was a great partner and best friend to his wife, and is deeply missed by his family and friends. (Franco Folino, classmate and friend)
If you know of a graduate’s death, please notify the Association of Graduates by emailing customerservice@aogusafa. org or by calling (719) 472-0300. The AOG will then contact the next of kin and provide information on how to submit a Gone But Not Forgotten obituary to Checkpoints magazine. Due to editorial and print deadlines, please visit usafa.org for the most up to date information about graduate deaths. 96 · usafa.org