Danny Showalter passed away on March 17. His widow Marilyn sent us the following e-mail the very next day. Marilyn, we are sorry for your loss and grateful for Danny’s service.
”My husband, Danny Showalter, Syracuse Mission #23, passed away last night. I am so glad he was able to make a mission before he passed. He absolutely enjoyed the day and, as a Vietnam Veteran, he was very moved by the outpouring of love and good wishes. As his guardian, I cannot give you and your team enough kudos and thanks for all YOU do to make these events as special as they are. I’ve heard about Honor Flights from other areas of the country and they do not come close to the detail, and personalization of the Mission for each Veteran.
So, please extend my most heart-felt appreciation to the entire team for providing a day he would never forget and for welcoming home a Vietnam Veteran as he should have been so many years ago.”
Danny served in the U.S. Navy from 1967 to 1972 during the Vietnam War as a Petty Officer 3rd Class (E-4) and Signalman. He was stationed aboard the USS Pitkin County (LST-1082), part of the “Brown Water Navy,” where he helped move personnel and supplies along the rivers of Vietnam.
During his service, Danny experienced both the danger and camaraderie of wartime. He took part in a rescue mission for survivors after a sister LST anchored nearby was bombed, and he also served as a gunman when his ship came under attack. Among his memories is a visit to Vung Tau during his time overseas.
After returning home, Danny continued to build a life of purpose and dedication. He went back to college, earning a degree in rehabilitation counseling, and developed skills in computer programming. Over a 35-year career, he worked for banks, health services, and other organizations across several states. In 2007, he retired and later made his home in Ithaca.
We are grateful for Danny’s service, his resilience, and his many contributions both in uniform and beyond.