From: Forrest Brandt
Dated: March 5, 2021
Subject: Joe Ciokon
Dickie:
From: Ron Hesketh
Dated: March 7, 2021
Subject: Memorial for Joe
I agree with Gary. Midway gets my vote.
Ron Hesketh
Saigon 1964-65.
From: Bill Altman
Dated: March 6, 2021
Subject: Memorial for Joe
Hi Forrest, I vote for number 3, Navy Relief.
Bill Altman
From: Randy Kafka
Dated: March 6, 2021
Subject: Memorial for Joe
Not sure how many of our group ever got to see Joe when he was working on the MIDWAY. I did, my 12 year son and I got the royal treatment with Joe as the tour guide. He loved that place. In order of precedence I would say Midway, Navy relief (used by mostly junior Sailors and USMC) then the Judo Team. No disrespect to them, but Midway and Navy Relief just strike me as Joe's most recent passions, helping young kids and "his Ship"
Just a thought. Might it be worth while to consult Mary and his daughter Lisa, a Navy Chief herself, maybe they know something that he would have preferred even more.
Randy
From: Preston Cluff
Dated: March 6, 2021
Subject: Memorial for Joe
They all look good, Forrest. I'll vote for #3.
Preston
From: Bob Morecook
Dated: March 7, 2021
Subject: Memorial for Joe
Forrest I am good for all of these.
Bob M
From: Preston Cluff
Dated: March 5, 2021
Subject: Joe Ciokon
I'm also in; whatever is decided.
Preston
From: Guy Slater
Dated: March 7, 2021
Subject: Memorial for Joe
I saw this on a Facebook feed. Mary and her children posted this about where they were requesting the following for donations. Consider her and the families requests.
Guy
FRIENDS AND FAMILY, PLEASE READ IN ITS ENTIRETY: It is with a heavy heart and deep sorrow that we announce the death of Joseph F. Ciokon, Jr. He passed away early Thursday morning, March 4th, very peacefully and surrounded by family. We will each grieve this loss differently, yet together, and we truly feel all of your love& support. We have planned FOUR separate events throughout the San Diego area to be done safely along with the Countys’ current COVID19 guidelines. Each event will have limited capacity so please keep that in mind but also, EACH EVENT WILL BE LIVE-STREAMED so that you may pay your respects where you are. This post will be edited/updated along the way for direct/correct information. -VIEWING, Date/Time TBD, Poway-Bernardo Mortuary 13243 Poway Rd, Poway, CA 92064. Limited to 25ppl inside at a time. There will be a link come Monday/Tues for online memorial posting. -MASS, Date/Time TBD, at St. Gabriel’s 13734 Twin Peaks Rd, Poway, CA 92064. Limit number of ppl is unknown at this time. -INTERMENT at the Miramar National Cemetery, Monday, April 12th at 10:00am. Private gathering. -CELEBRATION OF LIFE, Date/Time TBD, Midway Museum. Limit number of ppl is unknown at this time. Here are a few groups you may support in lieu of flowers/gifts or you may choose your own. Donate & Financials | Veterans Village of San Diego (vvsd.net) Donate | Veterans Museum at Balboa Park (veteranmuseum.net) Warrior Foundation/ Freedom Station - Help The Warrior Foundation By Donating For Veterans Military Order of the Purple Heart We could only tag so many people but please share this especially to those who may not be on social media or connected on this FB page. Many have asked for our address, please DM/PM for that information, thank you and thank you all, again, for your outpour of love and support during this time of loss.
Sincerely, Mary, Joe III, Ramon and Lisa
From: Bob Morecook
Dated: March 5, 2021
Subject: Joe Ciokon
Hi Forrest Count me in also. Is there an address [yours?] to which we might send a contribution? Shall we make out a check to you -- or wait until you identify an appropriate organization for a contribution and make it out to them?
Best wishes Bob M
From: Mike Jackson
Dated: March 5, 2021
Subject: Joe Ciokon
I'm in. FYI, I forwarded Admiral Brown's email about Joe to Ernie Gates, Ombudsman at Stars & Stripes. His response follows. MikeJ
From: Gates, Ernie <ombudsman@stripes.com> Sent: Friday, March 5, 2021 10:46 AM To: Michael Jackson <michael@infosysmarketing.com> Subject: Re: Joe Cionkin
Thanks for forwarding that message from Admiral Brown. I was unaware of Master Chief Ciokon, and I see why he's called a legend.
Ernie Gates
From: Dick Ellis
Dated: March 5, 2021
Subject: Joe Ciokon
I think Joe would love this. I think this organization reflects everything that was so great about him! I am in for whatever the group decides....dickie
From their Website:
For Sailors and Marines facing unexpected expenses such as those that occur during a natural disaster, needing help paying bills, or with an unexpected move, the Navy Marine Corps Relief Society is there to provide financial support. A lot of that financial support comes directly from service members’ donations.
The focus of the campaign is to reach every service member, to create awareness about the organization and the services it provides while also giving Sailors and Marines a chance to contribute .Established in 1904 and funded solely through donations, NMCRS is a private 501 (c) (3) non-profit organization dedicated to serving active duty and retired Sailors, Marines and their eligible family members in need throughout the world. NMCRS provides financial assistance in the form of interest free loans and grants and education, as well as other programs and services. For more information on how you can help support the Navy-Marine Corps Relief Society, go to www.nmcrs.org.
From: Ken Kalish
Dated: March 5, 2021
Subject: Joe Ciokon
I'm in. Joe loved both the Midway and Judo, so I would support either.
Ken Kalish
From: Garry Brill
Dated: March 6, 2021
Subject: Memorial for Joe
I vote #1--- gift to the Midway. Reason: I appreciated his efforts by arranging the tour and special seating for our lunch during the reunion. I discovered how much he enjoyed his volunteer duties on the Midway.
Garry Brill - Saigon 69-70
From: Forrest Brandt
Dated: March 6, 2021
Subject: Memorial for Joe
OK, time to vote.
1. Gift the Midway
2. Gift Navy Judo Team
3. Gift San Diego Navy Relief Program
Once we select where we think our salute to Joe should go, I will contact the agency and see if I can set up a way you can contribute directly to that agency in Joe’s name, eliminating the middleman - me.
Forrest
From: Guy Slater
Dated: March 7, 2021
Subject: Memorial for Joe
#3
Guy
From: Mike Kumm
Dated: March 7, 2021
Subject: Memorial for Joe
#3 - Joe was one of the most kind-hearted people I know, and would have given the shirt off his back. Let’s help those he loved....sailors in need.
Mike
From: Frank Rogers
Dated: March 6, 2021
Subject: Memorial for Joe
# 1 Maybe there would be a plaque aboard. USS Midway is #1 visited site in San Diego. Joe gave me a personal tour plus gave free tickets to my newlywed daughter, who also went aboard as a HS student when the Midway was home ported in Japan. FrankR
From: Forrest Brandt
Dated: March 5, 2021
Subject: Joe Ciokon
I’ve been asked by Bob Morecook to head a group contribution memorial to Joe. I’m guessing that it’s too late to send flowers and I haven’t been able to find his obit to see if the family had selected a charity.
Can we have a discussion to decide what we would like to do to honor Joe? I’m thinking perhaps a group donation to the Midway, or Navy Judo, would be something Joe might have wanted?
Fire away and give me your ideas and let’s see if we can get something organized before the weekend is over.
Forrest
From: Ken Kalish
Dated: March 6, 2021
Subject: Memorial for Joe
3
Ken Kalish
From: Dick Ellis
Dated: March 6, 2021
Subject: Memorial for Joe
Navy relief...help those young folks who are struggling!
From: Guy Slater
Dated: March 6, 2021
Subject: Joe Ciokon
I'm in. Let me know where to send.
Guy
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From: Dick Ellis
Dated: March 5, 2021
Subject: Joe Ciokon
Is there any organization that helps young Navy families in need....like the Navy League or something like that? Count me in whatever....
Dickie
From: Ken Kalish
Dated: March 7, 2021
Subject: Memorial for Joe
This arrived last night.
Ken Kalish
From: JOE CIOKON <joejtsu@cox.net> Sent: Wednesday, March 10, 2021 9:53 PM To: joejtsu@cox.net Subject: Joe's memorial link
A new update with the link for the Viewing next Thursday... Be well.
FRIENDS AND FAMILY, PLEASE READ IN ITS ENTIRETY (Mar10, second update):
It is with a heavy heart and deep sorrow that we announce the death of Joseph F. Ciokon, Jr. He passed away early Thursday morning, March 4th, very peacefully and surrounded by family. We will each grieve this loss differently, yet together, and we truly feel all of your love& support.
We have planned FOUR separate events throughout the San Diego area to be done safely along with the County's current COVID19 guidelines. Each event will have limited capacity so please keep that in mind but also, EACH EVENT WILL BE LIVE-STREAMED so that you may pay your respects where you are. This post will be edited/updated along the way for direct/correct information.
-VIEWING, Thursday March 18, 4pm-8pm, Poway-Bernardo Mortuary 13243 Poway Rd, Poway, CA 92064. Limited to 25ppl inside at a time but there is plenty of parking at facility and the neighboring Elk's Lodge. https://www.powaybernardomortuary.net/.../joseph-ciokon-jr is a link to continue sharing your photos/videos/memories. We are still working on a few items in it but at least it's one stationary place to gather online.
-MASS, Wednesday March 24 10:30am, at St. Gabriel’s 13734 Twin Peaks Rd, Poway, CA 92064. Limit number of ppl inside is unknown at this time, they also have a big parking lot. A link for live-feed will be available that day.
-INTERMENT at the Miramar National Cemetery, Monday, April 12th at 10:00am. Private gathering but live-feed link will be available that day.
-CELEBRATION OF LIFE, Date/Time TBD, Midway Museum. Limit number of ppl is unknown at this time and live-feed link will be available that day.
Here are a few places you may support in lieu of flowers/gifts or you may choose your own:
Donate & Financials | Veterans Village of San Diego (vvsd.net)
Donate | Veterans Museum at Balboa Park (veteranmuseum.net)
Warrior Foundation/ Freedom Station - Help The Warrior Foundation By Donating For Veterans
Military Order of the Purple Heart
We could only tag so many people but please tag others when you share this (or cut and paste), especially to those who may not be on social media or connected on this FB page. Many have asked for our address, please Direct Message/Private Message for that information, thank you and thank you all, again, for your outpour of love and support during this time of loss.
Sincerely,
Mary, Joe III, Ramon and Lisa
From: Ken Kalish
Dated: March 6, 2021
Subject: Mary and Joe
Lila just talked to Mary. Mary is moving today back to their home. Lila did not ask about arrangements because Mary is still rather emotional. They will talk again tomorrow.
Ken
From: Bill Altman
Dated: March 5, 2021
Subject: Joe Ciokon
Hi Forrest, I’m in too. Let me know where to send a check. Thanks for heading up this group response. Joe was certainly one of the good guys. Sad about his passing.
Bill Altman AFRS news 1965
Joe Ciokon - Contributions/Fund in Memory of (Page 1)
March 2021
AFVN Group Conversations
From: Jim White
Dated: March 5, 2021
Subject: Joe Ciokon
Joe's last name is spelled CIOKON and CIONKIN. Please correct in future forwarded messages.
I'm trying to get things together for a "TAPS" page. Send anything you think worth including.
Jim W, Webmaster
From: Randy Kafka
Dated: March 5, 2021
Subject: Joe Ciokon
Dickie/Forrest,
Navy Relief is an organization that usually works with the younger Sailors....fitting as Joe also worked quite hard to help the young men and women of our Navy. Just a thought. I am sure there is an office in San Diego.
hang tuff,
randy
From: Forrest Brandt
Dated: March 5, 2021
Subject: Joe Ciokon
Hold on till tomorrow. Then we can vote which way we want to go and I’ll try and set up a way to identify the group’s donations.
From: Forrest Brandt
Dated: March 7, 2021
Subject: Memorial for Joe
Thanks to Mike Kümm (sorry about the accent marks, spell check is insistent) for spotting Joe’s obit. It looks like the family has selected Veterans Village, San Diego and that most of us decided that giving to a charity supporting vets was the best choice. I will contact VVSD tomorrow and see if we can set up an exclusive channel for gifts from AFVN. I will also contact the Midway and ask if there’s a plaque or a plank that honors Joe and what we might do to help.
Forrest
PS don’t expect a follow up message before 11 est. gotta give the left coast time to sleep in.