More info on passing of "Turk"
Announcement of his passing
99-- It is with profound sadness that I pass along to you the death of CAPT Johnny "Turk" Green last night. As many of you know, his cancer returned in early May and despite numerous (and sometimes radical) attempts to beat it back, he ultimately succumbed to it last evening with his family by his side. He and Barb made the decision in early September to go on hospice care and try to enjoy the remaining time he had left, but I don't think anyone could have anticipated the speed at which the cancer would take him.
Beloved by all, he and Barb were celebrated two weeks ago in DC by hundreds in a crowd that included both ADMs Keating and Willard. [HJ Note - this included gathering of friendson Friday night, banquet on Saturday night and cruise on former Presidential Yacht Sequoia (special meaning to Turk as his first Navy assignment when enlisted was aboard her) ]. The presence of so many great Americans was a true to testament to an incredible aviator, officer, and man.
Please keep Barb and the Green family in your thoughts and prayers and I will pass along more information about services as I get it.
VR,
Proton
99, Many of you already have heard, but we wanted to make sure everyone heard sooner rather than later:
God published his Air Plan for Turk last night. Charlie Time in heaven of 1936, we are confident that he showed up behind the ship with a bag of knots, broke well before the stern and flew a rails pass to an OK (NC) 3 wire.
"Ding, Ding, Ding, Ding, USS Theodore Roosevelt Arriving" and the angels rejoiced.
Lex Lefon posted the following well crafted remarks regarding Turk's legacy:
http://www.neptunuslex.com/2008/11/03/bbsob
http://www.neptunuslex.com/2008/11/03/bbsob/
Further information regarding services in the very near future.
Here is an update on the Green family. I just wanted to fill you in on the extraordinary way the Lord took Turk home.
Hospice was here with continual 24 hr care, and it was getting very hard on Barb to see the love of her life like this. Barb did a great job, however much it hurt. I don't know if I could do what she did. By Sun, it was very apparent that Turk was no longer Turk. Every night the nurses said it would probably be "tonight", but Turk's heart & lungs were too strong.
On Tues morning, our old pastor from Orange Park, Fl. drove down to visit with Barb. This man had meant a lot to the Green family and had a large impact on all of us. Kyle & Shannon were both here & we reminisced over great times. We prayed over Turk before both Shannon & Pastor Rod left each to their respective homes leaving just Barb, Kyle &
me. Of course, I was in the kitchen cooking up a storm. We settled back into our daily routine and both Barb & I were on the computer in the family room. About 7:25 pm - I had a strange urge to see Turk; I got up walked into Turk's room, sat down by him, and held his hand. A minute later - Barb followed. We just sat there holding his hands, talking about life. We both said how it looked as if Turk's soul was gone. This body was just a hollow shell. I then got close to his face - told him I loved him - that he was 2nd most important man in my life - & that I was going to go open a GREAT bottle of wine & have a glass for him - I reminded him that it was Barb's birthday on Friday and that it was time for him to go. I gave him a squeeze & a kiss & left the room. Barb stayed behind holding his hand, talking to him & 2 minutes later, he was gone. It was so special for her to be there at that last moment - holding his hand.
There will be two memorial services - one in Fl., Friday, 11 am, November 7th at:
First Baptist Church Tequesta, FL.
423 Tequesta Dr. (561 746-4447 church office).
There will be another in Springfield, Mo. (time & place to follow). Barb is requesting that in lieu of flowers, donation be made to either the:
University of Pittsburgh Cancer Institute and note in the memo line ESOPHAGEAL CANCER RESEARCH - in honor of John Green & send to:
UPCI Development Department
UPMC Cancer Pavilion, Suite 1B
5150 Centre Avenue
Pittsburgh, PA 15232
OR
Treasure Coast Hospice (Who took such wonderful care of both
Turk & Barb
1201 SE Indian St.
Stuart, Fl. 34997
Note in the memo line - in honor of John Green
It has been an honor to be here with John & Barb in these trying and difficult times. I know Barb & John treasured their time with each of you at the DC reunion. Not many people get to see the impact they leave on this world. It was truly a blessing for Turk to be surrounded by those who loved him. He not only inspired and motivated so many but all of us are have been enriched by his touch.
HJ Note: A perpetual scholarship in his name has already been established through the Tailhook Association:
CAPT JOHNNY L. “TURK” GREEN
LIVING SCHOLARSHIP
Sponsored by NorAD/NorthCom
with Friends and Family
Turk enlisted in the Navy in 1970, earned his
degree, his Wings of Gold and went on to command
VFA-192, Camden (AOE-2), John F. Kennedy
(CV-67) and Theodore Roosevelt (CVN-71).