Loss of a CO4x4 Member

[Vertster]

I'm sure many of you know our dear friend and fellow CO4X4 member, John Shaw Vaughan or "Hurc". At 0700 this morning, his sister called me to say that he was killed in action yesterday (Wednesday) in Mosul, Iraq. Lt John Shaw Vaughan was in the 172nd Stryker Brigade Combat Team based in Fairbanks, AK and he had just been in Iraq about a month, on the streets, where it's most dangerous. John was proud to be in the Army, and of his tour in Iraq. He was very positive about his work and the people there and was writing regularly, posting his pics on photobucket.com. I think he'd like his friends to share his photo album. When he graduated from Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University, I gave him a plastic "Jimmy Neutron" in the jet for fun. Jimmy had made the run from Colorado, to Daytona, to the Artic Circle, and on to Iraq as seen in his album. John always could find fun in whatever he was doing and he brightened any place he went.
http://smg.photobucket.com/albums/v227/Hurc/Iraq/ (http://smg.photobucket.com/albums/v227/Hurc/Iraq/)

From his letters, and when I last spoke with him about a week ago, things were fairly calm with few, random drive by pot shots from what he said were "few and far in-between" bad guys. I went up to Edwards, CO today to see his family and to offer what support I could. John and I were very close and he was like a son to me. We'd become friends through our love of Jeepsters and wheeling and had become like family over the past several years. John took the AVATAR pic on my CO4x4 ID when we last wheeled Holy Cross together.

John's family met with the Army reps today and will be flown back to the U.S. in the next few days. The actual day is still tenative. A small, private memorial service is planned for his family's home in Edwards, CO over the weekend (?) and the military funeral serices will be held after, in Florida, where John will most likely be laid to rest near his grandfather. The details are still not quite firm.

I hope you will all join me in prayer for him and his family. We're proud of his service and we are all better to have known John for his positive outlook, his great sense of humor, and seeing the good in everyone.
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v227/Hurc/Random/untitled.bmp

God Bless you, Lt. John. We will miss you.

[Snotty]

:( :ribbon:

[Joker]

Wow:(...hard to believe.

Really sorry to hear this.

:usa:

[Steve]

I knew John well and spoke with him right before he headed over there. I helped him build his new Jeepster after he rolled the old one on Potato Salad Hill, and we wheeled Holy Cross together several times. Just looked at his albums you linked Vertster; a bunch of the pics in the "rollover rebuild" album were taken in my garage.

This really SUCKS. :( I'm gonna miss him a lot.

Rest in Peace, John. :usa:

[Malamute]

This sucks. I never met him, but he seemed like a great guy.

Prayers going out to his family......

[ThePagan]

http://www.colorado4x4.org/vbb/images/smilies/co4x4/flagribbon.gif

[Jim B]

Horrible news :( . R.I.P.
:usa:

[creepycrawler]

That really sucks. I didn't know him either other than from reading his posts about rolling & rebuilding his rig. I admired the way he got it back together so quickly after the roll. He was obviously a hard working guy & now knowing that he was also in the military searving his/our country, I really wish I would have had a chance to meet him & shake his hand. Prayers for his family.

:(

[Frank Z]

We'll keep him, and all of his comrades in our thoughts and prayers.

:usa:

[otisdog]

That's sad. I remember the video of him rolling and then watching as he put his rig back together. This stuff is just hard to believe sometimes. I wonder if it will ever end.
jim

[sames]

I didn't have the pleasure of knowing him. May God be with him and his family.

[Tiffany]

I'm sitting here crying, in shock...

RIP in peace Hurc :(

My thoughts and prayers are with his family and friends
http://www.colorado4x4.org/vbb/images/smilies/co4x4/flagribbon.gif

[Brian1]

Im sorry to hear this. I met him briefly last year in Moab and got to see the beautiful job he did rebuilding his Jeepster. RIP :(

[DaJudge]

I didn't have the pleasure of knowing him. May God be with him and his family.

X 2. R.I.P. :( :(

[Vinman]

Wow, much sympathy to the family! will defiantely keep them in my thoughts and prayers :usa:

[Frank Z]

I just realized that Hurc's rig once again made it into JP magazine. Page 34 of the July, 2006 issue.

Below is the message I sent the editor....

I thought you should know the the owner (John Shaw Vaughan) of the rolled Jeepster shown in the July, 2006 Issue of your magazine killed in action yesterday (Wednesday) in Mosul, Iraq. Below you will find a link to the thread at www.Colorado4x4.org.

http://www.colorado4x4.org/vbb/showthread.php?p=481438#post481438


I would respectfully ask that you print a notice in your magazine regarding the loss of this young man. He's was one of our own that died defending our way of life and the promise of freedom for the Iraqi people.

Respectfully,
Frank Z.

[oleblue]

I didn't have the pleasure of knowing him. May God be with him and his family.

X ?.

I only knew him via his posts on here too, but my prayers are with his family and friends.

May he R.I.P.

:usa:

[HillBillyMan]

:( I hate that.

[freestyle_6981]

R.I.P. LT, I salute you. May God be with you and your family.

[Breck4x4[John]]

X100 this is so sad, his family and friends will all be in my prayers.:ribbon:

He is a pic he took heading to Moab for EJS 05 before his roll @ potato salad hill.
http://thumb0.webshots.com/t/38/39/3/14/71/2376314710047690580WdwRWB_th.jpg (http://community.webshots.com/photo/2376314710047690580WdwRWB)

[bsaunder]

wow - I never had the honor of meeting him, but feel like I somewhat knew him through the board. He died serving his country and helping others - my thoughts go out to his family and friends...

[Yucca-Man]

Rest In Peace LT, and many thanks to you and yours...

Semper Fi,
Jim

[knobby97]

The loss of anyone is a tragedy but it is even worse when it is so close to home. I've lost two classmates from college and several close friends in Iraq since OIF I. Even with this I can't imagine the sorrow felt by John's family. My thoughts and prayers go out his family and friends, may God bless his soul and he rest in peace.

[JeepGirl]

:( My condolences to his family. :(

[Mike.Holmes]

That's sad. I remember the video of him rolling and then watching as he put his rig back together. This stuff is just hard to believe sometimes. I wonder if it will ever end.
jim

this is exactly what i remember as well. the before and after rear view mirror pics of the rig (pre-roll, post-roll) on the trailer were priceless. :)

i never met him, but none the less i appreciate his and his family's sacrifice.

[ToyRunner1]

Damnit. I spoke with John many times on the board, and then had the pleasure of meeting him when my daughter and son in law purchased his Tacoma. We were supposed to go wheeling when he got back. I believe I also met you Vertster?? John's family will be in our prayers. He was a tribute to his country :usa: Rest In Peace John :ribbon:

[rubbersidedown]

:( . . . at a loss for words, I wish I could express what the lump in my throat can not.

R.I.P

[trailbuilt]

Wow this hits home...Never met him,But he had A great sense of humor and his before and after pics from his moab roll were the best Ive seen...

Best wishes to his faimly.

Support our troops:usa: :ribbon:

[starbreaker666]

:ribbon: :usa:

Damn. Never knew him but from those two pics of him going to moab and then him again coming back with the same shot but all smashed up. Wife and I got a good chuckle at his great expression. He will be missed.

[spacely]

:( :ribbon: my condolenses to his family and friends

[Colin]

god damn it, im sick of this war

I wish I had the honor of meeting this man, but I didn't and now never will.

R.I.P.

:ribbon:

[OlBlueCJ7]

Like many from this board, I never had the privilege of meeting John in person, but would consider him a friend if we ever met, due solely to the way he presented himself here.

My heart sank when I read this thread - John will truely be missed. May he rest in peace.

:usa: :ribbon: :usa:

[Shifty]

R.I.P. John

[planefixer]

:( R.I.P. Lt. :(

[MountainJeep]

Dammit.

no words.

sadness....

[vb]

http://www.aboutpubliclands.com/jeepinwithvb/head_bowed.jpg

[thomjpster]

God's speed Hurc
:ribbon:

[POS owner]

We'll keep him, and all of his comrades in our thoughts and prayers.

:usa:
x2

[jtw2]

I'm so sorry to hear this. Prayers out to his family and friends. Sounds like a guy I would have liked to know.

[Jeepplr]

I just realized that Hurc's rig once again made it into JP magazine. Page 34 of the July, 2006 issue.

Below is the message I sent the editor....

I thought you should know the the owner (John Shaw Vaughan) of the rolled Jeepster shown in the July, 2006 Issue of your magazine killed in action yesterday (Wednesday) in Mosul, Iraq. Below you will find a link to the thread at www.Colorado4x4.org.

http://www.colorado4x4.org/vbb/showthread.php?p=481438#post481438


I would respectfully ask that you print a notice in your magazine regarding the loss of this young man. He's was one of our own that died defending our way of life and the promise of freedom for the Iraqi people.

Respectfully,
Frank Z.


Very well said.

May God welcome him into His Kingdom and comfort his family.

[Rick]

Wow! This hits close to home. I talked to him back then when I was looking into buying his black Toyota truck that he was selling here a few months ago... RIP Herc!

[Vertster]

Toyrunner- Yes, we met when John sold you the Tacoma. It was only a few days after that John left for Alaska where he spent a few short weeks before heading to El Paso for his pre deployment orientation (?)..... or was it to acclimate him and the troops to the heat of the hellhole they were headed for?

The family appreciates his 4x4 community friends and as expected, are experiencing the full range of emotions. I personally feel robbed, angry, sad and horrified. Yet when I look at his photo album and see that Jimmy Neutron on his knee. I crack up laughing. He told me that "Jimmy" would ride on the Stryker with him, and i'm sure he did, saying
"Gotta Blast!"

Frank, thanks for sending the note to JP mag. They can contact me for any additional pics if you hear back. PM me for my contact info. John touched many lives in his short years wheeling this planet and I know that thousands would know Hurc from that series of rollover pics.

Before I post any addresses where you can send cards of support etc., or phone numbers, let me clear it with his mom. As we all know, it's not just "us good folks" who pay attention to the web. I'll provide an update in the AM.

For John's mom and the entire family,Thank you all for your loving support.

Joe Horvath

[Frank Z]

No problem. I just felt that getting the word out was the right thing to do. If I do hear anything I'll pass it on ASAP.

[Jefe]

WOW! My stomach knotted up when I saw this!! I never met him in person, but, talked with him through PM's. wow. I just saw his Jeep in the latest JP just yesterday and made me think of those before and after pic's from moab.

My prayers are with his friends and family.

Jeff

[CLYDE]

I just spent the evening with 3 returned marines, celebrating their safe return, we lifted shot glasses to them that returned, and those that havent, I never met hurc, but I gotta tell ya, im sittin here with tears in my eyes as I type, I dunno whatr to say, I really would have liked to have known ya, maybe got the chance to welcome you home wityh a bottle of crown like i did my boys tonight, my condolences to the family, please somebody pass that along from the father of a marine, who is so very proud of our boys over there, God, i am so sorry for their loss, I have imagined the scenario so many times..........

[TerryHowe]

Sorry to hear that. Never met him, but those Moab pictures showed uncommon brilliance. I'll never forget that.

[Gunter]

argh! the agony,the heartbreak,the emptyness.words really do not do justice to the event,or the feelings.war is a great many things,and a waste of men and machinery is right at the top of the list.so many gone,so many things left unsaid,undone.births,graduations,friends,great times--that will be still,but with others,and not with him in his circle of friends and family.i suppose one can take small comfort in his passing,it was in an endeavour of his own free will,and choosing to serve is no small matter.we have so much because they died for us to be and stay free,we must always be mindful and thankful of the price paid.
our condolences to his family and friends from my family and me.

[Eagle]

Never forget that freedom isn't free...and never stop thanking god for those who sacrifice themselves for us. Many good men like John have given their lives to protect us.

[formatt]

i met John a few times.. super nice kid. his dry sense of humor stuck with me.

really hits close to home... we'll keep him in our thoughts..

[Myredyota]

I never had the honor of meeting Hurc, but my prayers go out to his family for their/our loss.

http://www.imagestation.com/picture/sraid166/p7043dcb3998c9b869b26101f9fb621c6/f45b7328.jpg

[Mack]

.

I remember his threads and great personality.

RIP, you were a good man and fought for a better America, and we will never forget.

[ColoradoSkier]

Didn't know he was an ERAU grad. The world gets smaller every day. I wonder how many of my alums are over there...

[thomjpster]

Let's never forget why he and others risk their lives for us.

http://www.dem.com/ajcec/brian/

We were all deeply saddened to hear of the passing of our friend and comrade Brian D. Sweeney in connection with the attack on the New York City World Trade Center.


http://www.dem.com/ajcec/brian/images/briansjeepster.jpg

R.I.P. my friends

[Snotty]

I just realized that Hurc's rig once again made it into JP magazine. Page 34 of the July, 2006 issue.

Below is the message I sent the editor....

I thought you should know the the owner (John Shaw Vaughan) of the rolled Jeepster shown in the July, 2006 Issue of your magazine killed in action yesterday (Wednesday) in Mosul, Iraq. Below you will find a link to the thread at www.Colorado4x4.org (http://www.Colorado4x4.org).

http://www.colorado4x4.org/vbb/showthread.php?p=481438#post481438


I would respectfully ask that you print a notice in your magazine regarding the loss of this young man. He's was one of our own that died defending our way of life and the promise of freedom for the Iraqi people.

Respectfully,
Frank Z.

Everytime I open this thread, I feel like someone just kicked me in the gut. I too had sent in an email to JP last night after reading this, and hope they can do something. I will also let you know if I hear anything in reponse.

[Newdad]

I didn't know the man either but I saw his picture in the local paper this morning and imediately recognized him from the pictures he posted of himself after he rolled his jeepster last year. Thought some of you would like to see the article:
http://vaildaily.com/article/20060608/NEWS/60608010
To any of you who knew him, I'm very sorry for your loss.
-Michael

[Sound_Man]

My condolences to his family and friends. I never met him but I am sure he was a good guy. I hope that his family and friends find a way to get through this hard time.

Please include me in the message with information to send a card or flowers or whatever his parents decide they want to do.

[82'CJ7]

Tears roll down my face reading and looking at his pics. :(

Didn't know him but may you rest in peace. May all are soldiers rest in peace. :ribbon: :usa:

[DT]

Everytime I open this thread, I feel like someone just kicked me in the gut.
X2. Only knew him from the board, but still very sad. RIP :ribbon:

[ksperle]

Very sad. I remember thinking what a sense of humor he had about rolling his beautiful Jepster in Moab because of his before and after pics in his truck. He will definately be missed.

RIP John

[Steve]

I'm still trying to come to terms with this, and it's not easy. Kathy and I knew him well and he'd been to our house a few times. After my reply last night I showed Kathy the thread; it was not a good evening or night at our place.

For those of you that didn't know John, I can tell you that he was one of the most honest, sincere people I've ever met. He would do anything for anybody, and was someone you could always count on. He's one of those people who anyone would have been extremely proud to have had as a brother, son, or friend, and I can say that I'm better for having known him. Damn, it's hard typing this through the tears... :(

I've talked to Joe, who started this thread, and we'll be at the memorial service on Sunday. One of us will let his family know about this thread and how John touched so many lives.

Rest in Peace John. Heaven's a better place with you in it.

[longboy]

Damnit. :(

[Waifer2112]

']X100 this is so sad, his family and friends will all be in my prayers.:ribbon:

He is a pic he took heading to Moab for EJS 05 before his roll @ potato salad hill.
http://thumb0.webshots.com/t/38/39/3/14/71/2376314710047690580WdwRWB_th.jpg (http://community.webshots.com/photo/2376314710047690580WdwRWB)

With this pic., I now remember some of his posts. He seemed to have a great sense of humor, though I never met him.

R.I.P. John, you deserve it. :usa:

[Cut Up '75]

R.I.P. John, I met him a few times, great guy, as I looked through his pics I found it hard to hold back tears.....My thoughts and prayers and with John and his family...

[CSP]

For those of you that didn't know John, I can tell you that he was one of the most honest, sincere people I've ever met. He would do anything for anybody, and was someone you could always count on. He's one of those people who anyone would have been extremely proud to have had as a brother, son, or friend, and I can say that I'm better for having known him.

You hit the nail right on the head Steve. I'm very proud to have known John and deeply saddened by his death. He was truly one of the good guys and was extremely proud to be serving his country.

RIP Hurc!

[ccondrey]

I never would have thought that I could feel this empty and sad for the loss of someone I never met - like many I just 'knew' him on the board.

My thoughts and prayers go out to his family and friends.

[JKTODD]

Our prayers are with him and his family...

Sincerely
Dunbar family.

[Digger]

I just know he's giving us the CO4x4 salute from upstairs :flipoff2:
R.I.P. Hurc. :hail:

[Dirty 30]

:( Wow.

Although I never met him in person, I feld like I did...having rolled the Dirty 30 down Pot Salad the day after Hurc, I first saw the "To and From Moab" thread back home with a wrecked Jeep on a trailer in the front yard.

I remember his last posts - pics of his old flattie...and remember a reply he made that he wished he could go to Moab for EJS...

Hurc, I'll be thinkin about ya this weekend wheelin

To his family, if they read this, God Bless You and my sympathies.

:usa:

[Chris Overacker]

I heard the news this morning in a phone call from Joe. My heart sank and I'm choking-up as I type this.

R.I.P John

My prayers are flowing for his family.

[JeepTherapy]

I met John about 6 years ago at a Jeepster Rally in Dillon. I remember that he was the one who did a lot of work organizing and putting together that event. There were about 30-40 Jeepsters there at the event. I was not able to take mine there due to it only being a rolling chassis at the time. I parked right next to John and spent some time talking with him during that event. I have kept track of him through this website and the American Jeepster Club website over the past several years. Although quite young when I first met him, he struck me as a great person. He was easy going and very sociable. His first Jeepster was not very built at that time and only had 33" tires on it and he did not know as much about the Jeepsters as some of the other guys did, yet he was willing to share his knowledge with others without coming across as being an elitist. I am in shock and saddened to hear about his death, the second to the American Jeepster Club since prior to the start of the war. I saw a red Jeepster in Moab last month and did a double take as I thought it was Hurcules, but of course, it was not.

My condolences to his family, friends and those whose lives he did not touch. I feel blessed to have had my life touched by his presence and know that he is in a far much better place.

Kevin

[Wally]

I don't know what to say, I've met Hurc once and talked to him countless times through the board here, I'm so SADDENED to hear this news, I think Steve summed up perfectly what kind of person Hurc was :beer: I've been sitting here for 10 minutes tearing up with a soar throat trying to figure out what to say and cannot come up with anything other than i am SO SORRY to hear this news and want his family to know how many lives he really has touched in such a positive way :thumbsup:

We Will Miss You HURC!!!!! :beer:

[KINSPINZ]

Sorry to hear about this. My prayers to him and his family. His posts always made me laugh. And wont forget his potatoe salad hill story.

Mike

[Wally]

In an effort to put a smile on everyone's face for a moment, i thought i would post these two pics up. I have never laughed so hard as time when Hurc first posted these after last years Jeep Safari :beer:

I-70 West Bound March 24
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v227/Hurc/Moab%20EJS%20Roll%20in%20Jeepster/DSCN0929.jpg

I-70 East March 25
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v227/Hurc/Moab%20EJS%20Roll%20in%20Jeepster/DSCN1035.jpg

[trailbuilt]

Nice Wally, It worked for me!

Damn

[garage art]

i remember laughing at those pictures and feeling sooooo bad for him at the same time. then i was amazed at how quickly he put the jeepster back together. the way he didnt seem to let the mishap get him down was quite inspiring. i never met the Man, just followed his jeepster saga on this board, admiration just doesnt seem to be a strong enough word, but i cant think of one that is. He is in my prayers and i wish the best for his family during this hard time

[Steve]

Those pics always make me laugh; that has to be one of the best threads that's ever been here.

i remember laughing at those pictures and feeling sooooo bad for him at the same time. then i was amazed at how quickly he put the jeepster back together. the way he didnt seem to let the mishap get him down was quite inspiring.
The Jeepster he rolled was toast with no way to rebuild it. Someone here (not sure who) in Montrose gave him a very rough "new" one. When he picked it up he came to the house where we did most of the major body work, then he took it to his place. He worked on it every day for many hours a day. I went up and helped him several times with it until it was done. You're right, he didn't let it get him down and the time and effort he put into building the new one was amazing. Unfortunately he didn't get to wheel the new one much before he had to head to Alaska.

We had a Holy Cross run scheduled together in September when he got back. Maybe I'll still do that run...

[Tiffany]

Wally you made me chuckle.

I spent last night in a fog. I think I had only really talked with John a handful of times through the board, but his personality came through every message loud and clear.

I have other friends, whom I am very close to over in Iraq, but John's death just seems so close.

[trailbuilt]

We had a Holy Cross run scheduled together in September when he got back. Maybe I'll still do that run...

we should do that run in his memory..

if it gets to big we could run in 2 days in groups

[Mikes_78CJ7]

R.i.p.

[Eric]

I logged on this morning (from Europe mind you) to find the sad news :( I wasn't one of the fortunate ones who got to meet John, and knew him only through these forums. I'm sorry that I won't get that chance and that I can't be there to attend his service. My thoughts and prayers are with his family.

I feel how weak and fruitless must be any word of mine which should attempt to beguile you from the grief of a loss so overwhelming. But I cannot refrain from tendering you the consolation that may be found in the thanks of the Republic they died to save.

I pray that our Heavenly Father may assuage the anguish of your bereavement, and leave you only the cherished memory of the loved and lost, and the solemn pride that must be yours to have laid so costly a sacrifice upon the altar of freedom.

Yours, very sincerely and respectfully,

A. Lincoln

[jdogg4]

Man I saw this a bit ago and just keep re-reading it. Still in shock. I can't say I've ever wheeled or met him at a M&G for I've met alot of guys but it still just a shocker at this point.

I thank him for his service for the freedom of what we have here in the U.S.

RIP in peace Hurc.

[Whitey]

I just saw this through the link Steve put up in staging area about 21 rd.

This is unbeliveably sad. I've had and still have sons in the military and you never know when tragedy will hit home.

My condolences are heartfelt to all who knew him. :(

[Sound_Man]

We had a Holy Cross run scheduled together in September when he got back. Maybe I'll still do that run...

I would be there.

[Yota]

His family and friends are in our prayers.

I hold a deep sense of gratitude for all those who fight for this country and I honor their memory.

Thank you, John. May God rest you and comfort your family.

:usa:

[vb]

9 news made mention of his death and life. they actually showed 3 pictures of him.
:ribbon:

[Haire Ball]

http://www.9news.com/acm_news.aspx?OSGNAME=KUSA&IKOBJECTID=bb42a239-0abe-421a-01e6-9dd93dacb7fa&TEMPLATEID=0c76dce6-ac1f-02d8-0047-c589c01ca7bf


RIP friend; we'll miss you!

[Haire Ball]

http://www.colorado4x4.org/vbb/showthread.php?t=1828

Does anyone know if the girl pictured is someone significant?
Is there anything we can do to help?

-Steve

[YJgirl]

:ribbon: :usa: :(

[Vertster]

The young lady in the photo was one of John's many friends. Carl Sagan couldn't have kept track of the women that John had on each arm wherever he went. He was just a very likeable guy and the ladies did like him.

I believe the Rocky Mountain News interviewed his family today so there may be something Saturday in the paper.

-Joe

[Mike Boyle]

I did have the pleasure of meeting John (I gave him the body he used to rebuild Hurc) and can't believe he's gone! Thank you for your service and dedication. :ribbon:
Rest in Peace Lt. John. :usa: You will be missed!

[josh]

**** that sucks

[Guammy]

I've never met him but saw the picture in JP magazine and reminded me of his thread.
VERY SAD.... RIP Hurc :(

[Tiffany]

http://www.rockymountainnews.com/drmn/local/article/0,1299,DRMN_15_4765148,00.html

[Jeepngirl]

I am so saddened by this young mans passing. While we never had the opportunity to meet him, I remember his to and from Moab thread, and the pics. I will be keeping his family in my prayers.

[kevin1A]

r.i.p

[Rex Ashton]

:( :ribbon:

Wow, pretty shocked...been away from the board for a few days....It really saddens me to hear this.

Thank you for all you did for us, Hurc....Rest in Peace

[jimminyC]

It's always a reality check in my life when someone close to home loses their life. I didnt ever meet the man, but i can sit here and think of all if you who did and in a very small small way, grieve with you. I'm reminded of how temporary this life is and how i need to treat "today" with value. Guys...kiss your wives tonight, hug your children, tell your family and friends you love them. -We are blessed, we have so much, but it all can be gone in a second. Lets remember John and all the others who fight for us. They defend us whether we live in gratitude, or not. Lets live as thankful people:.

[creepycrawler]

It's always a reality check in my life when someone close to home loses their life. I didnt ever meet the man, but i can sit here and think of all if you who did and in a very small small way, grieve with you. I'm reminded of how temporary this life is and how i need to treat "today" with value. Guys...kiss your wives tonight, hug your children, tell your family and friends you love them. -We are blessed, we have so much, but it all can be gone in a second. Lets remember John and all the others who fight for us. They defend us whether we live in gratitude, or not. Lets live as thankful people:.


Very well said.

[Wally]

Just saw Hurc on the 5:00pm news here in Grand Junction, they showed the picture of him in Iraq, looking totally PSYCHED :thumbsup: It made me smile to see such a great man recognized through out the entire state of Colorado. Once again THANK YOU for all of you done :beers:

[Rockcrawler3]

:ribbon: R.I.P.
I hate to see someone get killed in Iraq. I am praying for their family.

:usa:

[Badaboom]

I remember this MOAB thread, and the pics also.

RIP Patriot

To Soon Gone to Long Forgotten

[Hurc]

I'm John Vaughan's sister, Becca.

I want you to know that the support of this board was incredible. He talked about different users that guided him as a built and rebuilt his jeepster.

He was an incredible man and he'll be my hero forever.

Thanks for the wonderful support.

Love Always and Happy Jeepin',
Becca

[THE STRANGER]

Great Condolences from the family of a fellow veteran.

[al24]

Sorry for your loss.

[CritterZuk]

Prayers to the family. :ribbon:

[virden]

i never met him but as a soldier i hate hearing about losing another brother my heart goes out to the family and all those close to him

Fallen Soldier
A Soldier has fallen
He will not be forgotten
His spirit dwells in those
Whose lives he touched
He has lead us
He has taught us
He has shown us the way
He gave us all of himself
Because he was made that way
He gave birth to an idea
That will never go away
He did this all
To save us some day
As all heroes do

by CW3 Roque Gonzalez

http://www.elburn.il.us/hello/1162825/640/Soldier_s_Prayer-2005.11.09-06.24.16.jpg

And when he gets to heaven
To St. Peter he shall tell
One more soldier reporting, sir
I've served my time in hell

[00JeepGCwyo]

:ribbon: :usa:

J,j.

[JeepTherapy]

I remember John having a bunch of these stickers made up for the people in the American Jeepster Club. He sold them to us for the cost it took to produce them even though he could have easily made a profit on them. I am glad there was a nice service for him and hope that the lives he touched will continue to have the same impact on others around them as he did on ours.

I found this link to the memorial service they had for him earlier today:

http://vaildaily.com/apps/pbcs.dll/misc?url=/mal/zoom.pbs&Site=VD&Date=20060611&Category=NEWS&ArtNo=106110038&Ref=V2

And this one that talks about his life:

http://vaildaily.com/article/20060608/NEWS/60608011

Kevin

[BeastXJ]

Condolences to the family. :usa: :ribbon:

[DaJudge]

Today's Denver Post (http://www.denverpost.com/news/ci_3926717).

[Janky]

I did not know this man, but I had read his posts when he rolled his Jeepster in Moab, he seemed like a nice guy.

All in all I have nothing but respect for a person like him that puts their life on the line for my country and family. Rest in Piece John. Thank you for your service.

[Janky]

We had a Holy Cross run scheduled together in September when he got back. Maybe I'll still do that run...

Can we make this a trail run to remeber him and what he had done for our country? I would like to show my gratitude for him in some way. This is the way we had related to him most often (four wheeling).

[SuperRanger]

I am very sorry to hear this news. My brother Roger told me a couple nights ago and it has weighed heavy on my mind.

Thanks for making the ultimate sacrifice to protect our way of life.

[firefighter184]

God Rest his soul, and may his bravery and sacrifice never be forgotten.

[Trango]

Just got the casualty report. Copying this from email:




U.S. Department of Defense
Office of the Assistant Secretary of Defense (Public Affairs)
News Release

On the Web: http://defenselink.mil/releases/2006/nr20060612-13230.html
Media Contact: Army Public Affairs - (703) 692-2000


IMMEDIATE RELEASE No. 539-06
June 12, 2006

DoD Identifies Army Casualty

The Department of Defense announced today the death of a soldier who was supporting Operation Iraqi Freedom.



2nd Lt. John S. Vaughan, 23, of Edwards, Colo., died in Mosul, Iraq, on June 7, when he encountered enemy small arms fire during a dismounted combat operations. Vaughan was assigned to the Army's 2nd Battalion, 1st Infantry Regiment, 172nd Stryker Brigade Combat Team, Fort Wainwright, Alaska.



For further information related to this release, contact Army Public Affairs at (703) 692-2000.

[OlBlueCJ7]

I found this over on Pirate in a somewhat unrelated thread, and thought it was quite fitting:

THE FINAL INSPECTION

The Soldier stood and faced God,
Which must always come to pass.
He hoped his shoes were shining,
Just as brightly as his brass.

"Step forward now, Soldier,
How shall I deal with you?
Have you always turned the other cheek?

To My Church have you been true?"
The soldier squared his shoulders and said,
"No, Lord, I guess I ain't.
Because those of us who carry guns,
Can't always be a saint.

I've had to work most Sundays,
And at times my talk was tough.
And sometimes I've been violent,
Because the world is awfully rough.

But, I never took a penny,
That wasn't mine to keep...
Though I worked a lot of overtime,
When the bills got just too steep.

And I never passed a cry for help,
Though at times I shook with fear.
And sometimes, God, forgive me,
I've wept unmanly tears.

I know I don't deserve a place,
Among the people here.
They never wanted me around,
Except to calm their fears.

If you've a place for me here, Lord,
It needn't be so grand.
I never expected or had too much,
But if you don't, I'll understand.

There was a silence all around the throne,
Where the saints had often trod.
As the Marine waited quietly,
For the judgment of his God.

"Step forward now, you Soldier,
You've borne your burdens well.
Walk peacefully on Heaven's streets,
You've done your time in Hell."

~Author Unknown~

:usa: :ribbon: :usa:

[sames]

http://www.strykernews.com/

A personal friend is in the same outfit as John. Here is a link some of you may want to check out.

[ccondrey]

Does anyone have access to John's high resolution versions of his pictures?

Like others on the board, I emailed this thread and the news to the editors at JP magazine, as I'd just seen John's jeep in the most recent issue. In particular, I sent them links to John's classic 'going to moab' and 'coming back from moab' pics that we all know and love. The editor at JP said that the pics were too small for print and asked for the high resolution images. Anyway, thought it would be nice to see him honored in the mag again.

-c

[Steve]

Does anyone have access to John's high resolution versions of his pictures?
-c
I don't know what resolution or size he took the originals in, but he uploaded the originals here. (http://smg.photobucket.com/albums/v227/Hurc/Moab%20EJS%20Roll%20in%20Jeepster/)

BTW, for those of you who have PM'd me and responded in this thread that we should do a HC run in September, that will probably happen. I talked to John's mom at the memorial service yesterday about that. She's never been on that trail but knew that it was John's favorite. She asked if she can go with us in September and scatter John's ashes at the top. As it gets a little closer and plans come together we'll post about it in the Staging Area.

[ccondrey]

I don't know what resolution or size he took the originals in, but he uploaded the originals here. (http://smg.photobucket.com/albums/v227/Hurc/Moab%20EJS%20Roll%20in%20Jeepster/)

Yeah, those are the ones I sent to JP that they said were too small. I know when I take photos I keep a set at the max res (like 3000kb per pic) and then I create another lower res set for the web (like 150kb per pic). They'd probably be tough to track down, but I thought I'd give it a shot.

[Snotty]

I don't know what resolution or size he took the originals in, but he uploaded the originals here. (http://smg.photobucket.com/albums/v227/Hurc/Moab%20EJS%20Roll%20in%20Jeepster/)

BTW, for those of you who have PM'd me and responded in this thread that we should do a HC run in September, that will probably happen. I talked to John's mom at the memorial service yesterday about that. She's never been on that trail but knew that it was John's favorite. She asked if she can go with us in September and scatter John's ashes at the top. As it gets a little closer and plans come together we'll post about it in the Staging Area.

Please keep us posted, we would very much like to go.

[Trango]

Reading that obit just freaking killed me. So, so sad.

[nomo4x4]

I've been out of state since Thursday to come home and see this...:( Damn that sucks to hear. I also never met him, but many thanks for fighting for our country. Most of all, rest in peace brother... :usa:

[gjk5]

My condolences and prayers to his family.:(


Those two before and after pics of the Potato Salad incident have entertained me many times.

[jeepinwelch]

:ribbon: :usa: R.I.P.

[Aaron]

:usa: R.I.P.

[vb]

Yeah, those are the ones I sent to JP that they said were too small. I know when I take photos I keep a set at the max res (like 3000kb per pic) and then I create another lower res set for the web (like 150kb per pic). They'd probably be tough to track down, but I thought I'd give it a shot.

his sister posted up here under his screen name . maybe she has access to the larger shots? i wonder if he had photo albums out there some where with larger res images?

[Steve]

his sister posted up here under his screen name . maybe she has access to the larger shots? i wonder if he had photo albums out there some where with larger res images?
I doubt it. Most digicams can be set to different image size/resolutions. I know on mine I have it set to a fairly small/low res image size so that it doesn't fill the memory card up so fast. John emailed me pics in the past, which were the same size as the ones I gave the link to, so I suspect that's what he had his camera set to. I know he also usually uploaded pics soon after taking them to the web site, so those are probably it.

[DaJudge]

BTW, for those of you who have PM'd me and responded in this thread that we should do a HC run in September, that will probably happen. I talked to John's mom at the memorial service yesterday about that. She's never been on that trail but knew that it was John's favorite. She asked if she can go with us in September and scatter John's ashes at the top. As it gets a little closer and plans come together we'll post about it in the Staging Area.

I would be honored to go on that run.

[Tiffany]

Steve I will do whatever I have to so I will be ready for that run.

[Frank Z]

I would be honored to go on that run.Count me in as well.

[Rockcrawler3]

Read today newspaper in Daytona Beach News Journal this morning with picture of him. He went to Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University last year here in Daytona Beach.

http://www.news-journalonline.com/NewsJournalOnline/News/EastVolusia/evlEAST03061206.htm

I could join with yall on honor trail run if I am in Colorado.

[Vertster]

I have to apologize for not having this up sooner. Trying to keep up with three boards, logistics on John's services in Florida in a constant state of change, etc, I just lost it. I had a post ready to submit yesterday and somehow closed the wrong window. :eek: losing all the info. I'll try again.
Thank you so much for the few of you who were at Sunday's memorial. The last minute change from "private and intimate" to a community affair was nothing short of amazing for a turnout. Squaw Creek Rd was lined was cars, the Patriot Guard Riders lined the driveway holding flags and at the top of the drive sat Hurcules, silent and still with a single display of flowers and the guest book on the hood, and the flag from my home office standing out in front of Hurcules. No one could have asked for a more beautiful day to honor and remember John. It would have been a great day to go wheelin' too.


The current situation is that John will be arriving back in Tallahassee (sp?) Florida on Thursday. The family and friends are trying to coordinate meeting the military's jet returning him. The time keeps changing as formal processes/procedures need to be followed. His services there will be at
Hillcrest Cemetery in Quincy, FL on Friday.

John's mom, Sarah had asked me to let you all know that those who want to still send personal messages, cards, etc, can mail them to the family, in care of Andy Schifanelli, a close personal friend of the family. Andy will get them to Sarah and Becca.

c/o Andy Schiffanelli
PO 4443,
Eagle, CO 81631
Andy and I are going to Quincy FL with the family to attend the services as well.

Additionally, as posted earlier, the Holy Cross City run in September is a "GO". I might suggest that we display the American flag on each of our rigs in his memory. Now, I have a huge amount of work to do. After the last run I made, which was with John, to Holy Cross in '03, or '02. I forget, I pulled the front half of my Jeepster off when we got back and out came the 231 and the process began on a new 350. It's been 80% complete...for over 2 years now and lots more needs done to be trail ready. John wrote me a week or so ago saying :

"...........I am glad the work to your ticker went smooth, don?t feed the nurses too much cake!!! Hot nurses are becoming harder to find these days, keep em? thin! You better have the Jeepster ready to go wheel here soon, I will be back before you know it. Red, green, bondo, 4 cylinder or Buick 8, it needs to get on the trail in any shape. I hope all is good on the home front, I will try to stay in better touch, and call you here soon. Catch ya later,

Your armed to the teeth illegitimate son??.. John"



The first couple of years I knew John, I was usually giving him advice. on several subjects The last couple of years, this brilliant young man was giving me advice. And he he'd become very wise for his 23 years.

I produced a photo compilation (collage) of photos of John, for his memorial, of his military photos all through college at ERAU and while in Iraq up through his last week there. I'll figure out a way to get it posted. It's 2.5 MB file, and formatted for a 11x17 print. Maybe we can get it to JP magazine? I'm working on a similar one of his 4 wheelin adventures and would welcome high res pics you have to include in this. I want to have it show not just Jeeps, but him with his friends doing what he loved most.
As for John's original high res pics, they're likely on his PC, or CDs, in alaska, and with his personal belongings comng from Iraq. I'll chat with Becca here or in FL in the next days about getting access to copies of those . I have some photo CDs he'd burned for me over the past few years but this project may not be complete before the weekend. I'm still trying to catch my breath and keep up with the schedule and be ready to travel earlyThursday.

More as it becomes known.


This info just in from John's uncle, Dick Shaw
regarding John's medals and achievements-:usa:

".........Here is an accurate update on the military awards and honors, in
priority order, earned by 2Lt. John Shaw Vaughan:

Bronze Star, Purple Heart, Global War On Terror Service Medal, Iraq
Campaign Ribbon, Overseas Ribbon, Combat Infantry Badge, Airborne Badge.

I'll have more info for you later for the article that you are
preparing.

Dick"


:ribbon:

All the best to his friends on CO4x4

[phattdraggon]

RIP, thanks for your service and prayers to your family.

[DaJudge]

The current situation is that John will be arriving back in Tallahassee (sp?) Florida on Thursday. The family and friends are trying to coordinate meeting the military's jet returning him. The time keeps changing as formal processes/procedures need to be followed. His services there will be at
Hillcrest Cemetery in Quincy, FL on Friday.



I have family in Chatahoochee who sent this link to the local news coverage:

http://www.tallahassee.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=2006606140325

[thomjpster]

Thanks for the update.....

And have a safe trip to FLA.

Thom

[Snotty]

Thanks for the update.....

And have a safe trip to FLA.

Thom

X2

[SilverstoneXJ]

:ribbon: :usa:

Damn. Never knew him but from those two pics of him going to moab and then him again coming back with the same shot but all smashed up. Wife and I got a good chuckle at his great expression. He will be missed.


Same here. Got a huge chuckle from his before and after pics, he posted up. Always sad to hear the loss of someone. R.I.P.

.

[Vertster]

The article in Monday's paper made me feel a bit uncomfortable with a quote that is pretty inaccuate. They mistook "talked" for "taught". John and I always "talked" about working on our Jeeps, and he often came down to work on his projects in my garage and use the big welder, "his" tubing bender he sold me after he was done with it, and so on. But for the record, I can't claim to have taught John a whole lot. He was self taught and he was a sponge for technical information
Joe Horvath, a four-wheeler enthusiast
http://extras.mnginteractive.com/live/std/clear.gif (http://www.denverpost.com/search/ci_3926717#)http://extras.mnginteractive.com/live/std/clear.gif http://extras.mnginteractive.com/live/std/clear.gif
from Denver who taught Vaughan how to build Jeeps when Vaughan was in high school"

I met John while he was in high school, and I may have some influence on his buildup, but John did not require a "Teacher". Many people influenced Johns passion. John also met Andy Schifanelli in 2000(http://www.schifanelli.com/motor_main_content.htm), who probably had a greater impact on John's passion for off-roading, going desert racing with Andy.
John's uncle, Dick Shaw, got him involved with the '48 Willys and here's a quote directly from Dick:

"I offered him a beat up non running 1948 Willys Overland military Jeep in 2000. When he was finished rebuilding it (even though he said he wasn't finished) it looked very close to the original stock military model, yet the only remaining original parts were the body and steering wheel. I am told it would go from zero to sixty on the beach at Daytona in around eight seconds. Not bad for a car that would barely keep up with a postal truck when Willys built it over 55 years ago! He and the old Willys received a lot of attention on that beach. "

John had put that Willy's on a Jeepster chassis, with the V6, a full floating 44 rear w/ lockouts, the correct military seat fabric and he did this, and built Hurc without having a teacher looking over his shoulder.

I will take credit for getting him an air body saw and some other hand tools for Christmas '02 so he could put the circular saw back with the home repair tools and we did go tool shopping together. I did help with a few upgrades from the Wal-Mart drill and the Chinese adjustable wrenches. Once, we put his new Craftsman compressor in Sarah's Grand Cherokee, with a fully aired up set of 35" Goodyear MTRs. I kept saying "your mom is going to have a fit when you get home". He just laughed.

I gotta go pick up my suit and pack. Thanks for all your kind words of support.

Joe Horvath
:usa:
PS, what do I have to do to be able to insert pics in my posts?

[thomjpster]

IYour to humble, if the paper prints it, it must be true :P

Joe Horvath
:usa:
PS, what do I have to do to be able to insert pics in my posts?

sorry, this one is a pay-to-host site.

Try http://www.imageshack.us/ for free hosting, or either jeepster board. I like crossposting, and so should you.

Take care.
Thom

[Rock Kitty]

Hippie's and my thoughts are with Hurc's family and friends. Just remember, the ones who suffer are those left behind . . . Hurc is truly at peace.:usa:

[Tiffany]

Joe I will be glad to host any pictures you need and can link them here to the site.

You can send them to tiffster23@gmail.com and I can get them posted for you.

[HIGHTIMES]

Seemed like a great guy, sorry to here.
thoughts and prayers out to family and loved ones

[CHETNAK]

Well best wishes to his family and friends from a serviceman I can tell you that we apprecate everything you he did and that he will not be forgotten..... I salute you:usa: :ribbon:

[nblehm]

sad to hear... I will always remember those before and after roll pics from moab, you could tell he had an awesome personality just from that simple thread. RIP :usa:

[JeffW]

My condolences to the family. My thanks to the deceased for serving his country.

[Sandman XJ a.k.a Steven]

I havce not been the board for a while and I can not beleive what I am reading. This really sucks!!!

Hurc rest in Pease

[Frank Z]

A reminder to all, please click on the link below and contribute...it's worth the time and effort to help a grieving family and honor someone that made the ultimate sacrifice for you.

http://www.colorado4x4.org/vbb/showthread.php?p=492602#post492602

[Vertster]

Thanks to all who wrote to John's family, attended the memorials, contributed to this thread and the condolence book. Can we make this thread a Sticky, for a while? there are 2-3 things going on, like adopting John's platoon, the book ( that thread got by me and I'd already sent letters to his family in CO and FL), the HC run in September, etc. I'm hoping we can keep all these support activiteis somewhat coordinated so that we all have the chance to contribute to his, and others memories who are lost in this war.

update -I called and talked with the editor of JP and they will print a news item, but not a full feature article, wanting to keep the tone upbeat and fair to all families of JP's readers lost in battle. They do want to print the high res pics of John going to and coming from Moab last Easter ('05). I've asked Becca if she has the high res pics and am waiting for her reply. I talked to John's mom Sunday and naturally, it's still very fresh and difficult for the family. They have been overwhemed with support, cards, letters, calls, visits, etc and they are most appreciative of how widely John had touched people all over the country and beyond our borders. He is leaving a great legacy.

John's base Chaplain is helping coordinate their making a decal for the 172nd SBCT and I'm hoping that John's friends will display these on their rigs in support of his base, unit, platoon, etc. I will keep all of you updated.

Those of you contributing to the platoon adoption or having posted on the thead that they will help, let's pony up the funds. PayPal them to "Snotty" (Bill). I'm hoping to meet with Clyde and Bill this weekend to coordinate what we buy and send to John's platoon. Ch Dave at Ft. Wainwright is assisting as well to see that our care packages get to the guys.

Until ther's more........

and for John, his family, and his platoon, thanks a million!

Joe Horvath
PS. Tiffster, thanks for the offer for web hosting pics. I just haven't had a chance yet to do all the things that need done. Let's get all of the the CO4x4 members who have wheeled with Hurc and have pics of John and themselves on the trail to get their pics uploaded.:thumbsup:
:usa:

[SNOWMAN]

I remember talking to him many times on here. WOW that's terrible!

[Tiffany]

Joe, just let me know about the pics, I have the server, space and bandwidth ready and waiting.

[zjmike4]

Joe, keep me posted on the window decals for the 172nd. I went to Moab with John on his return trip to Moab after he rolled Herc I. I think we talked about you too, did you do holy cross with the "die hards" a few years back?? We both thought it was you I think.. I also have a bunch of pics from that last trip to Moab with John and we I get them online, hopefully tonight, I will post them up.

[Sandman XJ a.k.a Steven]

I never would have thought that I could feel this empty and sad for the loss of someone I never met - like many I just 'knew' him on the board.

My thoughts and prayers go out to his family and friends.

I feel you man,

RIP HURC

[hert@Patriot4x4]

Im sorry to restart this thread. But I was deeply troubled when I was searching for new Jeepster project and found the "In Memory of Lt Shaw" on the Offroad.com's Jeepster Club site.

I have been away from the offroad community for awhile (ever since my wife returned home from a deployment to afghanistan last December.) I remember his hilarious before and after shots as well as the pix on JP (as does everyone else).

I guess I just felt that I needed to contribute to this thread. RIP sir! We miss you!

[Snotty]

:ribbon:

We Remember all who have fallen.

:usa:

[Yota]

Thank you.

:usa:

[THE STRANGER]

All gave some. Some gave all. !!!!! RIP JOHN !!!!!