Juvenal Vidal Vallejos
Juvenal Vidal Vallejos, 80 of Billings, passes away Tuesday, March 29, 2011.
Born on May 7, 1930 Juvenal Vidal Vallejos (Val) to Barbara and Lucio Vallejos in Honolulu, Hawaii. Val, his sister Grace (lngracia) and brother Richard (Ciryoku) grew up in Downtown Honolulu. Val also has an older brother, Tony Amagsanay and sister, Philomena Bungato. He graduated from Farrington High School in the class of 1949. At the age of 18 he joined the National Guard. In 1949 he enlisted in the US Army and was stationed at Schofield Barracks, Hawaii, in Company A of the 25th Infantry Division, a.k.a. Tropic Lightning Division. He did tours in Korea, where he received the Purple Heart for injuries to his right leg, the Dominican Republic, Vietnam, twice, where he received the Purple Heart for eye injury due to shrapnel. He was very proud to be Airborne. He proudly served in the 82nd Airborne Division and the 173rd Airborne Brigade, "Sky Soldier". Vallejos earned his Master Parachutist Badge with over 100 jumps. He was awarded the Bronze Star for heroic, meritorious service, Good Conduct Medal seven times, Combat Infantry Badge (2nd Awd). Vallejos finished out his career as First Sergeant E8 "Top" of HHC 1st Bn 14th Inf 1st Bde 25th Div Schofield Barracks, Oahu, Hawaii, right where he started. 1 St Sgt. Vallejos retired in 1975. On his eve of retirement he received a letter of appreciation stating that he was a strict disciplinarian the most successful in gaining instantaneous results from the troops. He was a 24-hour a day soldier, always ready and eager to perform, an example for all to follow. As his troops, friends and family called him, HARDCORE.
During his school years he met and married his High School sweetheart, Shirley Kaiwi. From this union they were blessed with their son Edward Vallejos. They later divorced. In 1960 Val married Nancy May Chase and was blessed with son Billy Chase. Thru this union they were blessed with two more sons, Richard and Charles Vallejos. Nancy and Val later divorced but remained best friends. Val fought many battles in his life, and when he was diagnosed with Parkinson's, he treated it no differently than any other battle; he had a plan of action and followed thru, fighting his hardest. Val was preceded in death by his Parents, his brother, Richard C. Vallejos, brother -in-law, David Awong, Shirley Kaiwi and Nancy May. He is survived by his sister Ingracia Awong, his sons Edward (Barbara) Vallejos, Bill (Nyana) Chase, Richard (Marilyn) Vallejos, and Charlie (Donna) Vallejos and his Grand Children Lisa (Carl) Cabanada, Brandon (Lisa) Vallejos, Dylan, Chelsy Chase, Richie and Ashleigh Vallejos. Great Granddaughters, Kaylee and Kelly Ann and numerous nieces and nephews. Thank you to all those who helped Val thru his last battle. A Special thanks to all friends and loved ones and the staffs at Aspen View, Autumn Springs and St. Johns Garden Court for all of the love and support in his final days. Dad you earned your wings as a Sky Soldier, now you've earned your wings to the Kingdom of Heaven. No more pain and peace forever. We love you. Aloha.
Memorials may be made to the VFW or St. John’s Lutheran Nursing Home.
Memorial services will be held 2pm Saturday, April 9th at Michelottti-Sawyers Mortuary followed by Military Honors at Yellowstone Valley Memorial Park.
Remembrances
Please leave your name and remembrance in this public guest book. Your comments will be shared on this page and forwarded to the family.
To the family of Top Sergeant Val Vallejo's:
Family and friends, I wanted to express my condolences and appreciation
for the service Top Vallejo's provided to this country during times of
need. Particularly from the brotherhood of those who served together in
the best light Infantry Airborne Brigade, 173d ABN Brigade, to ever
serve this country in war.
We were, and still are……..the Foreign Legion of this country, giving our
all while serving on foreign soil since our inception. Always going
where others fear to go and completing the missions given to us with and
earning several Presidential Unit Citations.
Top Vallejo's represents the kind of professional NCO who serve in the
elite Airborne Units dedicated to the protection of this country and
others as well. He was an example to both Commissioned Officers and
Enlisted men in his rank achievement, discipline and love for his
Airborne family. His dedication and example stand as a Memorial before
man and God.
This obituary will be shared with the brothers of the 173rd ABN in our
2nd Battalion Newsletter. This Newsletter goes out to many past and
current members of the 173d Airborne family. No doubt, some of the men
who served with Top Vallejo's will see and know that their brother is
now waiting for us on the other side.
May God bless and comfort you during this difficult time of your lives
as a family. You can hold your heads high………. Top Vallejo's was one of
the best and will stand before the Creator of all good things….with
honor. Rev. Michael McMillan Ret. (4/503d INF 173d ABN Sniper),
Greybull, Wyoming
Our sincere condolences go to Juvi's family.
We spent some wonderful holidays and gatherings with him. He was a
very special and amazing person. Thank you also for your wonderful
service to our military. We send hugs to you all and will keep you
in our prayers for healing.
Kim Kanta Fink and Tom Kanta and family