| The archives of the Guest Book from the old father-capodanno.org site. 2001 Capodanno GuestbookMarie Powers Fort Hood, Texas 3/17/2001 What an incredible witness of Christ! As an Army wife I am grateful for the ministry of the Chaplain Corps and pray that God sends more men to serve in this capacity. "WAP" Gardnerville, NV 3/19/2001 My hat is off to anyone who served in any war for our Country. I served with pride with the USMC in Vietnam (Dong Ha, Quang Tri, and LZ Baldy) Those were my homes while there. Danny L. Morris Indianapolis, IN 3/19/2001 I first read about Fr. Capodanno in a 1999 issue of "Crisis" magazine. In the same way I meditate on St. Ignatius of Loyola so do I think of Fr. Capodanno. Both are men of Faith in Action! Thank you for this web page and God bless your ministry. Debbe Reynolds Trinidad, Ca 3/27/2001 My husband Brad served with the 3rd Bn. 5th Marines, M Co. He got to Vietnam 11 days after Father Capodanno was killed. He said the whole company, and battalion, was deeply saddened by the loss of their "Grunt Padre." We are very grateful to Ray Harton, Father Mode, and all the others who have put together this site in Fr. Vince's honor. Semper Fi, Padre, we will never forget. Paul T. Ballard Santa Barbara, Ca 3/29/2001 I was with H+S 35 in 6667. I was one of the cooks. It has been a long time since being on the board talking to all of you. I hope and pray that all is ok with each of you. God bless Fr. Ken Carlson Chicago Ridge, IL 3/31/2001 I read the life of Chaplain Capodanno and found it to be a truly inspiring story of courage and faith. This story that Fr. Dan Mode promoted through The Grunt Padre has proved to be a strong contributing force to my joining the Navy Chaplain Corps. Fr. Capodanno's sacrifice should be one that is told and retold to encourage people of all ages to strive for holiness. Richard Boyd Boulder, Co 3/31/2001 I am not Catholic, nor am I very religious. Yet, the book Grunt Padre has moved me deeply. I served in Vietnam, as a Marine, with 5th Com Bn, 3rd MAF, Da Nang, and have the highest regard for the Mud Marines, we affectionately call Grunts. The luckiest Grunts in Nam were those who had the Padre Capodanno watching out for their souls. God Bless, and Semper Fi! Sue Trevino 4/1/2001 I am the wife of a 100% disabled Vietnam Veteran and had the honor of meeting Father Dan Mode at a conference this past weekend. I did not have the opportunity to say thank him for all the work he has put into this book. Our soldiers from Nam often are the forgotten ones and now we have someone that we can ask for intercession for our families. It gives me great comfort to know that someone like Fr. Capodanno has fought the good fight and is actually being honored by thousands of people. With this book maybe the walls of silence will fall and a great healing can take place, not for one but for the multitudes who have been adversely affected by this war. I pray for the veterans and their families and will ask anyone who reads this site to do the same. Many wives and children are still suffering along side of the veterans who have had difficulty healing. Ray Badders Riverdale Park, Maryland 4/3/2001 I am the Chaplain for American Legion Post #217 in College Park, MD. I first became acquainted with the life and ministry of Rev. Capodanno after reading an article in The Washington Times newspaper. I ordered and read Rev. Mode's book and as a result, I am proud to say that my Legion Post is a financial supporter…. The American Legion pays tribute each February to the memory of The Four Chaplains who died honorably during WWII. I hope that the American Legion Posts worldwide will begin honoring the memory of Rev. Capodanno in a similar fashion each September. To this end, I will be sending articles to the various Legion publications and letters to the Chaplains of the various Legion Posts. Tom Capodanno Sound Beach, NY 4/5/2001 Father Capodanno's nephew George "Mac" MacDonald Melbourne, FL 4/6/2001 RVN 6768 2/11 I had the pleasure of knowing Father Capodanno and serving as his altar boy whenever he came to our unit. We sometimes had a generator at our firebases and I tried to always have a cold soda or beer for him. We had some great conversations. He had said Mass at the parish my father grew up in. His death was devastating to me and everyone who knew him. God Bless Father Capodanno. Dean Bradshaw Longview, Texas 4/19/2001 I had the honor of serving on the ship named after him. The two years I was onboard it felt like someone was watching over us, like a guardian angel, keeping us out of danger, making sure we made it through the storms at sea and bringing us all back home to our loved ones. That was back in 74 & 75. Next year in Atlantic Beach, Fl. there is a Capodanno reunion. Anybody that has served on the Capodanno can attend. The dates are August 31 September 2, 2002. Looks like he may be watching us again. Peace to you all. Joseph L. Dolgos, RMCM, USN, Ret. Turnersville, NJ 4/19/2001 It is an honor having served as a Plank Owner in the ship named for him, USS Capodanno (FF1093). Our international call sign, NFVC, broadcast his initials Navy Ship, Father Vincent Capodanno. Thanks be to God! John St.Clair Charlotte, NC 4/21/2001 I am proud to be a Plankowner of the U.S.S. Capodanno (FF1093), a ship named after such a courageous and generous individual who made the supreme sacrifice for ones that he served with. Susan Capodanno Tampa Bay, FL 5/1/2001 I came across this site while searching for possible family members. To be related this man would be quite an honor. Sgt. Mike Hayes Castle Rock, CO. 5/4/2001 I had the honor of meeting Father Vince just once. While serving as a cook for Whiskey 2/11, an arti unit at the bottom of Hill? where 3/5 had it's CP. Our perimeter was always manned by the finest Marines ever to walk the earth, 3/5. One day in August of 67', Father Vince took the time to talk to me for several minutes, after which he said Mass outside my flapping tarp of a field mess. It was the first Mass and Communion I'd had the opportunity to participate in since I left Pendleton with BLT 3/5 18 months prior. In retrospect, it remains the most significant religious experience of my life. Every September 4th, there is always a Mass said for Father Vince, Larry Peters, Al Santos and the rest of those of Mike Company who gave so much. Semper Fi Mike Hayes Vincent Capodanno Lincolnwood, Illinois 5/10/2001 Turns out that I have the same name as Father Capodanno. We have different middle names. I'm six. Christine C. Clark Oconomowoc, WI 5/15/2001 I first heard about Father Capodanno on EWTN a few years ago. Mother Angelica had Father Mode on as her guest. I was very moved by Father's story of this selfless holy priest. Since that time Father Capodanno has become one of my intercessors in my daily prayers. God bless your work … and may God bless all of you who have served our great country! John Strgar Clearwater, Florida 5/17/2001 I recently did research on the only 4 Catholic priests who received the CMOH. I was surprised to find that Fr. Capodanno was born on the same day as I, but in different years. I cannot tell how moved I was to read of his heroism and great sacrifice.… James R. Clarke Bridgeton, NJ 5/18/2001 I was a Navy Corpsman who served with the 1st Mar/Div and worked in Triage the day Fr. Capodanno came in KIA. He was a big part of our Hospital company (MASH unit) in ChuLai. He was always coming to talk with the wounded and saying Mass when possible. I didn't know real well but had small talk with him on many occasions. He was a great guy and a real comfort to hundreds of Nam vets. It broke my heart to see him gone that day. We all miss him. God bless America and the USMC John Saia Chesapeake, VA 5/19/2001 I served as a Chief Petty Officer onboard USS CAPODANNO (FF1093) from 1988 to her decommissioning in 1993. I have met many times with relatives of Father Vincent Capodanno in Gaeta, Italy and have been invited to participate in a private audience with Pope John Paul II to celebrate Father Capodanno's life. The USS CAPODANNO is the only warship ever to have been blessed by the Pope. Serving onboard was an honor. In addition to her International call sign NFVC, USS CAPODANNO's military call sign was "BLUE KNIGHT". So fitting......God Bless Jerry Smith Louisville, KY 5/22/2001 I was a sonar tech. aboard the USS Capodanno in the early 80s. We had a good crew and chased the ruskie subs all over the Atlantic and Med. I am proud to have served aboard the ship that carried Father Capodanno's name. Regards, Jerry Smith William A. Berbenich Atlanta, GA 5/22/2001 I am so humbled and honored by the more I learn of the life of Fr. Vince, as his beloved Marines called him. I had the good fortune to serve a tour of sea duty in the US Navy aboard Father Capodanno's namesake frigate (USS Capodanno, FF1093), from 1981 to 1995. God bless Fr. Vince's eternal soul and may we all learn from his lessons in life. Ron Rychlak Oxford, MS 5/24/2001 I met Father Daniel Mode last week in Indiana, and he told me about Fr. Capodanno. This is very impressive. Good luck with this important work! Mrs.E CA 5/27/2001 I am asking Father Capodanno's intercession for my son who is deeply steeped in mortal sin. I ask that he be brought to true contrition and amends his life. I beg as only a mother can beg for a prayer for him. God bless you. Richard Boyd Boulder, Co 5/27/2001 On this Memorial Day, please join in a prayer of thanks to all who have perished in defense of our nation, and her causes. Special thanks, to you Padre Vince, for your service to our Country and our Corps. None of you are forgotten. God Bless America, and Semper Fi! Jim Joyce Haymarket, VA 5/28/2001 I recently met Father Daniel L. Mode, and his mother, at a wedding in northern Virginia, and learned of Father Vincent R. Capodanno's service to God and country. I was able to obtain a copy of "The Grunt Padre" and Father Dan was kind enough to autograph it for me. It is a wonderful story and an inspiration to us all. Kevin Whiteman Wilmington, NC 5/28/2001 Where do we get men such as this? Look to the Communion Rail. May God bless Fr Capodanno, and may his Canonization be a speedy one. FINALLY a Patron Saint for the Corps! Daniel Ingellis, Jr. Staten Island, NY 6/4/2001 Just a short message to inform you of my enjoyment of your website dedicated to Father Vincent.....I also spoke with Father Mode and enjoyed reading the "Grunt Padre" which I will have Father Vincent’s brother Jim (who is a personal friend of mine)autograph.....Thanks so much for this wonderful website to an extraordinary man. I will be sending a letter to your organization concerning my experiences which include Father Vincent. Jerry Boggs Minneapolis, MN 6/9/2001 Fr. Capodanno was our chaplain while I was in B 1/7. I remember him saying Mass, but most of all I remember him spending part of an evening in our squad's tent. We were dirty, tired, scared, and he was with us when we needed him. He was warm and friendly Richard A. Watson, M.D. Mountainside, NJ 6/9/2001 The current issue of the Newsletter for the CMA Guild for Catholic Physicians in the Armed Forces features the story of Chaplain Capodanno's life and his ultimate sacrifice. If any friend of this [organization] would like a copy, just email me your request (no charge). Oremus pro invicem. (Let's pray for one another.) Ed McCurry Annandale, VA 6/12/2001 I was privileged to attend the June 11 dedication of the Father Capodanno Chapel at the Marine Corps Base in Albany, Georgia. Five of us veterans of 3/5 in Vietnam were in attendance as representatives of the battalion and it was an honor to do so. Father Mode and Cpl. Ray Harton were outstanding and inspiring speakers. The treatment we received from Marine community at Albany could not have been more heart warming. Thank you Robert D. Frey Virginia Beach, VA 6/12/2001 I was honored to serve as the second Commanding Officer of USS Capodanno and I would echo those words and thoughts of two of my former crew who are in the log, Master Chief Dolgas and Petty Officer Dean Bradshaw. She was a gifted ship with a dedicated and loyal crew that rescued ships, boats and people from the cruel seas on many occasions. She was always a hit when we visited Naples. I have no doubts he was always there and the good fortunes we enjoyed is testimony to his spirit. Captain Robert D. Frey USN (Ret.) Chuck Peloquin, Capt USMC (ret.) Huntsville, AL 6/13/2001 What a motivating and inspiring life! How great it would be if Father Vince were to be canonized and become the Patron Saint of the Corps. David J. Garvey Irving, TX 6/14/2001 I met Chaplain Capodanno on January 30, 1966 in a field hospital in Chu Lai. He was dressed in a black golf shirt and khakis I told him to F off when he tried to take my carbine. He was understanding of my anxiousness and forgiving of my foul mouth. He ministered to me (a Roman Catholic) and was kind and gentle. I visited his statue in Staten Island which should be in a more accessible location. I pray for him and to him often. I gave him the carbine and have mourned him since. Semper Fi, Dave Garvey India 3/7 Nick Amatelli Whiting, NJ 6/16/2001 I recently found out about Father Capodanno in our Catholic newspaper. I'm reading "Grunt Padre," and as a Marine during the Korean war, I am humbled to be in such great company. Semper Fi. Keith Miano Morristown, NJ 6/18/2001 I am a former active USMC sniper (9600, 3BN, 6MAR), current Individual Ready Reserve and Friend of Mr. Jim Hamfeldt, who served with Father Capodanno "in country" on Operation Swift. The Chaplains, doctors and Corpsman I served with may have worn Navy Uniforms, but they were all Marine. Sounds like Father Capodanno was the same. To the old breed, Semper Fi. Keith Miano David H. Knopf Columbus, GA 7/24/2001 I was a member of H/2/7 from 10/6667 and Father Capodanno would come out to our perimeter and hear confessions and say Mass. For a kid raised in the Church, there was no greater fear than that of dying not in the state of grace. Father’s visits gave us one less thing to worry about when we went out. I am grateful to him. Rev. Mr. T. D. Knopf Bigelow Minneapolis, MN 8/1/2001 I remembered Fr. C at my ordination Mass to the deaconate this July 25th, both verbally at the memorial remembrance in Eucharistic Prayer I and in an insert to the service bulletin. May his beatification cause be furthered by all our prayers. Jim Cravens Lincoln, IL 8/11/2001 I was privileged to celebrate my first Mass as a Navy Chaplain aboard the USS Capodanno while I was at the Navy Chaplain School in Newport, RI (can't remember if it was 87 or 88). What an example of service Fr. Capodanno provided for the current Chaplain Corps. We would do well to pay heed. --CDR Jim Cravens, Deputy Fleet Chaplain for Reserve Affairs, CINCLNTFLT Robert E. Filice Salinas, CA 8/16/2001 I just finish reading “The Grunt Padre ", and I can not say enough good things about the Book. I was with HQ.CO./5th Marines, during "Operation Swift". I did not know Father Vincent, but after I read the Book it was like I knew him all my life. I most commend the author, Father Daniel Mode, for the excellent job he did writing the Book. I also want to thank Ray Harton, and everyone else who contributed to the content of the Book. Paul Larson Moroni, UT 8/22/2001 God Bless You Father!! Semper Fidelis Bill Casey Boston, MA 9/4/2001 Served with 3/5 H+sco.tad mike, kilo1266to168. God bless and all the best! Jay Littner Cincinnati, Ohio 9/4/2001 I'm an assistant prosecutor, and as of 01 Dec 00 I'm also in the U.S. Army Reserve JAG Corps. My parents gave me Fr. Mode's book about Fr. Capodanno for my birthday in July. What an inspiring book! Fr. Capodanno is my new hero and favorite intercessor! Giovanni Rozzi McKeesport, PA 10/3/2001 While channel surfing one night I was lucky to hear Fr Daniel Mode talking about his book "Grunt Padre" on EWTN. I was very moved and inspired by his words about Fr Vince Capodanno and I have been praying daily for Fr "C" ever since. We have a son who is a Major in the US Army and plan on giving him this book for Christmas. God bless all of our Veterans past and present. Rev. Thomas B. Browning Tien Kou Miaoli County 10/7/2001 I am the pastor of the Fr. Capodanno Memorial Chapel in the Central Mountains of Taiwan. The Taiwan aboriginal parishioners here continue to be strong in their faith. They are very proud to have their chapel named after Fr. Capodanno. His memory continues to be an inspiration to them. Because of this connection, they remain very supportive and prayerful concerning the recent events in the U.S. and the situations our armed forces may find themselves in. We, at the parish, all believe a true hero is any one of us who follows the will of God. Hence, any of us can be called upon to act out of our faith in extraordinary situations. We feel we have a great role model in the actions of Fr. Capodanno, the patron of our chapel. Robert F. Bethel Palos Verdes Estates, CA 10/16/2001 His life's story brought tears to my eyes. Courageous and humble beyond words! William 'Bill' Hooper Warwick, RI 10/16/2001 A former crewman of USS Capodanno (FF1093) MRC(SW) USN(Ret) Theresa (Capodanno) Cara Wilmington, DE 10/27/2001 My Dad was a cousin of Fr Capodanno. We have many things from The USS Capodanno and emblems. He was always very proud of Fr. He has passed them on to me, and proudly I have passed them on to my children. I am very proud to be part of the Capodanno family. I also had a brother who was an Oblate Priest. Ross Capodanno Jupiter, FL 10/29/2001 Father Capodanno was my Grandfather's 2nd cousin and I hear about the stories through my family. I am 18 years old and am only 25% Italian but 100% pride. Ryan Haslam Alameda, CA 11/23/2001 Fr. Capodanno is a great inspiration for those looking to the military as a career as I am. Jim Hoover Green Bay, WI 11/24/2001 I am reading "The Grunt Padre" and am impressed by Father Vince and his selfless dedication to the men he served with. What an inspiration he is to any young man who is thinking of becoming a priest. God bless you Father Capodanno. John Conway Newport, RI 12/5/2001 I had the honor to serve aboard the Capodanno from 1978-80. She was a great ship, with a great crew, and the more I learn about Father Capodanno the prouder I am to have served aboard her. Steve Milovich Trinity Center, CA 12/5/2001 I was visiting friends and family names at the Viet Nam Veteran's Memorial Wall page when I was led to Fr. Vince's web site. What a true American hero he was, who had such a great love for all his young Marines. Hardly a day goes by that I don't remember back to those tragic days, and all of those that we lost. S. Milovich VN, May 66 through Feb. 68 John Schuhriemen Naperville, IL 12/13/2001 I have been reading the "Grunt Padre". It is a very inspiring book of courage and faith. Also, I really like this site and the [organization]. |
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