TOPGUN Association

SANTA'S IN THE BREAK! Merry Christmas and Happy New Year from the TOPGUN Association. (Photo of CVN 71: PO1 Abe McNatt)

TOPGUN Association — In Partnership with the Blue Angels Foundation & The Station Foundation The TOPGUN Navy Fighter Weapons School Association recently concluded its second annual Veterans Day proof-of-concept fundraiser dinner, held in partnership with the Blue Angels Foundation and The Station Foundation. By all accounts, the event was a remarkable success. Held over Veterans Day weekend at the spectacular Circle T Ranch in Dallas, Texas, the event brought together a close-knit group of patriots, including former TOPGUN, Blue Angel, and 160th SOAR alumni, as well as business leaders and dedicated supporters of our military. The evening's purpose was to honor and support wounded Veterans and Gold Star Family members. The program highlighted the significant impact the TOPGUN Association, the Blue Angels Foundation, and The Station Foundation are making in the lives of wounded Veterans and Gold Star Family members. We reflected on the truth that freedom is not free and expressed our deep gratitude for the loyalty, commitment, and sacrifice these heroes have shown in service to our nation. A special tribute was dedicated to our fallen Veteran heroes—those killed in action. We celebrated their strength, vision, and courage and honored the Gold Star Family members whose loved ones stood firm, fought bravely, and made the ultimate sacrifice for the freedoms we all cherish. It was a privilege to share the evening with several Gold Star Family members and wounded Veterans who have directly benefited from these vital support programs. Thanks to the generous contributions of our event and table captain sponsors, the TOPGUN Association, the Blue Angels Foundation, and The Station Foundation are dedicating all event proceeds to initiatives that directly support wounded Veterans and Gold Star Families. We extend our deepest gratitude to the sponsors who have made an extraordinary impact in saving lives: Mr. Ross Perot Jr., The Perot Family, Hillwood, and Matt “Birdman” Byrd Joel Marcus & Alexandria Real Estate Equities Rolland “Dawg” Thompson & Tactical Air Support Greg Arnold, TAC Energy & The Arnold Companies Edward “Stevie” Smith & Lockheed Martin Jeff "Lunk" Lunsford & Tealium Andrew Kirby & DPR Construction David & Mo Hollimon with NAPCO & Main Character Coach Westlake Mayor Kim Greaves & Family Todd "Goat” Gautier Among the 100+ attendees, we were honored to host several TOPGUN and Blue Angel alumni, including: Bill "Willy-D" Driscoll Kevin “Proton” McLaughlin Bill "Mole" & Sara Johnson Nick "Mongo" & Jacqueline Mongillo Mike “Buss” Bussmann Steve "Axel" & Maureen Foley Todd "Goat" & Bri Gautier Jeff “Bangs” & Courtney Fellows Camile “PINC” Wilson Scott “Intake” Kartvedt Pat “Sponge” & Andy Walsh Jerry “JD” & Denise Deren Trent “TK” & Amy Kalp We look forward to next year’s TOPGUN Association Veterans Day Dinner, which will take place in Dallas, Texas, on Saturday, November 15, 2025.

HAPPY THANKSGIVING FROM THE TGA This Thanksgiving, we are grateful for those standing the watch, near and far, ensuring our security and freedom. (Photo credit: PO3 August Clawson)

Veterans Day Message from the TOPGUN Association Today, we honor the courage, sacrifice, and dedication of our Veterans. Each of you has been essential in defending freedom and shaping the legacy of service that continues to guide our nation. Across every branch and generation, your commitment inspires us all. To all who have worn the uniform, thank you for your steadfast duty to our country. This Veterans Day, we salute you. Photo by Petty Officer 3rd Class Jacob Stanley

HAPPY BIRTHDAY MARINES! From the TGA

COL “PAPPY” BOYINGTON RETURNS TO THE BLACK SHEEP A framed painting of Col Gregory “Pappy” Boyington, USMC (Ret.), was recently donated to the Black Sheep of VMFA-214 at MCAS Yuma, AZ. Darrell “Condor” Gary, an original TOPGUN Bro who had the painting hanging in his personal aircraft hangar for years, graciously decided it was time for Pappy’s image to return to its rightful home with the Black Sheep. The frame includes a squadron patch, an authenticated photo signed by Pappy, and a set of his wings. Semper Fi, The TGA

PADRES HONOR CAPTAIN JACK “FINGERS” ENSCH On August 25, 1972, LT Jack “Fingers" Ensch was shot down over North Vietnam and held as a POW for 216 days, released during Operation Homecoming in 1973. After recovery, he continued his Navy career, serving as XO of TOPGUN, deploying on the USS Enterprise with VF-1 and later commanding VF-114 on the USS America. As a Captain, he was CO of NAS Key West and later retired as Commander of the Naval Training Center San Diego in 1995, after over 3,000 flight hours, 850 carrier landings, and 285 combat missions - including two confirmed MiG kills on 23 May 1972. After his career in the Navy, he joined the San Diego Padres, creating the first military affairs/marketing department in all professional sports. Captain Jack “Fingers” Ensch was recently recognized at the 22 September Padres game as the Padres' "Hero of the Game," with his wife, Kathy, accepting a check from the Padres Foundation for the League of Wives Memorial Project, which recognizes and honors the wives and families of the Vietnam POWs and MIAs with a memorial statue in Coronado, CA. Thank you Sandy and Stork Goodale for the photos. 

ANNOUNCING TAILHOOK EDUCATION FOUNDATION — RADM PETE “VIPER” PETTIGREW SCHOLARSHIP Tailhook Educational Foundation (TEF) has established a scholarship fund to honor RADM Pete “Viper” Pettigrew, USN (Ret). For instructions on how to donate click HERE: https://lnkd.in/gGauWrSd

9-11 – We Will Never Forget Today, we pause to remember the lives lost and the bravery shown on September 11, 2001. We honor the first responders, military personnel, and civilians whose courage in the face of tragedy continues to inspire us. Together, we stand with all who continue to defend our country. On 9-11, we reflect on the sacrifices made and the enduring strength of the American spirit. Let us honor their legacy and never forget.

TOPGUN Instructors honored Rear Admiral Pete “Viper” Pettigrew with a ceremonial flyover at Monday’s service at Miramar National Cemetery. The TGA and TOPGUN family greatly appreciate this tribute to one of our quintessential instructors. Flyover formation: Lead – VADM Dan “Undra” Cheever / LT Daniel “LOTS” Soldau Dash 2 (left wing) – LT Brian “BOGNAR” Hall Dash 3 (pull-up aircraft) – CDR Blaine “Coco” Felloney Dash 4 – LT Andrew “Good Boy” Bonn