General Cardenas began his military career in 1939 as an Army Air Corps Aviation Cadet. By 1944, he was a B-24 bomber pilot with the 8th Air Force. While leading a squadron of bombers on his 20th mission over Germany, his aircraft was shot down. Cardenas managed to evade capture, and entered neutral Switzerland, where he was interned with other Allied airmen. He eventually escaped from the camp and—guided by partisans—made his way to Paris, arriving before D-Day. After hooking up with U.S. troops, he returned to the United States.

By 1947, Cardenas was Project Operations Officer on the Super Sonic Project, and was command pilot of the B-29 that launched Capt. Chuck Yeager’s rocket-powered Bell X-1 aircraft in a successful [Continue Reading]

Col. Galen Seal

Born in Topeka, Kansas in 1932. Attended Washburn University from 1950 to1953. Transferred to University of Colorado where he graduated with a BS in Business/Marketing and a commission in the USAF. Attended flight school and received his wings in 1955 and was assigned to Ashiya AFB, Japan where he served as a troop carrier pilot until 1957. He continued serving in the USAFR for a total of 23 years of service, retiring as a Colonel.

Col. Seal earned a Masters degree in Speech Communications (MS) from the University of Denver. He has owned and operated several businesses, including office furniture, office supplies and commercial printing. He and his late wife have five children, ten grandchildren and three [Continue Reading]

Dr. Gary G. Parks

Dr. Parks served on the Miramar National Cemetery Support Foundation Board since its inception. He was elected President and CEO in 2008. He died February 4, 2014, from complications of surgery. He was 70. Born in Thayer, Missouri on January 21, 1944, Dr. Gary Parks had a long and distinguished career. He served in the U.S. Coast Guard Reserve from 1961 to 1969. Following college, Dr. Parks entered the field of law enforcement and retired in 1986 from the San Diego Harbor Police. He earned a Doctorate in Education from Alliant International University, a Masters degree from United States International University, and Bachelor degrees in Information Systems and Public Administration. His many civic activities included [Continue Reading]

John G. Ibe

John G. Ibe was involved in the early stages of securing additional space in San Diego County for what would become the Miramar National Cemetery. He worked very hard in this effort and was a prime mover in getting the facilities located, funded. He was active with the early stages of the Fort Rosecrans and Miramar National Cemetery Support Foundation, serving as a Chairman until his death in June 2006 at age 86.

Mr. Ibe was born on December 18, 1921 in Sheboygan, Wis. In 1943, he enlisted in the U.S. Navy as an apprentice Seaman. He was a WWII combat Navy veteran who served aboard the USS Saint Lo CVE 63. He survived the sinking of [Continue Reading]

Col. Jesse Ugalde, USA (Ret.)

While serving as State Directors of Veterans Affairs, Col. Jesse Ugalde served on a committee of veterans evaluating the creation of an additional veterans’ cemetery within San Diego County. Years of meetings, negotiations, inspections, and agreements resulted in the new Miramar National Cemetery. Col. Ugalde was one of the first members of the newly formed Fort Rosecrans and Miramar National Cemetery Support Foundation, serving as a member of the Board of Directors until his retirement. He died July 10, 2011, at the age of 91.

Born in Oak Creek, Colo., 21 November 1921, He earned a BS from the University of Nebraska, Omaha. He also earned degrees from U.S. Army Command & General Staff / [Continue Reading]