Dale N Skogman

Born in the small Michigan town of Negaunee on the last day of November, 1945 to Elmer and Estella Skogman, Dale was raised in Republic and attended Republic High School until April 1964 when he enlisted in the United States Marine Corps where he earned his high school GED.  After training as a Radio Telegraph Operator and designated a 2533, Dale was assigned to 1st Air Naval Gunfire Liaison Company (1^st ANGLICO) at Camp Smith, Hawaii in 1965.  Soon after arriving at Camp Smith, while walking around to acquaint himself with the area, he spotted a familiar site.  Holder of amateur radio license K8ZST, Dale recognized an antenna tower configured for an amateur radio station. .  Stopping in to introduce himself, he was soon transferred from 1^st ANGLICO to the Fleet Marine Force Pacific – Amateur Radio Station KH6AJF (to become N0EEM).  Thus began a seven year stint as a USMC MARS operator.  Dale received a secondary MOS designation of 8981 Military Affiliate Radio System Radio Operator in February 1968 when the MOS became official and the Marine Corps became the only service to establish a MARS Military Occupational Specialty.   

Advancing from Private to Corporal while stationed at Camp Smith, in May of 1967 Dale was transferred to MCRD San Diego for a tour of duty at N0ANP/W6YDK.  While at San Diego, Dale shipped over for an additional year in order to receive orders to Vietnam in March of 1968.   Designated for duty with MARS, Dale was assigned to N0EFJ in Phu Bai, RVN from May of 1968 through June of 1969.   

SeaBee Billy Bolin remembers Dale as the Marine “who was very instrumental in helping us get our station, N0EFM on the air when we first arrived in Vietnam. He did not remember me but remembered helping out 3 young guys who were totally lost with MARS equipment at the time. We wouldn't have ever gotten on the air without him.”

Dale was promoted to Sergeant of Marines while serving in Vietnam.  On returning to the United States, Dale was once again stationed at Camp Smith, Hawaii.  He shipped over for an additional 3 years and worked at N0EEM until May of 1971 when he was transferred to Okinawa to operate at N0ETG, Camp Foster.  In January of 1972, Dale ended his service as an active duty Marine.   

Settling in California, Dale worked for Hughes Aircraft Corporation for the next 18 years.  Dale left Hughes in 1990 due to health problems.  He worked in investments until 2000 when his health deteriorated to the extent he could no longer work.   

Dale (Tyger) loved his wife Nancy (Kitten) they were married 28 years.  He loved the San Diego area where they lived from 1977.  He was a member of the NRA, enjoyed the ocean and beaches, Balboa Park, baseball games and loved photography and good food!  Dale was proud to be a Marine and of his service in MARS.  He never lost his love for the Marine Corps.

Dale stood his final watch on Saturday April 9^th, 2005 at his home in San Diego.  His cremains were interred at Fort Rosecrans National Cemetery, Point Loma, California.  Dale is survived by his wife Nancy, a sister Corrinne and cousin Eugene.  His mother, father and sister Myrna are deceased.  He is missed by our brotherhood.